What makes our mission and vision distinctive?
The Catholic Leadership Foundation distinguishes itself by offering an approach to leadership formation that draws upon the rich array of the Church's spiritual heritage. Unlike programs that may primarily focus on the charisms of specific religious orders, the Foundation embraces the richness of the Catholic Tradition.
In the past, Religious played a pivotal role in the leadership, formation and direction of Catholic diocesan education offices, major hospital systems, diocesan and religious institute schools, parish life, Catholic movements and agencies. These men and women ministered within and through a particular charism. They shared their deep faith, love of God and Church through the rich tradition of their founding charism. The lay men and women educated by them in schools, trained by them in teacher colleges and hospitals sought to pass on and imbue them with a particular spirit, a way of knowing Jesus. Consequently, through various twists and turns along the way lay people were formed by at least one or two of these charisms, be it Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Jesuits, Josephite or Benedictine.
Lay people are the heirs to a banquet of spiritual treasures in the Church’s living Tradition. It makes sense that formation and leadership programs build upon this foundation and recognise its inherent strength. Excellent administrators are not enough - we are called by God to be Spirit- filled evangelisers and missionary disciples.
The Foundation's programs are founded on an integrated approach to formation. Growth in the spiritual life through prayer, reflection, conversations, participation in small groups, retreats and pilgrimages – is both personal and communal.
The Foundation's leadership programs are designed to:
Enable participants to engage with a wide range of spiritual resources: including scripture, theology, Church history, and the lives of saints, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith.
Recognise the diversity of faith and life experience: acknowledging that individuals encounter with God in unique ways. They encourage participants to explore their own spiritual journeys and discover how their experiences can inform their leadership.
Cultivate a holistic understanding of leadership: recognising that true leadership is rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with God and programs integrate spiritual formation with leadership skills.
By drawing upon the richness of the Catholic tradition, the Foundation seeks to equips lay leaders with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual depth necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary ministry and effectively serve the Church in the 21st century.