The Church Leadership Institute is carried out in a collaborative manner involving Archdiocesan Departments and Divisions as well as parish and school leaders and other agencies and institutions in order to achieve the most effective and economical approach possible. CLI offerings are in accord with Scriptures and the authentic teachings of the Church with particular reference to the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. CLI takes into account the life and ministerial experience of each participant and uses principles of adult learning to maximize the relationship between learning and living. CLI is participant friendsly with schedules at nuerous sites and times and encourages participation by those who experience the complexities of family life, work schedules and personal responsibilities. CLI incorporates the use of modern technology to the fullest extent possible. CLI models authentic accountability through oversight by the Archbishop of Baltimore, appropriate Archdiocesan officials, designated consultants, and the Advisory Committee that guides the planning and operation of the Institute.
Classes
Adult style courses are held at various sites in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Courses are available in the Fall, Winter and Spring and consist of eight weeks of two and one-half hour sessions. These courses enable individuals to prepare for leadership in the church through developing their theological understanding, personal and spiritual formation and ministerial leadership skills.
Participants:
- Engage in serious reading and study
- Learn through lectures and small and large group interaction
- Process content through writing reflection and papers
Core Courses
There are three CORE Courses of the Church Leadership Institute.
- Theology of Ministry: This eight week course consists of eight topics such as: Old and New Testament Scriptures; Mission and Ministry of the Church; Trinity and Christology; Liturgy and Sacraments; Principles of Catholic Morality; Social Justice Teachings, etc.
- Spirituality for Ministry: This eight week course on Christian Spirituality is built on the components of the Universal Call to Holiness; Prayer; Personal Spirituality; Call to Ministry; Gifts for Ministry; Response in Ministry.
- Leadership for Ministry: This eight week couse consists of the basics of leadership including: mission and planning, developing volunteers, communication skills, conflict management, etc.
Basic Ministry Leadership Tracks
The ministry tracks at this basic level involve four components:
- Theological Development: A variety of eight week courses on the topics included in the Theological Foundations CORE Course and other theological topics.
- Ministerial Leadership Skills: Eight week courses in a particular ministry (e.g. religious education, evangelization, ministry with the sick and bereaved, prison ministry, etc.)
- Spiritual Formation: Participants would be assisted in developing a plan for continuing spiritual formation.
- Companioning: Participants will meet with a companion in ministry for support and guidance. Companions are persons experienced in ministry and work with both the participants and the Church Leadership Insitute.
Related Information
The three CORE Courses of the Church Leadership Institute must be completed by those men wishing to submit an application to enroll in the Deacon Formation Program.
Three undergraduate credits are available from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland for those who complete the CORE Courses of CLI and an additional six undergraduate credits are available for those who complete a Basic Ministry Track of CLI.
Clock hours applicable for Catechist Certification are also available for specific CLI courses.
