Advanced Lay Leadership Formation
The mission of the Advanced Lay Leadership program is to give further formation and training to select individuals identified by their pastors as having the call, desire, and talent to serve in positions of lay ecclesial leadership in their parish communities. This program of the Institute for Leadership in Ministry began in the Fall of 2001.
What is the content of the program?
Individuals in Advanced Lay Leadership study along with their classmates in the Permanent Deacon Formation Program. Formation includes the following areas:
- Theological content-
Is provided through Santa Clara University’s Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministry. These classes meet one night a week. Students take one graduate course per quarter (Fall, Winter, and Spring). - Pastoral formation content-
Monthly Saturday formation sessions (September through May) at the Diocesan Center provide the pastoral and practical skills that Church leaders need. Individuals are to have a spiritual director and participate in two weekend retreats each year. - Field work-
Individuals will be assigned to work in various areas of ministry.
Spouses are most welcome and encouraged to attend the Saturday sessions. However, their presence is not mandated, unlike the wives of deacon candidates.
Are students registered in the University?
Students are registered in the University but the initial program application is made to the Institute. Once accepted into the Advanced Lay Leadership Program, the Institute forwards the person’s name and contact information to the University’s Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries. The graduate program sends out the registration information and instructions. (Individuals without an undergraduate degree will be handled on a case-by-case basis.)
If a student has an undergraduate degree, will a Masters Degree be given at the end of the program?
Although the Advanced Lay Leadership Formation Program does not lead directly to a Masters, students who qualify are encouraged to complete the requirements (usually 3 – 4 additional courses) leading to the degree. Arrangements for the degree program are made directly with the University and do not involve the Diocese.
What are the application requirements?
- At least two years in the Institute for Leadership in Ministry
- Letter of recommendation from the pastor including the individual’s competence, character, experience in ministry and the area of parish leadership for which he or she is to be prepared
- Two additional letters of recommendation (one clergy and one lay)
- The recommendation of the Director of the ILM
- Autobiographical essay(3-4 pages)
- Interview with a member of the Deacon/Advanced Lay Leadership Advisory Board
In April the Board meets to consider all applications.
Who pays for the program?
The individual and the parish negotiate the responsibilities for the cost of participation in the program. Santa Clara University provides a substantial scholarship to Advanced Lay Leadership students. At present the formation costs (Saturday sessions, weekend retreats) are funded by the Diocese.
For additional information:
Pastors and interested Individuals are invited to contact Linda Cunha-Ricchio, Director of the Institute for Leadership in Ministry, 1150 North 1st Street, Suite 100, San Jose, California 95112-4966, 408/983-0111 or lcunharicchio@dsj.org.