Catholic Leadership Institute

CLI Flyer and registration

Scholarship Application

"Do not let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith, your purity."  (1 Tim. 4:12)

When one takes time to search the Scriptures to find where leadership comes from, this quote is used frequently to encourage youth to realize their potential for leadership. Indeed the Scriptures are full of examples of Jesus calling people to be leaders as well as followers.

What is CLI?

The Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) was developed by Brian Reynolds from the Center for Youth Ministry Development and gives you an opportunity to grow in faith and personal responsibility to peer leadership. The program focuses on five basic skills and support group activities: Leadership and Leadership styles; Communication; Program Planning; Group Dynamics and Consensus Seeking.

The CLI program is a fantastic way for you, the youth of our archdiocese to realize your own ability as leaders of the Church, not so much for the future Church, but for the Church of today. Not only does CLI help to develop leadership skills but it calls forth great efforts on the part of the youth involved. Young people come together wanting to learn and develop talents that others have recognized in them. It gives you a chance to see that indeed God does call upon the youth to be pilgrims on the journey. It is a time for you to get to know one another and to find your individual strengths as Catholic leaders.

Adult Involvement

Adults are involved in the week-long program.  They serve as support group facilitators and chaperones. Their role is to lead your small group on the topic of Prayer, Moral Decision Making, Meaning of Community, Youth Ministry, and the Role of Affirmation.

Is this a retreat?

It is important to realize, that CLI is not a retreat experience. It lends itself to forming community and has many experiences of prayer and worship together, but its focus is on learning skills to be better Catholic Leaders.

Who Attends?

Those young people who are of sophomore, junior or senior age, involved in leadership or have the potential to grow in their leadership attend this program. The youth are typically selected by their campus or parish youth minister, parish priest, student council moderator or any adult who will be working closely with them in a home setting.