In the Archdiocese of Detroit lay and diocesan leaders are starting to speak the same language as their shepherds: the language of effective leadership.
Over fifty individuals from the Archdiocese of Detroit gathered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on May 6 and 7, for the launch of Tending the Talents, Catholic Leadership Institute’s two-year leadership formation curriculum for diocesan and parish leaders. The participants were invited to attend by their pastor, an enrolled or graduated participant of Catholic Leadership Institute’s clergy leadership development curriculum, Good Leaders, Good Shepherds.
Tending the Talents is designed to complement the primary leadership skills and practices delivered in Good Leaders, Good Shepherds and was developed to support the Institute’s ongoing efforts to build vibrant faith communities. Kimberly Myers, the Director of Faith Formation at St. Joseph’s Parish in Lake Orion, MI, was enriched by the learning experience she shared with several of her fellow colleagues. “I have been to many workshops and classes on leadership, but none like Tending the Talents. This program showed me how being a good leader coincides with being a better disciple of Christ,” said Myers.
Over the course of a two year period, participants focus on five different areas of their leadership development: leadership of self, one-to-one, team, organizational and in the Kingdom of God. The curriculum includes live instruction from Catholic Leadership Institute faculty, distance learning through the Institute’s new online learning community as well as one-on-one collaboration between the participant(s) and their pastor.
Fr. Ronald DeHondt, a participant in Good Leaders, Good Shepherds and Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores, MI, sent five members of his parish staff to participate in Tending the Talents. He felt having his staff involved in a similar leadership experience as Good Leaders,Good Shepherds would foster a greater sense of collaboration and enhance the life of theparish. “The Institute’s leadership programs respect the unique personality, gifts and abilities of the individual while guiding them to do together what they could not do alone,” said Fr. Ron. “It encourages formation with flexibility and has the potential to make transitions for parishes, pastors and pastoral ministers much smoother and yet still very challenging and creative.”
“Ultimately, it’s about building the Kingdom of God,” said Matthew Manion.
Kathy Hasty, a pastoral associate at St. Joseph’s Parish agrees. “We are all participating for the same reason: the ministry of Jesus. Whatever tools can help us to do that better – together – are a good thing.”
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