Ed Kicak is the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Sandmeyer Steel Company in Philadelphia, PA and currently serves on Catholic Leadership
Institute’s Audit Committee.
A graduate of Villanova University and St. Joseph’s Prep, Ed is a parishioner of St. Norbert’s in Chester County, PA where he takes part in a weekly faith sharing group, Act 6 Leadership Group. Ed and his wife Elaine participate in Catholic Leadership Institute’s Support a Priest initiative. Ed and Elaine live in Berwyn, PA and have three children, Michael, Lauren and Jennifer.
How did you learn about Catholic Leadership Institute and what inspired you to get involved with the mission?
I was led to Catholic Leadership Institute by invitation; but not just one invitation, several invitations! In July of last year, I had just finished Immaculée Ilibagiza’s book, Left To Tell, on a weekend business trip. When I arrived to work on Monday, in my inbox was an e-mail announcing the 2008 Outstanding Catholic Leader Award Recipients, one of whom was Immaculée. As I read further, I realized I also knew two other recipients. My wife and I attended the dinner and were very impressed by the outstanding Catholic leaders and the mission of the Institute. At the conclusion of the dinner I said “how can I get involved?” Truly the Spirit was at work!
What do you find most exciting about being involved with Catholic Leadership Institute?
The mission of CLI is extremely pertinent to the times in which we as Catholics live. Today, much of what we hear regarding the Catholic Church is the shortage of priests and how stressed parishes are because of the lack of quality leadership. Our family has been blessed to be parishioners of the vibrant parish of St. Norbert’s. CLI is helping to create more vibrant faith communities. Priests who are happier, healthier and holier leaders are great examples for our youth and those considering vocations. Not only is CLI training priests, but they are also extending the same tools and practices to the lay leaders of the Church.
Why do you feel it is important for each of us to use our gifts and talents in service to the Church?
Seven or eight years ago, before getting more involved in small faith groups, I felt that religion was merely going to church on Sunday, being a good person, and basically keeping your faith to yourself. But over the last several years, I’ve come to realize the importance of stewardship– being able to identify what my role is, and where my gifts and talents can best benefit my local parish as well as the entire, Universal Church.
What does it mean to be a Catholic leader?
For me, to be a Catholic leader is to be an imitator of Christ and live your life accordingly. My goal as a Catholic leader is to model the same leadership characteristics of Jesus and to live those out in my daily life at work and home so that I might be a model for others to follow. Certainly, at times it is not easy, but I continue to strive to do so, each day.
Join the Kicaks: Sponsor a Priest!
There are over 1,000 priests nationwide who are renewing their vocations and their parishes with the tools they are learning in CLI’s Good Leaders, Good Shepherds curriculum. There are still more than 18,000 priests who want and need access to this unique and critical training.
You can be the difference, not just to one shepherd, but for the thousands of Catholics
he serves. Sponsorship is easy. Click here to safely and securely donate online or contact Daniel Cellucci at 610.363.1315.
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