| Springfield, Detroit and Trenton Priests say CLI program "is worth every minute" |
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2.25.07 – Over 70 priests in three dioceses began Catholic Leadership Institute’s two-year clergy leadership development process in January. Priests from the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Springfield, IL and Trenton, NJ completed the first of six modules in the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds curriculum. “It was very exciting to be a part my brother priests’ experience in Springfield, Detroit and Trenton,” says Rev. Bill Dickinson, CLI’s Director of Clergy Leadership Development. “They seemed to really invest themselves in this first module.” Module 1 focused on preparing one’s self for leadership by examining the components of one’s personality and how those components interact and shape one’s leadership behavior. “The feedback from Module 1 was incredibly positive and a good sign for the modules to come.”
But you don’t need to take Fr. Bill’s word for it, read what the priest participants had to say themselves:
Feedback from Priests in the Archdiocese of Detroit:
“Good Leaders, Good Shepherds has strengthened my own identity as a priest and my understanding of my role in the parish, diocese and the world. The program has helped me relate better with not only people in the parish but also with priests who I have come to know and be inspired by. Initially, I did not want to spend the time away from the parish but now I realize that the benefits that can result are much greater than the time away.”
—Rev. Anthony Richter, Archdiocese of Detroit Pastor, Our Lady, Queen of Angels Parish
“I would highly encourage priests to make the commitment, even in the midst of busy schedules. The benefit of this program are invaluable, both for the priest himself and for his interaction with the people of God.”
—Rev. Todd Lajiness, Archdiocese of Detroit Academic Dean, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
“I have learned skills that have begun to allow me to see how I relate to those I minister to and also allow me to grow an discover new areas of my skill set in my life. I was hoping that I would continue to gain self insight and learned practices that would make me a better pastor. I have not been disappointed!”
—Fr. Robert Shafer, Archdiocese of Detroit Pastor, St. Timothy Parish
“If you want to love life more and love your priesthood more invest time in Good Leaders, Good Shepherds. Make the investment – you are worth it, so are your parishioners!”
—Rev. Robert McCabe, Archdiocese of Detroit Pastor, St. Mary of Redford Parish
Feedback from Priests in the Diocese of Springfield, IL:
“This process challenges each priest to enjoy the gift of priesthood and to become more comfortable with the gift of transparency in his life and the those he is called to serve.”
—Rev. Michael Kuse, Diocese of Springfield, IL Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish
“We need practical support like Good Leaders, Good Shepherds to increase our effectiveness as pastors since that’s what our vocation as priests is all about. Because the program approaches pastoral leadership from the point of view of observable behaviors priests will find it immediately applicable. Good Leaders, Good Shepherds is the best integrated program for self-development I have found in 30 years of adult and graduate school teaching.”
—Rev. Richard Chiola, Diocese of Springfield, IL Pastor, St. Francis Cabrini Parish
“It was wonderful to be with brother priests who sincerely desired to grow in their ministry and were willing to be open to that growth. The insights were around my need to be a better leader and the skills I need to develop in order to do that. Some frustrations and difficulties that seemed impossible or would just have to be endured began to look more manageable. It is worth every minute and every dollar.”
—Rev. John Beveridge, Diocese of Springfield, IL Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul Parish
“I truly believe that if a priest wants to be the leader God is calling him to be he should participate in Good Leaders, Good Shepherds. I almost made the mistake of saying I didn’t have the time. I truly feel more energized and will be to use my time much more effectively.”
—Rev. Chris Comerford, Diocese of Springfield, IL Pastor, St. Louis Parish
“I’ve been in other leadership development, but not something aimed so specifically for priests. This gives me great hope to build up our presbyterate. This is top shelf leadership development and will make such a difference in my ministry as the demands and expectations increase. Take the time and make the commitment to Good Leaders, Good Shepherds. If you’re too busy for this, then you’re just the priest who needs to participate!”
—Rev. Joseph Ring, Diocese of Springfield, IL Vicar for Clergy
Feedback from Priests in the Diocese of Trenton, NJ:
“At age 65 I am seeking to grow further and identify strengths and limitations so that I can improve my ability to pastor in the parish and to lead in the diocesan office entrusted to me. Come with an open mind and a loving heart. Accept the challenges of participating in Good Leaders, Good Shepherds and you will experience change for the better.”
—Rev. John Dermond, Diocese of Trenton, NJ Rector of the Cathedral
“Good Leaders, Good Shepherds motivated me to continue learning and using skills to have a collaborative ministry that allows me to work better with my staff and co-ministers and empower others to grow in God’s care.”
—Msgr. Walter Nolan, Diocese of Trenton, NJ Pastor, St. Paul Parish
“Come to Good Leaders, Good Shepherds with an open heart and mind. This process is accurate and informative and is offered in the spirit of fraternity and a sincere desire to help every priest be more effective in answering their call to lead others to Christ in the most effective way possible. I appreciated the diversity of the presbyterate represented, the open and free atmosphere experienced in our discussions, and the spirit with which the presenters shared.”
—Rev. Scott Shaffer, Diocese of Trenton, NJ Pastor, St. Aloysius Parish
“I think the format used for Good Leaders, Good Shepherds (periodic gatherings over a two-year time frame) is immensely practical. It allows us to put into practice what is learned in the module, discover what works and what needs more reinforcement and going back to the experts for feedback and guidance.”
—Rev. Edward Blanchett, Diocese of Trenton, NJ Pastor, St. Mary of the Lake Parish
“Being a young priest, I would like to prepare myself to be a good leader and be a good shepherd. Good Leaders, Good Shepherds will surely equip, enrich and update my ministry to be faithful to God and to myself.”
—Rev. Eugene Savarimuthu, Diocese of Trenton, NJ Parochial Vicar, St. Theresa Parish
For more information about Good Leaders, Good Shepherds contact Rev. Bill Dickinson at bdickinson@CatholicLeaders.org.
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