Discovering the Foundation of Great Leadership

Throughout history, God has given unique gifts to each person. For some, these gifts are apparent from a young age, while for others, they may remain hidden or only partially realized until the right person, opportunity, or experience brings them to light. For Fr. Matthew Hoelscher, a priest of the Diocese of Peoria, Eius has allowed him to recognize his gifts in a new light and use them in ways he never thought possible.

“The most poignant self-revelation throughout the Eius process has been that God has given me gifts,” Fr. Matthew said about his experience with Catholic Leadership Institute’s ongoing priest formation. “[My gifts] are easy to downplay at times. I’m steady, cautious. I like to receive a lot of input. I’m naturally introverted… but I’ve always seen [these traits] as poor leadership.”

Fr. Matthew is learning how to channel his gifts as a competent and confident leader, discovering that skills and traits he once believed worked against strong leadership, such as prudence, are actually the foundation of great leadership. “Although these traits might be different from some of my classmates and other priests, there is goodness in them,” he remarked.

Such self-reflection comes from prayer, fraternity, and accompaniment – particularly from the Leadership Consultants who support and listen to the priests throughout their time in the Eius service. Jeff Pattison has served as a Leadership Consultant for Catholic Leadership Institute for three years, and through his time walking with priests, he has a deep respect for what true accompaniment means. “At its heart, accompaniment means walking alongside another person with attentiveness, respect, and trust in the work that God is already doing in his life,” Jeff said.

A priest’s experience in Eius is less about instruction and far more about discovery, helping priests see more clearly what God is already stirring in their hearts and ministries. Jeff said, “I listen carefully, affirm the many ways priests are already serving faithfully, and create space for reflection that helps them recognize the gifts, wisdom, and grace God has already placed within them.”

At the heart of it all is the knowledge that God always makes good choices. Fr. Matthew’s leadership as a pastor now reflects this truth with confidence in himself through the Lord: “[God] has called me to this moment, He is going to lead, and He’s going to do it through the gifts I have. I can trust Him.”