The Leadership Program is offered for those persons engaged in various forms of lay ministry/leadership roles in their parishes, dioceses, and communities-at-large. The primary focus of the program is to direct participants who wish to refine skills and strategies they already possess and make them more effective in their respective ministries. Participants receive certificates of participation.

These seminars, conducted by pastorally seasoned IBCS faculty who are respected Black Catholic pastoral leaders, engages seminar participants in critical theological reflection and discussion of their ministries in light of the church’s mission and contemporary Catholic religious traditions as integrated with Black religious experience. Each summer this leadership seminar focuses on three major ministerial themes as a response to the contemporary issues challenging the Black community in general and the Black Catholic Church in particular.

The following persons are encouraged to apply:

• Directors of Diocesan Offices.
  
• Parish Staff members: Priests, Deacons, Lay Ecclesial Ministers including non-ordained women and men religious.
  
• Parish Council Members.

Curriculum

The Leadership in the Faith Community program is designed as a three-summer program which offers participants an opportunity to expand their understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities within the Church and the Black community. The seminar involves in depth reflection on topics and issues concerning pastoral and ministerial leadership in a variety of community contexts. The curriculum includes the:

• Leadership Seminar Sessions.
  
• Core Courses.
  
• Black Religious Expression Seminars.

A reflection paper serving as a synthesis of each summer session is required

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW APPLICANTS

1) Submission of completed program application with $30.00 nonrefundable application fee.

2) Submission of the official transcript of the highest academic achievement.

3) Submission of one letter of recommendation regarding current ministry involvement and evaluation of potential benefit for both the applicant and local community.

4) A statement of purpose that expresses how the applicant hopes to apply the program to his/her on-going faith and/or ministry development.

5) Completed University Health Clearance form.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

1) Registration form.

2) Completed University Health Clearance form.

Africentric Catechesis Program - Youth Ministry Program - Ministerial Leadership in the Faith Community Program - Spiritual Enrichment Programs - Directors and Faculty

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