Institute for Pastoral Leadership

05/22/2023

Congratulations to 27 graduates from the Institute for Pastoral Leadership who were participated in the Rite of Calling for Lay Ecclesial Ministers (LEMs) during Mass on Saturday, May 20 at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus.

Most Rev. Bishop Jeffrey S. Grob, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrated the liturgy with the candidates, surrounded by family, friends and clergy from their parishes. This was the first Rite of Calling in six years, the first since the end of the COVID pandemic. Candidates had earned their graduate degrees in pastoral studies or divinity and completed a three-year formation program. Their roles range from volunteers in their parish and surrounding communities to professional ministry, such as directors of religious education, pastoral associates and chaplains.

We celebrate the following LEMs: Maria Arrez, Maria Brantman, Catherine Brolley, Lawrence Cubalchini, Megan Marie Daigle, Stephanie K. Gado, Colleen Hagen, Maryellen Harrington, Anastasia Jakubow, Frances M. Johnson, Marion Johnson, Akua Kankam, Doreen Kelly, Brian V. Leonard, Pamela Lynch, Therese McCall, Patty McCarthy, Krysten McOsker, Christina Norton, Imarenakhue Mary Oates, Barbara Olson, Malgorzata Pamula, Ben Paolelli, Joseph Quane, Jennifer C. Reid, and Valerie Walker.

05/15/2023

Congratulations to our graduates from the Institute for Pastoral Leadership, who earned their Master in Pastoral Studies degrees (MAPS) and their Certificates of Study in Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM). The Commencement program took place on May 6 on the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus (USML). Pictured are: (from left) Deacon Leonel Segura (MAPS only), Therese McCall (MAPS and LEM) and Malgorzata Pamula (LEM). Students who earned their certificates as Lay Ecclesial Ministers but are not pictured are Megan Daigle and Stephanie B. Garrison.

03/29/2023

JUST ADDED! Another Lay Formation session open to guests!

Over-inflated sense of importance. A sense of entitlement and expectations of special treatment. A disregard for others’ feelings and needs. These are some characteristics of behave in a narcissistic way. That behavior can affect – and often hurt – the people around them, both personally and professionally, including in our Catholic faith.

Presenter Linda Couri will address the topic and how people can use the Cardinal and Theological Virtues of our Catholic faith to help create healthy boundaries and relationships with others. Join us for "Combating Narcissism with Virtues," Saturday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. (Mass) - 3 p.m. on the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus.

To register, vist: https://combattingnarcissism.eventbrite.com

03/27/2023

God, king, country, life and death … they are all themes of the classic Academy Award-winning film “A Man for All Seasons.” They also are the basis for “Friends & Foes” a film screening and discussion on March 24 at University of St. Mary of the Lake. Paul Hilliard, Ph.D., associate chair for USML’s History Department and Director of the Doctorate of Ministry Program, joined the Institute for Pastoral Leadership to host the evening as art of the institute’s Continuing Education series.

Participants snacked at the concession stand and talked through the lives of St. Thomas More and King Henry VIII and the decisions More made by choosing his faith and his heavenly king over his country and its ruler.

Learn more about what the Institute can do for you by visiting https://usml.edu/ipl/ipl/.

02/27/2023

Book lovers and those continuing to grow in their faith joined presenter Deacon Keith Strohm for the third part of his book discussion on “Jesus: The Story You Thought You Knew.”

After breaking open Strohm’s book during two online sessions, the author invited participants to leave their computers at home and join him in person at the University of St. Mary of the Lake to learn how to apply the book’s teachings to their own lives as disciples along with enjoying each other’s company.

The discussion was part of the Institute for Pastoral Leadership’s Continuing Education program.
Learn more about what the Institute can do for you by visiting https://usml.edu/ipl/ipl/.

02/10/2023

God, conscience, religious schism, kings, friends, enemies … they are all the ingredients for a great faith-filled movie!

Join the Institute for Pastoral Leadership for “Friends and Foes,” a screening and discussion of the classic film “A Man for All Seasons,” Friday, March 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m. on the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus. Cost is $16 and we'll supply the popcorn!

Register at: https://amanforallseasons.eventbrite.com

Join us as Dr. Paul Hilliard leads a discussion breaking down the classic film "A Man for All Seasons"

01/17/2023

Saturday, March 18:

Join the Institute for Pastoral Leadership and guest presenters Elizabeth White and Jose Coronel for "Accompaniment" a day-long formation session on Saturday, March 18.

Mass: 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Center Chapel, Building 300, second floor
Presentation: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Conference Center, Building 400, Room 201

Discover what it means to accompany someone on their faith journey. Learn who can accompany and how to join someone who is seeking a relationship with Jesus or already is disciple/follower and desires to go deeper in their faith and love for Christ and his Church.

Note: This session is in-person only
Cost: $80 and includes Mass and lunch
Register: https://accompaniment.eventbrite.com

01/05/2023

God grants all his children spiritual gifts, unique to us, to live out his plan for us in our lives.

Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?
If you do, how do you know when and where to use them?

Join the Institute for Pastoral Leadership and its collaboration with the Catherine of Siena Institute’s Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process for a “Charism Workshop” on Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus.

This is the first of a three-part journey to discover and discern the presence of the Holy Spirit working in you.

SPACE IS LIMITED! Register today by visiting https://charism2023.eventbrite.com

01/03/2023

It's a new year. As Pope Francis challenges us, if you want to make a a difference, step out of your comfort zone.

Take a risk!

Get to know Jesus Christ in the way that he has always known you. Join Deacon Keith Strohm for a 3-part discussion on his book, "Jesus: The Story You Thought You Knew," February 8, 15 and 25. Register and learn more by visiting https://strohmbookdiscussion.eventbrite.com

What else doe the Institute offer? Visit https://usml.edu/ipl/ipl/ to learn more!

We provide the initial and ongoing education and formation for those in Pastoral Ministry; Ordained and Lay.

11/17/2022

08/29/2022

Worship. Nature. Community. Sharing. Laughter. They are all the makings for a successful retreat.

New faces gathered with returning students to celebrate the annual Opening Retreat Weekend for the Institute for Pastoral Leadership, August 26-28 at Marytown in Libertyville, Illinois. Students enrolled in Lay Leadership and Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Master’s in Pastoral Studies degree programming celebrated their faith and made time to be with our God before the academic year begins.

Is God calling you to make more time for him? The Institute can help you do just that. Visit https://usml.edu/ipl/ipl/.