When I think about faith this Christmas season, I am always amazed by the fiat of Mary. She said “yes” to an angel with full trust, full love, and full commitment. She didn’t need proof or evidence.
While I am actively working to grow my own faith, I find that numbers help me to see and understand. Maybe you’re like me and the objectivity of numbers help you, too. When we think of forging the future of our Church, faith is key – and, yet, the numbers can help us see the growth and hope all around us!
When I look at the work Catholic Leadership Institute is doing to forge a bright future for our Church, we have many numbers worth sharing:
- CLI has served in 121 dioceses around the country. I have seen our mission at work around the country, executing ministry that will launch parishes and dioceses into the future.
- CLI has data from nearly 700,000 survey respondents across the country. I have witnessed leaders around the country who have taken the survey learning and made a plan using it.
- We have trained over 6,000 priests to be better leaders. Personally, I have watched priests grow in their leadership as a result of CLI’s accompaniment.
- We have walked along and supported 308 bishops. CLI has the trust of the bishops, and we are honored to accompany these men.
- We have worked with more than 3,600 parishes across the nation. I have witnessed parishes do incredible work and discipleship in my time at CLI. This never ceases to amaze me.
- And here’s a number that really resonated with me: We have served and impacted over 41,000 lay leaders in some capacity. CLI trains diocesan staff, forms hundreds of missionary disciples through evangelization training, and over the past year alone, we have engaged close to100 young people in listening to their hopes and desires for the Church so that we can create parishes that are engaging for them.
Today, I invite you to meet two of those leaders: Fr. Sean Loomis and Jericha. They are leaders of great faith who are forging a future in their parish against all odds.
Hearing this story stirred a hope in me that only faith can bring. If you want to empower leaders like Fr. Sean and Jericha around the country, join me in fueling our ministry by making a gift today!
Please know that my family will be praying for you and your loved ones throughout the Christmas season and new year!
Our CEO Daniel Cellucci's weekly email, the DIAL: Discerning Insights About Leadership.
CLI serves Church leaders, helping them rediscover their potential and forming them to be more intentional with those they serve.
CLI helps empower and energize Catholic leaders by providing focus and courage to engage the culture with an apostolic mindset.
