Program Overview

Certificate in Catholic Leadership

The Certificate in Catholic Leadership is focused on preparing individuals with the intellectual, spiritual, and experiential formation required for ministerial, educational, medical, and social service to the needs of the contemporary Church and the world.

Program Overview

This employer partnership program is designed for organizations in the Diocese of Hamilton, though organizations outside of the Diocese are welcome. The Certificate is open to anyone working within a Catholic organization from any faith or no-faith background.

Who is this Certificate for?

• Organizations seeking to enhance their employees' growth in Catholic mission-aligned activity or who would benefit from providing opportunities for employees to network and build community to enhance the world and the Church in the Diocese of Hamilton will benefit from this program.
• Employers should consider sponsoring people in their organizations who:
  • are considering pursuing a future graduate degree
  • already have a graduate-level degree in an area that did not focus on mission or leadership

Program Activities

• Attend an in-person orientation to meet and network with members of their cohort
• Participate in program-specific hybrid and online modules related to Ethics and Leadership, Catholic Social Teaching, and Data and Demographic Trends
• Choose several Lectures in Catholic Experience to participate in online or in person with special opportunities to meet speakers and have conversation with fellow participants at intimate gatherings prior to the lectures for those attending in person
• Dedicate themselves to a program of International or Local Service Learning (extra costs for international travel apply)
• Connect and reflect during a mid-program retreat at Ignatius Jesuit Centre
• Develop a capstone project that benefits their home organization and that further fosters their own vocational call
• Benefit from mentorship from an assigned mentor
• Celebrate in a culminating ceremony

Program Details

Cost of Certificate

• Cost $3,200/student
• Additional costs may be incurred for travel expenses and accommodations associated with international experiences optionally selected as part of the program.

Certificate Length

• Candidates can complete the Certificate in one calendar year

Certificate Format

• Both in-person and virtual components

Testimonials

• I want to offer my very strongest endorsement of St. Jerome’s University’s new Certificate in Catholic Leadership. I know that its emphasis on the importance of broad human formation, including education, spirituality, service and experience will make the graduates of this program an asset to so many areas of apostolic activity in the Diocese of Hamilton, including parish ministry, education, health and social services, by equipping individuals with the knowledge and ability to “think with” the Church to address the challenges facing society today and to build up the People of God. - Bishop Douglas Crosby, Diocese of Hamilton
• The Certificate in Catholic Leadership has empowered participants from our system to grow in their faith and recognize their unique gifts that they bring to their school communities. The program has enriched our staff with faith-centered learning experiences, enabling them to bring that faith to their schools in meaningful ways. It has also provided practical tools including ethical reasoning and reflective practices to enhance their decision making and leadership skills. - Lorrie Naar, Superintendent, Halton Catholic District School Board
• The Certificate in Catholic Leadership has been tremendously effective in enhancing the formation of pastoral leaders for mission in the Diocese of Hamilton. Our experience has been a rich blend of reflection and formation, fostering collaboration and peer-led development that empowers our leaders to minister with confidence and remain deeply attuned to the signs of the times. - Christina Mines, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis, Diocese of Hamilton
• The Certificate of Catholic Leadership program offered by St. Jerome’s University allowed me to explore in a cohort model how my faith positively impacts my leadership style. The program featured seminars in ethical reasoning, lectures from high-profile Catholic scholars, and monthly opportunities to meet with peers. - Michael Lawlor, Superintendent of Education, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board