Christian Leadership Institute for youths in July

By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger

The diocesan Office of Faith Formation will host its annual Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) this summer at St. Ambrose University in Davenport.

The week-long event, which is designed to teach young people the skills necessary for effective leadership in a parish or school setting, will take place July 12-17. CLI provides participants with the opportunity to practice and utilize those skills throughout the week. The program helps teens understand what it means to be a servant leader, said Don Boucher, diocesan coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Each day will include a large-group workshop on leadership skills and a small-group session on the attitudes and practices of Christian leaders. For the first time at the institute, youths will have an opportunity to discern their gifts. “This is so kids can get an idea of their strengths and charisms, and then through-out the week they’ll be able to reflect on how they are using these gifts and how they hope to develop them,” Boucher said. “Young people are gifted and their gifts are needed in the church community.”

Youths entering their sophomore, junior or senior year of high school may attend. Cost is $295 and includes lodging, meals, tuition and all program materials. The registration brochure is available on­line at http://www.davenportdiocese.org/faith form/CLI.htm. Or con­tact your parish youth ministry director. Registration deadline is June 24.

Boucher said the program has made a difference in people’s lives in previous years. He believes parish youth ministers can help boost attendance by encouraging parish youths to attend. “Tap kids who are potential leaders,” he said. “It’s a really good program.”