In the Diocese of Providence, God is raising up a new generation of formed, faithful lay leaders – people who understand the mission, can walk with others toward Christ, and are ready to respond to the call. 

The Certificate in Catholic Leadership is a nine-month course that will equip leaders to serve in the Church: on parish and school staffs, councils, and pastors’ core teams. This course may also be beneficial to those who serve in secular leadership positions, and want to do so with a Catholic worldview.

This course will explore the following topics:

• Baptismal Identity, Lay Vocation, and Catholic Leadership
• Understanding the Church: Ecclesiology, Co-Responsibility, and Cooperation for Mission 
• Evangelization and the Journey of Discipleship
• Knowing Yourself: Temperaments, Virtues, Charisms, and the Interior Life of a Leader
• Working Together for Organizational Health
• Leading in a Parish or School: Practical Systems, Communication, and the Integration of Mission
• The Lay Leader in the World: Family, Work, School, and Society
• Leading for the Long Term: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

The Certificate in Catholic Leadership is organized into three components delivered over two semesters, from August 2026 through April 2027:

• One Orientation Day (August 29, 2026)
• Two semesters with thirteen classes each 
• One Closing Retreat (April 24, 2027)