Program Description

In response to growing momentum for deep educational renewal among bishops and diocesan leaders, ICLE launched a 10-month formation program that immerses participants in the theory and practice of the Church’s own intellectual tradition and supports strategies to lead its recovery in the dioceses they serve. It is facilitated in a small cohort model, where Catholic educational leaders benefit from one-on-one monthly consulting sessions, twice-monthly online course meetings, and two in-person retreats, including visits to successful ICLE Member Schools.

The experience is designed to cultivate leaders spiritually, intellectually, and practically to lead renewal through the pastors, school leaders, and teachers of their dioceses. Since a significant benefit of the program is the experience and commitment of the cohort, participants in the Diocesan Leaders Academy are selected through an application process. Clergy and religious in educational leadership positions are most welcome.

Participants will receive ICLE’s Diocesan Leaders Academy Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of this formation program.

CONTENT:

1.      The Gift of Obedience in Communion with the Bishop
2.     Reclaiming the Identity of the Diocesan Curia
3.    Catholic Liberal Education
   1.      The Church’s Charter and History of Educating
   2.     Content and Curriculum
   3.    Pedagogy
   4.    Formation of Teachers to See Reality Well
4.    Founded on a Christian Anthropology
   1.      Implications for Content and Curriculum
   2.     Policy and Guidance Ordered toward Happiness and Formation, Rather than in Opposition to Ideologies
   3.    Students with Disabilities: Honoring the Imago Dei
      
5.     School Pastors: Reclaiming the Fathers’ Role
   1.      Getting Authority and Hierarchy Right
   2.     Reaching the Presbyterate
      
   3.    Munus Docendi: Where and How Can Pastors Teach Leaders and Teachers?
6.    The Bishop’s Role in Forming the Missionaries
   1.      Who Do We Want? Leader and Teacher Recruitment
   2.     What Do We Need to See? Leader and Teacher Formation
7.   Ordering Choices of Accreditation, Licensing, State Standards, and Diocesan Policy toward Renewal
8.  Leading Those We Lead: Managing the Change of Renewal
9.    Proclaiming the Good News of School Renewal: Creating and Sharing a Vision with your Bishop to Pastors, Donors, Teachers, and Parents!
10.     Listening to the Holy Spirit: Asking the Lord His Plans for the Renewal of His Schools

SCHEDULE:

The program begins with a brief online meet-and-greet prior to our first in-person gathering, the Fall DLA Retreat. This event will be held September 30 – October 2 at the Augustine Institute Event and Retreat Center near St. Louis, MO.

From October through June, two 90-minute online course meetings will take place each month at a time selected by the cohort. Participants will also receive a one-hour monthly private consulting session with one of the program leaders.

The second in-person gathering will be held in Spring 2026, location TBD. This three-day, two-night event will include visits to one or more ICLE Member schools.

REQUIREMENTS:

This program is open to those serving in educational leadership positions at the diocesan level, such as superintendents or assistant/associate superintendents, including clergy and religious. Others in leadership roles that support the diocese’s mission of Catholic education also are encouraged to apply.

Preference is given to those who display a sincere desire to learn and grow and whose experience will contribute to the collective wisdom of the cohort. Regular attendance and active participation are necessary for the full benefit of leadership formation; participants must be able to commit time and effort for their own growth.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Review of the applications will begin in April 2026. Accepted applicants will be notified within three weeks.

COST FOR THE 2025-2026 PROGRAM:

The cost for the program is $3,950, plus travel expenses.

The cost includes 10 months of executive-level formation and private consulting; Fall Cornerstone Retreat and Symposium programming, accommodations, and all meals; Spring Capstone Retreat and Symposium programming; ICLE Member School visits; and most meals. Not included: travel to in-person events and Denver hotel accommodations (3 nights).

PAYMENT:

Accepted applicants will be asked to complete the $3,950 payment within three weeks of acceptance.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

All payments are non-refundable.

QUESTIONS:

For any questions, please contact Abriana Chilelli, achilelli@catholicliberaleducation.org.