Forming Diocesan Leaders - Celebrating ICLE'S launch of the Diocesan Leaders Academy

We are thrilled to announce that the Diocesan Leaders Academy—a pioneering 10-month formation program developed by the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and supported by the St. John Henry Newman Institute—successfully launched its inaugural in-person event from September 17-20 at the Augustine Institute's new campus near St. Louis, MO. This unique program immerses diocesan educational leaders in the Church’s intellectual tradition, offering strategies to lead its recovery in the dioceses they serve. Participants engaged in a transformative four-day retreat that combined intellectual formation, reflective prayer, and meaningful camaraderie with peers and the ICLE team. Why We Partner with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education        Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has called for a renewal in Catholic education, urging that schools embody more than just a secular framework with a Catholic name. The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, founded in 1999, is committed to this mission by helping educators revitalize Catholic schools through the Church’s rich intellectual tradition. Education, as represented by ICLE, should lead to a joyful pursuit of faith, wisdom, and virtue.

ICLE articulates an urgent need to rebuild Catholic education upon its foundational principles, recognizing that many young Catholics are drifting away from their faith. They advocate for a departure from secular educational models, which often overlook the profound truths of the human person and God. Through their various programs and resources, ICLE immerses educators in a philosophy that fosters a deeper encounter with Truth—who is Jesus Christ—thereby transforming schools into vibrant communities of faith and learning. We are proud to support the Institute as they empower teachers and leaders to restore the unity of faith and reason in their communities. JHNI's partnership with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Educations with the Diocesan Leaders Academy reflects our commitment to Catholic education renewal. As the Diocesan Leaders' Academy fosters spiritual, intellectual, and practical development among diocesan leaders, it empowers them to effectively communicate the Bishop’s vision for schools and align diocesan policies with that mission. The cohort is designed for both experienced and new superintendents, providing a supportive environment to cultivate leadership skills essential for the renewal of Catholic education. Participants will receive ICLE’s Diocesan Leaders Academy Certificate of Completion, signifying their dedication to this important work.

Program Highlights

During the retreat, participants explored vital topics such as:

Diocesan work in obedience and communion with the Bishop

Reclaiming the identity of Curia-level schools office

Change management strategies for renewal

Elevating school pastors

Recruitment and formation of mission-aligned leaders

Honoring the imago Dei in students with disabilities

ICLE is thrilled to have Mrs. Abriana Chilelli, ICLE’s Diocesan Liaison and director of the Academy, guiding this program. Her wealth of experience in educational leadership uniquely positions her to support and inspire the next generation of Catholic educational leaders.

We look forward to witnessing the impact of the Diocesan Leaders Academy as these dedicated leaders embark on their journey of renewal.

For more information about the Diocesan Leaders Academy, please refer to the cohort announcement.