It’s been a rough year for Catholics. The retired former head of the Archdiocese of Washington resigned as a cardinal under charges of sexual abuse of a minor. Then the Archbishop of Washington resigned his post after charges he did not do enough to protect minors from predator priests in the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh before he went to Washington.
In company with questions about leadership in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Attorney General released a searing report on clergy sexual abuse in 6 of that state’s dioceses – and how it was often mishandled by their leaders. Through it all we mourn the pain and devastation of so many victims here in the U.S. and in many other parts of the world.
Meanwhile, attendance at Mass continues to decline throughout the First World. Participation in the sacraments has dropped precipitously. There are fewer Catholic weddings and funerals. Catholic schools close as enrollments decline. Ours is a church under siege from so many forces, some of them originating in our own members’ and leaders’ hearts.
If we are to have any hope of a revival – a revitalization – we need courageous Jesus-like Leadership throughout the Body of Christ. The church, its members and its leaders need the Yeshua Institute’s ministry now more than ever.
Jesus-like Leadership Development starts with the laity. We need people equipped and committed to sanctifying the world. We need parents devoted to teaching their children the fundamentals of Christian living – in word and deed. We need spouses who reflect the love of Jesus in their marriages. We need committed and competent catechists. Of course, we also need ordained clergy who understand their ministerial roles as servants. We need hierarchy who see themselves as servants of the servants of God.
In short, we need to imbue the Body of Christ with a passion and competence for Jesus-like S3 Leadership – where all the members are equipped and committed to Leading Like Jesus in all of their relationships.
That is the mission of the Yeshua Catholic International Leadership Institute – and we need your support to serve that mission in the days ahead.
In recent years we have been able to use new and emerging technology to support our mission. We built a library of short videos on the web to inspire and guide ever greater service among the members of our church. When the seminarians of Uganda needed to keynote presentation for their annual gathering, which we sponsor, we provided it in the form of a video featuring Yeshua board members Fr. David Beauvais and Fellow Dick Kunnert. The conference’s hosts were delighted.
This year, building on that success, we have launched a new global outreach to the Catholic world (and to any other sisters and brothers who are attracted to the prospect of living, loving and leading like Jesus).
We have begun to produce interesting, helpful webinars for all parts of the Body of Christ – and we are making them available around the world, to be viewed live or at people’s convenience no matter where they are located or what time zone they are in.
Before the year ends, we plan to share with parents how they can use Advent to help their families prepare for the coming of Jesus – the real meaning of Christmas. We also plan to share practical insights from the Bishops’ Synod on Young People, and discuss how a Leading Like Jesus summer camp in Houston, TX, has helped young people more fully engage their faith in their lives.
Going forward into 2019 we plan to offer a wide range of webinars that will help individuals and parishes build better, more effective leadership teams and ministries that inspire greater participation in the life of the parish and the whole Body of Christ. We are focused on transformation and revitalization throughout the Universal Church. But we need your help to serve our mission and realize this vision.
We’re a tiny ministry. So this global outreach is a bold move for us. It involves becoming adept at new technology and keeping up with its rapid changes. It involves developing engaging topics and obtaining dynamic presenters. It involves keeping the Catholic world abreast of the vital formation and information we are providing. We can do that – but not without your prayers and financial support.
In this time of great thanksgiving for all the blessings God has bestowed on us, we ask that you commit some portion of your blessings to our ministry of Jesus-like Leadership Development throughout the Body of Christ. Your generosity will ripple around the world as together we respond to the Lord’s Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mat 28:19).
Just click on this secure link to partner with us and support our efforts to help make Jesus-like Leadership the norm in our church. No gift is too small. Thank you so much for your assistance with our vital ministry.
Blessings always – and with all our gratitude,
Owen Phelps, Ph.D.
Director
Yeshua Catholic International Leadership Institute