Catholic leaders of tomorrow get training
Catholic Sentinel August 17, 2007
MOUNT ANGEL — This summer, the Archdiocese of Portland's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry sponsored Christian Leadership Institute at the Father Bernard Youth Center here.
Thirty-one high school leaders representing 11 parishes of the archdiocese attended the five-day training institute. Participants learned leadership skills in areas such as planning, communicating, team-building, consensus-seeking, and the unique qualities of a Christian leader.
In one exercise, blindfolded youths had to assemble a puzzle with the help of sighted peers. Only the blinded group members could touch the puzzle pieces. The idea was to learn interdependence and cooperation. At the end of long days, students would sit down for candlelit night prayer and write in their journals. The leadership institute was staffed by 12 adults including archdiocesan staff, parish youth ministers, youth center workers, seminarians, and a priest. One youth participant wrote at the conclusion, "I learned leadership skills, of course, but also how better to serve God with my leadership skills."
The archdiocese is planning to make CLI an annual youth training institute. Next year's session is already set for June 23-27.