Latino Pastoral Leaders Initiative

National Online Cohort

by LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE

The Latino Pastoral Leaders Initiative (LPLI) is a comprehensive formation program designed to empower Hispanic/Latino leaders with practical leadership tools and support. Developed by Leadership Roundtable in response to the National V Encuentro, this program addresses the complex realities and challenges faced in ministry.

Originally launched in 2021 in the Diocese of Joliet, the initiative has since expanded across multiple dioceses, including the Diocese of St. Augustine, Austin, and Santa Fe. Now, for the first time, it’s available to participants nationwide through a fully online format.

Course Overview

This course is designed to equip Hispanic/Latino Catholic leaders with the skills and confidence to thrive in pastoral ministry and leadership roles. Grounded in Catholic teaching and inspired by the lived experiences of Hispanic/Latino communities, the initiative responds to the call of the National V Encuentro to invest in the formation of both emerging and experienced leaders.

Participants will engage in six 90-minute online sessions that explore key leadership concepts, offer opportunities for scripture reflection, introduce practical tools and skills, foster small group dialogue, and encourage personal reflection on leadership style and impact. Delivered in Spanish and supported by bilingual materials, the course intends to deepen faith-based leadership and foster a strong community of Catholic leaders across the U.S. Church.

Who Are We Inviting to the LPLI National Online Cohort?

This LPLI cohort was initially designed with the following pastoral leaders in mind:

• Latino/a individuals who self-identify as such
• Bilingual leaders fluent in both Spanish and English
• Priests ordained within the last five years
• Priests who have become pastors within the last five years
• Priests who have moved from another country to serve as pastors in the U.S. within the last five years
• Lay ecclesial ministers preparing for—or newly stepping into—senior pastoral roles in a parish, diocese, or ecclesial movement
• Pastoral leaders navigating key transitions, such as leading a parish, ministry, or ecclesial movement for the first time

Desired Outcomes

Through the course, participants will:

• Gain practical leadership tools and grow in confidence to serve effectively in pastoral ministry.
• Reflect on their leadership in light of Catholic teachings and discern their unique role in the life of the Church.
• Build meaningful connections within a national network of Hispanic/Latino Catholic leaders.

Session Topics

1. Welcome & Creating a Vision for Your Ministry
2. Managing Conflict
3. Managing Volunteers & Growing Disciples
4. Meeting Management
5. Building Bridges in the Church
6. Synodality & Financially Strengthened Ministry

Participant Commitments

• Sessions — Six (6) 90-minute online sessions via Zoom. As a participant, we ask you to attend no less than five of the six sessions.
• Preparation — Between sessions, you’ll engage with additional resources to support your growth — this may include reading an article, watching a short video, or responding to a reflection prompt.
• Engagement — Each session is an opportunity for discussion, prayer, and discernment. These sessions will be held online in a group setting and, as a participant, we invite you to contribute by reacting to the material, questions, and small group exercises.
• Feedback — Participants will be asked to complete a brief survey at the end of the course to share their experience and help improve future offerings.
• Cost — There is no cost to participate, thanks to the generous support of a grant, which has underwritten the online course.

Sessions

• Thursdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (ET)
• June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, and August 7

Have questions? Contact us at LPLI@leadershiproundtable.org