The Christian Leadership Program (CLP) is a four-year program that includes theological and spiritual formation and demands a serious commitment in order to fulfill the specific requirements.  CLP has been recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for excellence in developing leaders for the future.

Corpus Christi University Parish (CCUP), the Catholic community serving the University of Toledo (UT) sponsors the program.

CLP participants receive $1,000 their first year, and for those who wish to continue and meet the program requirements, $1,000 for the second and third years, and $2,000 for the fourth year (half at the beginning of the year and half at the end). The money is distributed through the UT Office of Student Financial Aid, and is available even if a student already has other scholarships.  No money is given for co-op semesters away from campus or for fifth year students.

1. Be an active member of CCUP and participate in activities of the Catholic Student Association (CSA).
2. Maintain a GPA of 2.8.
3. Participate in at least one parish-sponsored retreat.
4. Attend at least one CCUP lecture each semester.
5. Take the contemporary theology class taught by Father Bacik (REL 3900 / 3 credits), which meets once a week for 1.5 hours beginning in the middle of September and concluding at the end of the spring semester.  It is possible to audit the course or just participate without registering.  A syllabus for the course is available in the CCUP office.

1. Assume a leadership position at CCUP or UT.
2. Participate in at least one retreat each semester.
3. Attend four of the twelve lectures sponsored by CCUP each year.
4. Attend the general CLP meetings (three or four each semester).
5. Second-year students also meet twice a month for theological discussion and leadership training.
6. All CLP students are encouraged to take at least one Catholic Studies course sometime during their undergraduate years, although this is not a strict requirement.

The following materials must be submitted to the CCUP office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2008:

1. The official CLP application form (which is included in the CLP application packet).  Additional copies of the application are available in the CCUP office and online as part of the PDF application.
2. A one-page typed statement indicating the applicant’s reasons for wanting to participate in the program and willingness and ability to meet the requirements, especially the time commitments; as well as high school leadership roles, honors and cumulative GPA.  Applicants may also note their financial situation if they wish.
3. A letter of recommendation from a pastor (or other pastoral leader) who can attest to the applicant’s commitment to the Catholic tradition, involvement in a faith community, as well as potential for leadership.
4. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic counselor who can attest to the applicant’s potential to successfully complete college-level coursework.

A committee will review all the fully completed applications received by the deadline.  They will make their selections on the following criteria:

1. Commitment to the Catholic tradition;
2. Leadership potential;
3. Academic abilities;
4. Ability to manage the time demands;
5. Willingness to participate for four years.

Toledo Bishop Leonard Blair (far left), UT President Daniel Johnson (second from right) and Auxiliary Bishop Robert Donnelly (far right) proudly pose for a picture with CLP students Michael Warner '04, Katherine Pierce '05 and Julie Kropp '05, at a November 2003 reception in Washington, D.C., where the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops honored the Christian Leadership Program for excellence in developing leaders for the future.

The Catholic Chronicle 69.21 (Friday, October 31, 2003)