Christian Leadership PrograM - APPLY HERE!

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. Participate in one Christian Service project (at least 12 hours) starting in the Fall Semester and attend one theological reflection session.
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 take the course for credit by writing a ten-page paper in addition to the regular class work.  A syllabus for the course is available in the CCUP office.

1. Assume a leadership position at CCUP, in CSA or at UT, and write a theological reflection paper on the experience each semester.
2. Participate in at least one retreat each semester, and write a theological reflection on each one.
3. Attend two of the six lectures sponsored by CCUP each semester, and write a summary of each one.
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. Participate in one Christian Service project (at least 12 hours) starting in the Fall semester and attend one theological reflection session.
7. 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.

Download an application here! Word | PDF

The following materials must be submitted to the CCUP office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2011:

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 at http://www.ccup.org/CLP.html. 
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 composed of a faculty member and three permanent community members (non-student parishioners) 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)