Institute for Leadership in Ministry

What is the Institute?

The Institute’s core program is a three-year course of studies which provides a foundation in Catholic theology, spirituality, education and training in leadership.

Foundational to the Institute is that all are called by virtue of baptism, to use our gifts to build the Reign of God. Those whose talents include the ability to lead must be theologically trained and pastorally formed. The Institute has trained individuals for leadership in the Diocese of San Jose since 1997.

In addition to the core program, the Institute shares the responsibility for the Advanced Lay Leadership Formation and the training and formation of Permanent Deacons.

Why lay leadership?

The Second Vatican Council called for the full and active participation of the faithful. In his apostolic exhortation Christifidelis Laici (January 1989), Pope John Paul II writes: “the lay faithful must take an active, conscious, and responsible part in the mission of the Church.” The Institute for Leadership in Ministry serves to prepare members of the Catholic laity from the Diocese of San Jose for leadership in the Church.

Please see the Admissions Page for more information on the process for the 2023-2024 academic year. Classes begin September 2023.

In Their Own Words: Recent Articles by ILM Graduates in The Valley Catholic

Timeline

September 1

Grace From Covid

As a person filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit, my mom knew how to nurture hope. Growing up, I never saw my mom complain about anything. If she personified hope, then my dad would be joy. Dad was always filled with the joy of the New Year, Tết. His smile could light up the whole world.

Together, with our Hearts Set on Fire

Graduation Speech Delivered at the Cathedral Basilica on Wed, May 3rd. Christus Vivit! Christ is alive and so are we! Indeed, we are grateful that we survived three years in the Institute for Leadership in Ministry. We spent approximately two years of that time in endless Zoom classes, with no contact, no hugs, and no celebrations.

Serving Outside the Church Walls: Eleven Years After Graduating from the Institute for Leadership in Ministry

In 2012, I graduated from the Institute for Leadership in Ministry (ILM) and immediately entered the Diocesan Advanced Lay Leadership formation program leading to my commissioning as an Advanced Lay Leader in 2016.

Love Indeed is the Common Theme – Speech

My dear classmates, with regards to our faith, it is as if we started the Institute for Leadership in Ministry (ILM) three years ago with a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle that has yet to be completed. Just like a puzzle, analogously, I think we all began with just the border pieces worked out, already filled with admiration for the shapes and colors of the individual pieces.

Our Graduation

Good evening. This day marks the end of the journey we began 3 years ago. Today we give thanks to God for having completed this commitment we made with love.

The Legacy of a Good and Brave Shepherd

I was baptized in the Diocese of Vinh in Northern Vietnam, before my family moved to South Vietnam, where I attended Catholic school. After emigrating to the U.S. I became a local leader of the Friendship Organization of the Diocese of Vinh.