October 5-8 2009

The Church Management Institute is offering a special certificate program exclusively for auxiliary bishops, diocesan vicar generals, and current and future leaders of religious orders. This is an intensive executive education experience to provide participants with a deeper and fuller background in the concepts of leadership and management. Along with improving their knowledge and skill set, participants are presented with opportunities for social contact and networking. Prominent practitioners from across the United States have accepted our invitation to partake in this endeavor.

Please navigate the links below to learn more.

Why is this program beneficial to my organization? When and where does the program take place? How can I get involved? What are the costs of the program? Presenters

Institute Materials 2009 Institute Brochure (PDF)

Why is this program beneficial to my organization?

The Church Management Institute is an initiative created to improve the Church’s ability to attract, train, motivate, develop, and retain its people. At the conclusion of the course, not only will students have formed a peer group community, they will have developed the following core competencies:

Planning
• an understanding of best practices in strategic planning processes
• increased proficiency in the use of information technology to organize data and as a research and problem solving tool
• an understanding of the legal environment of Churches in the U.S. and the relationship between civil and church law

Organizing
• an understanding of human resource practices appropriate and useful for supporting and directing staff and the applications of such practice in Church environments
• the ability to envision and employ alternative organizational structures and dynamics to achieve desirable organizational objectives

Leading
• enhanced skills with group dynamics and fostering effective group work
• an ability to reflect on organizational dynamics and practices from a theological and ecclesiological perspective in order to align the faith community's work with its values

Controlling
• financial literacy in areas such as budgeting and the preparation and analysis of financial statements
• an appreciation of the importance of accountability and transparency in a church setting

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When and where does the Church Management Institute take place?

This four day program is scheduled to start on the afternoon of October 5 and conclude on the afternoon of October 8.

Program activities and accommodations are held at the Villanova Conference Center, 601 County Line Road, Radnor, PA (19087).

Click here to learn more about The Villanova Conference Center.

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How can I get involved?

The Villanova School of Business invites you and your organization to participate in the Church Management Institute. The application process consists of a nomination from your diocese or religious order and an application (to be completed by the participant).

Nomination

Diocesan ordinaries and religious superiors are asked to nominate participants to attend by submitting a brief letter of endorsement. Multiple submissions from each diocese/religious order are welcome. Nominations can either be submitted electronically to cscm@villanova.edu or to:

Church Management Institute
Villanova School of Business
800 Lancaster Ave
Villanova, PA 19085

Upon their nomination, candidates will be asked to submit an application along with a brief essay further describing one particular challenge that they face in their current position.

Application

Questions can be directed to Charles Zech at CSCM@villanova.edu or 610-519-4371.

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What are the costs of the program?

The regular cost of the program is $1500. However, due to foundation scholarship funding, the cost for 2009 participants is only $750. The four day program includes all course materials, meals, and housing accommodations at the first class Villanova Conference Center.

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Testimonials

"Very well done. Practical, effective, good networking, very good setting. I appreciated the internet access in my room which enabled me to do office work, thereby lowering my stress and increasing my attention to the program."
-Very Rev. Marc Alexander, STD, Vicar General, Diocese of Honolulu

"I was pleasantly pleased surprised by the inclusion of spirituality in the content."
-Rev. John Fontana, Prior Provincial, USA Province of Friar Servants of Mary (Servites)

"The quality of presentations was superb. The length of the program enabled it to provide more in-depth treatment of the subjects."
-Rev. Tahn Vu, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Baton Rouge

"The quality of the presenters was excellent, as was the quality of the accommodations."
-Rev. Sam Restivo, Provincial Superior, Canadian Province, Congregation of the Resurrection
 

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