What is Laudato Si’ Leadership Training? For whom is the program designed?

Catholic Extension Society is offering Laudato Si’ Leadership Training – your diocese can be a part of the inaugural cohort! The Laudato Si’ Leadership Cohort is a collaboration between the USCCB and the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, sponsored by Catholic Extension Society. 

This program prepares diocesan leadership to create achievable Laudato Si’ action plans to transform their communities. This offering is available to diocesan staff assigned or approved by their bishops to lead Laudato Si’ planning processes within their dioceses, particularly geared for faith communities in rural areas and small towns. 

Approved participants will be given tools, expertise, and accompaniment to develop a unique and concrete diocesan plan for the rural churches in their dioceses. 

The cohort experience includes 1) an in-person two-day conference at the USCCB headquarters in Washington, D.C, January 27-29, 2026, and 2) monthly cohort gatherings through October 2026. Interested dioceses will fill out a brief application, and dioceses will be chosen to participate in the first cohort.     

How to Apply:  

  • If the QR code above does not work, you may use the following link:  Laudato Si’ Leadership Training Interest Form 
  • Applicants must be diocesan staff members and must be appointed by their bishop to lead the Laudato Si’ planning for their diocese. 
  • Expertise in the field of Laudato Si’ is not a requirement; applicants may serve the diocese in various capacities, such as Director of Plant and Property, Chief Finance Officer, Peace and Justice Director, Development Director, Vicar General, or other positions. 
  • It is important that participants possess the ability to build a team and collaborate effectively with diocesan leadership to develop and implement the plan. 
  • Scholarships are available and participants will receive communications from Josh Van Cleef, Director, Peace and Justice Office, Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington 

For More Information, Contact: 

Odette Barrientos, Director of Mission Programs, at (312) 795-6082 or [email protected] 

Josh Van Cleef, Peace and Justice Office, Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, at (859) 253-1993 ext. 1040 or [email protected]