Empowering Parish Priests Through Leadership Communication
Today’s Roman Catholic priest is much more than a spiritual guide. In our modern world, priests are visionary leaders, compassionate communicators, and capable managers, guiding souls and entire parish communities. As they navigate increasingly complex responsibilities, managing staff, overseeing finances, leading diverse teams, and addressing the needs of multicultural congregations, many newly ordained priests find themselves underprepared for the leadership challenges they face.
That is why I created Effective Leadership Communication for Parish Teams, a thoughtfully designed blended learning program built to empower priests with the tools, confidence, and communication strategies to lead parish teams with purpose and clarity.
Why Leadership Communication?
Research reveals that while traditional seminary training equips priests in theology and pastoral care, it often overlooks vital leadership and team communication skills. Without these, priests risk feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and burnt out.
Grounded in the Transformational Leadership Framework and based on research by Bernadette McMasters Kime (2022), my program directly addresses the communication and leadership gaps many new priests experience, helping them:
Develop practical communication strategies tailored to parish life
Inspire trust and motivation within their teams
Foster collaboration among volunteers, staff, and parishioners
Resolve conflict constructively and maintain harmony
Engage effectively with diverse communities and diocesan leaders
Program Preview: Module 1 – Foundations of Leadership Communication
In this engaging face-to-face session, I introduce newly ordained parish priests to the fundamentals of leadership communication in the context of parish life. Rather than theory alone, this module contains real-life parish scenarios and interactive learning experiences such as:
Case studies from parishes
Role-plays that simulate day-to-day team challenges
Reflective exercises to help identify and enhance personal communication styles
Participants will explore what it truly means to be a team leader in the Church, learning how to:
Encourage collaboration and teamwork
Inspire and guide through authentic communication
Create a safe space for open dialogue and feedback
Approach conflict with empathy and resolve it with grace
Whether they are stepping into their first parish leadership role or simply seeking to enhance their ability to guide others, Module 1 provides the ideal foundation.
Click here to explore this module: Module 1