Leadership Communication for Priests: A Capstone Project

The Roman Catholic Church stands at a transformative crossroads, facing a global priest shortage, changing cultural expectations, and growing demands on parish leadership. Strong, authentic communication is more essential than ever in this moment of change.

This capstone project explores how leadership rooted in the Transformational Leadership framework can empower newly ordained priests to thrive as spiritual leaders, team builders, and community stewards. Focusing on the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, the study examines the actual communication needs of priests, both new and experienced, to develop a training program that is practical, culturally relevant, and deeply connected to parish life.

While individual data remains confidential, the heart of this project, its purpose and design, is shared here to inspire and inform.

Transforming Parish Leadership: A New Communication Training Blueprint

In today’s fast-changing world, priests do more than preach. They lead teams, resolve conflict, engage communities, and navigate complex parish dynamics. Yet many step into ministry without formal training in these essential areas.

This research-informed training program, developed using the ADDIE instructional design model, fills that gap.

Through a blend of microlearning, workshops, and real-life applications, newly ordained priests learn foundational communication skills to advanced leadership strategies tailored to parish ministry.

Learn how this innovative program empowers priests to lead with clarity, compassion, and collaboration.

Click here to explore: Training Plan Design