LEADERS FOR THE FUTURE LOAN PROGRAM

 

The Leaders for the Future Loan Program supports college -level study in order to develop future ministry leaders in the Diocese of Joliet.

Leaders for the Future recognizes the importance of supporting lay leaders engaged in graduate study for ministry. Interest-free loans are offered over a three-year period. The loan amount may be available as follows:

1st year applicant - $1,500
2nd year applicant - $2,000
3rd year applicant - $2,500

Those meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• The applicant must have completed at least one full year of employment with the diocese, parish, or Catholic elementary or secondary school in a professional position.  Volunteers with at least three years of demonstrated leadership abilities within the parish setting and a specialization in catechetical ministry may also be considered. Preference will be given to full time employees. Part-time employees and volunteers will be considered if funding is available. 

 

Applicant funding priorities are as follows:
 

• First priority will be given to parish catechetical leaders (Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education, Directors/Coordinators of Youth Ministry and Directors/Coordinators of Adult Faith Formation, Principal/Assistant Principal) pursuing a Masters Degree in Divinity, Pastoral Studies, Religious Education, Theology, etc. Teachers pursuing a “Type 75” Principal Certificate will also receive primary consideration.  

• Second priority will be to those parish catechetical leaders and qualified volunteer catechetical leaders seeking a bachelor’s level degree after a minimum of 60 credit hours have been completed.  (Volunteers: note above criteria)  This applicants seeking a bachelor’s degree will require the prior approval of the diocesan Director of Religious Education.

• Third priority will be given to teachers pursuing a ministerial degree, such as one of those listed above, administrative certificates, such as curriculum coordinators, with preference in the subjects of science, math, and bilingual education and special education, music, and liturgy.  Funding will not be available for teachers who do not meet the stated criteria. 

 

Funding will not be granted to those pursuing a Doctorate Degree.
 
STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT:  Applications must include two statements of support from the employee’s supervisor and the applicant’s pastor from their home parish, with an explanation of the leadership benefits that the diocese will receive from the employee when the degree program is completed.

LOAN REPAYMENT:  The corresponding loan amount will be reduced for each year of service in the Diocese of Joliet after the program is completed. A lay minister who borrows for three years, completes a degree, and serves for three years in the Diocese of Joliet would be free of any obligation.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

• Two different applications are available.  New candidates should complete the application for 1st Year Applicants; returning candidates should complete the application for 2nd and 3rd Year Applicants.
   
• The Loan Agreement form needs to be completed by all candidates.

• Completed applications are due on June 1. No exceptions will be made.  

Applications should be submitted

via email to:

Jane Lagger, Director

at jlagger@dioceseofjoliet.org

or mailed to:

Jane Lagger, Director
Catholic Education Foundation
101 W. Airport Road
Romeoville, IL  60446

• Loan funding may be offered but is not guaranteed.
   

Please note that application and granting does not extend beyond the stated one-year period. Applications are required and reviewed on an annual basis by the Awards Committee of the Catholic Education Foundation. Funding is limited and all applicants may not be accepted.