Jesuit Collaborative

Unless religious leaders take young adults more seriously, the future of American religion is in doubt. So says Princeton sociologist Dr. Robert Wuthnow in his recent book, After the Baby Boomers. The Jesuit Collaborative is rising to this challenge by pioneering a unique program that will blend Ignatian spirituality with secular leadership best practices. Contemplative Leaders in Action is being designed to nurture emerging Christ-centered leaders so that they can impact society. Each year, a selected cohort of approximately fifteen to twenty young adults “emerging leaders” from business, the professions, civil society, and non-profit organizations will be nominated to enter this program. In broad terms, the two-year program will comprise (1) monthly evening meetings involving either a guest lecture, a book discussion, or some other interactive activity, (2) occasional retreats, (3) an opportunity for spiritual direction and an informal mentoring relationship with a more senior person who shares their professional field and their faith, and (4) a service project. By providing both spiritual formation and “secular” leadership development, the program will be unique. It’s worldly and spiritual; it aims to help young adults lead a whole life rather than split lives, and will draw from sources as varied as leadership theory, business case studies, the Spiritual Exercises, and Catholic social teaching.

The program is being piloted in New York City in Fall of 2008, with a goal of expansion in the East beginning in 2009. If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact Chris Lowney (chrislowney@verizon.net).