Leadership Roundtable News

The Right Fight

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:22:50 GMT

[Leadership Roundtable Trustee] The Rev. J. Bryan Hehir is a Catholic priest, the secretary for health care and social services in the Archdiocese of Boston, and the Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Religion and Public Life at HKS. He has been dean of Harvard Divinity School, president of Catholic Charities USA, and director of the office of international affairs of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. In the past 20 years Hehir has thought and written extensively on the moral dimensions of military intervention.

iVatican

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:22:50 GMT

The Vatican is launching an iPhone application, and it chose a San Bernardino priest to deliver the app's inspirational message. The Rev. Michael Manning, 69, host of a longtime show on Trinity Broadcasting Network, author of several books and recipient of a 2006 papal award, will deliver daily inspirational video messages on the app. The app's release is expected in early April. The app, sponsored by the Vatican Observatory Foundation, is apparently the first from a Vatican-affiliated institution. The Rev. Paul Tighe, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said from his Vatican office that he is unaware of any other.

Millennials Less Religiously Active

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

By some key measures, Americans ages 18 to 29 are considerably less religious than older Americans. Fewer young adults belong to any particular faith than older people do today. They also are less likely to be affiliated than their parents' and grandparents' generations were when they were young. Yet in other ways, Millennials remain fairly traditional in their religious beliefs and practices. Pew Research Center surveys show, for instance, that young adults' beliefs about life after death and the existence of heaven, hell and miracles closely resemble the beliefs of older people today.

Board certified chaplains?

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Sick patients want to be treated by the best-trained doctors and nurses available. But is that enough or do patients need pastoral care as an integral part of holistic health care? While most hospitals offer spiritual care to their patients, do patients really need professionally trained and board-certified Catholic chaplains? One organization thinks so. "Chaplaincy work is a remarkable ministry, but requires knowledge of the setting," said David Lichter, executive director of the Milwaukee-based National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Financial experiment in Boston

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

A sufficient number of volunteer parishes have stepped forward to begin the test phase of a new model of the financial relationship between parishes and the archdiocese. In late 2009, Cardinal Sean O'Malley called for 30 volunteer parishes to be part of the first phase of the new financial model's rollout. This week, the Archdiocese of Boston announced it has 34 parishes who have volunteered to implement the plan during the next fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

Chicago Catholics want to listen

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

The ads ask Catholics to return to their pews. But some churches in suburban Chicago want to take it a step further. They are ready to listen to complaints about the church from inactive Catholics, and prepared to apologize for any hurt the church has caused. As part of the Catholics Come Home initiative and similar efforts, churches in Chicago, Joliet and Rockford, Ill., have reached out through television ads, special classes, and social nights to attract inactive members before Lent.

Affirming Catholicity

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Academic excellence and public service should be the twin goals of Catholic education, according to the president of the oldest and biggest assembly of Catholic universities in the US. Leadership Roundtable member Anthony J. Cernera sets out his vision to Peter Kavanagh.

2010 Charles Carroll Award

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) has announced the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters as the recipient of this year's Charles Carroll Award for its support of Catholic nuns worldwide. The Los Angeles-based Fund for Sisters was established in 1986 by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, whose founder, hotelier Conrad Hilton, left his fortune to help the world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable people. To date, the fund has awarded grants totaling $75 million to support the educational, health, and social service ministries of sisters in one hundred and thirty countries.

Monks and MBAs

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

The arrival of digital media is affecting every aspect of society from policing, to health care, to education, to news reporting and to entertainment. The greeting-card business is not immune. An estimated 300 million e-cards are sent each year. The legendary Hallmark Cards, based in Kansas City, Mo., and celebrating its 100th birthday this year, sent more than 47 million e-cards in 2008 alone. One business owner, a group of Benedictine monks who are used to centuries of ink and parchment, is also adjusting to this new reality.

Holy See Budget

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

A communique published today announces that the Council of Cardinals for the Study of the Organisational and Economic Problems of the Holy See met on 20 and 21 January under the presidency of Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. The order of the day was the discussion of the consolidated budget of the Holy See and the budget of the Governorate of Vatican City State, for the year 2010.

Extraordinary Pastoring

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Extraordinary Pastoring was the title given for this conference gathering those who lead parishes under a special provision of canon law during times of priest shortage. The group shared many positive experiences of leading Catholic parishes across the nation and began planning for the development of a national professional ministry organization.

A Culture of Excellence

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:22:50 GMT

An article appearing in the magazine of the National Federation of Priests' Councils, written by Leadership Roundtable Director of Planning and Programs Michael Brough. The article discusses Catholic Standards for Excellence and the 360-degree performance review tool offered by the Roundtable, as well as ways for the Church to adopt best temporal practices so that ministry and service can flourish.

Giving money away

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Giving money away is not as easy as one might think. It becomes even more complicated if individuals and institutions integrate a Catholic socially responsible approach into their philanthropy. We help people with their philanthropy and are able to create amazing opportunities for kids and families to attend Catholic schools, as one example of our work, said Leadership Roundtable member Marilou Eldred.

Catholic Charities receives more in 2009

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Catholic Charities USA, the national office that represents local Catholic Charities affiliates, had expected to fall several million dollars short of its $7.1-million goal for the year. But giving rallied at the end of December: Donations grew 21% that month compared with the same time last year, and the number of donors grew by 30%. Catholic Charities USA has so far recorded $6.6 million for 2009 and is still processing gifts.

Real World Catholic Leader

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:22:50 GMT

Leadership Roundtable board member Susan King is interviewed on Busted Halo's radio show by Fr. Dave Dwyer. Check out the interview at http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/interview-susan-king/

Finance councils foster wise stewardship

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:22:50 GMT

The Catholic Church requires parishes to have a committee of laity with financial know-how. Financial councils help pastors and parish business managers come to sound decisions on internal controls, budget, payroll, investment, real estate, fund drives, building campaigns and poor funds.

Diocese Implements Electronic Giving

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:22:50 GMT

The Catholic Church of Long Island is launching a comprehensive, electronic giving program that is available to all 133 parishes with Faith Direct.The electronic giving program is a convenient way to practice responsible financial stewardship by using electronic funds transfer (EFT). Through electronic giving, parishioners can make all contributions to their parishes via an automatic payment from a checking/savings account or credit card just as one would with their cable bill, phone bill or other expenses. With the number of personal check users dwindling, this program offers a more secure, yet easy way to support parish offertory.

Bishops, business leaders meet

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:22:50 GMT

Nearly forty Roman Catholic bishops gathered for a discussion with business and financial leaders on Sunday that focused on strengthening the financial outlook of the Catholic Church in the United States. Hosted by the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, the meeting was held in conjunction with the fall gathering of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore and served as a follow up to a previous meeting with an additional group of bishops held in Chicago in April.

Congregations' Contributions Increase

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:22:50 GMT

During the first half of 2009, and despite the deepening recession, more than two-thirds of congregations in the United States saw their fundraising results increase or remain the same on a year-over-year basis, a new report from the Alban Institute and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University finds.

Priests as lifelong learners

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:22:50 GMT

Ask any doctor, lawyer or accountant how many continuing education credits they are required to take each year to maintain their license and they will quickly rattle off the number. Satisfying these rules is often time-consuming, not particularly exciting, but necessary and enriching. It is what professionals have to do in order to properly serve their clients and to remain in good standing with regulators.

Making the grade in Memphis

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:22:50 GMT

Catholic schools achieved the greatest social transformation in American history, pulling impoverished Irish immigrants out of the underclass and into the working and middle classes, writes Patrick McCloskey, author of 'The Street Stops Here', an account of a year in the life of a Catholic School in Harlem. These schools now provide a lifeline for disadvantaged, non-Catholic minorities in urban America, boosting graduation and college acceptance rates, and outperforming many equivalent public schools. But they are also disappearing from the very neighborhoods that need them most. McCloskey reports on how one diocese has bucked the trend, what it means to one family, and what it could mean for America.

Keeping Catholics Engaged

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:22:50 GMT

Kerry Robinson, executive director of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, has been working to keep Catholics involved in the church by asking them to give of their talents in service. 'When you invite someone to give what they do best,' Robinson said, 'they become more invested in the church.' The group is partnering with St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University to bring this concept to students who are excited about being a part of the Catholic Church. They are planning a pilot program that will span several campuses, bringing students together to be trained for church leadership after graduation.

Fixing Catholic Schools

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:22:50 GMT

A profile on John Eriksen, a consultant with the Leadership Roundtable. From the article, "He is neither old nor a priest nor particularly attached to time-honored traditions. At 35, John Eriksen, one of the nation's youngest Catholic-school superintendents, offers a ruthless assessment of parochial education. 'The biggest threat that urban Catholic schools face is nostalgia,' he says both of districts nationwide and of his own diocese of Paterson, N.J."

Thank you Leon Panetta

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:22:50 GMT

The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management hosted a reception to express its gratitude to the Honorable Leon E. Panetta for his service to the Leadership Roundtable. Panetta was a founding board member of the Roundtable in 2004, and he stepped down earlier this year to focus on his appointment as the 19th director of the Central Intelligence Agency by President Obama.

Publishing Partnership

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:22:50 GMT

The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management and St. Anthony Messenger Press have partnered to deliver best practices materials in the areas of Church management, finance, and human resources development to the widest possible Catholic audience. Materials produced by the Leadership Roundtable are now available in the Saint Anthony Messenger Press catalog, as well as online.

Commanding Excellence

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 05:22:50 GMT

At first glance, it would seem hard to imagine two organizations more different from each other than the Catholic Church and the U.S. Army. But then again. . . .

Church: Come back!

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 05:22:50 GMT

Calling all "lapsed" Catholics: There are plenty of empty pews waiting for you. That's the message Roman Catholic leaders in Chicago, Rockford and Joliet plan to hit the airwaves with in a $1.3 million end-of-the-year TV ad blitz aimed at bringing the fallen away back to the flock.(Chicago Sun-Times)

Detroit Restructures

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:22:50 GMT

In response to a critical cash-flow situation, the Archdiocese of Detroit has announced a major financial restructuring of its central operations that involves its programs, properties and positions. In the words of Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, 'The financial realities of our current circumstances are sobering; the resulting changes for the administrative structure of the archdiocese are significant.'

Best Practices for new pastors

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:22:50 GMT

You don't think there are enough hours in the day for laypeople? Try being a parish pastor.There's all the spiritual and sacramental ministry the position entails, plus the work that goes along with being, quite often, the only priest in a sizable suburban parish with plenty of staff and even more demands.

LR Launches Management Seminar

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:22:50 GMT

Seton Hall University and National Leadership Roundtable Launch Innovative Management Seminar for New Pastors

Tony Blair talks God at UPenn speech

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:22:50 GMT

Philadelphia Inquirer. "Addressing an audience at the University of Pennsylvania yesterday morning, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped away from politics and focused on the divine. Specifically, the recent convert to Catholicism spoke about God."

Holy See Financial Statements 2008

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:22:50 GMT

A communique published by the Vatican explains that the Holy See consolidated financial statements for 2008, presented to the cardinals during a July meeting by Archbishop Velasio De Paolis C.S., president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, show a deficit of 911,514 euro, the difference between an income of 253,953,869 euro and outgoings of 254,865,383 euro.

Solar power: Let the sunshine in

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:22:50 GMT

The 'environmental crisis,' we are reminded, is a 'moral challenge' that requires us 'to examine how we use and share the goods of the earth, what we pass on to future generations, and how we live in harmony with God's creation.' Just the latest environmental pabulum from the trendy religious left? Hardly. Those words were promulgated by the U.S. bishops in their 1991 statement 'Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching.'

Making Parishes Engaging

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:22:50 GMT

Making parishes engaging and vibrant. NCR. Thomas Gallagher reveals one of the tools for overcoming stagnancy in parish life, engaging the talents of the laity and empowering pastors for leadership.

How to sell the Pope

Tue, 19 May 2009 16:11:41 GMT

How to sell a better Pope. Newsweek. Lisa Miller asks the experts for tips to improve the Pope's PR machine. The Leadership Roundtable's Communications Committee chair, Susan King, offers her suggestions.

Best-Practicing Catholics

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:24:32 GMT

Commonweal. Writer Peter McDonough explores the role of the Leadership Roundtable in responding to contemporary church management challenges.

Emmanuel College Lecture

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:24:05 GMT

Emmanuel College. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, delivers the Sr. Marie Augusta Neal, SND Lecture at Emmanuel College in Boston and outlines the foundational values of the Leadership Roundtable.

Electronic giving in a recession

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:23:41 GMT

Catholic News Service. Jackie Taylor reports that electronic giving has been shown to provide financial stability for a growing number of parishes to continue their outreach during the current recession.

Catholic schools vow to stay open

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:23:15 GMT

Los Angeles Times. Catholic educators and businessmen in the Diocese of Orange, California, form a task force to respond to shrinking enrollments that threaten to decimate urban Catholic schools educating more than 1,000 children. The result: schools will stay open next year with a new tuition plan and a vigorous marketing campaign to fill empty seats. The diocese will also hire a new associate superintendent to supervise their finances and development.

Priest-Bishop Relationships

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:22:46 GMT

National Catholic Reporter. Two partners of the Leadership Roundtable, the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy and the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, are featured in this mission and management article on their program, Cultivating Unity, a transformational process engaging priests and bishop in frank and faith-centered dialogue leading to a common rededication to priestly ministry.

Foundations Decrease Giving

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:22:20 GMT

Chronicle of Philanthropy. A new survey from the Council on Foundations finds that 62 percent of foundations expect to reduce their grant making this year. In response to the economic downturn, most foundations are increasing assistance for low-income people and many are increasing support for basic needs.

The Googlization of philanthropy

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:21:38 GMT

Chronicle of Philanthropy. Sean Stannard-Stockton reports that philanthropy is about to benefit from a revolution in how information is shared-what he calls the Googlization of philanthropy.

Justice in the Church Workplace

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:53:51 GMT

Archdiocese policy models justice in the workplace. National Catholic Reporter. Read how one Archdiocese revamped their employment policies to become a model employer. The context was good management practices, but also -- through scripture, tradition, doctrine and experience -- the mandate to act justly as an employer.

Catholic-School Comeback?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:44:30 GMT

City Journal. Writer Patrick McCloskey explores the response of the Catholic Church to closure of half of the nation's Catholic schools since 1965, with an average of 250 closing per year. Church leaders and lay professionals have 'had to move from a bureaucratic to an entrepreneurial way of thinking' according to one Catholic Schools Superintendent.

Donate expertise-not just money

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:43:38 GMT

The Sacramento Bee. Bob Shallit reports on a new brand of philanthropy that gets executives to open their wallets with monetary donations but also encourage get them to be hands-on, donating expertise in marketing, accounting and other bottom-line issues to help nonprofits run more efficiently.

The Nun and the Bureaucrat

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:15:09 GMT

Lean Enterprise Institute. In this book and video set, doctors, nurses, and administrators at two large hospital systems explain how lean management methods adopted from Toyota cut costs while improving care and staff morale at one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the U.S.

Accounting for Excellence

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:08:41 GMT

In Des Moines, accounting for excellence sets a standard. National Catholic Reporter. In the first article of a new 'Mission Management' feature, NCR reports on the successful implementation of standardized parish accounting software in the Diocese of Des Moines, IA.

Roundtable supports CT Bishops

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:01:42 GMT

In response to a request from Catholic dioceses in the State of Connecticut, the Leadership Roundtable issued the following a statement in opposition to a bill being considered by the Judiciary Committee of that state to "revise the corporate governance provisions [of the Connecticut Statutes] applicable to the Roman Catholic Church."

New Board for Chicago Catholic Schools

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:01:08 GMT

Chicago Tribune. Margaret Ramirez reports on the formation of a new archdiocesan school board to plan a future vision for Chicago's Catholic schools. The new board members include finance, education and business experts including members of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management.

Lessons from Catholic health care

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:00:23 GMT

America. Daniel P. Sulmasy, Franciscan friar and professor of medicine at New York Medical College asks what lessons can be learned from the collapse of the Catholic hospital system in New York City.

Fundraising in an economic crisis

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:18:35 GMT

Rendering unto God. Duke University's Faith & Leadership. David Gibson reports on the best way to raise money during an economic crisis. Experts say focusing on 'faith-raising,' not fundraising, is the key. The Leadership Roundtable's Kerry Robinson contributes: 'I look at these dire economic times and this legitimately anxious period we're in as an even greater moment to exercise development and stewardship in these terms. The stakes are higher. People are anxious. They want good news, and they want to contribute in a meaningful way, they want to be selfless. Our faith communities have an opportunity to offer that to others.'

Parochial-School Lessons

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:49:05 GMT

The Wall Street Journal. Book review of "The Street Stops Here: A Year at a Catholic High School in Harlem," by Patrick J. McCloskey. One of his principal arguments is that public schools should adopt the best practices of the Catholic institutions in Harlem.

Catholic Media Must Be Ethical

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:50:58 GMT

Zenit. Papal spokesman, Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi, calls for improved church communications emphasizing "clear, simple and understandable language."

2008 Report Available Now!

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:13:52 GMT

The report from the annual meeting of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management is now available for free download or purchase. View or order your copy of "Managerial Excellence: Engaging the Faith Community in Leadership in the Church Today."

Ethics in Catholic Business Schools

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:13:19 GMT

What's Good for Business? The ethical legacy of Catholic business schools. America magazine. Gerald F. Cavanagh, SJ, reviews the teaching of business ethics in Catholic colleges and universities.

International Priests Serve US Parishes

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:28:21 GMT

Serving U.S. Parishes, Fathers Without Borders. New York Times. Reporter Laurie Goodstein reports on recruitment efforts by the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, to bring priests from overseas to serve in US parishes. Read the Leadership Roundtable's analysis of the priest recruitment situation here.

Vatican Auditor Appointed

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:22:40 GMT

Zenit. Benedict XVI has appointed a Korean economist, Thomas Han Hong-Soon, as the Vatican's international controller for the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See. As financial controller, Han will be responsible for examining the Vatican's accounts and balance sheets.

Catholic Charities top provider

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:22:10 GMT

CathNewsUSA. Catholic Charities USA, the nation's largest social services network, has been named the country's top provider of social services. Leadership Roundtable member, Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, commends the professionalism of Catholic charities agencies across the country.

Long Island schools connect online

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:21:35 GMT

The Long Island Catholic. Catholic schools in the Rockville Center diocese utilize website technology to improve education and advance both internal and external communications for students, parents and teachers.

Archbishops honored for leadership

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:20:53 GMT

Archbishops honored for leadership. The Leadership Roundtable, Catholic Church Extension Society and Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) honor three Gulf Coast archbishops for their exemplary leadership in rebuilding the Church after Hurricane Katrina.

Money ministry blesses giver, receiver

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:17:22 GMT

Money ministry blesses giver, receiver. Florida Catholic. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, addresses the 25th Anniversary Conference of the National Catholic Development Conference on the spirituality of fundraising.

Archbishop Takes Stock

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:14:13 GMT

Taking Stock. The Catholic Review. Archbishop Edwin O'Brien of the Archdiocese of Baltimore provides a report on diocesan operations, administration and finances with an eye on improving efficiency, accountability and effectiveness in achieving the overall mission of supporting parishes, schools and other institutions. Archbishop O'Brien notes that the current economic situation makes good stewardship ever more important.

Leadership Program for Pastors

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:14:20 GMT

Shepherding Them Rightly-A Program for Pastors. The Diocese of Knoxville, TN, a series of monthly workshops engaging local and national experts to work with pastors across a range of important leadership topics.

Preserving a Critical National Asset

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:12:59 GMT

Preserving a Critical National Asset: America's Disadvantaged Students and the Crisis in Faith-Based Urban Schools. America's inner-city faith-based schools are facing a crisis. Between 2000 and 2006, nearly 1,200 faith-based schools in America's inner cities have closed, half of which are Catholic institutions in poor neighborhoods. This has affected nearly 400,000 students. President George W. Bush addresses this loss of this 'critical national asset.' Leadership Roundtable member B.J. Cassin and Best Practices honoree, Dr. Mary McDonald, contributed to the Whitehouse Summit.

Australian Church and Charity Regulation

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:12:12 GMT

Australian Bishops' representative participates in government roundtable on charity regulation. ACBC. Fr. Brian Lucas, Secretary of the Australian Bishops' Conference contributes to government efforts to improve governance, standards, accountability and transparency in the not-for-profit sector. The media release also provides a link to the full submission

Responding to the financial crisis

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:11:04 GMT

People, organizations need to work together to solve crisis. Catholic News Service. Leadership Roundtable Chairman, Geoffrey T. Boisi and Treasurer, Thomas J. Healey, discuss the current financial crisis and how Catholics can respond positively to the situation.

Korean Church Parish Computer System

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:14:24 GMT

Integrated Computer System Standardizes Parish Administration Throughout South Korea. UCAN. The Catholic Church in South Korea has launched an integrated computerization system to link all parishes and standardize management of parish affairs.

Leadership Roundtable in the Tablet

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:02:44 GMT

Held to Account. The Tablet of London. Elena Curti reports on the mission of the Leadership Roundtable and why its efforts to apply up-to-date standards of management are more vital than ever in the current economic climate

Ethics Check for Ascension Health

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:20:42 GMT

BusinessWeek. The board of Catholic healthcare giant, Ascension Health, wanted to assess how the health-care provider was living up to its Catholic mission. This short video (4 minutes, 35 seconds) describes their rigorous approach to measuring Catholic identify using the SAIP method from St. Thomas University.

Roundtable in BusinessWeek

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:07:18 GMT

A Businesses Plan for the Catholic Church. BusinessWeek. Reporter Douglas MacMillan puts the spotlight on a group of executives putting management skills to work on shaping the US Catholic Church through the work of the Leadership Roundtable.

Catholic investments impacted by economy

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:07:06 GMT

CNS. Leadership Roundtable board member Sr. Carol Keehan and other Catholic leaders comment on the current economic situation and the implications for Catholic institutions and their investments.

A Church Transparent

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:31:39 GMT

America Magazine. Leadership Roundtable treasurer, Thomas Healey, illustrates the quiet revolution taking hold across the country in the way parishes and dioceses manage themselves financially and administratively.

John Eriksen appointed Superintendent

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:09:24 GMT

A statement from Kerry Robinson, executive director of the Leadership Roundtable, on the appointment of Mr. John Eriksen, director of research and client services, as the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Paterson, NJ.

Roundtable mourns loss of Dean Hoge

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:05:34 GMT

Kerry Robinson, executive director issues a statement on behalf of the Leadership Roundtable on the death of member, colleague and friend, Dr. Dean Hoge of Catholic University of America.

Moody's Reports on Catholic Colleges

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:35:13 GMT

CNS. Leadership Roundtable member, Richard Yanikoski, president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, comments on a report on the financial health of Catholic colleges by Moody's Investors Service.

Boston Catholic schools see resurgence

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:34:33 GMT

Michael Paulson, Boston Globe. A partnership between Church leaders, business people, Catholic colleges and local communities results in increased enrollment and improved financial security.

German churches set up energy company

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:03:25 GMT

Deutsche Welle. As energy prices rise, Catholic parishes and institutions are developing creative responses. The Leadership Roundtable is working with a number of Catholic dioceses in the US that are exploring initiatives to capitalize on available economies of scale in energy purchases and conservation. In southern Germany the Catholic Church has joined forces with Protestant churches to launch a non-profit energy company to supply gas to parishes and charitable institutions.

FADICA funds Religious in New Orleans

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:02:38 GMT

National Catholic Reporter. The Leadership Roundtable's philanthropic partners, Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) work with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious to restore the ministries of religious communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

CNBC on Villanova Church Management Course

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:57:42 GMT

CNBC's Mike Hegedus reports from Villanova University on a master's program for church management. Leadership Roundtable members Chuck Zech and Fred Perella are featured. (2min, 20 sec)

July Newsletter Now Available

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:48:55 GMT

July 2008 Newsletter Now Available

The potential of Catholic fundraising

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:53:47 GMT

Imagining Abundance: The transformative potential of Catholic Fundraising. America Magazine. Kerry Robinson, executive director of the Leadership Roundtable shares lessons on fundraising and stewardship for the Catholic community.

A Bishop Reflects on the Voice of the Laity

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:53:04 GMT

Workers in the Vineyard: A bishop reflects on the changing voice of the laity. America Magazine. Bishop Blase Cupich writes about the changing nature of lay ministry in the Catholic Church and the results of the Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership project.

Vatican issues 2007 financial statements

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:46:46 GMT

Vatican Information Service. The Holy See issues consolidated financial statements showing a deficit for the first time in four years.

Bossidy - 2008 Keynote Address

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:54:30 GMT

Serving the Church Facing Challenges-Lawrence Bossidy, former Chairman and CEO of Honeywell International, addresses church management group in Philadelphia

Best Practices Award to Memphis Diocese

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:53:28 GMT

Leadership Roundtable Best Practices Award Presented to Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Memphis. Dave Gibson reports on the 2008 Leadership Roundtable award presented to Bishop J Terry Steib and Dr. Mary C McDonald of the Diocese of Memphis.

Leadership Roundtable Radio Feature

Mon, 19 May 2008 17:09:15 GMT

Collaboration leads to excellence in ministry. Executive director, Kerry Robinson is interviewed about the work of the Leadership Roundtable by Fr. Raymond K. Petrucci and Dorothy Riera for 'Thoughts for The Week' on the Spirituality for Today website.

Robinson challenge: Aspire to Excellence

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:55:12 GMT

The Tidings. Leadership Roundtable executive director Kerry Robinson challenges participants in the National Ministry Summit to 'Be the change you want to see in the church. Aspire to excellence at every level for the sake of the church. Ensure that your parish and ministry are worthy of generosity."

Church Administration Handbook Published

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:23:56 GMT

Archbishop Philip Wilson, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, launched a new Church administration handbook to help priests and lay Church workers to understand "the complex institution that is the Catholic Church, in the modern world".

New Leadership Roundtable Newsletter

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:25:04 GMT

New Leadership Roundtable Newsletter is available now!

Managing Parish Closings

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:18:41 GMT

Bruce Nolan, Religion News Service. From New Orleans to Green Bay, dioceses continue the national trend of closing or merging parishes. Leadership Roundtable committee member, Mark Mogilka, is a leading authority in managing such change and is interviewed here.

Ministry Summit calls for accountability

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:15:09 GMT

Over 1,200 lay leaders, deacons, priests and bishop gathered in Orlando for a national ministry summit on emerging models of pastoral leadership. Kerry Robinson of the Leadership Roundtable addressed the summit and responded to calls for the development of a new culture of accountability.

New Parish Scorecard Available!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:50:30 GMT

The Management Best Practices subcommittee of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management has developed a new parish scorecard which is now available on churchepedia.org.

NBC TV - Kerry Robinson on the papal visit

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:17:40 GMT

4 Corners with David Ushery. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, joins a panel of experts on WNBC New York to discuss the upcoming papal visit; calls for healing and reconciliation in the Church and for the greater involvement of lay people, especially women and young adults, in Church leadership roles. Other panelists include author, George Weigel and former Fordham University President, Fr. Joseph O'Hare. The video is 30 minutes, with the panel discussion covering the last 19 minutes.

Young Adults Interested in Church Ministry

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:31:41 GMT

Catholic News Service. Leadership Roundtable members Dean Hoge and Marti Jewel publish a national survey on young adults and church ministry. More than half of the young adult respondents said the church needs to move faster to empower laypeople in ministry. Bishop Blase Cupich, keynote speaker at the Leadership Roundtable in 2007, welcomed the results: "We are heartened at their level of interest, and we need to find ways to translate this attraction into active ministry that our church urgently needs."

New fiscal standards for Catholic Church

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:51:13 GMT

National Catholic Reporter. Reporter Bill Fragameni reports on the 'comprehensive, hyper-detailed Standards for Excellence' recently released by the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management.

National Ministry Summit on Leadership

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:50:29 GMT

Six national Catholic organizations will hold a joint Ministry Summit to explore emerging models of pastoral leadership in the Catholic Church today. Leadership Roundtable executive director Kerry Robinson will address the summit with many Leadership Roundtable members presenting and leading action groups. All participants will receive the newly published, Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for Catholic Parishes.

Knowledge revolution fuels accountability

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:47:51 GMT

Our Sunday Visitor. Kimberley Heatherington reports on the increasing number of dioceses and parishes adopting best practices and transparency from nonprofits. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, comments on the Standards for Excellence as a significant contribution to this 'knowledge revolution.'

Empowerment of women in Indian Church

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:56:40 GMT

The Tablet. Catholic Bishops' Conference of India promote the representation of women on diocesan and pastoral councils.

February 2008 E-Newsletter

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:37:40 GMT

The February 2008 E-Newsletter is now available online!

Pew US Religious Landscape Survey

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:08:39 GMT

Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. A new national survey of 35,000 Americans details the religious affiliation of the American public and quantifies the remarkable dynamism taking place in the U.S. religious marketplace.

The Church Pope Benedict will Encounter

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:01:21 GMT

In U.S. pope will find multicultural church marked by stronger laity-Nancy Frazier O'Brien, CNS. The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management is cited as an example of strengthened lay involvement in the Catholic Church in the U.S.

Colleges seek to protect Church tills

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:52:28 GMT

Los Angeles Times. Reporter Kathy Matheson reports on the growing provision of Church management courses quoting Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, on the importance of exemplary stewardship in managing Church finances.

MBAs in the Nonprofit Sector

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:38:49 GMT

The Case for MBAs in the Nonprofit Sector. Guidestar.org. This article describes the success that two nonprofit organizations have found in hiring MBAs, outlines some of the challenges associated with hiring candidates with MBAs, and provides some suggestions for overcoming those challenges.

Hispanic Leadership Training

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:22:50 GMT

RESPETO-Hispanic Leadership Training Course. The Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio is offering leadership training that is culturally sensitive and responsive to the aspirations and needs of Latino youth articulated at the recent Encuentro at Notre Dame.

Diocese issues pastoral council guidelines

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:58:19 GMT

Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC, has issued updated guidelines for parish pastoral councils. The guidelines place the pastoral council at the heart of all parish activities and lay out clear roles and responsibilities for pastoral planning.

Standards for Excellence Partnership Announced

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:50:48 GMT

Reuters. Peter Berns of the Standards for Excellence Institute announces the launch of the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for Catholic Dioceses, Parishes and Nonprofits.

BusinessWeek reports on Church management

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:12:30 GMT

BusinessWeek. Alison Dumast reports on the growth of business degrees for Church leaders. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, recognizes the role Catholic colleges and universities are playing in this growing phenomenon.

New online Church management degree announced

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:54:08 GMT

Wall Street Journal. Leadership Roundtable member, Chuck Zech is interviewed by Ron Aslop about Villanova University's new Church Management Degree. The Leadership Roundtable is at the forefront of promoting and supporting the provision of ongoing formation of Church ministers in the areas of Church management, finances and human resource development.

ChurchEpedia.org Updates!

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 19:22:27 GMT

Over 150 resources added with official launch scheduled for February 1, 2008!

NY Times on Ministry Management Skills

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:59:18 GMT

Katie Zezima reports on the need for management skills for those in ministry. Leadership Roundtable executive director Kerry Robinson is quoted on accountability and the role of the laity in Church leadership positions.

December Newsletter

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:57:03 GMT

Read the most recent general newsletter of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management.

How Charities Can Make Themselves More Open

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:04:00 GMT

The Wall Street Journal. Opinion article on transparency, accountability and evaluating nonprofits using voluntary standards like the Leadership Roundtable's Standards for Excellence program.

Catholic officials gather to consider openness

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:11:02 GMT

Shreveport Times. Clergy and lay people came from at least 11 dioceses in three states to network and explore the possibility of lifting the attitude of secrecy that has been part of the church's culture.

Silver lining for struggling dioceses

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:14:42 GMT

Boston Globe. Thomas J. Healey, a senior fellow at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and treasurer of the Leadership Roundtable, examines financial transparency in Catholic dioceses.

New Vatican personnel policies on salaries

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:04:55 GMT

Vatican Information Service. New incentive and remuneration policies for lay staff at the Vatican to follow 'wise management practices'.

Review of priests' health and morale

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:35:00 GMT

The other health crisis-Why priests are coping so poorly-Commonweal Magazine. A priest-sociologist, Fr. Paul Stanosz, explores the current health, morale, and collegiality among priests.

New resource on stewardship and teenagers

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:23:18 GMT

Stewardship and Teenagers. The US Conference of Catholic bishops produce a new resource on stewardship and discipleship for use with teenagers. Available in English and Spanish.

Standards for Excellence Codes Published

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:10:48 GMT

The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management has partnered with the Standards for Excellence Institute (Baltimore, MD) to develop Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for Catholic Parishes, Dioceses and Nonprofits.

Bishops meet with Leadership Roundtable

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:31:28 GMT

Bishops, business leaders discuss best church management practices at reception.

Women Foundation Heads Meet With Vatican Officials

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:53:22 GMT

Women Foundation Heads Meet With Vatican Officials-America Magazine. Leadership Roundtable executive director, Kerry Robinson, joins a group of women representing Catholic philanthropic foundations on a visit to Cardinals and senior officials in the Vatican. The visit was organized by the Fidel Gotz Foundation in response to the call from Pope Benedict XVI to explore the contribution and role of women in Church leadership positions.

New stewardship code released

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:48:43 GMT

National Catholic Development Conference Releases Code of Stewardship and Ethics.

Canadian archbishop addresses challenges

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:10:23 GMT

Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg elected President of Canadian Bishops Conference. Archbishop Weisgerber addressed the 2004 Leadership Roundtable meeting on Challenges and Opportunities in Governance and Accountability.

Hispanic Ministry Leadership Awards

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:32:15 GMT

USCCB - Leadership Roundtable member, Sr. Maria Elena Gonzalez, to receive the Archbishop Patrick F. Flores Award Medal for Leadership in Hispanic Ministry. Sr. Maria was the joint recipient with the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) a member organization of the Leadership Roundtable.

October 2007 Newsletter

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:56:40 GMT

View the latest Leadership Roundtable newsletter online now. Be sure to sign up to receive future newsletters via email.

Nonprofit Governance Index 2007

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:23:14 GMT

National survey containing data on board composition, structures, oversight, and performance from 2,152 nonprofit leaders.

2007 Keynote Video

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:50:30 GMT

View video of the 2007 conference keynote address given by Thomas J. Tierney, Chairman and Co-Founder of Bridgespan Group.

2007 Conference Proceedings Available!

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:02:56 GMT

The 2007 annual conference proceedings are now available on the Leadership Roundtable website.

Call for new activism for Catholic schools

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:26:54 GMT

Leadership Roundtable secretary, Francis Butler of FADICA, calls for a new activism that produces partnerships between foundations, Catholic colleges and universities, and Catholic schools to attract and manage resources more effectively.

Catholic Charities Fiscally Responsible

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:52:25 GMT

Catholic Charities USA recognized for fiscal responsibility and general accountability. Charity Navigator finds Catholic Charities a 'slam dunk' for donors and the Wise Giving Alliance offers their Seal of Approval.

Archdiocese Finance Controls

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:51:32 GMT

Robert Delaney reports on new parish finance audits, a hotline for reporting financial irregularities, and a course for parish business managers in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Connecting Faith and Best Practices

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:57:16 GMT

Bill McGarvey of BustedHalo.com interviews Leadership Roundtable director, Kerry Robinson, on the mission of the Leadership Roundtable.

National Study on Nonprofit Governance

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:15:52 GMT

Peter V. Berns reports on a recently published report by the Urban Institute on nonprofit board governance. Catholic nonprofits can now turn to the Leadership Roundtable's Standards for Excellence program for best practices in board governance and organization accountability.

Raising Expectations in the Ministerial Workplace - Origins

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:45:11 GMT

Leadership Roundtable Director of Planning, Michael Brough, calls for comprehensive personnel policies for all Church ministers.

New Publication: Parishioner's Guide to Parish Finances

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:29:45 GMT

This Parishioner's Guide includes 15 questions designed to further the parishioners understanding of their parish's finances. The Leadership Roundtable produced this guide to generate conversations of both depth and breadth amongst all members of the Church community about parish financial matters.

Leadership Roundtable Launches churchEpedia.org

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:26:18 GMT

The Leadership Roundtable has launched churchEpedia.org, an online database of best practices and resources.

Catholic Church Takes Big Step Toward Transparency

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:20:57 GMT

The Archdiocese of Seoul, Korea, releases first ever audited financial reports.

Becoming Better Stewards

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:45:31 GMT

The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management helps the Church use its finances and personnel better to fulfill its mission. Featured in the September 2007 issue of St. Anthony Messenger.

Executive Director's Welcome to the 2007 Leadership Roundtable Conference

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:46:18 GMT

Read the welcome and introduction given by Kerry A. Robinson, executive director, at the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management.

2007 Leadership Roundtable Conference Keynote

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:44:06 GMT

Read the keynote address given by Thomas J. Tierney, founder of Bridgespan, at the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting of the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management.

Leadership Roundtable members in the news

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:24:22 GMT

Leadership Roundtable Board Member Sr. Carol Keehan named most powerful figure in U.S. health care