Lilly Endowment, Inc. – Responding to a Call

"Who will lead the church in the new millennium? How can churches encourage bright youth to consider their vocational choices and life commitments in light of Christian theological understanding? And how can they attract talented young people into Christian ministry?"

These were questions posed by Lilly Endowment, Inc. when they invited Catholic Theological Union and other graduate schools across the U.S. and Canada to participate in the "Theological Programs for High School Youth" grant program. By funding these programs, the Endowment intends to attract a new generation of talented people to ministry and to help build vibrant and healthy congregations throughout the country.

Inspired by the Endowment's mandate, CTU accepted the challenge to raise up a new generation of faith leaders as a natural extension of the school mission of preparing future leaders for the church. A design team of CTU faculty and staff, in consultation with nearly 100 high school teachers, campus ministers, and students, created the Peacebuilders Initiative which was awarded $2 million by the Endowment in 2002. Among the schools receiving grants, which totaled $25.3 million, CTU is the only Catholic institution.

For more information on the Fund for Theological Education and other graduate schools participating in "Theological Programs for High School Youth", visit The Fund for Theological Education.