Description

WHAT A PARISH CAN EXPECT

Based on years of historical results from parishes that have implemented this process:

• Offertory income typically grows 5–10% per year — sustainably, not as a one-time spike.
• Ministry participation expands substantially — typically a 30–40% lift in the first year, with year-over-year compounding.
• Parishioner engagement — registration, Mass attendance, and volunteer hours — rises meaningfully within 24 months.

But the measurable outcomes are not the point. They are the byproduct of the real outcome: a community of grateful disciples. That is the work.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This course is tailor-made for pastors, parochial vicars, deacons, parish business managers, stewardship directors, directors of religious education, pastoral and finance council members, stewardship council members, parish staff, and the lay leaders who will carry this work forward. Parishes are strongly encouraged to enroll the pastor together with two or three lay leaders — the process depends on a shared understanding, and this course is the most efficient way to build one.

THE SCHEDULE

All eight classes meet on Wednesday at 1:00 PM Central Time.

Class # 1: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
The Foundation: What Total Stewardship Is — and What It Is Not

• All is gift: the five foundational truths
• Why our need to give exceeds the parish’s need to receive
• The four non-negotiables — and how to assess your parish honestly

Class # 2: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
The Stewardship Council

• A council, not a committee: composition, terms, and rotation
• The characteristics to recruit for
• The pastor’s personal invitation to each member

Class # 3: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
The Calendar and the Three-Phase Rhythm

• The three anchor weekends — and why they never move
• The twelve-month calendar at a glance
• Preparation, Call to Commitment, and Follow-Up

Class # 4: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
Stewardship of Ministry — The Fall Movement

• The ministry directory and the commitment card
• Recruiting and coaching lay witness speakers
• The Ministry Fair and the 14-day promise

Class # 5: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
Stewardship of Prayer — The Advent Movement

• Why prayer comes first — and what happens to a parish that skips it
• The booklet and the fourteen forms of prayer
• Launching in Advent, committing on Gaudete Sunday

Class # 6: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
Stewardship of Finance — The January Movement

• Planned, proportionate, and sacrificial giving
• The percentage chart as a tool of discernment
• Witness talks about money, and the offertory rite

Class # 7: Wednesday, December 9, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
Follow-Up, Materials, and Who Owns What

• The Follow-Up Phase week by week
• The gentle second invitation to households that have not responded
• Roles: pastor, council chair, council, parish office

Class # 8: Wednesday, December 16, 2026 — 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME
Metrics, Pitfalls, and Launching Your First Year

• The metrics that matter, and the Annual Stewardship Report
• The seven common pitfalls — and how each is prevented
• The first-year launch checklist
• Wrap-Up, Questions, and Next Steps for Your Parish

COST, CREDIT, AND REGISTRATION

Designed by ISPD in coordination with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton, this online course is tailor-made for Catholic leaders. The cost of the course is $195.00 per student. There are eight classes; each class lasts approximately 50–60 minutes. The course will be taught by Frank Donaldson, president of ISPD, and invited guest presenters.

This is a three-month course beginning Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Students will be able to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Dayton and a Certificate of Completion from the university by participating in the eight classes from October 2026 through December 2026.

If a participant is unable to attend any of the “live” classes in the course, he or she may attend the class(es) by viewing the recording, the PowerPoint, and the handout materials on his or her own time.

Please note: If a participant is not interested in the credits for the course or the certificate, then he or she can audit the course for the information, the PowerPoints, and the handouts. The cost is the same: $195.00.