Miguel Pro S.J. Pastoral Protagonism Initiative

With funding from the Pathways grant, Loyola University Chicago – Institute of Pastoral Studies aims to implement the “Miguel Pro S.J. Pastoral Protagonism Initiative” to enhance and grow the educational and operational sustainability of the IPS by strengthening and expanding its outreach to Latinx/Hispanic (L/H) populations to better reflect the shifting demographics of the church. The initiative includes five projects to enhance and grow La Escuela de Sagrada Escritura de IPS through a ministry formation/leadership program for Hispanic/Latinoas; a program to support ordained and lay ministers in Hispanic/Latinx communities; and the IPS Public Classroom Project with relevant offerings in Spanish.

Mariana Miller, Assistant Dean for Continuing Education, provided details on the project and what they have learned.

Briefly describe the project.

We have five original projects, some of which evolved into new ones. These include:

1. Enhancing IPS Scripture School and IPS Escuela de Sagrada Escritura with Scripture courses in English and Spanish, “In the Name of Jesus” (based on Sunday readings throughout the liturgical year), and Women in the Bible Lenten Offering.
2. One-week intensive Pastoral Leadership Formation program in collaboration with the Lay Centre in Rome where emerging pastoral global leaders gather for a week to deepen their leadership skills; and human, theological, and spiritual formation. (July 2025)
3. One-week intensive Pastoral Leadership Formation Program, “Vayan y Den Fruto II,” for pastoral agents accompanying migrant farm workers. (July 2025)
4. National Pastoral Lay Leadership Gathering in Chicago (May 2025)
5. Center for Spiritual and Public Leadership Conference in Chicago (July 2025)

What have you learned so far?

We’ve learned that projects often evolve as relationships and networks deepen, frequently taking shape in ways we hadn’t originally envisioned. One of the greatest rewards of working with this grant has been the meaningful connections we’ve built and nurtured along the way. At the same time, launching new projects has proven more challenging than we initially anticipated.

What has surprised you along the way? 

Thanks to the projects, new ideas took root and meaningful relationships began to grow.

What have been a few of your successes?

The growth of Scripture School, especially the English program, has been a significant highlight. We’ve also had the opportunity to bring together pastoral agents who accompany migrant farm workers—providing them with a space to share best practices, discuss challenges and hopes, and receive ongoing formation. Additionally, we’ve been able to introduce the IPS graduate programs to a wider pool of potential students.

What aspects of the project are you hopeful about?

I hope that most of our projects become sustainable or receive additional funding if necessary since they primarily serve underrepresented minorities who lack the means to pay for the formation they are receiving.

What are you learning that could help other schools?

Be open, be creative, listen, and don’t be afraid of new relationships and differing opinions.

The Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, a Catholic and Jesuit institution, facilitates the integrated ministerial development of diverse and dynamic leaders for creative, compassionate, and courageous service to church and society. Visit Loyola University Chicago, Institute of Pastoral Studies.