In a world hungry for faith-filled leadership, one foundation is answering the call in a bold and unprecedented way.
On a memorable evening, Virginia Ryan captured the hearts of guests as she spoke about the inspiration and impact of The Catholic Leadership Foundation – an initiative sponsored by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and informed by the spirit of the Plenary Council.
“The Daughters dared to dream and imagine formation for lay Catholic leaders that listens and responds to the heartbeat of our world, our Church, and ultimately, the heartbeat of God,” Virginia shared.
This dream is now a reality.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration
For the first time, Catholic agencies from across the nation – including Education, Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs), Religious Institutes, Catholic Health, Governance bodies, CatholicCare, parishes and diocesan offices – are coming together in a unified commitment to lay leadership development. With a particular focus on rural and remote contexts, this initiative acknowledges that importance of Formation for lay Catholic Leaders.
“In 2025, lay Catholic leaders are at the forefront of mission, strategy, finance and governance,” Virginia said. “Mission is the heartbeat.”
The Foundation’s Four Pillars
The Catholic Leadership Foundation is built on four strategic priorities:
- Into the Deep Formation Program – A leadership program shaping future lay leaders.
- With Burning Hearts Scripture Project – Weekly engagement with the Gospels through Lectio Divina.
- So I Send You: Connection Online Network – A space for collaboration, sharing and community-building.
- With Others and For Others – Cross-sector collaboration as a core value.
Fruit Already Growing
- The Lectio Divina project continues to grow, with over 250,000 views on YouTube in the last six years.
- The Into the Deep program received 65 applications for just 30 places, with participants spanning 17 out of 21 dioceses across Australia.
- Strategic infrastructure – from IT systems to finance and communications – is now firmly in place.
A Story that Captures the Vision
One applicant, Jo, exemplifies the spirit of this movement, she leads catechists and students across a vast rural diocese.
“In rural ministry, relationships matter. People respond to personal invitation – not bulletins. A joy for me is seeing people open their hearts and let God in… but leadership in rural areas comes with real challenges – limited local expertise and resources.”
Now, with the support of the Catholic Leadership Foundation, Jo and many others like her are being equipped and empowered to serve their communities with courage and conviction.
Gratitude & Generosity
Virginia acknowledged the many hands that have made this possible:
- The Board: Dr Deacon Michael Tan, Mr Robert Tonkli, Dr Monica Dutton, Mrs Laura Avery, Mrs Jo Spek, Ms Marianna Agostino and Bishop David Walker.
- Geraldine Doogue, whose podcast Handing on the Baton brought instant legitimacy to the vision.
- Anne Walker of CRA for facilitating a pivotal webinar that shifted momentum.
- 21 mentors, including former Directors of Catholic Education and MPJP leaders, who are generously investing their wisdom.
- And a special thanks to Greg Wilson, the foundation’s behind-the-scenes powerhouse and advisor, described as “the companion in the boat, hauling in the great catch.”
You’re Invited
This is only the beginning. Virginia ended with a heartfelt call:
“We hear Jesus calling us to cast our nets into the deep. We invite you – as friends of the Foundation – to offer your gifts, support, and wisdom. Together, we can open hearts and help others know that God is with us.”
📣 Join Us
- Explore the vision: www.lectiodivina.com.au
- Become a mentor or supporter
- Follow us for updates and inspiration
- Pray for and with us as we build this future together
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