The ILM Call Just over a year ago I spotted Father Matt’s invitation in the parish bulletin to consider entering the ILM program. Sponsored by the Diocese of San Jose, ILM stands for Institute for Leadership in Ministry. I asked to meet with Father to learn more about the program and how it prepares gradu- ates to assist in their parish communities. I read more details on the ILM website, asked for my husband’s support and couldn’t wait to begin. I completed year one of the three-year program in May and will begin Year Two in September.
This year of study and prayer in our weekly Wednesday evenings and monthly Saturday retreats has given me a tidal surge in faith and practice. We delved into the Old and New Testaments and Christology of the gospels. I became reacquainted with God’s call to a stronger and deeper personal relationship. Professors from Santa Clara University, priests, deacons, sisters, lay leaders from our diocese urged us to listen to the Holy Spirit – the teacher of all teachers! I read, I wrote, I journaled, and I prayed with my classmates as we strengthened our bond with each other and explored what we could offer in our parishes.
Our diocese is such a resource rich community. I had no idea how diverse yet linked we are to one another: Vietnamese, Hispanic, Filipino, Korean, American, we all want the same things – to deepen our faith, our prayer lives and serve our parishes in meaningful ways. Our bridge to learning about each other was our faith. Learning about each other’s cultures was a bonus. I loved coming together each week with that shared sense of pride in being Catholics on this three-year journey.
Could ILM be calling you? If you have questions, email or call me. There’s nothing I’d like more than to talk about it with you.