Loyola University Chicago Pathways Challenge
Loyola University Chicago Pathways Challenge
Preparing the next generation of Catholic leaders
Loyola University Chicago has launched a national initiative to help prepare pastors and lay leaders for the evolving needs of the Catholic Church.
Based in the Institute of Pastoral Studies, the Catholic Education Network to Enact and Resource Synodality at Loyola University Chicago (CENTERS) builds on Loyola's 150-year tradition of serving the Church through faith and scholarship.
CENTERS brings together 16 theological schools from across the country to develop, strengthen, and share effective approaches to preparing leaders for the Catholic Church of the 21st century.
CENTERS was launched with a generous $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. A portion of the grant will be used to establish a permanent endowment for CENTERS to sustain its work beyond the startup period. Lilly Endowment will match qualifying gifts to the Loyola University Chicago Pathways Challenge.
This investment builds on Loyola's longstanding commitment to serving the Church and creates an opportunity for supporters to extend that impact for generations. Through CENTERS, Loyola is advancing:
- Leadership formation and refreshed coursework
- Mentorship and student leadership development
- Partnerships with parishes and dioceses
- Regional and national collaboration among Catholic institutions
Together, these efforts are preparing pastors, parish staff, and lay leaders to meet today’s pastoral needs while remaining rooted in the Church’s mission.
Building a Legacy Through Endowment Support
Loyola is building a perpetual source of funding to sustain this work for decades to come.
Qualifying gifts and pledges made before October 31, 2027, will be matched by Lilly Endowment at a 2.5-to-1 rate, up to $2.35 million. Your support will help expand ministry formation, strengthen Catholic communities, and prepare the next generation of Church leaders.
The matching opportunity applies to gifts and qualifying pledges made between December 1, 2025, and October 31, 2027, with pledges fulfilled by June 30, 2029.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Catholic Leadership
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Catholic Leadership! Through the generosity of Lilly Endowment and Loyola supporters, CENTERS has the opportunity to create a lasting impact on Catholic leadership formation. Your support will help to form future pastors and lay leaders, strengthen the Catholic ministry nationwide, and sustain CENTERS for generations through permanent endowment support.