Capital Campaign looking for leaders

If you are looking to be a leader in the Diocese of Albany, you just might get paid to do so.

The Capital Campaign Leadership Grants program will provide financial assistance for initial and on-going formation of leaders in the Diocese and is looking for applicants. 

“This money was put aside for leadership development and skills development,” said Dorothy Sokol, parish life director for St. Francis of Assisi parish, Albany, and volunteer chair of the grant committee. “So from that perspective, that leaves it wide open. That means a music person could apply for money to take some kind of music program. The person could be director of music; or a singer and they want to develop more of their skills for ministry at church.

“It could be a staff person at a church who is looking to further develop their pastoral skills, so they take a class at St. Bernard’s (School of Theology and Ministry.)”

In the past, Sokol added, a group of deacons used the money to go on a retreat in Connecticut.

Sokol, who called the campaign “one of the best kept secrets in the Diocese” was quick to point out that colleges in the Diocese, whether Union, The College of St. Rose or University at Albany could also apply to offset the cost of Emmaus Retreats for students. 

The campaign has been granting money since 2007 and has three application deadlines through­­out the year: Jan. 15, May 15 and Sept. 15. There are also three categories of applications: individual, parish and group. Applications are available by contacting Dorothy Sokol at [email protected] or by calling 518-434-4028.