SMCE2002 F26 Mission-Driven Leadership

• Time and method of delivery:
  • Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to Thursday, November 26, 2026: Online Via Zoom, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 28, 2026: In-person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Course Fee: $850 (includes HST)

This course is part of the Diploma in Catholic Leadership

Course Overview

This course examines how leaders can articulate, embody, and operationalize Catholic mission in contemporary organizational contexts. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, learners will explore how to translate values into practice, lead with integrity, and navigate complex, pluralistic environments. Through applied learning, participants will strengthen their ability to align strategy, culture, and decision-making with mission, fostering organizations that are both effective and faithful to their purpose.

The Diploma in Catholic Leadership equips leaders in Catholic organizations to lead with purpose in complex, contemporary environments. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, the program integrates mission, strategy, and practical leadership skills across sectors such as education, healthcare, and social services. Through four focused courses, learners engage real-world challenges, strengthen decision-making, and build capacity to lead diverse teams with integrity. The program fosters collaboration across disciplines and organizations, creating space for shared learning and innovation. Graduates emerge better prepared to navigate change, articulate mission in pluralistic contexts, and advance the common good through thoughtful, values-driven leadership.

Micro Credential

The University of St. Michael’s College Continuing Education Division is proud to offer micro credentials—digital, verifiable credentials that you own and can share on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and more. Micro credentials are certifications of assessed learning that focus on specific, relevant skills and competencies. These programs are designed for professionals seeking rapid, practical training to meet today’s social and environmental challenges. Whether you’re advancing your career, or deepening your expertise, our micro credentials deliver focused learning, backed by real-world relevance, and academic excellence.

Sessions

This course includes eight 1.5-hour online sessions and one 6-hour in-person session over four weeks.

Session 1: Catholic Identity in Contemporary Leadership

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Examine how Catholic identity is understood and lived within modern organizations, exploring tensions, opportunities, and the role of leaders in articulating mission in diverse contexts.

Session 2: Mission, Charism, and Organizational Life

Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Explore how mission and charism shape organizational culture, priorities, and practices, strengthening your ability to embed values meaningfully into everyday leadership and institutional life.

Session 3: Leading with Catholic Social Teaching

Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Apply principles of Catholic Social Teaching to leadership practice, guiding decisions, relationships, and priorities in ways that promote justice, dignity, solidarity, and the common good.

Session 4: Ethical Leadership in Complex Environments

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Examine ethical challenges in leadership, developing approaches to navigate ambiguity, competing values, and accountability while maintaining integrity and alignment with mission.

Session 5: Communicating Mission in Pluralistic Contexts

Tuesday, November 17th, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Develop strategies to communicate mission clearly and authentically in secular and multi-faith environments, engaging diverse audiences while remaining grounded in Catholic identity and purpose.

Session 6: Stewardship of People, Resources, and Legacy

Thursday, November 19th, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Explore leadership as stewardship, focusing on responsible care for people, finances, and institutional legacy in ways that sustain mission and long-term organizational health.

Session 7: Building Mission-Aligned Partnerships

Tuesday, November 24th, 2026 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Examine how to cultivate strategic partnerships, strengthening collaboration and extending the reach and impact of mission-driven work.

Session 8: Embodying Mission: Leadership Presence and Practice

Thursday, November 26th, 2026 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Reflect on personal leadership style and presence, developing practices that align behaviour, decision-making, and relationships with mission, values, and organizational expectations.

Session 9: Mission in Action: Integration and Leadership Lab

Saturday, November 28th 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Engage in an immersive, applied learning experience focused on integrating mission into leadership practice. Through case studies, peer dialogue, and guided reflection, examine real-world leadership scenarios and refine your ability to align communication, decision-making, and organizational priorities with Catholic identity. Develop a practical, context-specific approach to leading with mission, and leave with a clear articulation of how you will embody and operationalize mission in your own leadership role.

Method of Teaching

This hybrid program will be delivered via Zoom (weeknight sessions), and in person on campus at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto (final Saturday session).

Interactive discussions, Problem-Based Learning, and reflection will be used to practise application of theories to explore outcomes that foster innovation and positive change in organisations and within teams.

A final assessment is required to earn your micro credential.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret key principles of Catholic identity and Catholic Social Teaching in contemporary organizational contexts
• Apply mission and charism to guide organizational practices and strategic decision-making
• Evaluate leadership approaches for alignment with ethical and mission-driven principles
• Develop communication strategies that effectively articulate mission in secular or pluralistic environments
• Design approaches to stewardship that integrate people, resources, and institutional values

Questions?

Email ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca