And that was the beginning of what is now the Compassionate Leadership Program. At first, the program was sought out mostly by people whose mind was on parish ministry of some kind. But very soon, lay articipants were using it more broadly. It took about a year for the Shieldses to see their way clear. With two Passionists, they are co-directors of the Centre for Creative Ministries.
Tough realities come with buildings and permanence.
Meanwhile, the said leaders have to learn to live without the security of salaries or retirement funds. The odd but charming building in which the Centre works used to be the Canadian Passionist Monastery. Until 1993, the Passionists contributed a large chunk of money to the upkeep of Centre and its building. Now they can't, and don't. One way or another, the team needs to generate the money the Centre needs.