The “Living and Leading with Love” (L3) Youth Theology Institute is based on the theology of caritas. The three themes of identity, knowledge, and action grow from this theology, as participants encounter Jesus’ call to love, explore the meaning of that love, and identify practical ways of putting that love into action. Participants are formed by the sacred scriptures and by the classic and contemporary texts of the Catholic intellectual tradition to integrate the vision of love expressed by Jesus Christ and his mandate: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” (John 15:12). Theological reflection, service, leadership and environmental stewardship are key components of the program.:
Discover the vocation to love through greater self-knowledge
L3 Scholars describe their own vocation to follow the great commandment of Christ: to love God and love neighbor; In doing so, they take the Clifton Strengths survey to determine their strengths/signature themes and propose how these themes might help to shape their life goals. They also consider the vocations of the Church – priesthood, consecrated religious life, marriage, and the single life – and explain how they feel God is leading them at this time in their lives.
Explore the meaning of love through studying the lives of Christian heroes and saints, theology and
Christian ethics
L3 Scholars articulate an understanding of the meaning of love, as expressed in the lives of Christian heroes and saints, in online discussions. They come to understand theology as a human attempt to understand God’s great act of love in sending his only Son to save humanity and apply this understanding to online discussions. And they apply their understanding of Christian ethics as a theological reflection on the meaning of love in human actions and behaviors.
Put love into action through service, prayer, worship, and online community
L3 Scholars provide volunteer service to local non-profit organizations, participate in prayer and worship experiences, and create an online community by completing online assignments and participating in required online discussions.
