Tepeyac Leadership Initiative Forms Catholic Professionals to Transform Public Square| National Catholic Register

COMMENTARY: The TLI program trains lay leaders worldwide to integrate faith with professional excellence and moral courage in today’s culture.

Cristofer Pereyra, CEO of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc., and co-author (with Erin Monnin) of Catholic Leadership for Civil Society: A Practical Guide on Authentic Lay Leadership, leads an ambitious formation effort for Catholic professionals. His organization’s signature program, the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI), is a five-month course designed to form lay leaders for the mission of the Church in the world.

What is the goal of TLI?

TLI equips participants to understand the Church’s position on contemporary moral, social and political issues and how to apply this understanding in their professional and civic lives. We talk about concrete ways in which a lawyer, nurse or teacher can engage the public square and influence their professional field with the values of the Gospel.

We have no formal relationship with Opus Dei, but are big fans of St. Josemaría Escrivá. The program is influenced by his teachings, emphasizing the sanctification of professional work and ordinary life.

Where did TLI originate?

TLI began in-person as a diocesan initiative of the Diocese of Phoenix. With Bishop Thomas Olmsted’s blessing, we took the program outside of the diocese to serve the universal Church. Now, we have graduates on every continent.

Over 400 Catholic professionals from multiple countries have completed the program.

Is TLI offered online?

Yes, approximately 90% of the program is offered online through Zoom, enabling Catholic professionals from around the world to participate without the need to travel.

What is taught in the course?

Each weekly session, which lasts three hours, with required readings drawn from Church documents, including papal encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, Church council documents and other official teachings.

TLI is fully faithful to the magisterium. Every aspect of the curriculum reflects the teachings of the Church and the authentic Catholic worldview.

How are these topics explored?

Each session features experts who contextualize Church teachings within their respective fields, showing how faith informs professional practice and public life. We teach principles but quickly bring them to the practical application level.

Q&A is a critical component, ensuring that participants can engage directly with experts on the practical and ethical implications of the topics discussed.

Experts include lay professionals in law, medicine, business, politics and more, as well as clergy, providing a rich, holistic perspective. But the majority of people who provide the formation are lay people.

Breakout sessions allow participants to discuss key ideas in smaller groups and reflect on practical applications.

How are the sessions structured?

Tracks are offered for Rome time, New York City time, and now Mexico City time. This last track is offered, for the first time, in Spanish. Participants who speak English can attend a session in Rome time or New York City time if they miss their scheduled time.

Participants are allowed up to three absences and can still receive credit for completing the program. Credit is issued through the University of Mary, a Catholic institution of higher learning.

What are Zoom coffees?

Zoom coffees are informal virtual gatherings where participants can network and discuss topics personally. Many participants report forming lasting friendships through these sessions. 

Do you have to make a leadership commitment to graduate?

Yes. Graduates pledge to apply their learning by actively leading in their professional fields, civic organizations and communities according to Catholic values.

You emphasize the importance of becoming active on boards. Why is this important?

Serving on boards allows Catholic leaders to influence society directly, promoting virtuous leadership and ethical decision-making in organizations that shape culture and policy. We do mean real boards of directors, or advisory boards. But we mean every table where decisions are made, from the halls of Congress to your local homeowner’s association. 

You offer a retreat at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of TLI, in Mexico City, or at the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

Yes. If participants cannot attend in person, they may complete a self-guided online retreat. Attending or completing a retreat is a required component of TLI.

What is the tuition for the program? Does it cover the cost of the retreats without travel expenses?

Tuition is $2,000. This covers program materials and the retreat experience, including lodging but not travel expenses for in-person retreats.

How can one apply for the TLI program?

Applications are submitted through the TLI website, where candidates provide personal information, professional background, and their mission as Catholic leaders. We accept online applications from Oct. 1 to Nov. 10 each year.

The next TLI session begins in early February. The enrollment deadline is Nov. 10. To apply: https://www.tliprogram.org.