The purpose of this initiative is to help Extension Dioceses retain, educate and develop outstanding young adult leader

With advanced degrees, young adults can apply their talents and energy as effective ministry leaders in mission dioceses

With advanced degrees, young adults can apply their talents and energy as effective ministry leaders in mission dioceses.

Catholic Extension Society has partnered with Boston College, Fordham University, and the University of Notre Dame to offer master’s degree scholarships for committed Young Adults in Extension Dioceses aspiring to serve the Church.

Extension Dioceses will have the opportunity to nominate their outstanding mission-driven young leaders to pursue a Master of Arts in Religious Education, Theology, or Pastoral Ministry from one of Catholic Extension Society’s partnering universities.   In this master’s degree program, students will attend intensive courses on campus during the Summer, while taking online courses and working in the diocese in a supervised pastoral ministry position for the remaining part of the academic year. The duration of the program is 2.5 yrs.

At the end of the program, the diocese (or sponsoring parish where the student ministers) will have the option to hire those graduates who are not already employed in a permanent position, for which Catholic Extension Society would contribute an incentive of $10,000 toward their first year’s salary.

Duration: 2.5 Years
Value to Participating Student and Diocese: Up to $80,000 (per student)

Partner Institutions

University of Notre Dame
Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Theology

  • 2.5 yr. degree program, including 3 summers, and fall/spring online classes. Students take intensive summer courses during 6 weeks at Notre Dame’s campus.

Boston College
Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry

Fordham University
Degrees Offered: Master of Arts in Religious Education with a concentration in Youth and Young Adult Ministry; and Master of Arts in Pastoral Care.

  • 2.5 yr. degree program, including 3 summers, and fall/spring online classes. Students take intensive summer courses during 10 days each summer at Fordham’s campus in the Bronx, NY.

To Apply:

Applications opening soon.

Participant Testimonials:

“It means a lot to me to be empowered through education. I’ve been empowered to believe in a Church that’s always in movement. There is a lot of mission work to do here, and I can now expand it to be able to touch other people.”

Alicia Meza I Diocese of Fresno I Boston College 2022 Cohort

“I can’t believe we have completed our MA. It has truly been a life-changing experience, and I can’t wait to continue sharing all the blessings I received with my borderland community.”

Arturo Adame | Diocese of El Paso | University of Notre Dame 2022 Cohort

“Being part of YALI has allowed me to grow spiritually, personally, and in work and ministry. Each course at Fordham University was unique and had an impact on me spiritually and on how I serve, work, and minister to others. YALI has given me the capacity to do more for the community and continue to serve in new ways that help better reach the English and Spanish communities.”

Valeria Flores | Diocese of Yakima | Fordham University 2022 Cohort

Check out more YALI student testimonials linked here.

For More Information, contact:

Veronica Avila, Director of Mission Programs, at (312) 795-5128 or vavila@catholicextension.org

Odette Barrientos, Manager of Mission Programs, at (312) 795-6082 or obarrientos@catholicextension.org