Parish Roadmap to Major Projects

Product image
new_majorparishprojects.jpg

A major parish project—whether it’s a million-dollar roof replacement, a new HVAC system, or a long-term service contract—is more than a construction task; it is an act of Extraordinary Administration. For many pastors, these projects represent the greatest risk to parish finances and personal peace of mind.

This course bridges the gap between a "vision" and a completed project. We move beyond the theory of administration to give you the practical oversight tools used by professional project managers, tailored specifically for the unique requirements of the Catholic Church.

This course is an online, self-paced course including the following modules:
  • Module 0 – Course Introduction and Orientation
  • Module 1 – Project Management Overview
  • Module 2 – Project Management Tools
  • Module 3 – Projects & Permission
  • Module 4 – Project Contracts

What you will be able to do:

  • Navigate the Minefield: Clearly identify which projects require Bishop/Chancery approval under Canon Law and the USCCB norms.

  • Contract with Confidence: Learn how to read a major service agreement and identify the "red flags" that lead to cost overruns.

  • Lead Your Council: Provide your Finance Council with professional-grade oversight templates that ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Protect the Mission: Ensure that the "business" of the project never overshadows the spiritual life of the parish.

"For priests, a major project is often the most visible thing we do, but it's also a part of our priesthood where we feel financially and legally exposed." 

Fr. Anthony Stoeppel - Vicar General, Pastor, School President & Seminary Vice-Rector

Click HERE for Biography

Associate Professor of Church Management
The Busch School of Business
The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)

Completion of this course grants a $149 voucher toward our Graduate Certificate or MCA (Masters of Church Administration). Enroll for $149, and if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MCA later, your $149 will be applied as a tuition credit.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Total Time: 4.5 Hours

Completion Time: One Afternoon

Headaches & Time Saved: Endless

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course ($109).
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Certificate of Completion and a $109 credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your credits toward a Master of Science in Church Management.

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course.
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Digital Badge and a tuition credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your tuition credits toward a MCA degree.


Pathway to Mastery


Is your parish facing financial hardship? We believe no priest should be denied formation due to budget. Click here to apply for a Parish Excellence Grant to your enrollment, or send an email to busch-cmp@cua.edu.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Online, asynchronous through Brightspace at The Catholic University of America.

No in-person or specific course days/times required.

Start and end when you want. 

This course is taught in English. Other languages are available upon request. Please email busch-cmp@cua.edufor more details.

Price: $149.00
Quantity:

Related Courses

Course Image

Master Your Time

Strategic Stewardship: Time Management for Parish Leaders

Spend less time on administration, more time on the salvific mission. Stop managing crises and start managing your mission. Learn the priestly frameworks for delegation, calendar discipline, and boundary-setting designed specifically for the unique rhythm of parish life.

"This course was rich with insights that affirmed many of the practices I have carried out in my ministry, while also making me aware of others I have overlooked. It served as a strong reminder of my priestly vocation—especially the definition of humility as not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. That perspective sharpened my awareness of personal time management and the constant challenge of interruptions. In my desire to serve others, I often squeeze additional meetings into my schedule, not realizing that too much flexibility can gradually lead to burnout. Cultivating a balance between personal discipline and a charitable openness to others is essential for effective leadership in the Church." ~Fr. Marco Durazo, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

"This module was rich with insights that affirmed many of the practices I have carried out in my ministry, while also making me aware of others I have overlooked. It served as a strong reminder of my priestly vocation—especially the definition of humility as not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. That perspective sharpened my awareness of personal time management and the constant challenge of interruptions. In my desire to serve others, I often squeeze additional meetings into my schedule, not realizing that too much flexibility can gradually lead to burnout. Cultivating a balance between personal discipline and a charitable openness to others is essential for effective leadership in the Church." ~Fr. Marco Durazo, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
View course
Course Image

Winning Parish Metrics for Mission

Craft parish metrics to gauge progress in furthering the Church's supernatural mission and make data-driven decisions. The outcome here is moving from "guessing" to "knowing" where the Holy Spirit is moving in the parish.
View course

Return to Catalog