Partner Resources

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) CARA is a national, non-profit, Georgetown University affiliated research center that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church. Founded in 1964, CARA has three major dimensions to its mission: to increase the Church’s self understanding; to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers; and to advance scholarly research on religion, particularly Catholicism.

CARA has more than 40 years of experience in quality social science research on the Catholic Church. We offer a range of research andconsulting services for dioceses, parishes, religious communities and institutes, and other Catholic organizations. CARA’s longstanding policy is to let research findings stand on their own and never take an advocacy position or go into areas outside its social science competence. All CARA researchers have advanced degrees in relevant academic disciplines as well as pastoral experience. CARA researchers are active in the academic community publishing and presenting research about the Catholic Church.

Emerging Models of Pastoral Leadership National ministerial organizations are collaborating on sustaining the pastoral excellence of the emerging models of pastoral leadership in the Catholic Church. They believe that, at this time, the life of the Catholic Church depends on ongoing and sustained collaboration at all levels. Their vision is for a more fully collaborative, competent, and mission-focused pastoral leadership, strengthened in their service to parish communities at all levels.

These organizations have researched MARKS OF EXCELLENCE for vibrant parishes and are committed to providing research and dialogue with pastoral leadership in pursuing this excellence.

In order to create a climate in which much needed research, theological reflection, and practical transforming action can take place, the Project has set three goals: 1) to provide solid research on the emerging models of parish pastoral leadership; 2) to stimulate a national conversation about the use of pastoral imagination to create vibrant parishes; and 3) to explore ways in which national associations can collaborate to serve the Church.

Resources for American Christianity Information and reflection on selected projects funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.–the Indiana-based private, philanthropic foundation. The Endowment supports the causes of religion, education, and community development. The Endowment’s grant making in Religion are focused on five areas, each with town own set or orienting questions and initiatives for research and reflection on 21st century American church life. The five areas are: 1) Christian Faith and Life; 2) Congregational Life and Ministry; 3) Pastoral Leadership Development; 4) Supportive Religious Institutions; and 5) Public Understanding of Religion. The INSPIRE grant was given in the area of Pastoral Leadership Development, as part of the Lilly Endowment Inc. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program.