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Admissions

The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE) at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake forms men and women for service in the life of the Church. Through the four dimensions of formation: pastoral, intellectual, human, and spiritual, our programs prepare leaders to serve their dioceses, parishes, communities, and families with faith and confidence. Our lay ministry programs have been developed in line with Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. Our deacon formation programs have been developed in line with the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States.

Whether you pursue a Parish Ministry Program in English or Spanish, a Graduate Degree, or the Permanent Diaconate, you will be guided by the same esteemed faculty who form our parish priests. Our programs go beyond academics, integrating prayer, fellowship, and faith formation that strengthen and equip you for effective pastoral ministry.

By joining SPLE, you begin a transformative journey that prepares you to lead, evangelize, and serve the people of God.

Apply today and start your education and formation journey at the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization.

Complete our online Interest Form and one of our admissions representatives will be in touch with you.

Attend a Come and See Event

Experience the beauty of our campus, meet the faculty who will walk with you on your journey, and feel the spirit of community that makes USML unlike any other. ‘Come and See’ is more than a tour; it’s your first step into a life of service, leadership, and faith.

Scholarship Information

Answer the call to leadership—scholarships are now available for new students in the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization!

Welcome Day

Welcome Day at USML is more than just an introduction; it begins your journey guided by the Holy Spirit. Together, we gather in community, share in fellowship, and prepare our hearts and minds for the mission ahead. We look forward to walking with you as you bring your unique gifts to enrich our shared life of faith and learning

Note: Other programs may require additional documentation. Please check your Applicant Portal for specific requirements.

Official transcript of grades to admissions@usml.edu or your Applicant Portal https://my.usml.edu/appsect.cfm

Letters of Recommendation to admissions@usml.edu or your Applicant Portal https://my.usml.edu/appsect.cfm

For more information regarding Permanent Diaconate / Diaconado Permanente please reach out to:

For English:
Deacon Daniel Moore
Senior Coordinator for Permanent Deacon Formation
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-837-4564
dmoore@usml.edu
Book a meeting with me

For Spanish:
Deacon Franco Foti
Associate Coordinator for Permanent Deacon Formation
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-970-4977
Mobile: 708-369-0230
ffoti@usml.edu

For more information regarding Graduate Programs please reach out to:

Rita George Tvrtkovic, Ph.D.
Dean & Professor of Theology
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-970-4983
rgeorgetvrtkovic@usml.edu

Linda Couri, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., D.Min.
Graduate Programs Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology
Department of Pastoral Theology
Office: 847-837-4555
lcouri@usml.edu

For more information regarding Parish Ministry Programs in English or Parish Ministry Programs in Spanish please reach out to:

Nelly Lorenzo, D.Min. (Cand.)
Assistant Dean
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-837-4557
Mobile: 773-771-1062
nlorenzo@usml.edu

Jesus Deleon
Senior Coordinator of Parish Ministry Programs
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-970-4992
jdeleon1@usml.edu

Aura Martínez
Coordinadora Liderazgo Catequético
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-837-4502
amartinez@usml.edu

Carlos Espinoza
Coordinador Ministerio Laico
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-837-4560
Mobile: 773-392-9908
cespinoza@usml.edu

For more information regarding Online Short Courses please reach out to:

Anastasia Jakobow-Rashtchian
Manager, Online & Satellite Programs
School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization
Office: 847-970-4994
ajakobowrashtchian@usml.edu

Questions? You can reach us at 847-970-4501 or at admissions@usml.edu.