Parish Ambassador Program
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary ambassador program is one of raising awareness, making sure that everyone in your parish recognizes the USML brand and understands our mission in the formation of men as parish priests, lay men as deacons, and lay women and men as lay ministers who serve our parishes. There is no fundraising involved.
Connecting Parishioners to USML
A Parish Ambassador to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake plays a vital role in connecting parishioners within the Archdiocese of Chicago to enriching Catholic educational, formational, and learning opportunities. Ambassadors serve as liaisons, fostering awareness of the University’s programs and events that promote spiritual growth, lay leadership, and deeper engagement with the faith. By sharing resources, upcoming events, and educational opportunities, these ambassadors helps parishioners access tools to deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings, develop leadership skills, and grow in their relationship with Christ and the Church.
Time Commitment
Our goal is for Ambassadors to spend no more than 1-2 hours per month on their duties as part of the program. Ambassadors are free to do more if they have the desire and time to provide further support.
Ambassador Checklist
- Establish a relationship with the Pastor/other parish staff and leaders. Let them know of your intentions to have a USML presence in the parish. Assure them this is purely an awareness raising campaign. There is no fundraising involved.
- Developing relationships with key parish contacts is essential to your success as a Parish Ambassador. After you take some time to establish a relationship with parish contacts, you can quickly and easily update your promotional message, get approval for promotional activities and materials, and share content and communications on behalf of USML. If you don’t know where to start, ask your pastor to refer you to the best contacts within the parish, or even ask for an introduction in person or via email. Try for a single point of contact to build an ongoing relationship, and provide your parish contact with regular updates, and always ask for permission or approval through your parish contact. Finally give your parish contacts sufficient time to accommodate your requests.
- As permitted, submit bulletin, e-mail and pulpit announcements to your parish administration for inclusion in their physical and/or digital bulletin, email communications and Mass announcements. Even better, ask if you can take 5 minutes at the end of mass to speak about USML and invite parishioners to learn more about us, visit the campus or attend an event for faith learning enrichment, Rector’s Mass, Lectures, May Crowing, SPLE programs.
- With pastor approval, hang a USML sign or banner in a parish common space.
- USML will provide you with access to advertising materials, tabling materials for after mass, and banners upon request. Some church leaders may not allow this, so please respect their wishes but do not be afraid to explain why you think USML content could be beneficial to their parishioners, e.g. free lectures, opportunities for faith enrichment, serene campus with beautiful lake and walking trails, hosting retreats and other parish activities.
- Work with your parish administrators to share USML information and branding on your parish website and/or social media. Like USML posts on social media and forward these posts to others in your network.
- Add your parish community, your fellow ambassadors and USML to your prayer intentions. It is essential to our success!
USML Resources
- Swag bag for Ambassadors: Pins, lanyards, hats, bumper stickers – Wear and display them proudly!
- Letter and Email templates
- Bulletin announcements/Advertising Ads (non-paying) Our marketing department can create copy, or ¼, ½ or full-page ads for you to share with your parishes.
- Mass Announcement scripts
- Marketing Materials/handouts
- Posters/Flyers
- Give-Aways
The Future
- Ambassador Meetings via Teams 3 x Year
- Program Expansion beyond the Board of Advisors
- Handbook
Parish Bulletin Resources
USML Events
Advent Reflection
Saturday, December 14, 2024
8:30am – 1:00pm
Our annual Advent Reflection is an opportunity to deepen your faith, forge connections with like-minded individuals, and experience the true meaning of this sacred time.
Learn more about the Advent Reflection by clicking here.
Download a zip file containing jpeg and pdf files formats of a full-page, half-page, and quarter-page bulletin announcements.
Paluch Lecture
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Holistic Formation in Christian Faith: Catholic Education for Belonging, Believing, Becoming, and Beyonding. During this presentation, you will learn how we can intentionally direct our own ongoing faith formation and how theological educators can provide a comprehensive and holistic education in faith.
Learn more about the Paluch Lecture by clicking here.
Download a zip file containing jpeg and pdf files formats of a full-page, half-page, and quarter-page bulletin announcements.
Lenten Reflection with Fr. John Kartje
Monday, April 14, 2025
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Start Holy Week with a Lenten reflection with Father John Kartje, Rector and President of USML/Mundelein Seminary.
Learn more about the Lenten Reflection by clicking here.
Bulletin Resources will be available when event details are finalized.
Celebration of Mundelein
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:00pm – 9:00pm
This event serves as a cornerstone in supporting the future of our seminary and nurturing the next generation of parish priests. Your support directly impacts the training and formation of our seminarians, empowering them to carry forth the light of faith and service.
Learn more about the 32nd annual Celebration of Mundelein by clicking here.
Download a zip file containing jpeg and pdf files formats of a full-page, half-page, and quarter-page bulletin announcements.
School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization – Lay Education and Formation
Online Short Courses
The USML’s School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization creates and offers a variety of online courses specifically designed to enhance your understanding of the Catholic faith while providing you with practical skills for effective parish leadership.
Learn more about our Online Short Courses by clicking here.
Download a zip file containing jpeg and pdf files formats of a full-page, half-page, and quarter-page bulletin announcements.
