The Leaven Initiative

Leaven is a type of yeast that helps bread to rise after it is added to its dough. In a similar way, the Leaven Initiative of the Diocese of Pittsburgh equips parishes and lay leaders with the tools they need for their evangelization efforts to flourish. It is rooted in the biblical vision that the vast kingdom of God arises from small beginnings.

Awakening experiences such as Alpha and ChristLife that ignite their participants’ faith are essential to realizing this vision. Through these programs, participants encounter Jesus in a most profound, intimate way and are inspired to commit their lives to Him as missionary disciples. The Leaven Initiative aims to effect a cultural shift within parishes and schools throughout the diocese by empowering the laity to realize their baptismal mission to “go and make disciples” as spirit-filled evangelizers.

• Alpha is a series that helps people awaken their faith in Jesus Christ and/or renew their love for Him. Come to build friendships with other adults, who will walk with you on the journey of faith. Alpha ignites the fire of renewal in parishes and schools by fostering a culture of welcome, encounter, and missionary discipleship. 

• ChristLife takes you deeper. Come to explore your personal relationship with Jesus, learn to follow Him more closely, and discover your own personal mission as a Christian. ChristLife offers an ongoing structure of support for evangelization in parishes and schools, from the richness of our Catholic tradition. 

The Diocese of Pittsburgh and ChristLife have partnered to provide a wealth of support to parishes and schools that wish to form evangelization teams using the ChristLife process. This initiative entitled, “Revive us, O Lord”  begins with an opening webinar on November 3, followed by training opportunities in this exceptional process for bringing adults fully alive in faith.  Generous scholarships are available so that this support is available to all!