What is Tomorrow's Present?

Tomorrow’s Present is the youth leadership ministry of the House of Peace and The Leadership Center of Cardinal Stritch University. It began in 1998 with a grant to foster leadership and a sense of vocation in young people. Integrating learning, reflection, leadership and service, Tomorrow’s Present provides support, motivation and training and it facilitates personal growth for youth and adults. Six core programs involve middle school and high school groups from churches, schools and organizations in the Milwaukee area, engaging them in peacemaking, advocacy & service planning, eco-justice, hope-building skills and interfaith relationships.

Tomorrow's Present literally has 2 meanings:

It means tomorrow's gift, or a present from tomorrow. In other words, young people are a gift for the Church to embrace and celebrate. If we recognize youth as gifted leaders for the church today, they will most certainly continue to bless us with their gifts and presence tomorrow.

It also means tomorrow is here; the future is present already, like a promising sunrise. In other words, the future of the Church is present in the faces of youth; if we can touch young people today, then we can touch the future of our Church.

Read Dr. Calderone's "This I Believe" essay about Tomorrow's Present.

Tomorrow's Present: The Past

Tomorrow's Present started in 1998 as a 3-year study on youth leadership development, with a focus on vocations, the call to ministry.

The results were powerful. These young people practiced leadership skills and grew more confident. They learned content, and how to present it in an animated, engaging, effective manner. They even learned enough to improve upon the teaching methods initially developed by their adult leaders. They gained a greater appreciation for the Church and for works of service. They developed a richer, more reflective prayer life. They grew – cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more about the Tomorrow's Present research project.

Tomorrow's Present: The Present

Tomorrow's Present is now a collaborative ministry of The Leadership Center of Cardinal Stritch University and the House of Peace.  We shape youth leaders with a variety of core programs:

• Hope is Something You Do
• Pebbles of Peace Outweighing Boulders of Violence
• Interfaith Youth Café

• Middle School and High School Youth Forums
• House of Peace Teen Leaders

Other opportunities and partnerships include:

• "Lil Johnnie" Literacy Program
• Interfaith Earth Network
• The Secret Ingredient ... Parents
• Christian Practices
• Workshops, retreats, and trainings for youth and adults

We also provide a number of adult programs, as well as training resource kits for some of our most popular programs.