A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair sits at a wooden table, smiling. She wears a black blazer, patterned top, and a smartwatch. Bookshelves filled with books are blurred in the background.

Biography profile for Donelle Poling, Director of Conversatio: Creating a Culture of Encounter

Office: Luke 222, SJU

320-363-2964

[email protected]

Biography

Donelle Poling brings over 30 years of ministry experience to her work of inviting people into deeper relationship with God and living out the Gospel in transformative ways.

With a bachelor’s degree in theology and psychology from the College of St. Benedict and a Master of Arts in Theology and Pastoral Ministry from St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Donelle combines deep theological understanding with practical pastoral wisdom. She was a part of the inaugural cohort at the Living School for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM, an experience that continues to shape her ministry of accompaniment.

Since 2015, Donelle has served Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in key leadership roles, including both Director of Youth in Theology and Ministry (YTM) and Director of Conversatio: Creating a Culture of Encounter, a Lilly Endowment Pathways Initiative that accompanies Master of Divinity students in ministerial leadership and formation.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Donelle continues to grow as both a formator and educator, seeking new ways to serve God and empower the next generation of faith leaders.

Publications

  • Encounter and Empower, Celebrations, A Comprehensive Pastoral Resource a publication of National Catholic Reporter, August 2018
  • Chapter 6 entitled “Community” Youth Ministry, Revised Edition by Dr. Jeff Kaster; Collegeville Ministry Series, Liturgical Publications 2016.
  • Going Deeper: How Theological Reflection Transforms Good Works to Authentic Discipleship. Faith & Service, a publication of National Federation of Youth Ministry, forthcoming December 2025.

Retreat Leader

  • College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Council Annual Retreat
  • Archdiocese of Saint Paul/Minneapolis Social Justice Directors
  • Youth Ministers’ Network/Archdiocese of Saint Paul/Mpls
  • Saint Cloud Diocese Youth Ministers
  • St. Joan of Arc Women’s Ministry
  • Contemplative Group TC

Presentations

Leading with Humility: Integrating Benedictine values with DEI for Lasting Change. Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities (ABCU) Conference, June 2023