A group of people stand together outside on green grass with trees and a blue sky with clouds in the background. Most are smiling, wearing casual clothes, and have name tags around their necks.

Sustained Encuentro

Investing in Rural Faith Communities

Sustained Encuentro: Accompanying One Another Along the Way is an initiative to provide top-tier theological formation and training to lay ecclesial ministers and diaconal candidates in U.S. rural and mission Catholic dioceses. Funded by  the Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, it is a renewed commitment to training pastoral leaders, ministers and educators for the Church, who are living and serving in rural contexts.  Sustained Encuentro supports faculty training and hiring, new programming and curriculum development, and long-range research on emerging trends in Church life and ministry. 

In special focus for Sustained Encuentro is Hispanic ministry in rural areas. Through partnership with Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, TX Sustained Encuentro offers immersion programming as well as formational and educational opportunities in English and Spanish. 

Events: The Nolan Lecture | 2026 | Information & Registration – Coming Soon!

The Nolan Lecture, 2025 – Podcast and Central MN Article on event, below “In the News”.

Rural Ministry Immersion – Summer 2026

May 29 – June 6, 2026 | Collegeville, MN
Experience an intensive 8-day introduction to rural contexts and cultures in Stearns County MN, and the forms of Christian ministry within them. Ideal for all who serve or volunteer in Rural Parishes or ministries. Immersion experience includes daily site visits, expert speakers, Facilitated Theological Reflection, and opportunity for Liturgical prayer with the monastic communities. All Meals and site visit transportation included.

Register to earn credit for: Field Education or Moral Theology elective. Non-Credit program participation also possible.

Register: Rural Ministry Immersion

In the News
Diocesan Partners

For More information:

A person with shoulder-length wavy brown hair smiling. They are wearing a dark blue top and a thin, beaded necklace. The background shows a blurred window with colorful stained glass details.

Daniella Zsupan-Jerome

Faculty, Director of Sustained Encuentro

Office: Luke Hall 210, SJU

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Kelly Eisenschenk

Administrative Coordinator for Admission & Sustained Encuentro

Office: Luke Hall 217, SJU

320-363-2101

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