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 | September 12-13, 2025 | Information & Registration
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Nolan Lecture for the Theology of the Diaconate


September 12-13, 2025
with special keynote speaker:
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight S.Th.D, Archbishop-Elect of Kansas City


Formation for the permanent diaconate at Saint John’s is rooted in the initial work of the United States Catholic Bishops on diaconal formation that they began in the late 1960s.  Father Kieran Nolan, OSB of Saint John’s Abbey was a consultant for the United States bishops at that time on diaconal formation, and in 1969 brought back to Saint Johns the initiative to begin a formation program here.  He served as the program’s first director. The Nolan Lecture for the Theology of the Diaconate honors this historic legacy of diaconal formation and invites participants to a two day symposium in to pray, learn, reflect, and enjoy fellowship.

Special Topic Sessions:

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Special Topic Sessions:

“Preacher, What Do You Hear? A Diaconal Spirituality of Attentiveness for Preaching”

Deacon Frank Agnoli, OFS, MD, DMin, Diocese of Davenport

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“Diaconal Spouses Speak: A Plenary Panel”

Anisabel Palma, MDiv, Diocese of New Ulm

Maggie Wehseler, DVM, Diocese of St Cloud

Anisabel Palma, MDiv, Diocese of New Ulm

Debbie Koop, MAT, Diocese of St Cloud

Event Program Includes:
Friday, 9/12: Evening Prayer, 5:15pm
Friday, 9/12: Welcome Reception & Dinner, 5:45pm
Saturday, 9/13: Morning Prayer, 6:45am (opt.)
Saturday, 9/13: Symposium – Beginning at 9am
Saturday, 9/13: Closing Mass, 4:00pm

Register for the event: The Nolan Lecture
Please register by June 30, 2025
Lodging is limited and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis.

Rural Ministry Immersion – Summer 2025

May 30 – June 6, 2025 | 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:

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Daniella Zsupan-Jerome

Assistant Professor of Theology, Director of Sustained Encuentro

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Kelly Brueske

Coordinator for Admission

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