Speaker Mike Patin, right, will speak to catechetical leaders from across the Diocese of Davenport during a spiritual formation and skill-building event Aug. 13 at St. Mary Parish in Riverside. In this file photo, Patin speaks to parish ministers during a program at St. Ann Parish in Long Grove.
By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
Catechetical leaders from across the Diocese of Davenport will gather for spiritual formation and skill-building Aug. 13 at St. Mary Parish in Riverside.
Trevor Pullinger, diocesan director of faith formation and catechesis coordinator, said this single-day experience is a fresh initiative.
Popular speaker Mike Patin will return to the diocese as presenter. “He brings the perfect balance of familiarity, energy and deep experience. He understands the joys and struggles of pastoral ministry and has a gift for addressing difficult topics with both humor and hope,” Pullinger said. “He’s especially well-suited to speak to the theme of resiliency with practical insight and spiritual depth.”
The event kicks off the 2025-26 programming year. Catechetical leaders engaged in initiation, children, youth or adult ministry and those who coordinate catechesis are invited. The landscape of parish ministry is evolving rapidly and this gathering provides an opportunity to form community and respond creatively and faithfully to emerging needs, Pullinger said.
“In consultation with the newly formed Faith Formation Advisory Committee and through ongoing conversations with catechetical leaders across the diocese, it became clear that there was a strong need for formation that speaks directly to the challenges they’re facing,” Pullinger continued.
That is why this gathering centers on spiritual formation and resiliency in pastoral ministry. “It’s about nourishing the soul of the minister while equipping them with tools to meet the demands of ministry with grace and perseverance,” Pullinger said. Patin “will help us reflect, refocus and reengage with renewed strength.”
“The topic of resiliency — grounded in our spiritual life — surfaced consistently as both timely and necessary. This summit is more than an event,” said Patin, who just returned from four weeks on the road doing presentations. “It’s an investment in the heart and health of our catechetical leaders. Catechetical ministry is beautiful but demanding, and we want those serving on the front lines to know they are not alone. This is a chance to rest, reconnect and be renewed in faith and purpose.”
Many faith formation ministers “are stretched because they wear more than one hat in their parish,” Patin said. “I’ll be talking about the importance of cultivating personal practices of spirituality to help combat burnout. I’ll also encourage the notion of community among leaders to avoid getting into a ‘silo’ mentality.” His main hope, he continued, “is to allow some heartfelt sharing while adding humor, energy and practical tools to assist these wonderful folks in parishes and schools.”
Bishop Dennis Walsh plans to attend the gathering to “offer a word of encouragement to those gathered,” Pullinger said. The bishop also will celebrate Mass.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.davenportdiocese.org/august-catechetical-summit
august-catechetical-summit. Cost is $55 per person and is nonrefundable. For more information, contact Pullinger at pullinger@davenportdiocese.org.
