Leadership Formation

Managing Parish Conflicts with Grace

May 16, 2026

8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Pastoral Center, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Join us for Formation Saturdays—they are dynamic mornings of practical leadership training, spiritual enrichment, and meaningful connection for priests, deacons, parish leaders, and volunteers throughout the Diocese of Gary. A light breakfast will be served.

To register, click here.

Rosary: Blessed Mother Around the World

May 23, 2026

10 a.m. Live Online Webinar. To join the webinar, click here

Webinar recording will be available after the event.  

Topic: Blessed Mother Around the World

All are invited to join a virtual Rosary celebrated in an intercultural spirit. Each decade will be prayed in a different language, reflecting the rich diversity of the Church and our unity in faith. Together, we will honor the Blessed Mother as she is venerated across cultures and entrust our prayers to her loving intercession.

This experience is especially meaningful for those engaged in intercultural ministry and for anyone with a devotion to Our Lady who desires to encounter the beauty of Marian expressions from around the world.

To register for the event, click here.

Hospitality, Welcome and Belonging 

May 26, 2026

6 p.m. Live Online Webinar. To register, click here.

Webinar recording will be available after the event.  

Theme"Creating Communities Young People Want to Return To"

In ministry with youth and young adults, the experience of being welcomed can shape a person’s entire relationship with the Church. But how do we move beyond simple hospitality to create true belonging?

This session will explore the difference between hospitality and belonging, while inviting leaders to reflect on the environments they are creating in their ministries. Together, we will identify common barriers that may unintentionally exclude others and consider how authentic relationships can open the door to a deeper encounter with Christ.

Participants will leave with practical strategies to create communities where young people feel seen, valued, and invited to stay, engage, and grow in faith.

 

 


Past Event Recordings

Roundtable on Hospitality During Lent

February 6, 2026
12:30 p.m. Live Online Webinar. Register Here.

Webinar recording will be available after the event.  

Understanding Gen Z & Gen Alpha: Who Are We Ministering To? A Deep Dive Into Today’s Young Church

February 24, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Live online webinar.

Explore the real motivations, challenges, and spiritual longings of the generations we serve. Cut through stereotypes and learn what research tells us about teens and emerging adults today. Open to anyone who walks with young people: youth ministers, young adult ministry leaders, pastors, deacons, parish staff, teachers, hospitality ministers, parishioners, employers, and more. Light refreshments will be served. No payment.

Participants Will Learn:

  • What Gen Z and Gen Alpha value
  • How they communicate and connect spiritually
  • Why belonging matters more than programs

Mental Health Basics for Ministry

February 24, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Pastoral Center, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Accompaniment 101 (Listen, Teach, Send)

March 24, 2026

6-8 p.m.

Live Online Webinar.

"Walking With Young People Like Jesus Did"

What does authentic accomplishment look like in ministry today? Rooted in the model of Listen, Teach, Send, this session explores how to walk with young people intentionally: building trust, speaking truth with love and helping them discern their next steps. Learn how Jesus' approach to relationships can shape our ministry today. Featuring special guest Fr. Nate Edquist, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Gary, who will share insights from his work accompanying young people in discernment.