Preaching for Encounter Program News

The 2026 priest cohort for the Preaching for Encounter Program is underway! The priests are in the initial process of applications, interviews, and orientations. The introductory summer retreat will be at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago on June 23-25, 2026. Stay tuned for more pictures and more information!

The 2027 deacon cohort will launch with their introductory retreat on April 22-24, 2027. Deacon James Baird, our Coordinator for Clergy Programming, will officially begin that deacon recruiting at the conference of the National Association of Deacon Directors next week. Look for him there at our booth to reserve a space for a deacon peer group from your diocese.

As we continue to grow the number of clergy in our PEP program, we want to maintain the personal nature of our ongoing formation. To do that, we need more coaches. We will hold a national coaches training program from October 14-17, 2026. Please contact us for more information if you think that you might like to apply for that initiative.