Nineteen priests from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered at the University of St. Mary of the Lake June 22-27 to participate in “Walking Together as Disciples, Shepherds and Stewards.”
“From all accounts, the week was a tremendous success” said Cardinal Cupich, who was present at both the opening and closing of the program. “This is very promising as we move forward in this new phase of Renew My Church, which aims at spiritual renewal.”
The formation program, which will be offered to all priests of the archdiocese going forward, had elements of a retreat as well as formation and professional development, according to Father Kenneth Simpson, a retired priest and consultant to Leading in a Renewed Church, and Father Michael Knotek, vicar for the pastoral and professional development of priests.
The content of the program centered on the Archdiocese’s Priest Development Model, which focuses on the priests’ gifts and roles as disciples, shepherds and stewards.
As the name suggests, priests learned about leading in a model of synodality, or “walking together” with both clergy and laity, as well as serving as a pastor as the archdiocese moves past the initial phase of the Renew My Church process, the priests explained.
Simpson said the priests in the pilot group were a diverse group, of different ages and experiences and serving in different parts of the archdiocese.
All of them appreciated the opportunity to spend time getting to know one another as brother priests, Knotek said, at no cost to them or to their parishes.
Father Larry Lisowski, pastor of Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Parish, said having a full five days together allowed priests to build deeper relationships.
“The way that the week was crafted is a lot different than perhaps the priest convocation or Priest Day or a vicariate meeting,” he said. “You really spend some quality time listening to the stories of your brother priests, listening to the challenges that we share together in ministry … and also kind of dreaming. Dreaming about how we can face some of these challenges in positive ways, the future of the church, and considering opportunities for us to reach out to God’s people. So often we can be in our parishes and feel like we’re all alone. It’s great to know that there’s a staff of people that care about us. They really want to listen to us and support us in what we do, and they’re trying to help us to be the good shepherds that we’re called to be.”
The program was developed by a team of priests and lay leaders, using insights gleaned from years of dialogue and assessments from priests, deacons, lay religious leaders and parishioners across the archdiocese, leaders said.
The program is funded by the archdiocese’s Generation to Generation capital campaign, and there are plans to expand it to an additional 80 priests by June 2026, with the goal of having all priests participate over the next few years.
“It was so inspiring and humbling to see the depth of my brother priests’ joy and engagement throughout the week, Knotek said. “Their vulnerability and openness to new ideas made it impactful for all. I am grateful for the cardinal’s leadership, our team’s preparations and, of course, the generosity of our benefactors. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”
On the last night of the program, lay leaders from participants’ parishes were invited for dinner and “meaningful conversation” with their priests about their pastoral leadership and ministry and initial plans for parish evangelization and renewal going forward.
“We were so grateful for this opportunity to meet,” said Dawn Mayer, pastoral associate and parish manager at Holy Family Parish in Inverness. “It was an insightful evening as we heard from our pastor on his experiences as a disciple, shepherd, and steward. To be in a room filled with other parish communities on the same journey was so hopeful as we all work to further the mission.”