A desire to grow in faith

By Peggy Sue Mutchler
Ministry Event Programs Coordinator 

Do you have a desire to grow in faith? 

Catechists, parish leaders, ministry volunteers, and all who desire to grow in faith are invited to gather this August 22 for the 2026 Diocesan Catechetical Kick-Off at Terra Sancta Retreat Center. This year’s gathering, sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation, will focus on Human Formation, an essential dimension of discipleship that calls us to continual growth as people formed by Christ for service in his Church. 

We are especially honored to welcome Bishop Scott Bullock as our keynote speaker for this year’s Catechetical Kick-off. Through his leadership and pastoral insight, Bishop Bullock will encourage participants as they prepare for another year of evangelization and catechesis throughout western South Dakota.  

Following the keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in six breakout sessions designed to offer both practical tools and spiritual encouragement. These sessions will address various aspects of human formation and provide insights that can be applied in a parish, a school, youth ministry, and adult faith formation settings.  

We are excited to have Dr. Grant Sasse, executive and counseling director at Catholic Social Services, as one of our six presenters. Dr. Sasse will explore how positive mental health practices support human formation and personal development. Participants will discover how caring for one’s mental and emotional well-being contributes to resilience, healthy relationships, sound decision-making, and overall human flourishing. 

I will lead another breakout session which will examine the reality that ministry leadership is about more than programs, planning, and teaching the faith. Rooted in Scripture, virtue, and the witness of the saints, participants will reflect on how prayer, humility, charity, emotional maturity, and interior integrity shape authentic Catholic leadership and influence the way we teach, lead, serve, and build communion within the Church. 

Additional speakers and breakout topics will be announced as they are finalized. Each will offer unique perspectives on the ways Human Formation strengthens those called to serve in our diocese. 

Whether you are a seasoned catechist, a parish volunteer, or someone seeking to grow more deeply as a disciple, the Catechetical Kick-Off offers an opportunity to be renewed, encouraged, and equipped for the mission entrusted to you. 

As we seek to form others in the faith, may we first allow Christ to continue forming us. We hope you will join us this August for a day of learning, fellowship, and renewal.