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At the heart of Catholic preaching is the power to transform parishioners’ experiences of God, helping them embrace and live out Christ’s love in their daily lives. The Sheen Initiative aims to develop curricula, resources, and training for pastors and deacons, both seasoned and in formation, that will equip them to feed the spiritual hunger of their congregations. Our focus is on enhancing the art of preaching, drawing from the rich traditions of the Church, while meeting the contemporary needs of a diverse and evolving Catholic community.

A renewal in Catholic preaching must also address the growing cultural diversity within parishes, the desire for preaching that responds to the pressing questions of today, and the ongoing need for spiritual renewal within the Church.

Preaching Hope in a Doubt-Filled World.​

The central theme for the 2024/2025 cycle of the Sheen Initiative is “Preaching Hope in a Doubt-Filled World.” This focus will guide our efforts to empower preachers to inspire and uplift their congregations, particularly in times of uncertainty, offering messages of hope and renewal in a rapidly changing world.

At a Glance

Morning presentations will focus on preaching to diverse ethnic and racial groups, as well as to different age demographics. Additionally, there will be a discussion on how to effectively preach to a military community, exploring the images, metaphors, and stories that resonate most deeply with military families.

Afternoon sessions will build skills in the area of voice and projection, storytelling, and preaching in an evangelizing voice.

*Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We have 40 spots open for Priest, and once they’re filled, a waiting list will be created.*

REGISTER NOW

Summer Institute Schedule (July 13-18)

Sunday, July 13

3:00 -7:30 pm
6:00 pm
Check-in
Welcome Dinner

July 14- 17th Daily Schedule

7:30 am
7:45 – 8:15 am
8:15- 8:45 am
9:00 – 9:45 am
10:00- 11:45 am
12:00 -1:15 pm
1:30- 3:30 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Liturgy of the hours
Mass
Breakfast
Voice Workshop
Presentation
Lunch
Afternoon Workshops
Evening Prayer
Dinner
Optional Evening Activity in City

Friday, July 18 – Preaching to Elders, in the Parish and in Care Homes

9:00-11:30 am
Afternoon
Morning Session
Departure

Workshops include:

Preaching in the African-American Community

Preaching in Spanish-Speaking Communities

Preaching in Military Communities and to Veterans

Preaching to the Young Church

Common FAQS

What Does the Summer Institute Provide?
The institute offers a variety of sessions, including Telling a Story, Preaching with an Evangelizing Voice, Preaching and the Catholic Imagination, Voice and Projection, Liturgy, Music, and the Homily, and Preaching in Your Second (or Third) Language—all designed to help you become a more effective preacher. This week will be a rich experience of learning, prayer, and community.

The institute is free of charge! Housing and meals are included. The only expense is your travel to the CUA campus.

You will be staying at the Theological College, located across from the university in Washington, D.C.

Please bring your personal items and anything you need for prayer. Sheets and towels will be provided.

About the Speakers

Paulist Fr. Frank DeSiano, C.S.P

Fr. Frank is the president of Paulist Evangelization Ministries. From 2016 to 2020, he also served as the director of formation for the Paulist seminary and as the superior of the Paulist Fathers in Washington, D.C. He previously served as president of the Paulist Fathers from 1994 to 2002.
A recognized national leader in Catholic evangelization, Fr. Frank was a consultor for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization for over twelve years. He regularly travels across the country to present on evangelization topics at national, diocesan, and parish events. Fr. Frank has authored several books on Catholic faith, evangelization, and spirituality, including New Perspectives, Faith and Culture in Catholic Education, Discovering My Experience of God, and Reactivating Our Catholic Faith. A native of the West Side of Manhattan in New York City, Fr. Frank grew up as an altar server at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the mother church of the Paulist Fathers.

Fr Ricky Manolo, C.S.P

Fr. Ricky Manolo, is a composer, author and educator.He studied composition and piano at the Manhattan School of Music, theology at the Washington Theological Union, liturgy and culture at the Graduate Theological Union and sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a doctorate in Liturgy and the Sociology of Religion. He lives at the Paulist Fathers Motherhouse in New York.

Fr. Thomas Kalita, Pastor St. Peter’s Olney, MD

Fr. Thomas M. Kalita, Pastor of Saint Peter’s Parish in Olney, Maryland, has served as a priest for 50 years, including 30 years leading his parish. In recognition of his dedication to preaching and living the Gospel, he received the John S. Mulholland Lifetime Achievement Award on November 22nd. For over three decades, Fr. Kalita has also brought the Sunday TV Mass to those unable to attend in person, continuing to inspire others in faith and service.

Rev. Daniel L. Mode, Captain, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy

Fr. Daniel L. Mode, a lifelong member of a Navy family, has never lived in one place for more than four years. He earned his Philosophy degree from the Pontifical College Josephinum in 1988 and Master’s degrees in History and Theology from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1992. Ordained in 1992 for the Diocese of Arlington, he serves as a Navy Chaplain with deployments across Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Asia. His roles have included Command Chaplain of the Navy’s Seventh Fleet, Chaplain of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Director of Plans and Operations at the Pentagon. Fr. Mode is also the author of The Grunt Padre and numerous articles on faith and chaplaincy.