By Mary Parks
Three more Catholic ministers have completed a significant eight month journey, thanks to a new offering from the Diocese of St. Cloud. “Created, Called, Sent” is a reflective program of human formation designed for ministerial leaders. The program began in 2024 as a pilot funded in part by a “Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission” grant.
Four Catholic ministers participated in that initial 2024-2025 pilot. Those participants reported outcomes such as increased self-compassion, stronger boundaries, more ability to process emotions, and greater awareness of relational dynamics. Participants found the experience so transformational, in fact, that the diocese offered the program again from September 2025 to April 2026. Due to the social turmoil caused by ICE activity during that time, the program’s emphasis on trauma and self-care could not have been more timely.
As one participant stated, “We were devastated, there was no book to follow. We didn’t know how to deal with our emotions. But this group helped us to see things in a different light, to recognize our fears and limitations. This has been sacramental. God put us here together.”
Additional outcomes cited by participants include becoming more open to other views, greater awareness of inherent dignity and an increased ability to be centered in God. According to another participant, “This is a circle of trust. I have never been as open as I have in this group. It has helped me to grow in trust. Here, I have learned not to separate myself from God. Before, I had lost clarity and authenticity. This space gave me awareness of myself. There are not many spaces that can do that. I love this group.”
Recognizing the need for this type of accompaniment, organizers hope to expand the program in 2026-2027 by welcoming Catholic ministers from beyond the Diocese of St. Cloud. All participants will travel to the campus of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville three times (in September, December and April), but will otherwise meet virtually. This hybrid format has proven to create group cohesion while also accommodating the busy lives of participants.
As in previous years, the program will include monthly group meetings and monthly one-on-one consultations between participants and me, Mary Parks, the program’s facilitator. A trauma-informed educator and ministry supervisor, I am dedicated to accompanying Catholic ministers through the challenging work of caring for others. A Benedictine oblate, I also bring insight gained through my service as both a chaplain and spiritual director trained in mental health first aid.
Ministers interested in becoming a “Created, Called, Sent” participant are invited to attend an informational webinar, featuring guests from the first two years of the program. The webinar will be held Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 pm. It will also be recorded. To sign up for the webinar, or for more information, email Kristi.Bivens@gw.stcdio.org.
Above photo: 2025-2026 “Created, Called, Sent” participants Mayuli Bayles, Director of Multicultural Ministries (front left); Kristi Bivens, Director of Lay Leadership Formation and Coordinator of Clergy Continuing Education, Deacon Mario Mancilla (back left) Latino Ministries Manager; Mary Parks, Educator and Ministry Supervisor, Created, Called, Sent Program; Sandy Garcia, General Coordinator of Latino Ministry at Saint John’s Abbey. (Photo submitted)