Four new graduates of the Emmaus Institute for Ministry Formation were commissioned June 13 in Collegeville, marking an important milestone not only in their own spiritual journeys but also in the life of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Formed through four years of prayer, study and pastoral training, the graduates now step forward as missionary disciples prepared to serve their parishes and communities.
“The graduation of these four students is such a gift – for them in recognition of their discernment and sacrifice – but also for the diocese,” said Kristi Bivens, director of the Emmaus Institute. “Their formation strengthens the Church’s mission and ensures vibrant leadership for years to come.”
The Emmaus Institute, rooted in the diocesan mission of forming lay leaders, invites participants to walk closely with Christ, much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, so they can recognize him more clearly in Scripture, in the sacraments and in the people they are called to accompany. This year’s graduates embraced that invitation wholeheartedly, balancing coursework, retreats and ministry experiences as they discerned how God is calling them to serve.
Bivens, who also serves as the diocesan director of lay leadership formation, noted the importance of having well-formed leaders.
“The Emmaus story is about learning to recognize Christ in every moment of life and to walk in companionship with one another. These graduates have embraced that call with openness and dedication, and they now go forth ready to accompany others with the same faith and attentiveness,” she said.
Karen Handeland
Sacred Heart, Sauk Rapids
Q: How has your time at the Emmaus Institute shaped who you are today—spiritually, personally and as a leader?
The Emmaus Institute has given me a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, enabling me to teach and defend it with greater confidence. It has also taught me the importance of seeking Christ in every person I encounter. We can learn so much from others, even those younger than us, and it is important to remain open to recognizing Christ at work through them.
Q: What is the most significant insight, skill or experience you gained during the program, and why does it stand out?
One of the most significant lessons I learned is that faith formation is a lifelong journey. God is greater than our understanding, so we must continually grow through prayer, study, the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of those around us.
Q: What challenge did you encounter during your formation, and how did it change or strengthen you?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to be transparent and vulnerable with others. Through this experience, I discovered that vulnerability creates opportunities for authentic connection. When we are willing to open our hearts, it often encourages others to do the same, creating space for healing, growth and deeper relationships.
Q: Which skills or understandings from the program do you expect to use most immediately in your parish, ministry, or community?
I use many of the skills I learned at Emmaus daily. One that stands out is a deeper understanding of Sacred Scripture, particularly its historical and cultural context. Understanding what was happening at the time helps us interpret Scripture more accurately and apply its teachings more faithfully in our lives today.
Q: How do you feel called to use your formation going forward, and what impact do you hope to make with what you’ve learned?
Going forward, I plan to continue following God’s plan for my life by listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and remaining open to wherever he leads me. I hope to use what I have learned to help others grow closer to Christ, deepen their understanding of the faith and recognize God’s presence in their everyday lives.
Brayan Godoy Chilisna
Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Rockville
Q. How has your time at Emmaus Institute shaped who you are today spiritually, personally and as a leader?
During my time studying at Emmaus, I acquired knowledge, and the more you know, the more you want. I was also able to realize the development of my faith, since during this time I had a spiritual guide, which was a great help in continuing to seek more of the word of God.
Q. What is the most significant knowledge, skill or experience you gained during the program, and why does it stand out for you?
Many times I searched for answers and thought they weren’t there, answers about my faith. Although I never doubted it, I wanted to share my faith with others, to defend my faith. When I first heard about this program, I felt interested, since it was what I was looking for, and I feel that Emmaus is part of my spiritual growth and left me with the desire to continue in this learning that never ends.
Q. What challenges did you encounter during your training and how did it change or strengthen you?
I believe that challenge is part of our human nature. At first it felt a little complicated, but I reminded myself of the purpose, of why I had become interested. I feel that for something to be achieved there must be a purpose, will and sacrifice, and above all, that you like it.
Q. What skills or learnings from the program do you expect to use most immediately in your parish, ministry or community?
I have been helping with the altar server ministry and will continue to support in whatever way is needed.
Q. How do you feel called to use your training going forward, and what impact do you hope to achieve with what you have learned?
Sharing what we have learned, in service to others, for the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
En Espanol:
¿Cómo ha moldeado tu tiempo en el Instituto Emaús quién eres hoy —espiritualmente, personalmente y como líder?
En el lapso de estudio en Emaús, fui adquiriendo conocimiento, y entre más conoces más quieres, así mismo pude darme cuenta el desarrollo de mi fe, ya que durante este tiempo contaba con guía espiritual, que fue de gran ayuda para seguir buscando más de la palabra de Dios.
¿Cuál es el conocimiento, habilidad o experiencia más significativa que adquiriste durante el programa, y por qué destaca para ti?
Muchas veces busque respuesta y pensaba que nos las habían, respuestas sobre mi fe, aunque nunca dude, yo quería dar a otros a conocer mi fe, defender mi fe, cuando escuché por primera ves este programa de enseñanza, me sentí interesado, ya que era de lo que andaba en busca, y siento que Emaús es parte de mi crecimiento espiritual y me dejó el deseo de seguir en este aprendizaje que nunca acaba.
¿Qué desafío encontraste durante tu formación y cómo te cambió o fortaleció?
El desafío creo que es parte de nuestra naturaleza humana, al principio se sentía un poco complicado pero me recordé del propósito, del por que me había interesado, siento que para que algo se logre debe de haber un propósito, voluntad y sacrificio, y sobre todo que te guste.
¿Qué habilidades o aprendizajes del programa esperas utilizar de manera más inmediata en tu parroquia, ministerio o comunidad?
E estado ayudando con el ministerio de monaguillos y seguiré apoyando en lo que se necesite.
¿Cómo sientes que estás llamado(a) a usar tu formación en adelante, y qué impacto esperas lograr con lo que has aprendido?
Dando a conocer lo aprendido,al servicio de los demás, pues la mies es mucha y los trabajadores son pocos.
Wendy Johanna Vigil de Milla
Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Rockville
Q. How has your time at Emmaus Institute shaped who you are today spiritually, personally, and as a leader? The Emmaus Institute has provided me with spiritual, personal and leadership training based on the missionary disciple model. Spiritually, it has transformed my perspective by strengthening my faith, leading me to a deeper encounter with the Gospel and helping me find God in everyday life. Personally, it has taught me to overcome insecurities, strengthen my self-esteem and experience inner healing. As a leader, it has inspired me to serve with empathy and to support others.
Q. What is the most significant knowledge, skill, or experience you acquired during the program, and why does it stand out for you? I have learned to develop the ability to discern, meditate, have gratitude, compassion, understand and interpret the Holy Scriptures, and to make decisions based on Christian teaching.
Q. What challenge did you encounter during your training and how did it change or strengthen you? One challenge that arose during my time in the program was finding a balance between my work, my family and my studies. Little by little, I found that balance to the point where I had plenty of free time.
Q. What skills or learnings from the program do you expect to use most immediately in your parish, ministry or community? I hope to immediately apply the tools I have received to share the faith, evangelize, welcome new members to my parish and implement open dialogue to form supportive and participatory communities within the ministry to which I belong (Marriage Ministry).
Q. How do you feel called to use your training going forward, and what impact do you hope to achieve with what you have learned? The formation I received at Emmaus Institute calls me to become an instrument for those who need Christian direction, guidance and accompaniment, and to bring the message to the community that they are not walking alone. The impact I hope to achieve is to transform lives through witness, reconciliation and the strengthening of community.
En Espanol:
Cómo ha moldeado tu tiempo en el instituto Emmaus, quien eres hoy espiritualmente, personalmente y como líder?
El Instituto Emmaus me ha brindado una formación espiritual, personal y de liderazgo, basada en el modelo de los discípulos misioneros. Espiritualmente ha transformado mi perspectiva al fomentar mi fe, al llevarme a tener un encuentro íntimo con el evangelio y al encontrar a Dios en lo cotidiano. En lo personal, me ha enseñado a superar inseguridades, a fortalecer mi autoestima, y a tener sanación interior. Como líder, me ha impulsado a servir desde la empatía y a dar acompañamiento al prójimo.
Cuál es el conocimiento, habilidad o experiencia más significativa que adquiriste durante el programa, y porque destaca para ti?
He aprendido a desarrollar la capacidad de discernir, meditar, tener gratitud, compasión, comprender e interpretar las Sagradas Escrituras y a tomar decisiones basada en la enseñanza cristiana.
Qué desafío encontraste durante tu formación y cómo te cambió o fortaleció?
Un desafío que surgió durante el periodo de mi formación en el programa fue el encontrar un balance de tiempo entre mi trabajo, mi familia y mis estudios. Poco a poco fui encontrando ese balance hasta el grado de contar con tiempo de sobra.
Qué habilidades o aprendizajes del programa esperas utilizar de manera más inmediata en tu parroquia, ministerio o comunidad?
Espero aplicar de inmediato las herramientas recibidas para compartir la fe, evangelizar, dar acogida a nuevos miembros en mi parroquia, implementar dinámicas de diálogo abierto para formar comunidades de apoyo y participativas en el Ministerio al que pertenezco. (Ministerio de Matrimonios)
Cómo sientes que estás llamado a usar tu formación en adelante, y que impacto esperas lograr con lo que has aprendido?
La formación que recibí en el instituto Emmaus me llama a convertirme en un instrumento para quienes necesitan dirección cristiana, guía, acompañamiento, y a llevar el mensaje a la comunidad de que no están caminando solos. El impacto que espero lograr es transformar vidas mediante el testimonio, la reconciliación y el fortalecimiento de la comunidad,
Lupita Cismowski
St. Andrew Parish in Elk River
How has your time at Emmaus Institute shaped who you are today —spiritually, personally, and as a leader? Emmaus has been a great learning experience for me and I feel immense gratitude for all the teachers, directors and spiritual guides at Emmaus. Personally, Emmaus has helped me become more confident in what I do, thanks to the tasks and activities I’ve learned and put into practice since the beginning of my classes. Spiritually, it has filled me with so much peace, and I’ve grown in charity, patience, love for my neighbor and so much more. But at the same time, I feel a hunger to continue learning and deepening my faith. As a leader, I believe that Emmaus provides us with tools and knowledge to share and the enthusiasm for doing so is palpable. However, I also believe that leadership is something that can never be fully mastered because there is always so much to learn.
What is the most significant knowledge, skill, or experience you gained during the program, and why does it stand out to you? The knowledge and experiences were many, such as delving deeper into the Word, meditating on it and then sharing the experience with other people. One of the skills I learned was the ability to form groups and give a class, lose the fear of public speaking and also to advocate for other people.
What challenge did you encounter during your training and how did it change or strengthen you? One of the challenges was being able to find the time to attend classes, complete assignments and balance home and work.
What skills or learnings from the program do you hope to use most immediately in your parish, ministry, or community? In most of our parishes, there is such a great need for leaders or servants that, as Emmaus students, most of us begin to share what we are gradually learning in different ministries. I believe the best skill is the ability to serve in God’s work without expecting anything in return, and to serve wherever the need is greatest.
How do you feel called to use your training going forward, and what impact do you hope to achieve with what you have learned? I feel called to continue serving in my parish and in my community, and I hope that God will guide me when teaching and sharing what I have learned.
¿Cómo ha moldeado tu tiempo en el Instituto Emaús quién eres hoy —espiritualmente, personalmente y como líder? Emmaus ha sido una gran enseñanza, y una gran experiencia para mi, siento una enorme gratitud por todos los maestros, directores y guías espirituales de Emmaus. Personalmente Emmaus me ha ayudado a ser mas segura en lo que hago, y esto ha sido gracias a las tareas y dinámicas aprendidas y puestas en practica desde el inicio de mis clases. Espiritualmente, me ha llenado tanto, de paz, y ha crecido caridad, paciencia, amor al prójimo y tantas cosas mas, pero al mismo tiempo siento hambre de seguir aprendiendo y conociendo mas de mi fe. Como líder creo que en Emmaus nos brindan herramientas y conocimiento para compartir, y se siente el entusiasmo de hacerlo; pero tambien pienso que el liderazgo es algo que no se puede lograr por completo porque siempre hay tanto que aprender.
En Espanol:
¿Cuál es el conocimiento, habilidad o experiencia más significativa que adquiriste durante el programa, y por qué destaca para ti? Conocimientos y experiencias fueron muchas, como profundizar en La Palabra, meditar en Ella y luego compartir la experiencia con otras personas; y una de las habilidades que aprendí fue el poder formar grupos y dar una clase, perder el miedo a hablar en publico, y también a abogar por otras personas.
¿Qué desafío encontraste durante tu formación y cómo te cambió o fortaleció? Creo uno de los desafíos fue el poder tomar el tiempo, tanto para asistir a las clases como para cumplir con las tareas y poder balancear con el hogar y el trabajo
¿Qué habilidades o aprendizajes del programa esperas utilizar de manera más inmediata en tu parroquia, ministerio o comunidad? En la mayoría de nuestras parroquias hay tanta necesidad de “lideres” o servidores que como estudiantes de Emmaus la mayoría empezamos a compartir lo que vamos aprendiendo poco a poco y en diferentes ministerios. La mejor habilidad creo que es el poder servir en las cosas de Dios, sin esperar nada a cambio y servir en lo que más haga falta.
¿Cómo sientes que estás llamado(a) a usar tu formación en adelante, y qué impacto esperas lograr con lo que has aprendido? Siento el llamado a continuar sirviendo en mi parroquia y en mi comunidad, y espero que Dios me guie al momento de enseñar y compartir lo aprendido.
Pictured above, Wendy Johanna Vigil de Milla, from Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Rockville, receives her certificate and congratulations from Bishop Patrick Neary during the graduation ceremony at the Emmaus Hall Chapel on the campus of Saint John’s University June 13. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
