2026 Convocation
The Institute on the Catechism is proud to host its fourth Convocation this summer in Mundelein, IL. The convocation will bring together bishops from across the United States, heads of catechetical offices and centers, Catholic school superintendents, and publishers of catechetical materials to discuss how we can continue the work of an evangelizing catechesis in our country. Prayer, networking with other catechetical leaders, and learning from experts will be the heart of the Convocation.
This year’s plenary presentations and breakout sessions will be around the theme “Evangelizing Catechesis for the Family.” Be sure to check back in at this page for a list of speakers.
The Convocation takes place on the beautiful grounds of the University of St. Mary of the Lake. The choice to convene on holy ground is deliberate, as this allows each of us to encounter the Lord as we partake of the sacramental and devotional life of the Church. Jesus says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” The event will begin 3pm on Monday, June 29th and end with Mass at 11:30am on Thursday, July 2nd.
Registration is $675 and includes a room and all meals.
When selecting your dates for arrival, please note that the pop-up calendar runs Monday-Sunday rather than Sunday-Saturday.
Plenary Speakers:
Evangelizing Catechesis in the Family
The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes was ordained and installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus on May 31, 2022. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome. He currently sits as a member of the Subcommittee on the Catechism.
Practical Approaches to Forming Vibrant Faith-Filled Families
Dr. Stephen Bullivant is Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion, and Director of the Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society at St. Mary’s University, UK. He holds doctorates in Theology (Oxford, 2009) and Sociology (Warwick, 2019). He joined St Mary’s in 2009, having previously held posts at Heythrop College, London, and Wolfson College, Oxford. Professor Bullivant has also held Visiting fellowship at the Institute for Social Change (University of Manchester), Blackfriars Hall (University of Oxford), and the Institute for Advanced Studies (University College London).
Considerations on the Role of Technology and AI in Catechesis for the Family
Dr. Paul Scherz is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His work examines the intersection of theology, science, medicine, and technology. His interests in ethics center on the role of virtue ethics, especially Stoic virtue ethics, in moral theology. He has published articles on many topics in bioethics, such as human enhancement, genetic technology, and end of life ethics. His books analyze issues like the moral formation of scientists, the role of risk in contemporary practical reason, the ethics of precision medicine, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.