Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative

CSPI LogoThe Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative is a professional development training and formation (non-degree seeking) program for lay leaders in our Milwaukee-area Catholic schools and parishes.

It offers a range of training formats, including one-year certificates, workshops, seminars, and one-day conferences. We have identified five key areas of need: Catholic Identity, Catholic School Leadership, Catholic School Effectiveness, Catholic School and Parish Governance, and Parish Lay Leadership.

Upcoming Events:

Annual Retreat Days for Pastors and their Lay Pastoral Staff

Advent Day of Reflection – Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 9:30am-2:00pm

  • Location: Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center (Archdiocese of Milwaukee)
  • Speaker: Bishop Donald A. Hying (Madison Diocese)
  • Title: “The Scriptures of Advent”

Lenten Day of Reflection – Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 9:30am-2:00pm  

  • Location: Marquette University
  • Speaker: Fr. Michael Simone, S.J. (pastor, Gesu Parish)
  • Title: “From Ashes to Fire: A journey Through Lent to Pentecost” 

Zach Myers Legacy Workshop Series for Catholic Leaders

November 6, 2025: A.I. for Catholic School Leaders | Dr. Jacob Riyeff

February 26, 2026: Mental Health for Teachers and Staff | Dr. Steve Saunders

June 18, 2026: Marketing your School in a Competitive Landscape | Speaker TBD

Workshop Series | Formed for the Call 

Archdiocese Logo

This workshop series is designed for lay leaders working in parishes and diocesan ministries and integrates human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. The program blends academic coursework, spiritual growth opportunities, and personal formation, following the framework set out by the U.S. Catholic Bishops. These workshop series are offered each spring and fall. While each workshops series are ‘stand alone,’ completion of the workshop series over the course of two years can lead to a “Certificate of Completion” sponsored by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Marquette University. 

Spring 2026 – Workshop series 1 is offered on four Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (in-person or online synchronous) on the campus of Marquette University 

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Human Formation

  • Goal: Foster emotional intelligence, communication skills, and leadership abilities for ministry
  • Workshop title: Words that Build: Effective Communication in ecclesial and social environments

Thursday, March 19, 2026 | Intellectual Formation 

  • Goal: Build a solid Catholic theological foundation
  • Workshop title: The Faith we believe: Unpacking the Catechism of the Catholic Church (part 1)

Thursday, April 23, 2026 | Spiritual Formation

  • Goal: Deepen personal relationship with Jesus and the life of the Church
  • Workshop title: Gathered in His Name: Understanding the Sacred Liturgy   

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Pastoral Formation

  • Goal: Develop practical skills for ministry and service
  • Workshop title: Sacred Listening: Providing Spiritual Support  

2025-2026 Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative Advisory Council

Fr. Phillip Bogacki, Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, Milwaukee Archdiocese
bogackip@archmil.org | 414-769-3301

Brenda Cline, Director of Priest Placement, the Lay Initiative, and Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Milwaukee Archdiocese
clineb@archmil.org | 414-769-3458

Ed Foy, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Milwaukee Archdiocese
foye@archmil.org | 414-769-2251

Dr. Heather Hathaway, Acting Dean, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, Marquette University
heather.hathaway@marquette.edu | 414-288-3478

Fr. Jim Pribek, S.J., Assistant Vice President, Mission & Ministry, Marquette University
james.pribek@marquette.edu | 414-288-1780

Dr. Dan Scholz, Director, Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative, Marquette University
daniel.scholz@marquette.edu | 414-288-6833

Dr. Leigh van den Kieboom, Associate Dean, College of Education, Marquette University
leigh.vandenkieboom@marquette.edu | 414-288-1429