Dr. Francisco Castillo, professor of Pastoral Studies at the Loyola Institute for Ministry at Loyola University New Orleans, presented a workshop at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in February 2026 titled "Más allá del RICA: La mistagogía como camino de esperanza y formación continua" ("Beyond RCIA: Mystagogy as a Path of Hope and Ongoing Formation"). The annual congress—organized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles—is one of the largest gatherings of pastoral leaders, catechists, and ministry professionals in the world, bringing together thousands of participants for formation and dialogue on the life of the Church.
Dr. Castillo’s workshop addressed the pastoral challenges that many parishes face as newly initiated Catholics seek deeper belonging and formation after completing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). His presentation invited ministry leaders to reconsider the role of mystagogy not only as a stage following initiation, but as an ongoing pastoral approach that supports lifelong discipleship.
In the session, Dr. Castillo explored how mystagogy can serve as a framework for strengthening parish leadership and deepening engagement in catechesis, service, and liturgical life. Drawing on pastoral experience and theological reflection, he offered practical strategies for accompanying new members of the Church and cultivating sustained spiritual growth within parish communities.
As Dr. Castillo explained during the workshop, many newly initiated Catholics complete their initiation journey yet struggle to find lasting connection within parish life. He encouraged pastoral leaders to view mystagogy as an enduring pastoral practice—one that nurtures discipleship, forms leaders, and integrates faith more fully into the lived experience of the community. By approaching catechesis, service, and liturgy through a mystagogical lens, he suggested, parishes can foster deeper belonging and ongoing formation. The workshop also echoed the Congress's theme of Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed, highlighting the importance of sustained spiritual accompaniment and continued faith development.
Dr. Castillo’s participation in this international gathering reflects the Loyola Institute for Ministry’s ongoing commitment to serving the Church through theological scholarship, pastoral formation, and leadership in catechetical ministry.