By Invitation Only

Bishops Summit on
Evangelizing Dioceses

for the Universal Church
Madison, Wisconsin, USA  ·  October 4–8, 2027
Hosted by His Excellency, Bishop Donald J. Hying, Diocese of Madison
Save the Date

Attendance is limited. By invitation only.  Indicate your interest →

The Church Exists to Evangelize
“The Church Exists
to Evangelize”
Pope Saint Paul VI

The Bishops Summit on
Evangelizing Dioceses

Together, diocesan bishops from around the world will:

  • Develop a vision for evangelizing their dioceses
  • Formulate a clear and actionable framework for saving many souls
  • Discern current obstacles and the best strategies to address them in consultation with brother bishops
  • Create an evangelization action plan for 2027 through 2033, the Jubilee of Redemption
Archbishop Fisichella and George Witwer

His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, with George Witwer, president of SPES.

“It is therefore urgent to return to proclaiming the Gospel: this is the priority.”

Pope Leo XIV

A Carefully Planned Experience

Every part of the Summit is designed to help you fulfill your first priority: the Great Commission.

Day 1
Awakening — From Maintenance to Mission
Day 2
Transformational Leadership & Culture Change
Day 3
Conversion, Healing & Making Disciples
Day 4
Vision & Planning for 2033
Day 5
Regional Strategy & Commissioning
Bishop workshop at SPES conference

His Excellency Bishop Earl K. M. Fernandes, Diocese of Columbus, during a bishop workshop at a recent SPES conference.

Cardinal Tagle speaking at SPES event

His Eminence, Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, at the Bishops Day of Reflection in Indianapolis, co-sponsored by SPES and the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

Edgewater Boutique Hotel, Madison Wisconsin

The Edgewater Boutique Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin — on the shores of Lake Mendota with the State Capitol in the background.

A Fully Hosted Experience

The Summit will take place at the Edgewater Boutique Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. This unique lakeside setting will foster fraternity, renewal and a call for decisive action.

All travel, accommodations, and Summit participation will be provided at no cost by the St. Paul Evangelization Society (SPES).

A private gathering of diocesan bishops committed to evangelizing their dioceses — five days removed from daily demands to focus on mission, prayer, vision and action.

Voices of Experience

Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
“It was my great joy to be one of the local hosts for these incredible conferences for bishops from St. Paul Evangelization Society. We were so inspired by the presenters and by the workshops we did here to really organize our thoughts around evangelization, this number one priority for us bishops.”
Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon
Bishop Robert J. McClory
“There’s no greater responsibility we have than to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. We get so busy that it can be easy to be distracted, and coming to a SPES conference brings us back to that most essential reality.”
Bishop Robert J. McClory
Diocese of Gary, after attending a SPES conference in New Jersey, October 2025

If You Want To…

  • Rekindle your apostolic zeal
  • Develop an effective vision and action plan for your diocese
  • Learn to fully engage your presbyterate for mission
  • Understand the main evangelization challenges in today’s world and how to address them
  • Hear your brother bishop testimonies on their evangelization journey
  • Participate in meaningful conversations with other Ordinaries committed to evangelization
  • Become a more successful “fisher of men”

Then, this Summit is for you.

Bishops at a SPES conference

By Invitation Only

Attendance is limited. Kindly respond to SPES to indicate your interest.

Madison, Wisconsin  ·  October 4–8, 2027

Hosted by His Excellency, Bishop Donald J. Hying, Diocese of Madison

Request Invitation Download Brochure PDF

Indicate Your Interest

Space at the Summit is strictly limited and extended by invitation. Please complete this form to indicate your interest and a member of the SPES team will be in touch.

All travel, accommodations, and Summit participation will be provided at no cost to attendees by SPES.

St. Paul Evangelization Society (SPES)
George Witwer, President
+1 317-727-2901
gwitwer@spesinchrist.org
P.O. Box 53, Minden, NV 89423 USA

By submitting this form you are indicating interest only. A member of the SPES team will follow up directly. This is a by-invitation event and submission does not guarantee attendance.

Thank You

Your interest has been received. A member of the SPES team will be in touch with you directly.

For immediate inquiries: gwitwer@spesinchrist.org

Board of Directors

Most Rev. Donald J. Hying
Bishop of Madison, Chairman of the Board
Most Rev. Thomas A. Daly
Bishop of Spokane
Right Rev. Philip A. Egan
Bishop of Portsmouth, England
Most Rev. Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst
Delegate for Catechesis, Dicastery of Evangelization
Most Rev. Robert J. McClory
Bishop of Gary
Most Rev. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
Most Rev. David L. Ricken
Bishop of Green Bay
Deacon Vincent L. Bernardin
Co-Founder, St. Paul Evangelization Society
Peter Herbeck
Vice President & Director of Missions, Renewal Ministries
George Witwer
Co-Founder and President, St. Paul Evangelization Society