Upcoming Events for Clergy and Religious Alumni
The Dialogues of the Carmelites
April 23-26, 2026
The Catholic University of America, Hartke Theatre
Join the Music Department at the Benjamin T. Rome School of Performing Arts as they perform their spring opera, The Dialogues of the Carmelites, composed by Frances Poulenc.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
September 3, 2026 | 12:10 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Beautification of Alumnus and Professor Emeriti, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
September 24, 2026 | 2 p.m. Central
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO)
His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle, S.T.L. 1987, S.T.D. 1991, Presiding
Learn more about Catholic University’s Fulton J. Sheen Excellence in Preaching Initiative
Alumni Reunion Engagements for Clergy and Religious
October 15-16, 2026
The Catholic University of America and Theological College
Annual Cardinal Weekend Alumni Homecoming
October 16-18, 2026
The Catholic University of America
Votive Mass of St. Thomas Aquinas
January 28, 2027
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Join us for the annual liturgy commemorating the patron of The Catholic University of America.
The Office of Diocesan Engagement at Catholic University
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, founded in 1887 by the nation’s bishops with the approval of the Holy See. Its Schools of Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Canon Law are accredited by the Holy See under the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium.
With its rich history and unique relationship to Rome, Catholic University is committed to serving the life, formation, and pastoral needs of the Church.
Established in 2023, the Office of Diocesan Engagement strengthens the relationship between the University and the 196 dioceses, archdioceses, and eparchies across the United States. Dedicated to initiative, strategy, coordination, and communication, the office provides resources to strengthen Catholic life throughout the country and abroad.
The Office of Diocesan Engagement also oversees Cardinals for Christ, the affinity group for University clergy and religious alumni, as well as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Collection for The Catholic University of America, which has supported the University’s mission since 1903.
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Leadership
Kirsten Evans is an associate vice president at The Catholic University of America and works in the Office of Diocesan Engagement. She is a graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Before joining Catholic University, Evans spent several decades serving the Church through ministry and international non-profit leadership, as well as various ventures working in both the public and private sectors.
Dennis A. Strach is the inaugural director of diocesan engagement at Catholic University, serving as the liaison to diocesan leadership and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. With over 15 years of ministerial experience, Strach has taught catechetical courses, delivered talks, and led retreats across the country. He is the author of Living Your Baptism in Lent: Weekly Reflections for Your Journey (LTP) and the co-author of Living Liturgy 2025: Spirituality, Celebration, and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities, Year C (Liturgical Press). Strach holds a master of divinity from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s degree in music from Oakland University.
Be the Light: Support the National Collection
The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States — even among Catholic universities. It is the national university of the Catholic Church in America, founded in 1887 by the bishops of the country with the approval of the Holy See. Upon its founding, Pope Leo XIII prayed that the University would “give to the Republic her best citizens.”
Catholic University scientists, engineers, nurses, seminarians, philosophers, theologians, historians, architects, social workers, musicians, artists, priests and scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to help form Catholic leaders, solve the problems of contemporary life, and enrich the Church.
Gifts to the National Collection help the University form lay leaders, priests, religious and bishops from across the country for a wide variety of ministries in service to the Church and the nation.
As you reflect on the insights and connections gained from this conference, we invite you to consider making a gift in support of the ongoing work and mission of The Catholic University of America.