A pastoral diaspora exchange programme connecting Germany, Northern Europe and the Baltic States
The SPIRIT EXPO|SURE programme is open to anyone actively involved in pastoral ministry or church life, whether professionally or on a voluntary basis. Through a tandem model, 28 participants will be paired together – 14 from Germany and 14 from Northern Europe and the Baltic States. They visit one another for one week each, gaining first-hand insight into lived expressions of faith, pastoral ministry, and the life of Catholic communities in the diaspora.. The impressions and experiences of the programme will be discussed at the German Catholic Convention (Katholikentag) 2028 in Paderborn, Germany.
Bewerbungsschluss: 15th September 2026 | 28 spaces available
What gives me support and guidance in my personal faith? How can we pass on the faith’s content in a world where the church is no longer taken for granted? What sustains communities that are spread across large geographical
distances? And how can different languages, cultures, and traditions become a source of unity? SPIRIT EXPO|SURE explores the lived experiences of Catholic diaspora communities and seeks to identify practical pastoral insights for the future. Particular attention will be given to themes such as communicating the faith, liturgy, supporting volunteers, and ecumenical cooperation. This is guided by the overarching question: How can we, as a global church, bring the Gospel into today’s world in a relevant and meaningful way?
28 participants will be paired together – 14 from Germany and 14 from Northern Europe and the Baltic States. Two participants build one tandem.
The exchange takes place in Germany, Northern Europe, and the Baltic States. Exchange opportunities are planned in the following countries:
The specific placements will be arranged in close cooperation with the partner dioceses and local Church institutions.
- Visits to and observation of pastoral ministries and Church institutions
- Conversations with clergy, lay professionals, and volunteers
- Meetings with Church leaders and representatives
- Insights into family, youth, and social ministry
- Participation in worship services and the spiritual life of the local Church
- Discussions on the opportunities and challenges of being part of the universal Church in diaspora contexts
The programme is open to people engaged in pastoral ministry, including priests, deacons, pastoral associates, pastoral assistants, and committed lay volunteers. Ideally, applicants should have:
- A commitment to the Christian faith and active involvement in the life of the Church
- An interest in diaspora communities and the universal Church
- Openness to new perspectives and intercultural exchange
- Basic English language skills
- Willingness to participate in the preparation and follow-up meetings
- Readiness to document their experiences during the exchange
- Availability to present and discuss the project's outcomes at the 2028 German Catholic Congress (Katholikentag) in Paderborn
Travel and accommodation expenses, as well as participation in the 2028 Katholikentag in Paderborn, are fully covered by the programme. Participants are only responsible for their own meals and personal expenses.
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David Gorny
Referent Missionarische und Diakonische Pastoral
05251 29 96-27
david.gorny@bonifatiuswerk.de
