Overview & Registration

January 27-29, 2026 | Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, Houston, TX

Join us for this year’s Winter Leadership Gathering at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, TX! This year’s gathering will feature deep conversation, once again introduced by case studies on the topics from other leaders, around the theme of community life. This year’s case study will focus on fragility, wellness, and resilience, communal transitions, and individualism and community life.

New to the Winter Leadership Gathering? The Gathering is a leadership formation workshop designed for major superiors and councilors of male religious communities. It is discussion-based, focusing on a series of current issues leaders are facing with opportunities to network, reflect, pray over those challenges. 

Registration will be available through Friday, January 9.

Presenters

Fr. Frank Donio, SAC
Conference of Major Superiors of Men

Michael Brough
Catholic Leader and Consultant

Fr. René Constanza, CSP
Paulist Fathers

Fr. André Kazadi, CICM
Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Fr. Don LaSalle, SMM
Montfort Missionaries

Fr. Mario Serrano, OFM Conv
Conventual Franciscan Friars

Fr. Kevin Zubel, CSsR
Redemptorists

Schedule

The 2026 Winter Leadership Gathering program will begin at 1:00 PM CT on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Lunch will be available prior to the start of the formal program at 12:00 pm. The Winter Leadership Gathering will conclude with lunch at 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 29.

We are pleased to offer an optional 24-hour retreat given by fellow leader Fr. Don LaSalle, SMM. It will feature time for prayer, quiet reflection, and a spiritual deepening of the themes discussed during the Winter Leadership Gathering. The retreat will start after lunch on Thursday, January 29, and run through lunch on Friday, January 30.

  • 11 am – Early arrival Mass
  • 12 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – Welcome and Introductions – Fr. Frank Donio, SAC
  • 1:45 pm – Case Study: Individualism and Communal Life – Fr. André Kazadi, CICM
  • 2:45 pm – Break
  • 3:00 pm – Spiritual Reflection – Fr. René Constanza, CSP 
  • 3:45 pm – Wrap up – Michael Brough
  • 4:00 pm – Evening Prayer
  • 4:15 pm – Break
  • 6:00 pm – Dinner

  • 7:30 am – Mass – Fr. Frank Donio, SAC
  • 8:00 am – Breakfast
  • 8:45 am – Morning Prayer 
  • 9:00 am – Welcome back – Michael Brough
  • 9:15 am – Case Study: Wellness, Fragility, and Resilience – Fr. Mario Serrano, OFM Cap. 
  • 10:30 am – Break
  • 10:45 am – Spiritual Reflection – Fr. René Constanza, CSP
  • 11:30 am – Wrap up – Michael Brough
  • 12:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm -Welcome back – Michael Brough
  • 1:15 pm – Case Study: Communal Life and Transitions – Fr. Kevin Zubel, CSsR
  • 2:30 pm – Break
  • 2:45 pm – Spiritual Reflection – Fr. René Constanza, CSP
  • 3:30 pm – Wrap up – Fr. Frank Donio, SAC
  • 4:00 pm – Evening Prayer
  • 4:15 pm – Break
  • 6:00 pm – Dinner

  • 7:30 am – Mass – TBD
  • 8:30 am – Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – Morning Prayer
  • 9:15 am – Reflection and Integration – Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, and Michael Brough
  • A chance to discuss and reflect on insights gained and takeaways to carry back to your leadership ministry.
  • 10:15 am – Break
  • 10:30 am – Discussion –  Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, and Michael Brough
  • A facilitated discussion aimed at sharing of insights among the group. 
  • 11:30 am – Evaluation/Summary – Fr. Frank Donio, SAC
  • 12:00 pm – Wrap and lunch – departure for those not staying for the retreat

Retreat 

  • 1:00 pm – Retreat with Fr. Don LaSalle, SMM, begins
  • 4:45 pm – Evening Prayer
  • 6 pm – Dinner

  • 7:30 am – Mass – TBD
  • 8:30 am – Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – Morning Prayer

Logistics

Lodging

The Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center has single occupancy rooms with a bed, linens, and private bathroom. All meals are provided, starting Tuesday at lunch and through Thursday at lunch. For those staying for the Retreat, meals will be provided through lunch on Friday.

Arrival

  • The Winter Leadership Gathering will start on Tuesday, January 27 at 1:00 pm CT.
    • Lunch will be available at 12:00 pm.
  • For those interested, there is an option to come a day earlier (Monday, January 26) for an extra fee.

Departure

  • The Winter Leadership Gathering will conclude on Thursday, January 29 at 12:00 pm CT.
    • Lunch will be available at 12:00 pm.
  • For those attending the Retreat, departure will be after lunch on Friday, January 30.

Airport

The nearest major airport is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The retreat center is approximately a 35-minute drive via rental car or taxi/Uber.

Registration and Cancellation Policy

Registration is open through Friday, January 9. Please reference our full cancellation policy here.

We look forward to seeing you. If you have questions, please contact David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs, at drohrerbudiash@cmsm.org or 240-436-1311.