July 16, 2024, was a historic, seven-day gathering of more than 60,000 Catholics for the National Eucharistic Congress. I attended as a representative of ACS Technologies and as one of the faithful. I left with a deepening of faith, clarity on next steps for myself and my team, and a whole lotta of steps on my Fitbit!
As a leadership practitioner, I couldn’t help but observe the growth opportunities presented over those days for parish/diocesan staff and for the parishioners. I found myself mostly reflecting on one key driver for leadership: Mindset.
I reconnected with a former colleague, Roberto D. Navarro, of Catholic Relief Services. We immediately engaged in a conversation about how revival will not happen unless those who attend continue to intentionally grow in their own discipleship and in their parish/diocesan leadership. We both knew some would step up, and others would go back to business as usual.
Carol S. Dweck, PhD, one of my favorite researchers on mindset, asserts that we operate under one of two types of mindsets: fixed and growth. A fixed mindset is driven by the belief that we are born with a fixed amount of intelligence, a fixed personality, and moral character and we can never move beyond it. Just the opposite, a growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities can be formed and developed through effort. What mindset do you operate under? Fixed or growth?
When we operate with a growth mindset, we develop a keen radar for the next growth opportunity. Did you capture growth opportunities for yourself and those you lead at the Congress?
Even if you didn’t attend, the soil has been further tilled, and new planting has taken place, ready for your parish/diocesan leadership to take flight to new heights! What are you preparing to do differently, more boldly, to fulfill the Mission of the Church? Or, will a fixed mindset take over, and you will settle for “this is as good as it gets?”
Why ACST Catholic was at the National Eucharistic Congress
At ACS Technologies (ACST Catholic), we are dedicated to empowering parishes and dioceses to grow and thrive in their mission to serve the faithful. Our presence at the National Eucharistic Congress underscored our commitment to supporting church leaders and parishioners in their spiritual journeys. By providing innovative tools and solutions, we help parishes and dioceses enhance their ministry, foster discipleship, and streamline their operations.
Whether it’s through our comprehensive church management systems or our specialized solutions for ministry tracking and communication, ACST Catholic exists to help parishes and dioceses invite, engage, and accompany the faithful in their walk with Christ. Our participation in the Congress reflected our dedication to being at the forefront of church leadership and growth, supporting them every step of the way.
Denise Ehlen
God called Denise’s gift to the role of Catholic Sales Manager at ACS Technologies after a 15-year tenure at the Catholic Leadership Institute, where she supported thousands of bishops, priests, and lay leaders in their self-leadership, leading others and strategic planning all in support of building the Kingdom of God. Out of the five contexts of leadership of which Denise was a master trainer, self-leadership is her favorite because it is foundational to how one leads in all the other contexts. At ACS Technologies, Denise is blessed to continue to be called to apply and keep sharp the skills of self-leadership and the leadership of others to enable the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations!”
