One of the blessings of ministry is recognizing when something good needs room to grow. Since 2002, the New Wine Program has helped form leaders and disciples across the Diocese of Biloxi. As our diocese continues to step more intentionally into mission, it became clear that New Wine itself needed renewal—not a replacement, but new space to hold what God is doing now.

As I have moved into my role as Director of Faith Formation, I have seen lay leaders generously respond to the call of the Great Commission—to make disciples—while also expressing a real need for formation and guidance in how to help others grow as disciple-makers themselves. Jesus tells us that new wine requires new wineskins (Mark 2:22). That image has guided the prayerful updating of the New Wine Program in light of Missio Nostra and the vision of Bishop Louis Kihneman. Our Church is being called beyond maintenance and into missionary discipleship, and our formation must reflect that call.

The renewed New Wine Program focuses on helping disciples recognize their gifts, live their baptismal call, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with confidence. It places greater emphasis on a missional mindset, Catholic Social Teaching, evangelization, and spiritual accompaniment—learning how to walk with others, sometimes quietly and sometimes courageously, as an “Ananias” on the road to Christ. This is formation that is practical, prayerful, and deeply rooted in the life of the Church.

This upcoming cohort is open to both new participants and those who have completed New Wine in the past. I plan to walk with this cohort myself—not as a facilitator behind the scenes, but as a participant—because I want to experience New Wine as it exists now.

The next New Wine cohort begins August 2026. Applications are open through March 6, 2026. Learn more and apply at www.biloxidiocese.org/new-wine