School of Service: A CHURCH WHICH IS POOR AND FOR THE POOR
(A Dilexi Te Lecture)

The School of Service is a collaborative initiative offering a deeper look into the Catholic Church’s Social Teachings. In 2026, we are dealing with a new kind of poverty in a new world. Rapidly changing technology is shaping societies and changing lifestyles.

Project Finding Calcutta is partnering with University of Dallas Campus Ministry to unpack Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te. This brief and powerful document addresses different kinds of poverty and what our duties are as Christians. Come and be enlightened by the wisdom of the Church and what it means to quench Jesus’ thirst.

The event begins with fellowship over a light lunch, followed by a presentation and a small group workshop.

SPEAKER

Dr. Juan Rendon
Director of Social Ministry (Diocese of Dallas)

Dr. Rendon grew up in Mexico and Houston, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas in Irving, master’s degrees in theology and pastoral ministry from the University of St. Thomas in Houston; and a doctorate in spirituality from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Rendon is the Director of Social Ministry for the Diocese of Dallas. He previously worked as a full-time affiliate instructor at the University of Dallas School of Ministry, as coordinator of the pastoral dimension of formation at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, and most recently as director of the diaconate formation program for the Diocese of Fort Worth. In addition, Dr. Rendon serves as an adjunct professor of theological and pastoral studies for the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio.

Dr. Rendon and his wife Anna have 5 children and they are parishioners of St. Jude’s.

VENUE

The lecture will take place at the UD Catholic Center in the Anselm Hall at University of Dallas. Please follow the signs for Anselm Hall (or ask any student on Campus). After you locate the building, you will find us at the Catholic Center on the 2nd floor.