Be part of an inspiring evening with the Francis Institute at our First Annual Vision Dinner. This special event is designed to share the heart of our mission—how God is transforming lives through missionaries raised up from the communities they serve in Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and Bangladesh.
A combination of ministry updates, testimonies, and a keynote presentation will highlight the current challenges in mission territories and present the sustainable model the Lord is forming through this work, as well as the mission’s vision and priorities for the year ahead.
Guests are welcome to invite anyone the Lord places on their hearts, particularly those who would be interested in partnering with the mission and the work being shared.
Because seating is limited, reservations are required. Adults only, please.
RSVP by Sept 28th. Guests will have an opportunity to partner financially with the mission.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Hilton – Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport
(near the Mall of America)
3800 American Blvd East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Keynote Speaker: Fr. Evan Koop
Fr. Evan Koop, a native of Woodbury, was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on May 26, 2012. During his summer as a transitional deacon he served at the archdiocesan mission parish of Jesucristo Resucitado in San Felix, Venezuela. Fluent in Spanish, Fr. Koop spent four years as a Parochial Vicar ministering to the Hispanic community in several archdiocesan parishes, while also serving as a Spiritual Director at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul.
In 2016, Fr. Koop was assigned by Archbishop Hebda to pursue further studies in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he obtained his Licentiate (2018) and Doctorate in Sacred Theology (2023), his research focusing on Mariology and Patristic Theology. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Henri de Lubac Prize for his doctoral dissertation.
He currently serves as a Formator at the St. Paul Seminary and is an Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology. Since evangelization and serving the poor are a key part of his priestly ministry, Fr. Koop has led or participated in numerous mission trips, retreats, and experiences over the years to places such as Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Egypt, Rwanda, and India.
