A Brief History of Echo
The idea of Echo began to take shape in the early 2000s as the reality of disaffiliation from the Catholic faith by young and old alike was becoming a more pressing concern, and at a time when the median age of parish catechetical leaders entrusted to lead the Church’s efforts of handing on the faith was 61.
In 2004, Echo was established as Notre Dame’s response to the urgent need for a new generation of inspiring lay leaders to help stem the tide of disaffiliation with the goal of developing more creative and effective means of passing on the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith. In 2004, Echo began with a cohort of 13 parish apprentices serving in three partner dioceses in Indiana and Texas. Dr. Jerry Baumbach was a part of this founding vision and after a long career at William H. Sadlier, Inc. began as Echo's first Director, serving into 2011 before retiring as emeritus faculty in 2013.
Echo's name comes from the Greek word for “catechesis” meaning “to echo into,” derived from “kata” (meaning “into”) and “ekhein” (meaning “to echo”). Jesus’ interactions and teaching sought to create an echo in those he met, where they could feel God’s faithfulness within and be moved to live and share that faith with others.
After a steady period of growth, Colleen Moore took over as Program Director in 2011 after serving on the program staff since Echo's inception. In 2014, at the request of Echo partner dioceses impressed by the significant impact of Echo students on parish faith formation, Echo expanded its reach to include Catholic schools where Echo students serve as theology teachers and campus ministers. The program has grown to annual student cohorts of 30+ students who each reach an average of 200 children, youth, young adults and adults each year through their ministry and teaching. Echo has now partnered with 23 dioceses in 15 states across the United States with an international expansion to Ireland in 2020. At the end of June 2025, Echo will have graduated 367 young lay leaders in faith formation with over 90% remaining in full-time ministry and teaching related careers following the program. For those who want to remain in full-time ministry or teaching, Echo has a 100% placement rate. In May 2025, Colleen Moore assumed a new position as Associate Director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life and Ryan Dainty became Program Director of Echo.
Echo, in partnership with the Notre Dame's Department of Theology and dioceses across the country, continues its mission of turning the tide of disaffiliation. Echo looks forward to developing inspiring and innovative leaders in faith formation and evangelization who can creatively and faithfully meet the challenges facing the Church in our time.
