Witness the Holy Spirit through fellowship with energetic speakers, live music, prayerful reflection, and Mass with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at Assembly 2019 on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the campus of St. Mary’s University at 1 Camino Santa Maria.
Archbishop Gustavo invites clergy, religious and laity from across the archdiocese to assemble with him as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. For the fifth consecutive year, the Assembly will awaken and foster a spiritual communion as we gather together with more than 3,000 participants from parishes, Catholic schools, young adults and members of lay ecclesial movements, groups and associations. This year’s challenge is to become “pastoral agents of change” who embrace a “culture of accompaniment.”
What is Assembly?
Assembly is a day in which attendees celebrate their Catholic identity and rejoice in fellowship and communion. The theme for the Assembly is “Sent by the Spirit — Building a Catholic Culture of Accompaniment.”
Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and confessions at noon will prepare the way to the afternoon sessions. This year, attendees can choose the topic and language of their preference. The event will close with Archbishop Gustavo’s comments and a joyful send-forth that is going to encourage to be a “Church that accompanies.”
Keynote speaker
Keynote speaker Father Daniel Horan, OFM, will offer a presentation on, “Walking with Christ, Living in the Spirit: Building a Culture of Accompaniment and Missionary Discipleship.”
This year’s theme invites listeners as Christian disciples to examine hearts, minds, and lives to see how we can better walk with Christ and live in the grace of the Holy Spirit. This keynote address explores how to be better “missionary disciples,” as Pope Francis reminds, by building a Catholic culture of accompaniment in the face of division, hatred, and self-centeredness.
Father Horan is a Franciscan friar of Holy Name Province (NY), assistant professor of systematic theology and spirituality at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and the author of several books including the award-winning The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton: A New Look at the Spiritual Influence on his Life, Thought, and Writing (2014). His latest books are titled, God Is Not Fair and other Reasons for Gratitude (2016) and All God’s Creatures: A Theology of Creation (2018). Father Dan currently serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Bonaventure University and the Board of Regents of the Franciscan School of Theology. He is also co-editor of the New Theology Review and co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast. Father Dan received his Ph.D. in theology from Boston College, M.Div. and M.A. from the Washington Theological Union (DC), and a BA from St. Bonaventure University.
In the afternoon 10 additional speakers will offer five presentations in English and five in Spanish.
Why attend Assembly?
The Assembly is the embodiment of the archdiocesan Mutually Shared Vision, “Encountering Christ, United as Church, Sent by the Spirit,” in a Culture of Encounter working towards three pastoral priorities: New Evangelization, Catechesis & Faith Formation, and Youth & Young Adults. Pastoral values support the efforts of: Prayerfulness, Stewardship, and Unity.
How to register
The registration fee is $65. However, through the generosity of Archbishop’s Appeal donors, all parishioners, Catholic school teachers and staff, Catholic university students, faculty and staff and Catholic agency employees of the archdiocese will receive a $40 discount at the end of registration making the out-of-pocket fee $25. Registration covers all Assembly events and activities including one meal ticket good at campus satellite food locations.
Should you no longer be able to attend the Assembly, after submitting payment, you may choose to transfer your registration fee as a scholarship for a person in need or request a refund.
All refunds or reservation cancellations must be requested no later than one (1) week prior to the Assembly. All refund requests made on or after the Assembly will not be accepted, the funds will automatically be transferred as a scholarship for a person in need. E-mail MariCarmen Guevara at maricarmen.guevara@archsa.org to transfer your registration or request a refund.
Parking will be available to all Assembly attendees throughout the campus of St. Mary’s University. Special dedicated handicap parking will also be available.
For more information or to register, go to TheAssembly@ArchSA.org or call (210) 734-1911.
The Assembly is an event that welcomes everybody without distinction. Although the presentations are intended for adults, families may attend together. Registration is required for children (17 and under) and for safety reasons, they need to be accompanied by their parents or guardians at all times while on campus.