The National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ invites parish leaders, initiation ministers, and regional or diocesan trainers to come together to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of initiation ministry. Through interactive sessions, meetings, and prayer opportunities, participants will understand more deeply that the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the vision of the parish as a community of disciples.
The National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ will have three tracks. Parish and Diocesan Leaders (in English), Initiation Catechists (in English), and Catequistas de iniciación (in Spanish). At this event, participants will gain practical sklls, discuss common challenges, and share best practices to enrich their work. An optional pre-gathering forum will be available on July 5, 2021, and will explore "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Insights for RCIA Adapted for Children." This forum is free for participants but has a limited number of seats-register today!
• Tracks in English and Spanish!
Registration for National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ is now open. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-933-1800. For more information, click here to download an informational brochure.
General Registration, by May 7, 2021 $250Group Rate: Parishes or Dioceses that register 4+ people $25 discount each registration
Includes lunch for July 6th & 7th.
July 5th Opening Reception $35
Optional. Includes an open bar. Limited registration.
Registration is also available by mail. Please download, print, and send in the form found in our registration brochure to LTP at 3949 South Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60609.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing (letter, fax, or e-mail) by Tuesday, June 1, 2021 for a full refund or by Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for a 75% refund. Cancellation requests after Wednesday, June 15, 2021 will not receive a refund.
A limited number of hotel rooms are available at the Hampton Inn Chicago North – Loyola Station for a specially discounted rate of $149.00 per night. This rate is available for those who book before May 27, 2020, for the evenings of July 5, July 6, and July 7. If you would like to add an extra day on July 4, the discounted rate is $169 for that evening. To reserve a room at the Hampton Inn Chicago – Loyola Station, please call 800-426-7866 and mention NGCI-21 or visit http://group.hamptoninn.com/NGCI2020.
There are two types of lodging options available on the campus of Loyola University. These rooms are available on the evenings of July 1 and 2 only. Please note that campus housing amenities are much more limited than typical hotel accomodations. For detailed information, visit https://www.ngci.org/travel#hotel
Children of varying ages and levels of faith development come to us seeking Christian initiation. How do we minister to these children and their families? What is the best way to offer each child appropriate catechesis and formation in Christian life? How do we receive children who have been baptized in other Christian traditions into the full communion of the Catholic Church? Join us at the 2021 National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ to find the answers to these and many other questions and to discover parish-tested practices for dealing with diverse pastoral situations.
The schedule for the National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ has been intentionally designed to offer an engaging balance of presentations, prayer, fellowship, discussion, and s focus on the needs and challenges of our specific ministries. The optional opening reception on July 1 will offer the opportunity for networking and fellowship with initiation ministers from around the country.
July 5, 2021 | |
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2:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Registration Early check-in will be provided in the lobby of the Hampton Inn. |
3 PM - 5 PM | Optional Pre-Gathering (Limited Registrations) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Insights for RCIA Adapted for Children |
7 PM - 9 PM | Opening Reception Optional. Tickets are $35. Includes open bar. |
July 6, 2021 | |
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Registration |
9:00 - 9:30 | Welcome, Morning Prayer, Introductions |
9:30 - 10:15 | General Session What are we now? Evaluating the US Landscapes and Assesing the Needs of Your Community |
10:15 - 10:30 | Break |
10:30 - 11:30 | General Session Christian Initiation of Children: A Vision for Catechetical Ministry |
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | General Session Forming Parents as Primary Catechists |
12:15 - 1:15 | Lunch Included in registration |
1:15 - 2:30 | Breakout Parish and Diocesan Leaders Models of Implementation Initiation Catechists The Role of the Catechist (part 1) Providing Suitable Catechesis |
2:30 - 3:00 | Coffee Break |
3:00 - 4:15 | Breakout Session Parish and Diocesan Leaders Structuring a Parish Approach or "Program" Initition Catechists The Role of the Catechist (part 2) Incorporating the Christian Way of Life, Suitable Liturgical Rites, and Apostolic Witness |
4:15 - 4:30 | Break |
4:30 - 5:15 | General Session Your Role in the Liturgical Rites of the RCIA |
5:30- 6:00 | Ritual Celebration |
6:00 PM | End of Day Dinner and evening on your own |
July 7, 2021 | |
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8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Optional Morning Session Q+A panel with NGCI Team |
9:00 - 9:30 | Morning Prayer and Announcements |
9:30 - 10:30 | General Session Involving Companions and Sponsors in the Initiation Process |
10:30 - 11:00 | Coffee Break |
11:00 - 12:30 | Training Exercise Planning for Whole Family Catechesis |
12:30 - 1:30 | Lunch Included in registration |
1:30 - 3:00 | General Session Initiation of Children in Multicultural Communities |
3:00 - 3:30 | Closing and Prayer |
Each year, a different team of presenters work together with an LTP representative to plan the major presentations and breakout sessions of the event. Team members have been invited not only because of their understanding of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Church’s mission of evangelization, but also because of their vast parish and diocesan experience. As a true collaboration, the individual gifts and ministerial experience of each team member will shape the NGCI experience.
Fr. James Burkart was ordained to the presbyterate of the Archdioce of Galveston-Houston on May 22, 1993. He serves as the pastor of Christ the Good Shon the board of directors of the Southwest Liturgical Conference (www.swlc.org) and has served as president of the board for several years. He received a bachelor of arts in drama from the University of Houston in 1988, a master of divinity from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1993, a master of arts in theological studies (systematic theology) from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1995, and a master of arts in theological studies (liturgy) from the Unoversity of Notre Dame du Lac in 2004.
Fr. James is a presenter for both the English and Spanish tracks of NGCI
Lia is a presenter for the Spanish track of NGCI
Feliciano is a presenter for the Spanish track of NGCI