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Frequently Asked Questions


What is the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The National Gathering on Christian Initiation® is an annual conference for parish Christian initiation ministers and diocesan catechetical, liturgical, and evangelization leaders. Steeped in the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the National Gathering on Christian Initiation® seeks to promote the vision of the Church as constantly evangelizing, catechizing, and initiating disciples. See About NGCI for more information.

Who is hosting the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

Liturgy Training Publications, an agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago, is hosting the National Gathering on Christian Initiation® to promote the full implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. LTP has long been a leader in promoting the baptismal catechumenate. Click here to learn more about LTP.

When is the 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation® will take place on August 1–3, 2023.

What is the theme for the 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The 2023 theme for the National Gathering on Christian Initiation® is Beginning Anew: The Vision of the OCIA. To learn more about our theme for the 2023 gathering, please visit the 2023 event page.

Why should I attend the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The National Gathering on Christian Initiation® will gather parish leaders, initiation ministers, and regional or diocesan trainers from around the country to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of initiation ministry. This event is designed to help participants come to a deeper understanding of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, challenging all to reflect on ways their community might more fully implement the vision of the RCIA as expressed in this document. In community with initiation ministers from around the country, participants will experience expert training, engage in discussion, learn from interactive multimedia presentations, and prayerfully reflect on the liturgies of the RCIA.

Will there be a 2024 National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

Yes! The 2024 National Gathering on Christian Initiation® is currently in development. More information will be available in the summer of 2023. Stay tuned!

What is the cost for registration?

Individual registration is $325 for those who register by 4:00 PM CT on March 1, 2023. Registration will increase to $350 for those who register between March 2 and 4:00 PM CT on June 16, 2023. Late Registration is $400 for those who register between June 17 and July 14, 2023. Registration includes lunch on August 1, 2 and 3.

When is the registration deadline?

The deadline for registration is July 14, 2023.

Where can I register?

Individual registration (credit card) is available here. You may also register by phone at 1-800-933-1800. Group registration or to bill your parish, please download and complete this form and call 800-933-1800.

What is included in registration?

Registration includes lunch on August 1, 2, and 3, complimentary resources from LTP, expert training from leaders in Christian initiation, and fellowship with initiation ministers from around the country.

I would like to pay by check. Who should I make the check payable to?

Please make all checks payable to LTP. Checks may be mailed to:

Liturgy Training Publications
Attn: NGCI
3949 S Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60609

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

All cancellations and requests for refunds MUST be submitted in writing (letter, fax, e-mail) by the deadlines listed below. Telephone requests WILL NOT be honored. Send letters to: Liturgy Training Publications, Attention NGCI, 3949 South Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60609; ngci@ltp.org. All refunds will be sent four to six weeks after the event has concluded. Refund requests will be processed based on the following Cancellation Schedule:

  • Letters postmarked more than thirty (30) calendar days prior to arrival will receive a 100% refund.
  • Letters postmarked more than fifteen (15) but less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to arrival will receive a 75% refund.
  • Letters postmarked less than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to arrival will not receive a refund.

I registered, but I can no longer attend the event. Can my colleague come in my place?

Attendee changes or substitutions may be made to any attendee registration until the first date of the event. Attendee changes or substitutions are subject to the registration fee applicable at the time the change is requested. Once you have received your badge on site, it cannot be changed, substituted, or reissued to a different person.

Do you offer any discounted registration rates or scholarship options?

LTP has already supplemented the price of the conference in order to make it more affordable for individual participants. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any additional discounts or scholarship options. If you would like to participate but find that cost is an obstacle, we encourage you to reach out to your diocesan office to find out what sorts of local scholarship options may be available.

Will onsite registration be available?

No. The registration deadline is July 14, 2023.

Who is invited to the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The National Gathering on Christian Initiation® is designed for pastors, parish Christian initiation ministers and diocesan catechetical, liturgical, and evangelization leaders.

I am new to Christian initiation ministry. Can I still participate in the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

Of course! We would love for new initiation ministers to attend the National Gathering. We will be offering pre-conference distance learning sessions for new initiation ministers and all those involved in exploring the basics of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. If you do not already own a copy of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, we do recommend that you purchase one and become familiar with the text prior to the conference. As always, please contact us at ngci@ltp.org with any questions or concerns.

Will the National Gathering on Christian Initiation® be offered in Spanish?

The 2023 NGCI will be presented in English. To organize a Spanish-language event in your diocese or region, visit www.catechumeneon.org/host-an-event.

What are the hours for the 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation® will begin on Tuesday, August 1st with registration between 9am – 9:50am and sessions will last until 6pm, with dinner on your own. Sessions will resume on Wednesday, August 2nd at 9am and will conclude at 6:00pm. Wednesday evening is on your own. On Thursday, August 3rd, sessions begin at 8:30am and will conclude at 2:00pm.

Where can I check in for the conference once I arrive at Loyola University?

Event check in will be available for all registrants between 9am and 10am on Tuesday, August 1st at the Mundelein Auditorium.

Do you have any recommendations for dinner restaurants on August 1st and 2nd?

Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood offers a diverse range of culinary delights and savory dining options. If you are from out of town, Chicago is particularly known for their Chicago style pizza and Chicago style hot dogs, so make sure to try them while you are in town.

Where will the 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation® take place?

The 2023 National Gathering on Christian Initiation® will be held at Loyola University Chicago's Lakeshore campus, located in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. The address for the Loyola University Chicago is 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60660.

Where on Loyola University Chicago's campus will events take place?

Registration will be available on August 1st outside the Mundelein Auditorium. All general sessions will take place in the Mundelein Auditorium. Ritual prayer experiences will take place in the Madonna Della Strada Chapel. A map is available here.

Is there parking at Loyola University?

Yes. Additional parking options are also available in the area. Please visit https://www.nationalgatheringonchristianinitiation.org/travel#parking for more information.

What is the best way to get to Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus?

Directions, transportation options, and travel details are all available here: https://www.nationalgatheringonchristianinitiation.org/travel. Please feel free to contact us with any specific questions.

Will Wifi be available?

At this time, wireless internet access in the session rooms at Loyola University will not be available.

If I am coming in from out of town, where can I stay for the National Gathering on Christian Initiation®?

The Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station is offering NGCI participants a special room rate of $159.00 per night with a minimum 2-night stay required. Rooms are available at this rate for July 31 – August 2, 2023. You can reserve your room today by phone at 800-426-7866 (mention NGCI 2023 or NGC), or online at https://group.hamptoninn.com/i8hiaz.

What is the per night room rate at the Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station?

The Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station is offering NGCI participants a special room rate of $159.00 per night with a minimum 2-night stay required.

What is the deadline to book my room at the Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station?

The booking deadline for the $159.00 per night rate is June 30, 2023.

I have questions about the hotel or would like to make inquiries about my stay. How can I contact the Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station?

Information about the Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station is available at https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiyohx-hampton-chicago-north-loyola-station/ . If you would like to contact the hotel, you may do so by phone at 312-265-5800.

Is there parking at the hotel?

Yes. The hotel offers valet parking for $40.00 per day, which includes in and out privileges, additional fee applies after 24 hours. No self-park is available at the hotel. Additional parking options are also available in the area. Please visit https://www.nationalgatheringonchristianinitiation.org/travel#parking for more information.

I have a question that was not answered here. What should I do?

We have tried to anticipate as many of your questions as possible, but if you do not find the answer to your question on this website, we suggest you contact us by e-mail at ngci@ltp.org or by phone at 773-579-4900, extension 3532.

Will you be recording the sessions?

We will not be recording the sessions for public use. We will, however, be filming over the course of the conference for promotional and educational purposes. By attending the Event you acknowledge and agree to grant National Gathering on Christian Initiation® the right at the Event to record, film, photograph, or capture your likeness in any media now available or hereafter developed and to distribute, broadcast, use, or otherwise globally to disseminate, in perpetuity, such media without any further approval from you or any payment to you. This grant to National Gathering on Christian Initiation® includes, but is not limited to, the right to edit such media, the right to use the media alone or together with other information, and the right to allow others to use or disseminate the media.

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