Convocation "Passes All Expectations"
MOSAIC, Summer 2006

Fr. Richard Neuhaus in his opening address reflects upon the contemporary dialogue between Church and culture.

World-class presenters and insightful respondents. A beautiful venue with graceful liturgies. Three days of fellowship among committed Catholics excited about reaching souls.

By all accounts, the convocation "The New Evangelization: Overcoming the Obstacles" must be judged as a success.

Sponsored by Sacred Heart and Cardinal Adam Maida, the convocation was held on March 24-26, 2006, at the beautifully restored Conference Center at St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan. Attendees totaling 420 came from sixteen states, Canada and even England. Cardinals Avery Dulles and Francis George were called to Rome for their own convocation with Pope Benedict, but both graciously videotaped their presentations.

Fr. Richard Neuhaus, editor of First Things, opened the conference with an hour-long presentation that set the thoughtful tone for the entire weekend. Twenty theologians and Church leaders delivered talks that examined methods to overcome the various cultural and theological obstacles to promoting the New Evangelization.

Rector Fr. Steven Boguslawski, Fr. Todd Lajiness and Mr. Ralph Martin worked hard over the past year to produce a landmark theological event for the archdiocese. They were supported by administrative assistants Patricia Bologna, Nora Connor and Mary Beth Keller, and marketing director Kate Bua.

"The convocation passed all expectations," says Mr. Martin, who spearheaded the planning as director of programs in the New Evangelization. "I think attendees left with a deeper grasp of doctrinal, spiritual, sociological and pastoral elements of successful evangelization." Dean of Studies Father Lajiness adds that the convocation "was not intended simply for the archdiocese, but rather as a service to the Church throughout the country and the world."