Cardinal Adam Maida and Sacred Heart Major Seminary will be sponsoring a convocation on the New Evangelization, to be held at The Conference Center at St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan, March 24–26, 2006.

In line with the goal of the seminary—to prepare heralds for the New Evangelization—the convocation will examine major themes that relate to the success of the New Evangelization.

The official theme of the conference is Called to the New Evangelization: Overcoming the Obstacles. While growing attention is being paid to the importance of the New Evangelization in the post-Conciliar Church, not much attention has been given to analyzing those obstacles that are inhibiting its full realization. The convocation intends to identify and address these obstacles by inviting experts in various aspects of the New Evangelization to offer their reflections to the attendees.

Avery Cardinal Dulles will address the doctrinal confusion that affects the success of the New Evangelization. Francis Cardinal George of Chicago will address how the culture in which we evangelize determines the way we shape our message of hope. Fr. Francis Martin, holder of the Cardinal Maida Chair in Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart, will present his insights into the role that the Holy Spirit plays in the success of the New Evangelization.

Fr. Robert Rivers, vice president at the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association, will speak on the need to make a shift in pastoral mentality from "maintenance to mission." Dr. Philip Jenkins from Penn State University and Dr. Edwin Hernandez from the University of Notre Dame will speak on both global and local trends in Christianity that have implications for successful evangelization. Bishop Sam Jacobs, chairman-elect of the American Bishops' Committee on Evangelization, will give an overview of the challenges facing evangelization in North America and outline elements of a successful response.

Following the major addresses, a short response by a single qualified presenter will be made, allowing ample time for interaction among conference participants and the presenters.

Cardinal Maida will preside over the opening and closing sessions of the convocation and offer summary remarks. The cardinal has entrusted the planning and implementation of the convocation to Fr. Steven Boguslawski, rector/president of Sacred Heart, Fr. Todd Lajiness, academic dean, and myself, as director of graduate theology programs in the New Evangelization.

The convocation is open to anyone interested in the topics that will be addressed. Space is limited at the convocation site. Registrations will be accepted in the order received.