The event has an impressive schedule. Building in a dynamic diversity of people, languages, and topics, the 90+ presenters will give 39 master classes and 4 rounds of break-out sessions (75 breakouts total) that will cover such widely varied topics as catechesis for kids and whole communities, RCIA, youth ministry, liturgy, music, multi-cultural issues, social justice, Catholic schools, media, evangelization, and much more. ASL interpretation is available at all major events, and many Spanish-language presentations are offered.
One of the highlights of the congress will prayerfully embrace the season of Lent. A very special Way of the Cross will take place on Friday evening, March 9th, written and directed by Michael Ruzicki, Coordinator of Adult and Sacramental Formation for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. With beautiful banners created by Liturgical Press, this focal point for the congress is hoped to be a memorable and uplifting experience for attendees.
Fr. Hurley says, "We wanted to acknowledge that it was a Friday in Lent, but go beyond lamenting and recognize that the Pascal mystery gained us something! We need to celebrate that faith and enrich it."
The congress will close on Saturday with something called "Parishioner Day," which provides special attention to catechists, other parish volunteers, and those who serve on their parish boards.
"We need to be messengers of hope," says Fr. Hurley. "All of us in leadership positions have challenges. These are the signs of the times. But our 'young' Church is full of energy and hopefulness. We have to meet it head on, meet them where they're at with social communications. They need engagement. People don't just want to be members, they want to be welcomed, to become a part of the mission."
Plans are well on their way for the next MAC congress, says Fr. Hurley. "2013 will incorporate the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II, the 20th Anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Year of Faith. We'll focus more on young leaders next time, school boards, and more tracks in English and Spanish."
The organizers are offering a special group registration deal for staff members or teams attending together from dioceses, parishes, and schools. "For every four people who register they get one admission free. So, five for the price of four!" says Fr. Hurley.
I hope to see many of you there. I'll be tweeting (@lisamladinich #macongress) and live-blogging the conference all three days, at Patheos via the Summa This, Summa That blog, on the landing page of the Catholic Portal.
In the next few weeks, I'll be interviewing some of the MAC presenters, so stay tuned, and spread the word!
God bless you!
I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them. (Hosea11:4)
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