Register now for Diocesan Assembly 2023: Share the Encounter

Catholics across the diocese are invited to participate in “Diocesan Assembly 2023: Share Your Encounter.” This fourth annual Assembly will be offered in person and via livestream.

Responding to the call to a New Evangelization, we will reflect on the need to “share our encounter” relying on the words of St. John who wrote about the challenges and opportunities faced and embraced by the early disciples. “What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)

Indeed, all of us who have experienced and accepted the joy of the gospel should be willing and prepared to share the story of our new life in Christ. Let the example of St. Peter and St. John from the Acts of the Apostles inspire us to share our encounter. When told to remain silent and “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” they replied, “it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Join us for this opportunity to strengthen and renew your zeal and commitment to know and love Jesus and the Church. Sessions will be presented concurrently in English and Spanish.

About the Keynote Speaker
Welcome back to West Michigan, Father René! Father René Constanza, CSP, is president of the Paulist Fathers. Prior to his election as president of the Paulists, Father René served as rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and director of the Catholic Information Center (CIC) in Grand Rapids, and as associate pastor of St. Austin Church in Austin, Texas. He was ordained a priest on May 19, 2012. A native of Belize, he was a high school principal before entering the Paulist novitiate.

Fast facts:

• The in-person and livestreamed sessions will be presented concurrently in English and Spanish.
• Registration to attend via livestream is free. Cost of the in-person event is $15 (includes lunch)
• Register and find more information at: grdiocese.org/diocesan-assembly.

Virtual Option at our Parish

We are hosting a virtual option for the Diocesan Assembly here at St. Patrick-St. Anthony on September 30.  If you know of anyone (catechist or not) who is interested in a local option, we are happy to have them!  

We will provide morning hospitality with drinks and snacks throughout the day, but we ask each attendee to bring their own lunch. 

Anyone who would like to attend should register at the assembly site and then email Andrea, so she knows how many to expect and plan for. We will welcome people at the double steel doors under the canopy west entrance at 8:15 a.m.  This is the fourth year hosting this way, and it has been a great option!  Catechetical credit is earned from attendance with discussion.  Note: the assembly ends at 2:30, which is shorter than in the past and allows for more family time.