The National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ invites parish leaders, initiation ministers, and regional or diocesan trainers to come together to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of initiation ministry. Through interactive sessions, meetings, and prayer opportunities, participants will understand more deeply that the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the vision of the parish as a community of disciples.
The National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ will have two tracks. Parish Leaders and Initiation Ministers will gain practical skills, discuss common challenges, and share best practices to enrich their work. An online learning session will be available for new ministers and those interested in exploring the basics of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Regional or Diocesan Trainers will explore and discuss practical strategies for implementing effective training and formation in their local communities.
• Spanish-language Discussion Groups and Handouts
• Pre-gathering sessions for RCIA Coordinators
• Q+A Panel Discussion with Clergy
• Bring your Team! Group Rate and Group Housing Options
• Experienced Christian initiation ministers serving as table discussion leaders
Learn more about the 2019 National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ in our Registration Booklet 
Registration for National Gathering on Christian Initiation™ is now closed. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-933-1800.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing (letter, fax, or e-mail) by Friday, May 31, 2019 for a full refund or by Monday, June 17, 2019 for a 75% refund. Cancellation requests after Monday, June 17, 2019 will not receive a refund.
For more information on hotels, visit https://www.ngci.org/travel#hotel.
A limited number of rooms are available at the Hampton Inn Chicago North – Loyola Station at a discounted rate of $144.00 per night. This rate is available for those who book before June 3, 2019 for the evenings of July 1st - July 3rd. To reserve a room at the Hampton Inn Loyola Station, please call 800-426-7866 and mention NGCI 19 or visit http://group.hamptoninn.com/NGCI2019.
Limited group housing is available on Loyola’s Lake Shore campus in Santa Clara Hall for a discounted rate of $240.67 per night (rate includes a 17.4% lodging tax). This rate is available for those who book before May 17, 2019 for the evenings of July 1st and July 2nd. To reserve a 2 bedroom apartment suite visit https://lodging.luc.edu and enter promo code ltp2019.
Update: Although the deadline has passed you are still able to reserve rooms at the Santa Clara Hall at regular price.
A limited number of rooms are available at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston at a discounted rate of $105.00 per night. This rate is available those who book before June 3, 2019 for the evenings of July 1st - July 3rd. To reserve a room at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, please call 800-HILTONS and mention LTP Room Block or visit www.orringtonevanston.hilton.com and enter the code (LTP) in the box marked "Group/ Convention Code."
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults describes an initiation process that exists at the heart of the Church’s life and on the same schedule as the Church: every day, all year long. This process calls us to adapt our ministry to the needs of the diverse people with whom we minister and welcome people when God calls them. Come to the NGCI to hear from parish ministers who have established a year-round catechumenate, discover the benefits of the process, and learn to thrive amid the messiness that brings grace to our lives. The NGCI team will help you imagine, envision, understand, implement, and sustain a year-round catechumenate in your parish.
| July 1, 2019 | |
|---|---|
| 3 PM - 5 PM | Optional RCIA Coodinators Forum (Limited Registration) Strategies to Engage Parish Leaders in the RCIA Process |
| 7 PM - 9 PM | Opening Reception Optional. Tickets are $30. Includes open bar. |
| July 2, 2019 | |
| 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Registration |
| 9:00 - 9:15 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:15 - 9:30 | Opening Prayer |
| 9:30 - 11:00 | General Session A Year-Round Parish: Living the Baptismal Catechumenate |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | General Session A Messy Process: People Coming, Going, and Celebrating |
| 1:00 - 2:00 | Lunch Included in registration |
| 2:00 - 3:15 | Breakout Session Parish Leaders and Initiation Ministers Sustaining a Year-Round Inquiry Regional and Diocesan Trainers Conducting a Diocesan Assessment of the RCIA in Parishes |
| 3:30 - 5:00 | General Session A Continuous Catechumenate: How Do I Do This All Year? |
| 5:30- 6:00 | Ritual Celebration |
| 6:00 PM | End of Day Dinner and evening on your own |
| July 3, 2019 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Optional Morning Session Q+A panel with Priests. Engaging Parish clergy in the RCIA |
| 9:00 - 9:25 | Morning Prayer |
| 9:30 - 11:00 | Training Session Planning in the Period of the Catechumenate |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:30AM - 12:30 PM | Breakout Session Parish Leaders and Initiation Ministers Journeying with Baptized and Catechized Adults Regional and Diocesan Trainers Rite of Election: Theology and Practice (Part 1) |
| 12:30 - 1:30 | Lunch Included in registration |
| 1:30 - 2:30 | Breakout Session Parish Leaders and Initiation Ministers The Season of Lent and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment Regional and Diocesan Trainers Rite of Election: Theology and Practice (Part 2) |
| 2:45 - 4:00 | General Session Developing a Plan: From School Year to Year Round |
| 4:00 - 4:45 | General Session Mystagogy and Beyond: A Time for Postbaptismal Catechesis and Evangelization |
| 4:45 - 5:00 | Closing and Prayer |
Each year, a different team of presenters will work together with an LTP representative to plan the major presentations and breakout sessions of the event. Team members have been invited, not only because of their understanding of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Church’s mission of evangelization, but also because of their vast parish and diocesan experience. As a true collaboration, the individual gifts and ministerial experience of each team member will shape the NGCI experience.
