Churches this year which will take place in three locations: Cleveland, Ohio (September 20-23), Los Angeles, Calif. (November 1- 4, 2012) and for the Eastern United States at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Hillsborough, N.J. (October 11-14, 2012). These gatherings and the one in Hillsborough in particular, are geared for the laity and clergy with the theme: “Together In Christ, The Spirituality OF Discipleship: A Call To Holiness.”
An Encounter is a time for all Eastern Catholics to
meet and to grow in the Lord, and to study themes that would assist them in
fostering more spiritual and educational growth in their parishes. By having an
encounter in our region, it will be
easier and more convenient for more participation of the laity and clergy. Also, follow- up meetings and programs
within a certain region will provide more growth for our Churches since parishes of Eastern Traditions have
so much in common.
The weekend Encounter (Friday evening through Sunday
brunch) is mainly geared for the laity who are asked to arrive on Friday for a welcome
and hospitality. The main focus will be on Saturday and Sunday. Four plenary
sessions will be held.
The first session, entitled “Who is the Church?”
will be led by Rt. Rev. Damon Geiger of the Eparchy of Newton. The second
session, “Activity of the Royal Priesthood,” will be led by Dr. Maureen Dadonna
of the Eparchy of Passaic. The third session, “Blueprint for Church Growth,”
will be led by Sr. Marla Marie Lucas, MSCL, of the Eparchy of Saint Maron. The
main session entitled, “The 'How" and 'What" of Lay Leadership: Action - Put on Christ!” will be
presented by the Most Reverend Peter Libasci, Bishop of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire.
On Sunday, Matins and the Divine Liturgy will
be celebrated followed by the keynote address entitled, “Servant Leadership: Be
All That You Can Be!” presented by the Most Reverend Nicholas Samra, Eparch of
the Melkite Eparchy of Newton.
For more information and registration, visit the
website: Encounter2012EasternCatholicChurches.org.