New Jersey Regional Listening Assembly

October 2 1010
Share thoughts in preparation for National ACC meeting next year in Detroit

Keynote Speaker: Dr Anthony Padovano on “The Wisdom and Experience of the People of God: "The laity are entitled, and indeed sometimes duty-bound, to express their opinion on matters which concern the good of the church"...Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium, November 21, 1964)  

Come! Join in small group discussions. Listen with others to the voice of the Spirit. Share your thoughts, your joy and your difficulties with being Catholic today.   

Your thoughts from this regional assembly will be shared with those preparing for the national meeting of the American Catholic Council (ACC) over Pentecost in June, 2011, in Detroit, Michigan. The ACC is a movement bringing together a network of individuals, organizations, and communities to consider the state and future of our Church.

Examples of questions to be considered include:
· What makes you happy about being Catholic?
· Why are you still Catholic?
· How does being Catholic help you in serving others?
· What concrete elements would make the Church more effective as a sign of Gospel values?
· What changes in church practices would you recommend?
· What disappoints you most about the Catholic Church?
· If you had an opportunity to speak to your bishop about your greatest hopes for the church, what would you say?

Setting the stage for the discussion will be theologian and author Dr. Anthony Padovano speaking on “The Wisdom and Experience of the People of God.”

All are welcome. There is no charge to attend the assembly, but a free-will offering will help defray expenses and the cost of lunch. To facilitate planning, please register at info@votfnj.or or call 973-539-8732.