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To: All priests
From: Monsignor James Schillinger, Director, Ongoing Formation of Priests
Over the years, the Atlanta presbyterate has developed a certain rhythm for our convocations and retreats. Convocations are scheduled every two years in the fall, and all priests in ministry in the Archdiocese of Atlanta are expected to attend. Our priests’ retreat, also offered in the fall, is scheduled on the alternate years. The retreat is an optional event excepted for those diocesan priests in the Early Ministry Program (first five years after ordination). These priests are required to attend the diocesan retreat.
With the re-scheduling of the 2020 Convocation to April 26-29, 2021, our traditional pattern will be disrupted and both the convocation and the priests’ retreat will be offered in 2021.
This change necessitates certain advance preparations. First, pastors will need to be sure to allocate appropriate funding for both events. Registration fees will be approximately $900 per event, per priest. Personal and parish calendars will also need to be reviewed to allow your attendance. Archbishop Hartmayer has approved the suspension of Masses during the convocation. Arrangements will need to be made for communion services.
Here are the dates you will want to save in 2021:
April 26-29, 2021 (Monday afternoon thru Thursday afternoon)
Convocation of Priests
“Priests’ Lives Matter: Loving Yourself Into Wellness In An Age of Unrest”
Lawrence M. Le Noir, Ph.D., Presenter
Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands
September 13-17, 2021 (Monday morning thru Friday afternoon)
Priests’ Retreat
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, Retreat Director
Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA
Registration materials will be sent for the convocation in late January 2021 and for the retreat in early June 2021.
Dr. Lawrence M. LeNoir will be our presenter at the 2021 convocation. He has a master’s degree in social work. He earned a Ph.D. from Loyola University’s Pastoral Counseling Program in 2001. Dr. LeNoir was the Field Education Director at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and worked in clinical mental health counseling at Loyola University. He currently works in private practice.
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, will be our retreat director. He is a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and president of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX since 2005. He is a theologian, professor and award-winning author. He has become a popular speaker in contemporary spirituality and religion and the secular world. He writes a weekly column that is carried in over 70 newspapers around the world.
Please let me know if you have any questions.