Join me for a Catholic celebration Dec. 7!

I would like to invite you to join me for a first-of-its-kind event in our archdiocese. The Vision 2030 Archdiocesan Convocation is being held at the Cox Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 7.
 
What’s a convocation? The word means, a “calling together.” I am calling together leaders and the faithful from across the archdiocese as we celebrate our Catholic faith and present our pastoral plan, Vision 2030. You may not be familiar with what a convocation is and why you would go to one, so I want to share a few thoughts.
 
Let me begin by saying that the convocation will have a tremendous lineup of speakers. Participants will be energized, edified and encouraged in their faith! It will include Jeff Cavins, who will be our first keynote speaker. He is the author of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline. And, Andre Regnier who is the founder of Catholic Christian Outreach in Canada. Many of you may have experienced the impact of “CCO,” the Bible study and discipleship resources that are being used in parishes all over the archdiocese. Andre is the original author of that resource.
 
Additionally, Dianne Davis is coming from ChristLife Ministries from Baltimore. Christlife is a national Catholic evangelization organization that is utilized in parishes all over the country. We also have Kevin Cotter from The Amazing Parish coming as one of our keynote presenters. Finally, we have a nationally-known Catholic Christian recording artist, Josh Blakesley, who will be providing music and leading us in worship.
 
Why a convocation, and why should you go? First, a convocation, by definition, is a large formal assembly of people. It isn't like any other event that we may have in the archdiocese from time-to-time. This is a special gathering, called together for a specific purpose. I am calling the convocation for us, and inviting all priests, deacons, lay staff and leaders in parishes, school principals and teachers, parish staff and even volunteers with various ministries –- RCIA program, youth ministry, children’s catechesis, social ministries, lay catechists, volunteer catechists, etc.
 
I would be delighted if every parish sent a delegation – 10, 20, even 30 people from some of our larger parishes.
 
Secondly, at this event, I will be releasing publicly for the first time our new Vision 2030 Pastoral Plan. It has been a significant undertaking putting this plan together. It is the fruit of prayerful discernment, research, regional gatherings and listening sessions, strategic planning, conversations and meetings with key leaders around the archdiocese.
 
The plan has been over two years in the making. Now, it is time to share it with the rest of the archdiocese. This pastoral plan articulates the pastoral direction for our archdiocese for the next 10 years, leading us to the year 2030. This has been a grace-filled time for the archdiocese in many ways. This plan builds on all that has gone before.
 
And third, at the end of the convocation event during the closing Mass, I will re-consecrate the archdiocese to Mary. Specifically, I want to place the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization.
 
This event is going to be a significant spiritual moment for our archdiocese as we turn to Mary and ask her to be a guiding light in these coming years. We seek her ongoing intercession as we are being formed as missionary disciples and witnesses to her Son, Jesus Christ.
 
I hope to see you at the Vision 2030 Archdiocesan Convocation. Please come!
 
This will be an uplifting day of celebration, inspiration, formation and dedication. I hope you will join me on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Cox Convention Center for the Vision 2030 Archdiocesan Convocation.