The last ACTS Missions Convention featured many attendees from out of town, in addition to the San Antonio contingent. This year’s gathering begins July 31 at the AT&T Community Centre at San Fernando. Photo provided

ACTS retreats reignite the spiritual engine and bring Catholic values back to the forefront. How would you like to renew that emotional and spiritual fire?

 

This summer, ACTS Missions is sponsoring ACTS Missions Convention 2008.

 

The purpose of the convention is to provide members of the ACTS community an opportunity for fellowship and sharing outside of the individual’s parish community. It is an opportunity to have dialogue with the ACTS Executive Board and members of other parishes. It is an opportunity to expand one’s awareness of the ACTS movement and explore other alternatives to the traditional ACTS ministries and services while still remaining faithful to the spirit and guidelines of ACTS. This is also a fundraiser for ACTS Missions so that it can continue to expand ACTS to areas that do not have it.

 

The convention begins on Thursday, July 31. It is a weekend to renew friendships, create new bonds and re-instill the tenets of Adoration, Community, Theology and Service in your life. It will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 3. It takes place in downtown San Antonio at the AT&T Community Centre at San Fernando.

 

Similar to an ACTS retreat, there are four days of events, speakers and panels in store. There are events scheduled for all types of retreats: men, women and teen. Each area is targeted so that you can attend the activity that is most interesting to you. So what does that mean?

 

Here are a few of the highlights:
• Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI - President, Oblate School of Theology
• Martha Fernández-Sardina - director, Office for Evangelization, Archdiocese of San Antonio
• Sister Margaret Obravac - “Until Christ Is Formed In You”
• Father Thomas J. Santen - St. Louis, Mo.
• Teen workshop explosion
• Panel discussions on the various services of the ACTS retreat and how to make them better
• Question and answers forums on AIDS/HIV, Third Cross and Jail ACTS retreats and how you can get involved
• A dance with music provided by Rudy T
• A silent auction
• Saturday Mass at the cathedral
• Continental breakfast and light lunch provided Friday and Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

 

Maybe you have been only to a retreat with no additional involvement. Maybe you have participated on multiple teams over many years. Maybe you are or have been a member of your parish’s ACTS Core. It does not matter how you have been involved. What matters is that you have a love of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and you would like to be more involved in ACTS and parish ministries. This convention will provide you the tools you need to renew your faith journey with our Lord.

 

For more information, including details of the activities and convention cost, visit the Web site: www.actsconvention.org. Registration fees are listed on the registration form and range from $45 for youth to $100 per adult and $150 per couple. There are group discounts available as well. There will be many free items distributed for your enjoyment, and vendors will also be providing gifts for purchase. Information is also available on the Web site for those interested in becoming a convention sponsor.

In addition to the San Antonio contingent, the last convention had many attendees from out of town.

Imagine the friendships that blossomed. Imagine yourself at this year’s edition of the convention and how your contribution will weave into the ACTS experience.