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Workshops and worship were hallmarks of the second ACTS Mission 2008 Convention, held July 31 to Aug. 3 at the AT&T Centre at San Fernando Cathedral. Above: Singer/songwriter David Kauffman is shown with a group of attendees.
Tonya Hill Photography | Today’s Catholic |
SAN ANTONIO • “Building on the Communal Life for the Third Millennium” was the theme for the second ACTS Missions Convention, held July 31 through Aug. 3 at the San Fernando Cathedral City Centre.
While the title of the event may sound complex, for those who have attended, the questions were simple: Do you remember your ACTS retreat? Do you remember the fellowship and camaraderie you felt on Sunday, and that the retreat ended too soon? Do you remember having to go out into the world again and deal with issues that had been set aside for several days? Do you remember that even though you had those issues to address after the retreat, you felt that you were better equipped to handle them?
The above mentioned emotions, thoughts, feelings and friends made the weekend unique. Some people who have attended the retreat weekend remember this weekend as something very special and reflect on it as an anniversary of rebirth of spiritual and family life.
The ACTS movement began in 1987 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Selma. It has blossomed in the last few years and has moved outside of San Antonio, outside of Texas, and outside of the United States. Most Catholics have the attributes of Adoration, Community, Theology and Service (ACTS) instilled in them at a young age, say organizers. As life progresses however, the faithful tend to get sidetracked with what are considered to be more pressing issues in their adult lives.
In a letter of welcome to convention attendees, Archbishop José H. Gomez wrote, “ACTS retreats have been a wonderful instrument of conversion and evangelization. Now that you have experienced this powerful source of God’s grace, I encourage you to carry that spirit into your parishes and be a source of light and life to it.”
Tom Peterson, executive director of ACTS Missions, stated, “Through the many stories of conversion and joyful, zestful love of the Lord we know the Holy Spirit continues to touch lives through its ministry of a weekend away from the busy rhythm of daily life.”
He added, “Community is a powerful force for good, especially when it is infused with the Holy Spirit.”
Armando Medina, president of ACTS Missions, said the organization is at a very important point in its existence. Overall, ACTS Missions has sponsored close to 400 retreats, set up 100 core groups and helped establish seven ACTS Missions chapters. Said Medina, “As with any new organization that has growing pains, there have been challenges and obstacles to overcome, but I am confident that, with God’s help and direction, we will continue to expand and send the ACTS retreat to as many places as possible, so that we can share this beautiful experience of God’s love with as many people as possible.”
According to Anna M. Deosdade, ACTS Missions Convention chair, planning for the gathering began over a year ago. The event initially was scheduled for April; however, the originally scheduled time conflicted with the NCAA Final Four, which was then taking place in the Alamo city.
Keynote speakers for the weekend were Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, president of Oblate School of Theology; Martha Fernández-Sardina, director of the Office for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of San Antonio; Father Tom Santen, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Manchester, Mo.; and Sister Margaret Obrovac, FSP, with Pauline Media.
Caption: Workshops and worship were hallmarks of the second ACTS Mission 2008 Convention, held July 31 to Aug. 3 at the AT&T Centre at San Fernando Cathedral. Above: Singer/songwriter David Kauffman is shown with a group of attendees.
Tonya Hill Photography | Today’s Catholic