CMSM National Assembly 2023
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza | August 1-3, 2023

This year’s theme focuses on the twin topics of charism and community. While these terms are familiar, they both mask complex issues within religious life. For charism—what exactly do we mean by it? How can its fullness be lived out? How can it be adapted to new circumstances a community may face?

Similarly, although “community” is widely discussed, significant contemporary issues remain—how can communities navigate increasingly intercultural and intergenerational common life, as well as issues that can affect perseverance, such as loneliness, wellness problems, and polarization within our communities?

Our conversations during the National Assembly will be framed by the results of a CARA study (commissioned by CMSM) of male religious communities from the perspective of their leaders.

Join fellow leaders in Kansas City, MO along with experts who will help us engage in conversation about these topics.

Book Accommodations Here

Assembly Overview

Overview

The theme of this year’s National Assembly is “We are the Body of Christ: Charism & Community.” We are looking forward to delving into the complex nature of both charism and community and their impact on male religious communities.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Susan Timoney back to the National Assembly this year as our Facilitator.

Daily Breakdown

Monday, July 31
- Pre-Assembly – New Frontiers in Safeguarding

Tuesday, August 1
- Presidential Address
  - Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, CPPS, CMSM President
- Presentation: CARA/CMSM survey findings
  - Fr. Tom Gaunt, SJ, Executive Director of CARA
- Plenary Session: Living the Fullness of Charism
  - Br. Daryl Moresco, O. Carm., Fr. David Munoz, OMI, Fr. Josh Warshak, OSST, and Fr. Alex Rubio MSpS

Wednesday, August 2
- Plenary Session: Perseverance & Community Life
  - Fr. Aaron Wessman, GHM, Fr. Quinn Connors, O. Carm.
- Plenary Session: Interculturality
  - Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ

Thursday, August 3
- Morning –
  - Plenary Session: Intergenerationality
    - Fr. James Herring, O. Praem., Bro. Sean Moffett, CFC, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB
  - Assembly Synthesis
- Afternoon –
  - Post-Assembly – Managing Communal Commitments: Models & Mergers

Schedule

Engaging topics
Group Discussions
Business & Regional Meetings
Board Elections
Exhibit Hall
Pre-Assembly & Post-Assembly

Monday, July 31, 2023

Monday, July 31

Pre-Assembly: New Frontiers in Safeguarding (full-day program)

The sexual abuse of minors has garnered a strong response from religious communities over the past 20 years, culminating in a distinct safeguarding ministry, exemplified by adherence to the Praesidium Accreditation Standards and a commitment to creating and sustaining cultures of safety within our religious communities.

Today, however, safeguarding ministry is facing new challenges, spurred in part by recent lookback laws on sexual harassment of adults, social movements like “me too,” and an increasing awareness of the necessity of maintaining good boundaries. Join us for this day-long program examining the process and best practices for addressing adult misconduct in your community.

New Attendee Welcome Reception (tentatively scheduled for 5:30 pm)

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Tuesday, August 1

Opening Mass
Presidential Address from Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, CPPS
Presentation on the CARA/CMSM survey findings by Fr. Tom Gaunt, SJ
Small & Large Group Discussions
Plenary Session: Living the Fullness of Charism
Regional Meetings
Opening Reception
Exhibit Hall

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Wednesday, August 2

Mass & Spiritual Reflection
Plenary Session: Perseverance & Community Life
Plenary Session: Interculturality
Business Meeting
Evening Reception
Exhibit Hall

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Thursday, August 3

Mass & Spiritual Reflection
Plenary Session: Intergenerationality
Assembly Synthesis
Closing luncheon
Post-Assembly: Managing Communal Commitments: Models & Mergers (half-day program)

What models are available for managing communal commitments? How have communities engaged expertise, whether from outside their community or from their charismatic family, in the governance and administration of their community? In addition to these more general questions, what are some of the best practices and key issues that arise from the merger of jurisdictions? Join a wide-ranging panel of leaders and experts as we engage in a half-day discussion about these issues.

Logistics

Lodging:

Lodging has been arranged at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Click here for the CMSM booking link, we have a special room rate of $133. When you input the dates of the Assembly, the special rate will be automatically applied.

Hotel check-in: 4:00 pm CT
Hotel check-out: 11:00 am CT

Arrival/Departure:

Arrival: If you are not attending the Pre-Assembly on Monday, July 31, we reccomend arriving anytime after 4:00 pm CT on Monday, July 31. The Assembly programming will begin at 8:00 am on Tuesday, August 1.
Departure: Assembly programming will conclude after lunch (at 1:00 pm CT) on Thursday, August 3. The Post-Assembly will take place directly after lunch on Thursday, August 3 and conclude at 5:00 pm CT.

Airport:

Rental Cars:

There are 11 companies onsite at the airport.
For more details, visit the airport website.

Shuttles, Vans, Taxis:

1st Shuttle Service: 816-868-0202
5 Guys Transportation: 816-891-9999
Abe’s Transportation: 816-349-5393
There are many more options here.

Ubers & Lyfts: Ubers and Lyfts are available, follow the signage at the airport.

Parking at the Hotel: At the InterContinental, self-parking is available for a daily rate of $20.

We look forward to seeing you in Kansas City, MO! If you have any logistical questions about the Assembly, please contact Greta David, Director of Communications, at gdavid@cmsm.org or (240) 394-1851.