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.

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

  • 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

  • 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

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

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.

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors who help make this National Assembly possible! Please click on the logos below to learn more about this year’s sponsors.

Sponsors are added to the website as they are confirmed.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

We welcome inquiries from organizations that offer services and programs that meet members’ needs. If you are interested, please send your information, including a link to your website and brief information about the services you provide, to Chris Pierno.