Workshops

Assembly Workshops

Four concurrent workshops run in each block — one in each room (Grant, Franklin, Elliott, Hancock). Full descriptions are below.

Hotel Map

Friday Afternoon — 1:30–3:00 PM

What Makes a Community Marianist... Especially in Challenging Times
Bro. Tom Giardino
Hancock Room
Unpack Marianist principles for building transformational communities rooted in Marian tradition, offering motivation, direction, and formation tools for today's challenges.
QAC to Spiritus: A Journey From Parish to Marianist Lay Community
Matt Naveau, Meghann Naveau, Tom McCrate, Marilyn McCrate, Kelly Bohrer
Elliott Room
How Queen of Apostles Community used synodality to transition into Spiritus, a thriving lay Marianist community now in its third year.
Accompaniment Among Lay Marianists
Sarah-Marie Chan, Rob Brodrick
Franklin Room
Develop skills to walk alongside others' faith journeys through listening, prayer, and spiritual friendship, leaving with tools and an accountability partner.
Continuing the Walk: Answering the Call to Become an Antiracist Marianist Family
Miranda Melone, Brian Reavey, Sarah Gray
Grant Room
Explore how Marianist spirituality calls us to antiracism as essential to authentic community, with updates on MSJC's equity journey and next steps.

Saturday Morning — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

Prophetic Witness With Mary: Advocacy as Marianist Community Building
Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Franklin Room
Rooted in Mary's Magnificat, learn how MSJC discerns public stands on justice issues and how advocacy strengthens Marianist community in today's world.
From Distance to Depth: A Practical Playbook for the Tech Tools to Building Thriving Marianist Communities
Stephen Pfau, Ho'ololi MLC
Elliott Room
Virtual community Ho'ololi shares tools, tips, and lessons learned for building vibrant Marianist communities through Zoom, scheduling, prayer, and digital connection.
She Who Points the Way: Mary as Spiritual Wayfinder in the Marianist Tradition
Jessica González Uhlig, Sr. Laura Leming
Franklin Room
In ancient navigation, a "Wayfinder" did not use a map, but rather read the signs of the environment—the stars, the swells of the ocean, and the wind—to guide their vessel to safety. This workshop explores Mary as Wayfinder in our Marianist tradition.
Marianist Resilience: How Formation Into Marianist Spirituality Can Foster Psychological Resilience and Spiritual Maturity
Tony Garascia, Bro. Tim Phillips
Grant Room
Drawing on founder wisdom and trauma-informed care, explore how Marianist formation builds resilience and hope amid anxiety, conflict, and a troubled world.

Saturday Afternoon — 1:30–3:00 PM

Improv & Theater as Tools for Community, Ministry & Everyday Life
Brian Reavey, Caitlin Bennett
Hancock Room
A low-stress, playful workshop using improv and theater to build listening, humility, creativity, and collaboration—Marian qualities for stronger community life.
Marianist Family Encounters Project: The Journey Thus Far and the Path Ahead
Marianist Family Encounters Project Team and Panel
Elliott Room
Panel update on MFEP initiatives across Marianist ministries, advancing Pope Francis's Global Compact on Education and Laudato Si' Action Platform since 2022.
Compassionate Transformation
Beth Garascia and the Visitation Compassion Reflection Group
Grant Room
The Visitation State community shares a decade of using the Charter for Compassion to grow in Christlike compassion, with resources for your community.
Welcoming the Stranger: Why & How We Can Help Our Immigrant Sisters & Brothers
Tony Mercogliano, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Dr. Neomi DeAnda
Hancock Room
Address immigration myths and threats through video, panel discussion, and dialogue, equipping Lay Marianists to advocate, educate, and accompany immigrant neighbors.