On Saturday, April 12, 2008, the College will hold its 16th Annual Spirituality Convocation in Annunciation Center, on campus. Entitled “Gateways to the Fullness of Life,” the day’s keynote speakers and workshops will be offered in both English and in Spanish. Music for the prayer experiences of both convocations are being coordinated by renowned composer and pastoral musician Jaime Cortez.

Sponsored by the College’s Center for Theological and Spiritual Development, the yearly event will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist at 4 p.m. The cost for attending either language-speaking version is $35 per person. Lunch may be purchased at a reasonable price. To register, call the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at (973) 290-4300 (for English); or contact Maricela Quintana, coordinator of CSE Lay Ministry Affairs at (973) 290-4346 (for Spanish). Those interested can also register online at www.cse.edu/center for both English and Spanish.

The day’s Convocation in English will welcome two keynote speakers onto campus: John L. Allen, Jr., senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and senior Vatican analyst for CNN; and Dr. Coleen Griffith, faculty director of Spirituality Studies at Boston College’s Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, and adjunct associate professor of Theology. Mr. Allen will speak to audience members about “The Upside Down Church: Megatrends in Catholicism,” while Dr. Griffith will explore “Resurrecting the Body: Reflections on the Physicality of Spirituality.” In addition to both keynote presentations, participants will be able to choose two workshops from a menu of 18, focusing on various aspects of prayer, worship, ministry and spirituality.

Parallel to the English-speaking version, the Convocation in Spanish will feature Edgard R. Beltrán, noted scholar and pastoral ministry educator as the day’s keynote, as well as a choice of five breakout workshops.

“Our Spirituality Convocation is a wonderful gathering each year of the Church beyond the boundaries of parish and diocese,” said Dr. Linda Baratte, director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at CSE. “We are especially pleased to highlight the Convocation as one of our hallmark events as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

Prior to the College’s annual Convocation, the Center will also host a concert featuring Mr. Cortez on Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in Annunciation Center. The concert is free of charge. Seating is limited, so registration is required. For further information, please contact the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at (973) 290-4300 or visit www.cse.edu/center.