As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Catholic University of America marks this national milestone by highlighting the enduring contributions of Catholics – including alumnus and former professor Archbishop Fulton Sheen – and the profound influence of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition on the life of the nation.
Join fellow clergy and religious for a two-day conversation exploring Catholicism and formation in America, hosted in the heart of our nation’s capital. This event will offer opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and reflection.
Event Time:
Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 15
Ending at noon on Friday, October 16
Event Location:
Heritage Hall
611 Alumni Lane, N.E.
Washington, DC 20064
Event Fee: FREE
Speakers
Shareena Grant
Associate Director, Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Laura E. Masur, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Anthropology
The Catholic University of America
Maria Mazzenga, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Information Sciences
The Catholic University of America
Seth Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Information Sciences
The Catholic University of America
Susan Timoney, S.T.D
Associate Professor, Practice in Pastoral Studies
Associate Dean, Graduate Ministerial Studies
Director, Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
The Catholic University of America
Schedule
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
8 to 9 a.m. | Check-in and Registration
9:00 a.m. | Welcome Remarks
9:15 a.m. | Conference I
11:30 a.m. | Lunch
2 p.m. | Conference II
5:15 p.m. | Mass | Crypt Church, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
9:30 a.m. | Conference III
Noon | Mass
All Catholic University alumni are welcome to remain on campus for Cardinal Weekend 2026. Separate registration required.
The Office of Diocesan Engagement at Catholic University
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, founded in 1887 by the nation’s bishops with the approval of the Holy See. Its Schools of Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Canon Law are accredited by the Holy See under the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium.
With its rich history and unique relationship to Rome, Catholic University is committed to serving the life, formation, and pastoral needs of the Church.
Established in 2023, the Office of Diocesan Engagement strengthens the relationship between the University and the 196 dioceses, archdioceses, and eparchies across the United States. Dedicated to initiative, strategy, coordination, and communication, the office provides resources to strengthen Catholic life throughout the country and abroad.
The Office of Diocesan Engagement also oversees Cardinals for Christ, the affinity group for University clergy and religious alumni, as well as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Collection for The Catholic University of America, which has supported the University’s mission since 1903.
LEARN MORE
Upcoming Events for Clergy and Religious Alumni
Mass of the Holy Spirit
September 3, 2026 | 12:10 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Beatification of Alumnus and Professor Emeritus Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
September 24, 2026 | 2 p.m. Central
The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO)
His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle, S.T.L. 1987, S.T.D. 1991, Presiding
Learn more about Catholic University’s Fulton J. Sheen Excellence in Preaching Initiative
Cardinal Weekend 2026
October 16-18, 2026
The Catholic University of America
Votive Mass of St. Thomas Aquinas
January 28, 2027
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Join us for the annual liturgy commemorating the patron of The Catholic University of America.
Be the Light: Support the National Collection
The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States — even among Catholic universities. It is the national university of the Catholic Church in America, founded in 1887 by the bishops of the country with the approval of the Holy See. Upon its founding, Pope Leo XIII prayed that the University would “give to the Republic her best citizens.”
Catholic University scientists, engineers, nurses, seminarians, philosophers, theologians, historians, architects, social workers, musicians, artists, priests and scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to help form Catholic leaders, solve the problems of contemporary life, and enrich the Church.
Gifts to the National Collection help the University form lay leaders, priests, religious and bishops from across the country for a wide variety of ministries in service to the Church and the nation.
As you reflect on the insights and connections gained from this conference, we invite you to consider making a gift in support of the ongoing work and mission of The Catholic University of America.