Religious Formation Conference

Together, we THRIVE was the theme for the Religious Formation Conference (RFC) 2023 that took place in Chicago from November 8 to 12. Over 200 participants gathered to listen, to reflect, to dream and to share about initial and ongoing formation. The keynote speaker, Cardinal Robert McElroy, highlighted many blessings and challenges from the synod deliberations and invited consecrated women and men to be advocates and prophets for a synodal Church. “Let us work to bring the synod to all,” he said. His talk has already been published on the NCR daily report. Other presentations included topics such as intergenerational challenges, the future of religious life, nonnegotiables, inclusion and balance. Srs. Becky McKenna, Maco Cassetta and Jo Badali were the CND presence. One of the key takeaways was a quote from Joan Chittister, “Risk, is the new ascetism for religious life.”