FAQs
Can you tell me more about the housing for the Symposium?
National Symposium on Adolescent Catechesis will be held on November 5-8, 2008 at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD. The National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis will be paying for the cost of the Symposium, meals, and a shared room for each participant. If you require a single room, you will need to cover the cost difference of $42.50 per night. Each room has two beds, bathroom, individual climate control system, maid service, telephone messaging and wake-up service, satellite television with remote control, high-speed Internet access, hair dryer, iron with board, radio alarm clock, refrigerator, coffee maker, and work station. The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute as has these amenities: fitness room with Polaris equipment, game room, racquet ball court, indoor swimming pool, jogging and walking trails and the Deck Club bar and lounge.
What if I need to stay longer or leave later?
The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute will be glad to host you. Please contact them at 866-900-3517.
Do we have to pay anything for this Symposium?
Because of generous grants to fund this National Initiative, we are able to underwrite the cost of the Symposium so that you will not have to pay to participate. There is a $150.00 deposit needed to secure your housing. This deposit will be reimbursed to you at the Symposium. Special amenities’ costs, such as requesting a single room, are not covered by the Symposium.
Which airport is closest and how do I get to the Maritime Institute from the airport?
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is only minutes away. The Maritime Institute has a free shuttle bus to and from the airport.
How do I receive the flight re-imbursement?
Please make your own flight arrangements taking advantage of sales and discounts whenever possible. If you require assistance for your airfare, email or fax the receipt to Ela Milewska (ElaM@nfcym.org or 202.526.7544) along with the name and address that the reimbursement should be made to. Reimbursement checks of up to $300 will be sent within two weeks of receipt of invoice.
Are there any flight discounts available?
Most “sale” fares for this time period will probably come up in August/September. We do have a discount agreement with Continental Airlines. Continental Airlines offers discounts off published fares of 2% to 15% or Zone Fares. Call your travel professional or Continental Meeting Works at 800-468-7022 for reservations. Refer to Z Code ZDW0 and Agreement Code: DEH3R0. Or, save an additional 3% off by booking your own reservations at www.continental.com. Choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZDW0DEH3R0 in the Offer Code box.
Will we need to do preparation for the Symposium?
All participants are asked to read Vol. 1 of A Sourcebook on Adolescent Catechesis. This will be mailed to you in April. Cohort members will be invited to engage in a discussion of critical questions in adolescent catechesis via facilitated conference calls in the fall of 2008. These discussions will help form additional content of the Symposium.
What is my “cohort”?
Your cohort is made up of other individuals with similar ministerial background as you. Currently, the cohorts include people in academics, parish/schools, diocesan offices, national organizations, national leaders, and publishers. The complete list of cohort groups may change to better meet the objectives of the Symposium.
What will we be doing at the Symposium?
At the Symposium, participants will hear from speakers who will frame key areas for dialog among the cohorts. Participants are asked to bring their knowledge and experience to identify key areas of interest, address specific issues, and formulate plans of action.
What will be our role after the Symposium?
It is our hope that the cross-pollination of ideas and insights will lead to the formulation of specific task groups focused on areas such as research, resources, assessment and training, formation, and methodology to name a few. Ongoing participation in a post-Symposium task group is not a required commitment for participation in the Symposium.
If you have any more questions or need clarification, please contact Ela Milewska.