Join Us in Solidarity and Dialogue
We invite you to join us as we listen to our diverse voices and discern the Spirit’s lead, calling us forward in our collective mission to be leaven in the church and society in Florida. In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pax Christi Florida’s State Assembly—“Hope in Action: Pathways to a Just and Peaceful Florida”—draws inspiration from Pope Francis’s call to be “Pilgrims of Hope.”
“This is our task,” says Pope Francis, “to organize efforts for advancing peace and ‘good political projects’ that emerge from the laity and all people of faith and goodwill.”
In a time marked by violence and polarization, we will model the dynamics of synodality, engaging in dialogue and building bridges across Florida to create opportunities for unity and healing.
What to Expect
The Fall Assembly 2024 offers a rich program of workshops, spiritual reflections, and conversations designed to foster peace, justice, and nonviolence in Florida and beyond.
Keynote Speaker: Charlene Howard
Charlene Howard, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on current challenges and opportunities for peace and justice movements within the Catholic Church and broader society.
Listening Session on a Culture of Nonviolence with Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer
Led by Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Executive Director of the Florida Council of Churches, this session explores how nonviolence can reshape our communities. Engage in dialogue and listening as pathways to understanding and reconciliation.
Workshop on Kingian Nonviolence with Stephen Niamke
Stephen Niamke, Field Organizer for Pax Christi USA, will lead an engaging workshop on Kingian Nonviolence. Learn practical applications of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy to address contemporary issues in Florida.
Strategizing for the 2025 Florida Legislature
Collaborate as we move forward with our Platform for the Common Good, strategizing for the upcoming legislative session to advocate for peace and justice in our state.
Building a Network of “Leaven Connectors”
Discover how to urge the Florida Legislature to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and other initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability.
Workshops on Various Topics
- Gun Violence Prevention
- Young Adult Voter Engagement
- Peacemaking in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Haiti
Spiritual Reflections and Prayer with Sr. Annie Killian, OP
Sr. Annie Killian, a Dominican Sister of Peace, will guide moments of prayer and spiritual reflection throughout the weekend, providing time for renewal, contemplation, and connection with the nonviolent teachings of Christ.
Good News Café
Join us for the Good News Café, an evening of music, storytelling, entertainment, libations, and fellowship. Relax and connect with other attendees in a welcoming and joyful setting.
Eucharistic Celebration
On Sunday morning, Rev. Phil Egitto, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, will celebrate the Eucharist, offering a time for spiritual nourishment and community worship to close the assembly.
Presenters and Facilitators
Our esteemed presenters and facilitators include:
- Charlene Howard – Executive Director, Pax Christi USA
- Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer – Executive Director, Florida Council of Churches
- Sr. Annie Killian, OP – Spiritual Guide, Dominican Sister of Peace
- Stephen Niamke – Field Organizer, Pax Christi USA
- Rev. Phil Egitto – Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Schedule
The weekend starts on Friday evening, October 11, at 6:00 PM in the Caribbean Room of the Fountain Beach Resort, 313 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (complimentary parking). All sessions on Saturday and Sunday will occur at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave. (2 miles from the hotel).
Friday, October 11
Location: Caribbean Room, Fountain Beach Resort, 313 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL
(Complimentary parking)
- 4:00 PM: Hotel Check-in
- 6:00 PM: Registration Opens (with reception and food)
- 7:00 PM: Opening Session: Pilgrims of Hope
- Welcome: Michael Martin (PCF State Coordinator)
- Reflections on the Theme: Hope in Action and Pope Francis’ Call for Jubilee 2025
(John & Patricia Frank) - Table Dialogue: Modeling Pope Francis’ Invitation to Synodality
- Closing Prayer and Song
- 8:30 PM: Social Time at the Tiki Bar and Grill (covered pavilion overlooking the ocean)
Saturday, October 12
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach, FL
(Parking is available in the church’s designated areas off 201 University Blvd.)
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Complimentary Breakfast for hotel guests
(Allow 15 minutes to drive and park at the church)
Morning & Afternoon Sessions: Parish Hall (9:00 AM – 3:15 PM)
- 9:00 AM: Morning Prayer and Reflection (Sr. Anne Killian, OP)
- 9:25 AM: Welcome from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Fr. Phil Egitto, Pastor)
- 9:30 AM: Imaging Nonviolent Community: A Listening Process (Rev. Russell Meyer)
- 11:00 AM: Coffee Break
- 11:15 AM: Panel on Florida Legislative Advocacy: Gleanings and Learnings from PC-FLAC ’24
- Advancing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT)
- Facilitated by John Frank
- 12:00 PM: Meditation (Sr. Anne Killian)
- 12:15 PM: Lunch Break
- 1:00 PM: Workshop on Kingian Nonviolence (Stephen Niamke)
- 2:00 PM: Afternoon Prayer/Meditation (Sr. Anne Killian)
- 2:15 PM: Keynote Address: Being a Prophetic Church in a Time of Polarization and Conflict
(Charlene Howard, Executive Director, Pax Christi USA) - 2:45 PM: Debriefing: How Are We Feeling? (Michael Martin, PCF State Coordinator)
- 3:15 PM: Adjourn for Afternoon Break
(Optional R&R for hotel guests)
Evening Session: Various Venues (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
- 6:30 PM: Dinner (Parish Hall, Catered Italian Meal)
- 7:30 PM: Evening Prayer and Reflection (Chapel)
(Sr. Anne Killian, OP with Fr. Fred Ruse) - 8:30 PM: Good News Café: Libations, Entertainment, and Stories of Hope (Parish Café)
(Hosted by Sandra Baran and Isaac Chandler) - 10:00 PM: Adjourn
Sunday, October 13
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach, FL
(Parking is available in the church’s designated areas off 201 University Blvd.)
- 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Complimentary Breakfast for hotel guests
(Allow 15 minutes to drive and park at the church) - 9:30 AM: Morning Prayer (Parish Hall) (Sr. Anne Killian, OP)
- 9:50 AM: Commendations and Open Space (Michael Martin, PCF State Coordinator)
(Adjourn by 10:15 AM to reconvene in the church) - 10:30 AM: Eucharistic Celebration (Main Church)
Celebrant & Homilist: Fr. Phil Egitto - 12:00 PM: Closing Session with Simple Lunch (Parish Hall)
- 1:30 PM: Adjournment
Lodging Information
Fountain Beach Resort
313 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(Less than 2 miles from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church)
Secure a special rate of $109 per night plus a $20 resort fee by calling (386) 255-7491 before October 4, 2024. Mention the Pax Christi Florida rate to enjoy:
- Complimentary parking
- Breakfast included
- Fully equipped kitchenettes with ocean-view balconies
- Access to the beachfront pool, hot tub, and Tiki Bar & Grill
Book soon—space is limited!
Registration
- $120 (includes program and meals)
- $50 for young adults (35 and younger) and parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
- One-Day Saturday Rate Upon Request
Join Us
We are the Catholic Peace Movement in Florida. Your presence enriches our community and strengthens our collective voice for peace and justice.
Contact Us
For more information:
- Email: paxchristiflorida@gmail.com
- Phone: 305-970-7192 (Leave a message and our state coordinator will return the call).
Share This Event
Please help us push the peace movement in Florida forward by sharing this event with your friends, families, and fellow parishioners and pilgrims of hope. We look forward to journeying together as Pilgrims of Hope toward a just and peaceful Florida.