Discover your calling as a God-Bearer through the monastic heart of the Theotokos
July 31-August 2, 2026
St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church • Hillsborough, NJ
This is about discovering your calling as a God-Bearer and living it boldly
What does it mean to live with Mary's heart? To hold nothing back from God, no matter what your life looks like?
Join us for the 2026 Byzantine Catholic Young Adult Convocation, on July 31-August 2, where we will discover how her monastic heart can become ours.
Built around liturgical prayer, the heartbeat of monastic life
Our weekend will take place at the beginning of the Dormition Fast, when the whole Church is turning towards the Theotokos. Through liturgical prayer and talks from our speakers, we will learn to say with her "Let it be done unto me, according to your word".
Pray with the Church with 3rd, 6th, and 9th hours, Vespers, and Compline forming the core of our weekend.
Three substantial talks exploring the Theotokos as the model monastic heart and your calling to be a God-bearer in the world.
Connect with young adults who share your desire for deeper faith and authentic Christian community.
Christ the Bridegroom Monastery, Burton OH
Mother Natalia entered Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in 2015, making her life profession in 2021. She co-hosts the What God is Not Podcast with Father Michael O'Loughlin, where she shares her joyful love of Christ in conversations about prayer, mystery, and the spiritual life.
Location:1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844
Accommodations: Multiple lodging options within 10 minutes
Parking: Plenty of on-site parking
Full registration opens soon. Sign up now to be the first to know!
We want this to be accessible for young adults from across the country. Hillsborough has great airport and highway access, plus multiple accommodation options for every budget.
Need-based scholarships available
Closest Airport: Newark Liberty (EWR) - 45 minutes
Alternatives: JFK (1 hour) or Philadelphia (1.5 hours)
By Car: Easy access from I-287 and Route 206
Public Transit: NJ Transit connections available
Local Hotels: Comfortable options within 10 minutes
Help Available: Detailed recommendations upon registration
Registration: $[Amount TBA]
Includes: All meals, materials, prayer booklets, programming
Scholarships: Need-based assistance available—just ask
Group Rates: Special pricing for parish groups of 5+
This weekend is for young adults (generally ages 18–35) who desire deeper prayer, community, and a life offered fully to God, even if you are unsure how this looks or have questions.
No. The convocation is rooted in the Byzantine Catholic tradition, but anyone of any faith background is welcome. As the Byzantine Catholic Church is in full communion with the Catholic churches, Roman Catholics also fulfill their Sunday Mass obligation by attending Divine Liturgy with us.
The event is designed for young adults. If you are around the 18–35 range and are serious about growing in your faith, you are in the right place. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and should contact us before registering.
Housing is not included in the registration fee, but there are several hotels within a short drive of the parish. Once you register, we will send suggested lodging options and, where possible, information about ride or room–sharing.
Please do not let cost be the reason you stay home. Need-based scholarships and assistance are available. There is a place on the registration form to request help, or you can email us directly with your situation.
Expect a weekend centered on liturgical prayer, silence, and solid teaching, rather than a conference with constant noise. There will be plenty of time for fellowship, Q&A, and meeting other young adults.