Future Church 29th Annual Fall Benefit

VIRTUAL TICKETS Dear Friend, On Thursday, November 7th we were honored to welcome LaCroix International editor, Robert Mickens, as our keynote presenter to offer an answer to the question "The Francis Reforms: Too Little, Too Late?"  In her most recent recent Simply Spirit column for National Catholic Reporter, Sr. Christine Schenk, wrote, "An unabashed Pope Francis fan, Mickens is a well-positioned insider and shrewd interpreter of Vatican politics." And Mickens did not disappoint, offering the audience the unique combination of insider insights, relevent context, and honest commentary and opinion that comes with more than 30 years of experience covering the Vatican. Purchase a virtual ticket by Friday, November 22nd to hear it for yourself.  Sr. Chris recaps some of Robert's thoughts: "[Living at Casa Santa Marta] allowed [Pope Francis] to avoid being controlled by churchmen who wished to preserve Pope Benedict XVI's legacy, which, for Mickens, constituted "the last breath, the last gasp of upholding this unseen regime, Eurocentric Catholicism.'" She continues, "For Mickens, as well as other analysts, the biggest Francis reform is the shift from a Eurocentric church to a universal church: 'Pope Francis talks about unity in plurality. We can worship God in different ways, according to our different cultures. ... We don't all have to be Latins or Greeks. We don't all have to filter the Gospel through Plato or Aristotle as we have done in the West,' Mickens said." According to Mickens, this shift has "shaken the foundations of the Roman Curia ... because [Pope Francis] does not follow the Eurocentric protocols. ... He is more concerned about 'what would Jesus do' than what does canon law say." We were also blessed to have presentations from our awardees, Marie Collins and Karen Gargamelli-McCreight.  Presented with the Louis J. Trivison Award for her tireless campaign for justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse and the protection of minors, Marie Collins talked about her experience on the Papal Commission for the Protection of Minors, offered two reforms that the Church must undertake, and shared what gives her hope. Presented with the Christine Schenk Award for young Catholic Leaders, Karen Gargamelli-McCreight introduced attendees to Benincasa Community, which she co-founded in New York City, and shared inspiring and rousing stories of some of their Catholic activism. Purchase a virtual ticket by November 22nd to hear these insightful, hopeful, and inspiring presentations for yourself! Your Virtual Ticket includes: Access to video and written transcripts of the keynote and award presentations An exclusive collection representing some of Robert's favorite writing from his famous column, "Letter from Rome"  A one-year digital subscription to LaCroix International and a copy of our program book with biographies, prayers, and FutureChurch news.