Welcome!

What’s Next?

How do I register to attend the 2022 GIVEN Forum?

We are so excited to see you this June! Please log in or create an account in our application portal to complete a registration form.

I have a question that’s not answered here!

Please contact Megan Haile, Events & Network Coordinator, via email using this form (choose “I have a question about GIVEN Forum, GIVEN Gathering, or Guadalupe Parties.”)

Travel Information

Where will the 2022 GIVEN Forum be held?

Lodging and most programming for the 2022 GIVEN Forum will take place at Neumann University: 501 Convent Rd, Aston, PA 19014. Directions for how to get to the campus from area airports or driving can be found on the university’s website. Portions of the Forum will also take place at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which is home to the tomb and shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel.

Where will I stay during the 2022 GIVEN Forum?

Lodging will be provided at Neumann University for all attendees, and will include linens (2 flat sheets, towels, pillow, blanket). If you prefer a fitted sheet, please bring one in size Twin XL. If you need hangers, a clothes iron or a hair dryer please bring those items as well. The dormitories are well air-conditioned, so please keep this in mind while packing if you tend to be cold. Meals will be provided from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast. If you prefer to stay in a hotel at your own expense, you may refer to this list of local hotels, some of which offer discounts through Neumann University.

When should I arrive?

You are welcome to arrive any day between Sunday, June 19 and Saturday, June 25. The program schedule for young adults will take place from Tuesday, June 21 to Saturday, June 25. Please see the schedule of each day’s sessions on this page.

Monday, June 20th will be Forum Preparation Day featuring training for mentors by Dr. Joshua Miller.

On the evenings of Sunday, June 19 and Monday, June 20, we will offer Adoration and reflections from Forum chaplain Fr. John Burns.

Please indicate the days you plan to attend the Forum in your registration form.

What is the schedule for Sunday, June 19?

4:00PM – Check-in for Volunteers and Consecrated Women
5:00PM – Traveler’s Mass
5:00PM-7:00PM – Dinner Available
7:ooPM-8:30PM – Adoration and Conference by Fr. John Burns

What is the schedule for Monday, June 20?

8:00AM-10:00AM – Check-in for Mentors
10:00AM-12:00PM – Training Session
12:00PM-1:00PM – Lunch
1:00PM-2:30PM – Training Session
3:00PM – Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez
5:00PM – Evening Prayer
5:00PM-7:00PM – Dinner Available
7:30PM-10:00PM – Adoration and Conference by Fr. John Burns

To which airport or train station should I arrive?

We recommend that you fly into Philadelphia International Airport, a short drive away from Neumann University. The closest major train station to Neumann University is Philadelphia 30th Street Station, which is a 30-45 minute drive from the university.

How do I get from the airport or train/bus station to Neumann University?

Uber and Lyft rides are a convenient option, especially for those flying into Philadelphia International Airport, which is a 20-30 minute drive to the campus. You can find more information about getting to Neumann’s campus at this link.

If I am driving, will I need a parking pass?

No, free parking is available throughout the Neumann University campus.

If I am staying at home and commuting to the Forum, what time should I arrive and leave each day?

On Monday, June 20, volunteers should arrive by 8:45AM and Mentors should arrive by 10AM. Working sessions end at 2:30PM, and the afternoon and evening will be filled with beautiful opportunities for prayer and reflection, ending at 10PM.

On Tuesday, June 21, please arrive by 9AM and plan to leave 9-9:30PM

On Wednesday, June 22, please arrive by 8AM and plan to leave 10-10:30PM

On Thursday, June 23 and Friday, June 24, please arrive by 8:30AM and plan to leave 10-10:30PM

On Saturday, June 25, please arrive to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul by 9AM and plan to leave around noon.

Health & Safety Measures

Please check back to this page for updates and changes between now and the beginning of the Forum.

What should I expect regarding COVID safety at the Forum?

We are committed to providing a safe environment that respects the variety of experiences and comfort levels among all attendees while maintaining the spirit of the Forum: a beautiful community of Catholic female leaders! Please check back to this page for updates as requirements may shift. Currently, Neumann University and Archdiocese of Philadelphia policies require the following:

• Anyone entering a campus building, including contractors, vendors, suppliers, and visitors, must comply with all posted signage and not enter university buildings if they are feeling sick.
• Additional safety measures for residential guests: For attendees staying in the dorms, guests who have been vaccinated against COVID will be asked to provide proof of vaccination. A booster is not required at this time. Non-vaccinated guests will be asked to provide a negative antigen test completed within 24 hours of check-in or a negative PCR test within 3 days of check-in.

Participants assume any risk associated with public exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and will hold The GIVEN Institute, Neumann University, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and our sponsors blameless in the event of a COVID exposure or any related illness.

Additional FAQs

Will there be time for sightseeing during the Forum?

No, there will not be time allotted for sightseeing in Philadelphia during the days of the GIVEN Forum. If desired, feel free to make travel arrangements to allow for sightseeing either prior to or following the GIVEN Forum. You are wholly responsible for all costs and accommodations outside the days of the GIVEN Forum. If you do decide to extend your stay, you can visit the following website for tourist information: www.visitphilly.com.

What is the weather like in June in Philadelphia?

June in Philadelphia tends to be warm, often between 70-85°F. As the event draws nearer, we suggest checking weather.com for more specific temperatures.

What is the dress code for the GIVEN Forum?

Business casual dress is appropriate for attending the conferences, workshops, and liturgies throughout the week. Be prepared for chilly air conditioning for indoor programming and in the dorms. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

For the Meet and Greet Evening on Wednesday night, the dress code is cocktail attire. You may also want to bring business cards if you have them, as this will be an opportunity to network with GIVEN alumnae, mentors, and community members as well as your fellow Forum attendees.

Should I bring spending money?

All meals will be provided from Tuesday evening through Saturday morning. You will need to bring money to pay for your travel costs and any additional or personal spending you desire throughout the week.

Will there be time to exercise?
Yes, you are welcome to exercise during free time periods. A group often forms for morning runs as well!

How do I share my dietary restrictions?
You can share any needs for diet or accessibility, as well as any other notes for Forum organizers, in your registration form.

Will there be a daily holy hour and time for private prayer?
Yes. During the Forum preparation days, Adoration is scheduled for the evenings, and during the days of the Forum, Adoration and Morning Prayer are scheduled for the morning before daily programming begins. You will also have the opportunity for private prayer during lunch and dinner breaks.

May religious communities provide information for the young adults?

Religious communities are welcome to bring a brochure or piece of literature about the community. We will have a table to place these items where attendees can pick them up.

In preparation for the GIVEN Forum, we recommended that the participants explore the following documents. Although there is no requirement to read them, we want you to have access to these great resources that speak to the beauty and dignity of women as well as the gift of our personal vocation: