Welcome!

What’s Next?

How do I register to attend the 2024 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 communications@giveninstitute.com

Travel Information

Where will the 2024 GIVEN Forum be held?

Lodging and most programming for the 2024 GIVEN Forum will take place at The Catholic University of America: 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064. 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 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

Where will I stay during the 2024 GIVEN Forum?

Lodging will be provided at Catholic 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 Saturday dinner through Wednesday brunch. 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 Catholic University.

When should I arrive?

You are welcome to arrive any day between Friday, June 7 and Wednesday, June 12. The program schedule for young adults will take place from Saturday, June 8 to Wednesday, June 12. Please see the schedule of each day’s sessions on this page.

Saturday, June 8 will be Forum Preparation Day featuring training for mentors by Dr. Joshua Miller.

On the evening of Friday, June 7, we will offer Mass, Adoration and reflection from Forum chaplain Fr. John Burns.

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

To which airport or train station should I arrive?

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to Catholic University. Upon arrival visitors can take a taxi, Metrorail or rental car to reach campus. You may also arrive at Baltimore/Washington International or Dulles International. The closest train (Amtrak) station is Union Station.

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

Yes. You may register for a visitor parking permit at CUA’s parking website.

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

On Friday, June 7, mentor & volunteer check-in will take place from 4:00-6:00PM. Dinner will be available from 6:00-7:00PM, and Mass followed by Adoration and a reflection will begin at 7:30PM.

On Saturday, June 8, mentor trainings will take place from 8:00AM-4:00PM. Young adult check in begins at 4:00PM, followed by dinner and opening Forum programming. We will end the night with Adoration available from 9:00-10:00PM.

On Sunday, June 9, please arrive by 8:30AM and plan to leave 8:00-9:30PM

On Monday, June 10 & Tuesday, June 11, please arrive by 9:00AM and plan to leave 9:30-10:00PM

On Wednesday, June 12, please arrive to the National Shrine of St. John Paul II for 9:00AM Mass and plan to leave from Catholic Unversity around 1:30PM.

Additional FAQs

Will there be time for sightseeing during the Forum?

No, there will not be time allotted for sightseeing in DC 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: https://washington.org/

What is the weather like in June in DC?

June 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 Catholic Female Leaders Celebration on Tuesday night, the dress code is cocktail attire.

Should I bring spending money?

All meals will be provided. 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.

One more thing…

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:

  • Letter to Women: This letter, written to women throughout the world, addresses the concept of woman and her indispensable role in the Church, the family, society, and the world.
  • Mulieris Dignitatem: This apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women considers the anthropology of man and woman, God’s intention for their relationship, woman’s vocation to motherhood, and the Church as Bride of Christ.
  • Redemptoris Mater: This encyclical focuses on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the plan of salvation and her continued role in the life of the Church.
  • A Meditation on Givenness: This meditation is a powerful reflection on the concepts of gift and entrustment within human relationships and in our faith.
  • Christus Vivit: This Post-Syndonal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis speaks “to young people and the entire people of God” about being alive in Christ and cultivating a lively Church culture through the full activation of personal vocation.
  • One thing Necessary: This e-book by Luke Arthur Burgiss and Joshua Miller, Ph.D. is a great short read to overview the vision of personal vocation that we are communicating through GIVEN mentoring. We highly recommend reading this e-book prior to our first session with Dr. Miller. This e-book is based on the longer published book that we also recommend, Unrepeatable.