Frequently Asked Questions

 

When will the 2018 Diaconate Congress be held?

The 2018 Diaconate Congress will be held beginning on Sunday, July 22, 2018 through Thursday, July 26, 2018. 

Where will the 2018 Diaconate Congress be conducted?
The 2018 Diaconate Congress will be held in the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the Marriott New Orleans and other facilities that will be identified as plans evolve. 

Who can attend the 2018 Diaconate Congress?
The 2018 Diaconate Congress welcomes everyone! Deacons, candidates, wives, formation staff, bishops, priests, family and friends!

What is the cost to attend the 2018 Diaconate Congress?
The registration fee to attend the 2018 Diaconate Congress is $250 for deacons, candidates, formation staff, bishops, priests, and friends. Wives of deacons and candidates pay just $99.

What does registration cover?
Registration fees cover the cost to attend the program aspects of the 2018 Congress. These include Masses, Morning and Evening Prayer, all presentations, workshops, panel discussions and immersion experiences. 

What is not covered by registration?
Registration in the 2018 Congress does not include any of your personal transportation, hotel, meals or any other expense related to attending the event. Participants must book their own hotel rooms and pay their own bills. 

Where should we stay in New Orleans?
The Official Hotel of the 2018 Congress is the Marriott New Orleans which is located at 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Event registration, exhibits, and most Congress events will be held at the Marriott.

What is the cost to stay at the Marriott New Orleans?
The room rates at the Marriott New Orleans in 2018 will be:

Single or double: $133/night plus taxes*
Triple:  $153/night plus taxes*
Quad: $173/night plus taxes*

*Taxes are 14% City tax, 1.75% Convention and Visitors Bureau Assessment, plus a $3 per room, per night occupancy fee.

How do I make reservations at the Marriott New Orleans?
Click on the reservation link from this website to reserve your room. A credit card will be required to reserve your room, but no charges will be placed on it until you check in.

Can I use my continuing education funds to help pay for the Congress?
In most dioceses, your continuing education funds can be applied to attending the 2018 Congress. A “contact hours” form will be provided to attendees to verify your time. Please contact your Vicar of Clergy, Deacon Director, or pastor for an answer specific to your diocese. 

What is the daily schedule for the 2018 Congress?
- Sunday, July 22: Opening Mass, Keynote Address, Statement by Papal Nuncio
- Monday, July 23: Focus on “Christ the Servant – Yesterday.” Morning Prayer, Mass, Major Presentations, Workshops, Immersion Experiences, Celebration
- Tuesday, July 24: Focus on “Christ the Servant – Today.” Morning Prayer, Mass, Major Presentations, Workshops, Immersion Experiences, Celebration
- Wednesday, July 25: Focus on “Christ the Servant – Forever.” Morning Prayer, Mass, Major Presentations, Workshops, Immersion Experiences, Celebration
- Thursday, July 26: Morning Prayer, Closing Address, Closing Mass

How can I help support the 2018 Congress?
There are several ways to support the 2018 Congress:
-- Make a commitment to attend the Congress yourself! This will be a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to gather as deacons and candidates at this milestone in our ministry!
-- Encourage your bishop, pastor, and deacon friends to make plans to go to New Orleans for the Congress!
-- Please consider a financial gift to help cover costs of planning and conducting the 2018 Congress. Contributions to NADD-2018 are tax-deductible as NADD is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit. Contributions can be made on this website by clicking on “donation” or by writing a check made payable to: NADD-2018 and mailing it to: NADD 2018, 7625 North High Street, Columbus OH, 43235.

What else is there to do in New Orleans before, during and after the Congress?
A lot! New Orleans is a great destination city and our 2018 Congress celebration piggybacks on New Orleans’ 300th year-long birthday celebration, so in addition to all the great opportunities to enjoy the food, music and culture of the Crescent City, there will be many extra events for you to enjoy. Arrive in New Orleans before the Congress or stay after as part of a fun vacation.

Will I need a car in New Orleans?  How do I get from the Airport to the Marriott?
No, you will not need to rent a car to get around New Orleans. New Orleans has a great public transportation system to get from the airport to the Marriott in downtown New Orleans. There is also a variety of shuttles, taxis, buses and trolleys to take you where you want to go. Besides parking downtown is expensive! Once in the city, there are five newly-rebuilt trolley lines operating so you can travel from one district to another without having to read a map or find parking spaces! Trolleys are also a great way to explore New Orleans and sight-see on a budget – pay your fare and take a ride! There are multi-day passes available so that you can ride anytime, all week for a single fee.