Hope Does Not Disappoint: Wrestling with God in a Groaning Creation

Thursday, July 10 - Saturday, July 12, 2025

Catholic Theological Union

Chicago, IL

Building on last year’s Gathering , the 2025 Gathering will explore questions surrounding grief and hope.

Gathering Presenters

of Costa Rica and Western Theological Seminary.

General Schedule

Thursday Welcome and Opening Worship, Lunch, Plenary Sessions, Pizza Dinner

Friday Breakfast, Lectio Divina , Plenary Sessions, Lunch, Dinner , Worship

Saturday Breakfast, Lectio Divina, Panel Discussion, Closing Worship

Housing for the Gathering

Like other recent Summer Gatherings, participants will need to secure their own housing.

Options include Airbnb or Vrbo listings near Catholic Theological Union ( 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615).

Cost of the Gathering

Every year, our goal is to break even on the Gathering. Truth-be-told, most years, we run a deficit. This year we are piloting a new registration model. We estimate that our break-even cost per person for Gathering 2025 is ~$225. We invite those who would like to support the Ekklesia Project and help keep our Gathering deficit to a minimum to register at the Sustaining level. Those with institutional continuing education support and/or surplus resources are encouraged to register at the Supporting level. Those who do so will help support the attendance of students and those without surplus resources or institutional funds, who we invite to register at the Supported level.

Children at the Gathering

Parents are welcome to bring their children. Childcare will be available at Catholic Theological Union this summer for infants, toddlers, elementary-aged, and middle school children during the plenary sessions.

If you are bringing your children, please contact the Gathering Facilitator, Jaimee Ryan, at ZXBmYWNpbGl0YXRvciB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t.

Financial Assistance

The Ekklesia Project is offering a Supported tier of pricing for those with greater financial need. If you have further questions, please contact the Gathering Facilitator, Jaimee Ryan, at ZXBmYWNpbGl0YXRvciB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t.

Individuals with Special Needs

The Ekklesia Project will try to accommodate certain dietary and handicap accessibility needs. You will be given the opportunity to communicate these needs while completing the registration form.

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