Festival of Friendship 2026 Schedule

September 18–20, 2026

Main Schedule
Children's Village

Over three days, the Festival of Friendship brings together conversation, art, music, shared meals and prayer as we explore what it means to see, hear and receive one another with tenderness.

All are welcome. Please register in advance and indicate whether you will attend Friday dinner, Saturday lunch or Saturday dinner so that we can prepare accordingly.

Schedule subject to change. Additional details will be added as they are confirmed.

Main Schedule

Fri. the 18th

Kids’ Village: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who remains on the premises.

5:30 p.m. | Dinner

7:00 p.m. | Festival of Friendship Welcome
Welcome from Rebekah Feeley.

7:30 p.m. | Ryan Hill Quartet
An evening musical performance.

Sat. the 19th

Kids’ Village: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who remains on the premises.

9:00 a.m. | Breakfast

9:30 a.m. | On Jazz and Listening
with Ted Panken

11:00 a.m. | Parenting and Listening
A panel discussion about listening to the real needs of children, featuring Tania Geist, Justin O’Connor and Lucia O’Connor. Moderated by Rebekah Feeley.

12:00 p.m. | Lunch

1:30 p.m. | Hearing the Cry of the Poor
Keynote address by Alberto De Simoni.

3:00 p.m. | Suzanne on Cry of the Heart
An exhibit presentation by Caroline Doyle and Olivetta Danese.

4:30 p.m. | Fostering Human Flourishing: At Home and Abroad
A panel discussion with Jackie Aldrette of AVSI and Katie Holler, founder of The Dorothea Project.

5:30 p.m. | Dinner

7:30 p.m. | Incline Thine Ear
An evening of selected readings.

8:30 p.m. | All, All of Them Were Singing
A community sing-along.

Sun. the 20th

Kids’ Village will be open during the Assembly. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who remains on the premises.

9:00 a.m. | Sunday Morning Mass

10:00 a.m. | Breakfast

11:00 a.m. | Closing Assembly
A concluding gathering for Festival volunteers and speakers.

Children’s Village Schedule

Open Friday evening from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., and Sunday during closing Assembly starting at 11:00 a.m.

Activities on Saturday will include:

  • Welcome exercise pairing older and younger children

  • CGS presentation: The Vastness and Unity of History

  • Writing, art, and poetry for older children: My Place in God’s Universal Plan

  • Altar frontal project

  • Individual works

  • Outdoor break and nature walk

  • Art project completion

  • Dinner

  • Movie or music for children