Conference Design

[brainwane]

I was clicking around on the Amtrak website and was reminded that the Pope is visiting Philadelphia next month. So I clicked through to the dedicated site for the visit and associated conference. So interesting! This list of patron saints for the conference (and this list of patron saints of the family in general) reminds me of other conferences' lists of keynote speakers.

I could (and will not) sign up to spend 30 or 60 minutes in adoration (silent prayer). The volunteering FAQ says you don't have to be a Catholic to volunteer (also, the Church will pay for your background check). They have training via online webinar, smartphone app, and a YouTube guide video.

I spent several minutes clicking around and reading their official prayer, their (sparse) info on accessibility, the suggestion that Philadelphians think of the Papal visit as like a snow weekend in terms of limitations on mobility.

Oh now I am reading the lesson plans for kids. Includes the note to the teacher: "Students may or may not be able to answer with depth. Try to lead them." I feel you.

Comments

[crystalpyramid]

The planned SEPTA limitations are driving us nuts around here -- they're planning to kill most of the subway stops for the weekend, which will make the subway pretty useless, which I wouldn't think would be how we want the world to see us. We think we have the Secret Service to blame for most of the ridiculous parts.

It is exciting though! I was planning to go to the mass, even though I'm not Catholic, since it's walking distance for me. I hadn't thought about volunteering.

[crystalpyramid]

Fun fact: apparently if you've lived in New York State the background check costs an extra $65, which the WMOF covers unless you make a donation to cover it yourself. So I've registered now, but if there aren't slots that fit my schedule I'll just be costing the church $100.

... I can think of ways this could be used against them.