Regional Gathering Recap in Philadelphia, PA

This past November, the CVN community came together for two meaningful events during the Philly Regional Gathering: a training session with New Encounters attended by 11 participants and a casual evening gathering that welcomed around 20 guests. Attendees included campus partners, CVN staff, board members, and program staff.

The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a healthy dose of competition during a Philly-themed trivia game. Attendees expressed their gratitude for finally gathering in person, sharing a sense of relief and joy at connecting face-to-face.

A special thanks to Jonathan Jerome and the staff at The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia for their incredible generosity. Their hospitality, including the donation of event space and early access, truly exemplified the spirit of community.

Highlights and Feedback

• Memorable Moments: The trivia competition brought energy and fun, with small prizes like candy and cards adding to the festive vibe. Locals walked away with bigger prizes, including Ann Schwartz from Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry, who was thrilled to win the custom mugs.
• Community Connections: The event fostered reflection and connection, aligning with CVN’s mission to create spaces for learning, fellowship, and renewed purpose in faith-based service.

As we look ahead, CVN hopes to build on the success of this gathering by exploring collaboration opportunities with New Encounters and continuing to host in-person events that strengthen connections and build community.

Stay tuned for future regional gatherings—we hope to see you there!