Are overnight accommodations available?
YES. Click here to see nearby hotels and inns recommended by MSU.

Should our parish have T-shirts made?
Yes! Many parishes are designing their own t-shirts with their own designated color and also placing the official “Made for Happiness” logo on it somewhere.

Can I attend just part of the Assembly?
We hope all Assembly goers will be able to join us for the full day, but welcome you to attend as much of the Assembly as your schedule permits.

Why are all parish Masses cancelled on Saturday?
Bishop Boyea wants to celebrate the vigil Mass with as many priests, deacons and laity as possible. Therefore, in order to enable everyone as much as possible to celebrate this momentous event with us he requested that all Saturday vigil Masses in the diocese be canceled on September 22nd.

Will the Assembly be recorded for future viewing?
Yes. Each of the speaker’s talks and the All-Diocesan Mass (which will air the next day in place of the regularly scheduled outreach Mass) will be recorded. Parts of the Eucharistic Procession will also be recorded.

Why is the diocese hosting the Assembly?
The Made for Happiness Diocesan Assembly is the fruit of Bishop Boyea’s Pastoral Letter, “Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord” which he issued in 2012. The letter consists of three main parts, “The Household of Faith”, “The Lost Sheep”, and the “Court of the Gentiles”. After a year of prayer which ended in 2013, Bishop Boyea announced that he would host gatherings every two years beginning in 2014, respective to each part of his pastoral letter.

• In 2014 he gathered nearly all of the “ministry class” (850 people) of the Diocese of Lansing to address the task of renewal in our parishes.
• In 2016 he gathered with just over 4% (2000 people) of our church-going Catholics in the diocese who self-identify as having a desire to help fallen away Catholics return to the Church.
• On September 22, 2018 we will gather with 25% (15,000 people) of the diocese’s church-going Catholics for an historic and defining moment in our diocese to be inspired and equipped to live and spread the Faith with new vigor in the world.

Are my “non-practicing” family members invited?
YES. All are welcome to join us. The official invite is directly going to the 60,000 church-going Catholics in the Diocese of Lansing, but anyone within the Diocese of Lansing is welcome.

Is registration required? Are tickets issued?
Advance registration to attend the Assembly is required, but no tickets will be issued.

I am part of a church group, do I need to register separately online or through my group?
You will need to register separately online.

Is there a cost to attend any part of the Assembly?
There is no cost to register for the Assembly; however, advance registration (online) is necessary as space at the Breslin Center is limited. Please be sure to register early! There will be costs for parking ($10 per car, $40 per bus) as well as for concessions at the Breslin Center and opportunities to buy Catholic items from several vendors at the event.

How soon should I register? What if I have to cancel after registering?
We encourage individuals and families to register early, as space at the Breslin Center is limited. In the event that registrations exceed seating space at the Breslin Center, we will close registration prior to September 22.

Should you find that your plans change, please cancel your registration by accessing the confirmation email sent to you after you registered. You then can edit and cancel your registration. Your assistance with this will be very helpful as seating at the Breslin Center is limited and we may need to close registration if we are at capacity before the day of the Assembly.

Who must register?
Everyone 3 years old and older must register. Children under 2 do not need to be registered if they will be a lap child and not require a seat. However, please register them if you are interested in childcare.

I am in a wheelchair/handicapped, do I need to register differently for handicapped seating?
Please simply indicate your special need within the registration process and we will make sure we’re able to accommodate you.

What is a Eucharistic Procession?
When the Eucharist is carried solemnly and with singing through the streets, and the Christian people give public witness to their belief in the sacrament of the Eucharist and to their devotion…. (Ceremonial of Bishops, 386)

Will there be security along the procession route?
Yes, the city of Lansing is providing police and undercover security for the whole procession route.

Where should I park if I want to participate in the Eucharistic Procession?
If you plan to walk in the Eucharistic Procession that begins at St. Mary Cathedral and you are driving your own vehicle to the Assembly, we encourage you to park in one of the Breslin Center parking lots ($10 per car, $40 per bus) and to use the free shuttle bus service as there is very limited parking in the immediate area of the Cathedral and because you will have convenient access to your vehicle when the Assembly concludes.
Map and lots to park in around Breslin.

**Parish buses must drop off all attendees at the Breslin Center. Those wishing to participate in the procession must take a shuttle from the Breslin Center to the Cathedral or to the Church of the Resurrection. There will be no space at the Cathedral for parish buses to drop off attendees.

Is public transportation available to/from Saint Mary Cathedral and the Breslin Center?
Yes. Please refer to the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) online route schedule for bus routes on Saturday, September 22. Click here to access the site.

My parish will travel to the Assembly by bus. Should we go directly to St. Mary Cathedral? Where should we park?
Parish buses arriving before 10:30 and parking on the MSU campus will unload in Parking Lot 79 (refer to map). From there, passengers may walk directly to the Breslin Center or to the designated area for shuttle buses to the Eucharistic Procession (refer to map). For passengers with limited mobility, there will be courtesy van transportation from Parking Lot 79 to the shuttle-bus departure site.

Parish buses that arrive at 10:30 or later should drop off passengers on Birch Road next to the Breslin Center, entering by way of Kalamazoo Street. (refer to map).

When it’s time for your parish group to return home and your group is gathered together, phone your bus driver to pick you up by the Breslin Center, entering by way of Kalamazoo Street. (refer to map). We recommend that each parish bus designate a captain on board who will have a list of all the passengers and their cell phone numbers. By contacting the bus driver to meet your group only after it is fully assembled, traffic congestion on Birch Road by the Breslin Center will be minimized.

**Parish buses must drop off all attendees at the Breslin Center. Those wishing to participate in the procession must take a shuttle from the Breslin Center to the Cathedral or to the Church of the Resurrection. There will be no space at the Cathedral for parish buses to drop off attendees.

I want to walk in a portion of the Eucharistic Procession. Is that possible?
You are welcome to participate in a segment of the procession, joining at the mid-point (which is the Church of the Resurrection) or other locations. If you plan to make use of the free shuttle service, keep in mind that shuttle busses begin at 7:00 a.m. from the Breslin Center and will drop people off at the start of the procession (which is St. Mary Cathedral) until 9:30 a.m. After that (from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.), the shuttle busses will drop people off at the Church of the Resurrection (the midpoint of the procession). If you wish to walk one mile or less, you may find it convenient to join the procession as it approaches the Breslin Center (likely between 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.). You are also welcome to use the public busing system to get from the Breslin Center to your desired starting point in the Eucharistic Procession. There are public bus stops all along the procession route.

Where can I join in the Eucharistic Procession, if I don’t wish to participate in the full procession?
Shuttle busses will begin dropping people off at the Church of the Resurrection (the half-way point of the procession) beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the Breslin Center. It is possible to join the Eucharistic Procession at nearly any intersection along Michigan Avenue. Simply wait until the end of the Eucharistic Procession approaches and signal to the Knights of Columbus that you wish to join in. Use of the public transit system is also possible. Please note: groups that wish to carry a banner may join the Eucharistic Procession ONLY at St. Mary Cathedral or the Church of the Resurrection, as banners must be reviewed by Assembly team volunteers prior to joining the procession.

What if I want to participate in the Eucharistic Procession but don’t know if I can make it the whole way?
There will be several chase busses following the procession to pick up people who can’t go any further.

Can I view the Eucharistic Procession remotely at the Breslin Center instead of walking in the procession?
YES! Those who chose not to walk in the procession can join in spirit at the Breslin Center where they will be able to follow along with the prayers and view it live-streamed to the jumbotron.

What banners can be carried in the Eucharistic Procession?
We encourage all parishes, schools, inter-parish organizations and Catholic ministries to make and carry a banner in the procession. Many more details about banners are provided under the Eucharistic Procession page on this website as well. This pdf provides a convenient summary of banner sizes and tips for construction.

I’m not with a group, but want to carry a banner. Is that permitted?
Due to the expected size of the group and the width of the procession roadway, only groups (parishes, schools, ministries) will be permitted to carry a banner.

What if the weather is inclement?
There is no rain date for the Eucharistic Procession. In the event that weather poses a hazard (e.g., lightning), we will begin prayers before the Blessed Sacrament at 10:00 a.m. on the main stage in the Breslin Center.

What should I wear?
For the Eucharistic Procession, plan to wear comfortable walking shoes. Casual clothing is acceptable. Because we will be walking with our Eucharistic King, we ask processors to use good judgement. Parishes and groups are encouraged to design and wear T-shirts with their parish/ministry name and the Made for Happiness logo.

Are strollers allowed in the procession?
Yes! Encouraged, in fact.

Where can I park? What is the cost? Is there parking for buses and campers? Can I tailgate?
There is parking for cars and buses in the area of the Breslin Center. The cost for cars is $10.00 (cash only) and $40 for busses (cash only). Breslin parking lots open at 6:30 a.m. Refer to Breslin Parking Map

Assembly participants who have limited mobility and wish to be dropped off should use the Birch Road entrance via Kalamazoo. Please refer to the map for details.

Bus parking also is available free of charge at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. Because parking space is limited at St. Thomas, parishes interested in this option are asked to complete a parking registration request form. [Please note that there is no shuttle service from St. Thomas to the Breslin; a 1.75 mile walk.]

Is there parking for trailers or oversize campers at the Breslin Center?
With the expectation that attendance at the Assembly Gathering will be a “full house,” and due to the limited capacity for both buses and cars in parking lots adjoining the Breslin Center, we are unable to accommodate requests from Assembly goers who wish to bring either a trailer or oversize camper (one requiring more than one parking space).

Is tailgating allowed?
YES. You are welcome to tailgate at the Breslin by bringing lawn chairs, picnic lunches, etc. as long as you are not obstructing drive lanes or blocking access and you aren’t to take up more than one car spot. Please keep in mind that the Eucharistic Procession likely will arrive at the Breslin Center at 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon Assembly Gathering will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Is alcohol allowed in the parking lot?
No.

Is there security in the Breslin Center?
Yes, MSU and the Breslin Center provide police security for all events such as these.

Is seating assigned? Can I block off seating for my parish?
No, seating is not assigned. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. We cannot absolutely ensure that your whole group will be able to sit together. However, groups may arrive early and save seats for others.

Where and when will the Sacrament of Reconciliation be offered?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in seven of the concourse suites in the Breslin Center during select times of the Assembly Gathering. Details will be finalized on or before September 1 and will be posted on the website.

What can I bring (food, bags, strollers, cell phones) into the Breslin?
Security concerns are such that event-goers cannot enter the Breslin Center with a purse, handbag, bookbag, diaper bag or cooler.

The Breslin Center does allow event goers to bring in strollers (to be left with a platform attendant), cameras (without cases), seat cushions (no pockets, pouches, or zippers) and medically necessary or child care items can be brought in clear one-gallon plastic bags. Please keep in mind that you may NOT bring food or bottled water into the Breslin Center.

Sorry, we will not be able to store prohibited items for you at the Breslin Center. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, please leave these items at home or in your vehicle. If you have any questions, please call the Breslin Center Administration Office during standard business hours, 517-432-1989.

What are the meal options at the Breslin? Am I able to bring in food to the Breslin Center?
The Breslin Center does NOT permit food or water bottles to be brought into the Breslin Center; however, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, store it in your vehicle, and enjoy eating it outside of the Breslin Center in what we hope will be beautiful weather. *

Area eateries: There are a number of restaurants and food options within a several-block walk of the Breslin Center, including: Brody Square Cafeteria on the MSU Campus; Harrison Roadhouse; and, the State Room at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Within one mile of the Breslin are many other eateries, with most of these located along Grand River Avenue (and east of Abbot Road).

MSU Concessions (operating from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.): The Breslin Center concession areas will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Options and prices at the Breslin are as follows: water: $4.00; candy: $3.50; caramel corn: $4.00; fried chicken sandwich: $6.50; chicken tenders: $6.50; coffee/cocoa: $3.50; 22oz fountain soda: $4.50; French fry: $4.50; ice cream products: $5.00; hamburger: $6.50; cheeseburger: $7.00; hot dog: $4.50; kosher dog: $5.00; bratwurst: $5.50; veggie burger: $6.50; nachos: $4.50; pizza slice: $5.00; popcorn box: $4.00; pretzel: $5.00.

*Security concerns are such that event-goers cannot enter the Breslin Center with a purse, handbag, book bag, diaper bag or cooler. The Breslin Center does allow medically necessary or child care items to be brought in, but these must be contained in clear one-gallon plastic bags. Event goers may bring in strollers (to be left with a platform attendant), cameras (without cases), and seat cushions (no pockets, pouches, or zippers). If you have any questions, please call the Breslin Center Administration Office during standard business hours, 517-432-1989.

What special accommodations are available at the Breslin?
Handicap seating will be widely available. Transmitters and sign language will be available for the hearing impaired. Translators will be available for Spanish speakers as well. Those with food allergies will need to make other arrangements as the Breslin Center concessions do not widely accommodate for food allergies.

Barrier-Free Parking
Accessible parking is available in both of the lots immediately south of the Breslin Center, and are used on a first come, first served basis. Additional questions regarding special needs may be addressed to Cathy Blatnik: blatsie63@yahoo.com
Wheelchair Availability
Complimentary wheelchairs are available for use at the Breslin Center. A valid driver’s license will be required as a deposit to obtain a wheelchair at the Guest Services booth across from the Hall of History Gate.
Accessible Seating
The Breslin Center has accessible seating platforms and seating areas on the floor level (for most events) for those needing special seating. Elevator access to the floor level is available in the Elevator lobby.

Is there childcare at the Breslin? Is it free?
As of early August, we have reached full capacity for childcare at the Breslin Center.

Will there be low-gluten hosts available at the Mass?
Yes. There will be four communion stations on the concourse level and four communion stations on the main floor level exclusively for reception of low gluten-hosts. There will be signage for these communion stations, which will be located at the north, south, east, and west sides – so they should not be hard to find.

What activities will be available at the Breslin beyond the speakers and Mass?
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the procession will be live-streamed and there will be lite programming on the main stage. From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. the following will be available:

• Replica of the Shroud of Turin (2000 sq. ft. display)
• Presentation of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World (displayed all around the concourse).
• Sacred relics will be available for viewing and veneration
• Display of the Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Periodic live music in the concourse by local musicians
• Vendors such as: Dynamic Catholic, Word on Fire, Magis Center, Augustine Institute, EWTN, Renewal Ministries, two separate religious goods stores, and more!
• Outdoor activities such as inflatables for kids, lawn games and tailgating.
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in the suites around the concourse from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Eucharistic chapel will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Details and locations of these activities will be posted to the Assembly Gathering page of the website and here on or before August 15.