FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Festival of Faith?
The Festival of Faith is a three day gathering of Catholics to rejoice and give thanks for our Church’s many blessings. As a Catholic community, we come together to deepen our faith during the 2008 Year of Evangelization and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Orlando.

Who Should Attend?
All of the nearly 800,000 Catholics who live in the Diocese of Orlando are invited. The Diocese of Orlando is comprised of the following counties: Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Marion, Polk and Sumter; However, anyone that would like to learn more about the Catholic faith and join in our celebration is welcome.

Is there an admission charge?
No. All of the events are free. However, we ask all attendees to bring in a donation for two worthwhile charities. We are collecting CANNED FOOD for the Catholic Charities Agape Food Bank, which distributes food to many agencies in Central Florida. We will also collect JARS OF PEANUT BUTTER to send to our sister diocese in the Dominican Republic, San Juan de la Maguana, as part of a healthy breakfast program.  

When is the Festival of Faith?
The Festival of Faith will take place Thursday thru Saturday, May 8 – 10, 2008.

Opening Liturgy at Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine:
Thursday, May 8th – 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Festival of Faith at Orange County Convention Center South Concourse:
Friday, May 9th - 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 10th - 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Where is the Festival of Faith?
The Mary Crowning and inaugural Mass for the Festival of Faith will take place at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, located at 8300 Vineland Avenue in Orlando on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7:00pm. All of the remaining events and activities will take place at the South Concourse, located inside the Orange County Convention Center's South Building, which faces International Drive.  The street address for the South Concourse is 9899 International Drive.

Why is the Festival of Faith on Mother’s Day weekend?
As a Church, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on this weekend. The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and marks the birth of the Catholic Church. During this jubilee year, it is appropriate to recognize that as a church, we are Alive in Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit to continue to spread the Good News of salvation! The Festival will end on Saturday May 10th so that families may enjoy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11th.

Do volunteers need to be fingerprinted?
Yes. Since there will be a lot of children involved at this event, any volunteers would need to be fingerprint/cleared.  Most parish and school volunteers would already be cleared, and if you need to verify that, check with your church or school.

Any adult who volunteers at the Festival of Faith but is not directly involved with the children will need an FDLE clearance.

Any adult volunteering directly with children would need an FBI clearance, unless they are a parent volunteer, in which case an FDLE clearance will suffice.  If minors (age 14-18) who volunteer are acting in a capacity as team leader, etc., they would need to be FDLE cleared.  Anyone between 14-18 must also be supervised by a cleared adult.

Any minors between 14 - 18 who volunteer should have a signed permission slip from their parent[s].

Fingerprinting can be done by making an appointment at the individual’s parish or school until November 30, 2007. After that time, your church/school representative must make an appointment for you to be fingerprinted at the Chancery Building in Downtown Orlando, located at 50 East Robinson Street. All fingerprinting must be completed by February 1, 2008.

There is a charge of $28 for FDLE and $36 for FBI screenings.