Frequently Asked Questions

We have collected many of the most frequently asked questions. If you can't find your question here, please call us at 773.371.5431 or email us at catholicsoncall@ctu.edu.

Application Process
Travel
Conferences

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. What is the age limit for the conferences?
   Men and women, ages 18-30 are invited to apply for the conferences. Although there are some high school seniors who are 18, we recommend waiting one year before applying to the program. Medium age of the conference is usually between 23-25 years.
    
2. Who should write the reference letter?
   The reference letters should be written by two mentors that are not related to you and who know of your involvement in the Catholic community and can speak to your desire for spiritual development. At least one of the mentors should have a professional ministry background (Vocation Director, Priest, Campus Minister, Volunteer Program Director, Spiritual Director etc.)
    
3. Can I send the reference letters later than the application form?
   You certainly can, but we will review your application only when we have received all the documents.
    
4. How can I apply for the conference?
   You can download the application form from the website or request one from our office by calling 773.371.5431 or by email: catholicsoncall@ctu.edu
   
   The actual application is a Word document, and we would prefer you download the document, resave it and work on it within Word. If you do not have the software, a pdf file is available. It must be typed. In addition to the application, a personal statement and two references are required. Applicants should indicate which conference date works best for them.
   
   Applications must be mailed to the Catholics On Call office within the indicated deadlines. The address is Catholics On Call, 5401 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60615.
    
5. When will I hear back about my application?
   The selection committee will start meeting in March for the June conference and in May for the August conference. Notices of acceptance will be sent to you after the respective meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Birgit Oberhofer at 773.371.5431 or catholicsoncall@ctu.edu.
    
6. How do I find a partner organization of Catholics on Call?
   You can find a list of partner organizations on our website.

TRAVEL

1. Which is the airport closest to CTU?
   Midway Airport is the closest to CTU. O’Hare International is accessible as well; however, highway construction and traffic require a longer commute.
   Omega Shuttle (http://www.omegashuttle.com) provides a shuttle service to and from the airport.
    
2. Is parking available at CTU?
   Free parking is available at CTU. If you are driving, please let us know, so parking can be arranged for you in our garage.
    
3. What items do I need to bring?
   CTU will supply you with towels and bedding. You will want to bring comfortable clothes, toiletries (Don’t forget the toothpaste and soap!), hair dryer, books for reading during your free time, and other items you just can’t leave home without! If you forget anything, there is a drug store within walking distance.

CONFERENCES

1. What kind of activities can I expect during the young adult conferences?
   The conferences are designed to provide a pressure-free environment in which young adults will have the opportunity to explore their desires, dreams and concerns about pursuing a life of service in the Church. The conferences consist of a blend of presentations, shared prayer, personal reflection and group discussion, interaction with outstanding pastoral ministers and theological reflection on that experience. There will also be opportunities for individual meetings with mentors as well as personal interaction with peers. Activities for exploring the great city of Chicago are planned too.
    
2. What is the cost of the conference?
   Catholics on Call is generously funded by Lilly Endwoment, Inc. and we are able to offer the young adult conferences free of charge. You will only be responsible for transportation costs, but if you are associated with a partnering organization, they may be able to help with travel.
    
3. What is the schedule of the conferences?
   June Conference: The conference starts on Thursday, June 3 - arrival and check-in will be from 3 - 4 p.m. - and ends on Sunday, June 6 after lunch (1 p.m.)
   August Conference: The conference starts on Sunday, August 1 - arrival and check-in will be from 4 - 5 p.m. - end ends on Friday, August 6 after lunch (1 p.m.)
   It is possible to check-in into your room earlier. Please led us know if you are planning on arriving early.
    
4. Do I need to have experience in ministry to apply for Catholics on Call?
   No! We are seeking in our conference participants active Catholics involved in university/college ministry or a parish community. We are looking for people who are open to exploring God’s call in their own lives, as well as learning about the vocational desires, dreams and concerns of a diverse group of people. This conference is not for those who have formally entered a process of formation for religious life, priesthood or ecclesial lay ministry, with the exception of a lay minister who is considering religious life or priesthood.
    
5. What will be the maximum number of conference participants?
   We will accept 40-45 young adults for each conference. Numbers may vary.
    
6. What is the dress code for the conference?
   Dress code for the conference is casual. Make sure to check the weather forecast, as Chicago can still be chilly in June and very hot in August. The facilities are air-conditioned. CTU is near a walking path along Lake Michigan. Feel free to bring exercise clothes, running shoes, roller blades etc. to enjoy while you are here.
    
7. What kind of lodging is available?
   All participants will be housed at CTU’s residential building. Each participant will have his or her own room complete with a bathroom. If you require an ADA/handicapped accessible room, please let us know.