Why THL?
Lay Catholics have a unique responsibility and privileged opportunity to influence the world for Christ. It’s not an optional prerogative, but their duty as baptized children of God.
What is The Hour of the Laity?
This is a national conference for all lay Catholics who seek to grow as leaders to influence civil society for Christ.
The conference lives at the intersection of professional development and spiritual growth.
It provides Catholic Leadership formation, but not for ministry, for the world!
What is unique about The Hour of the Laity?
All the experts, panelists, and keynotes introduced are lay people.
The Hour of the Laity puts only lay Catholic leaders, who are making an impact, in front of attendees as examples of authentic lay Catholic leadership.
We do not showcase apologists, theologians, or ministry leaders. Rather, we learn from lay Catholic leaders in civil society.
Our speakers will show lay people why and how our true calling is to be ambassadors of Christ in the world.
Save your place
Take advantage of the pre-sale tickets for The Hour of the Laity! Purchase now and get a special discount for a limited time. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot and join this unique conference for lay Catholic leaders. Reserve today!
THL2024
THL2025
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, Nov 6th
Friday, Nov 7th
Saturday, Nov 8th
06:00 p.m. - 07:00 p.m.Registration
06:00 p.m. - 07:00 p.m.Exhibitors Section Open
07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.Welcome Address from the TLI Board
08:15 a.m. - 09:15 a.m.Opening Mass – Basilica
09:15 a.m. - 09:50 a.m.Breakfast
09:20 a.m. - 09:50 a.m.In Illo Uno Unum: In the One Christ, We Are One
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.Exhibitors Section Open
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.The Contemporary World as a “Polycrisis”
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.Lunch & Visit to Exhibitors
12:45 a.m. - 01:30 p.m.Finding Moral Clarity Amid Complexity
01:30 a.m. - 02:15 p.m.The State of the Catholic Faith Worldwide
02:15 p.m. - 02:45 p.m.Break & Visit to Exhibitors
02:45 p.m. - 03:30 p.m.Sowers of Peace in a Polarized World
03:30 p.m. - 03:45 p.m.Examination of Conscience
03:45 p.m. - 05:30 p.m.Eucharistic Procession, Adoration/Benediction
05:30 p.m.Dinner on your own. Get to know Ciudad de México!
08:00 a.m. - 09:00 a.m.Morning Mass
09:00 a.m. - 09:30 a.m.Breakfast
09:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Leo XIV, AI, and the Technological Kairos: Seizing the Moment of Innovation
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.Revisiting Rerum Novarum: Timeless Wisdom for the World
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Lunch & Visit to Exhibitors
12:30 p.m. - 01:15 p.m.Social Doctrine of the Church: Encouraging Engagement and Discernment
01:15 p.m. - 02:00 p.m.Forming People in Critical Thinking to Combat Misinformation and Polarization
02:00 p.m. - 02:30 p.m.Break & Visit to Exhibitors
02:30 p.m. - 03:15 p.m.Urgent Priorities in Lay Catholic Leadership
03:15 p.m. - 04:00 p.m.True Unity Is Unity in Faith
04:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.Adoration/Benediction
05:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m.Break from program
06:30 p.m. - 07:00 p.m.Pre-dinner reception
07:00 p.m. - 09:30 p.m.St. Juan Diego Leadership for the World Award Dinner
06:00 p.m. – 07:00 p.m.Registration
06:00 p.m. – 07:00 p.m.Exhibitors Section Open
07:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m.Welcome Address from the TLI Board
08:15 a.m. – 09:15 a.m.Opening Mass – Basilica
09:15 a.m. – 09:50 a.m.Breakfast
09:20 a.m. – 09:50 a.m.In Illo Uno Unum: In the One Christ, We Are One
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Exhibitors Section Open
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.The Contemporary World as a “Polycrisis”
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.Lunch & Visit to Exhibitors
12:45 a.m. – 01:30 p.m.Finding Moral Clarity Amid Complexity
01:30 a.m. – 02:15 p.m.The State of the Catholic Faith Worldwide
02:15 p.m. – 02:45 p.m.Break & Visit to Exhibitors
02:45 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.Sowers of Peace in a Polarized World
03:30 p.m. – 03:45 p.m.Examination of Conscience
03:45 p.m. – 05:30 p.m.Eucharistic Procession, Adoration/Benediction
05:30 p.m.Dinner on your own. Get to know Ciudad de México!
08:00 a.m. – 09:00 a.m.Morning Mass
09:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m.Breakfast
09:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Leo XIV, AI, and the Technological Kairos: Seizing the Moment of Innovation
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Revisiting Rerum Novarum: Timeless Wisdom for the World
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Lunch & Visit to Exhibitors
12:30 p.m. – 01:15 p.m.Social Doctrine of the Church: Encouraging Engagement and Discernment
01:15 p.m. – 02:00 p.m.Forming People in Critical Thinking to Combat Misinformation and Polarization
02:00 p.m. – 02:30 p.m.Break & Visit to Exhibitors
02:30 p.m. – 03:15 p.m.Urgent Priorities in Lay Catholic Leadership
03:15 p.m. – 04:00 p.m.True Unity Is Unity in Faith
04:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.Adoration/Benediction
05:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m.Break from program
06:30 p.m. – 07:00 p.m.Pre-dinner reception
07:00 p.m. – 09:30 p.m.St. Juan Diego Leadership for the World Award Dinner
FAQs
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Do I need a visa to visit Mexico City as a U.S. citizen?
No visa is required for tourist visits under 180 days. Just bring a valid passport.
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
Like any big city, it has safe and less-safe areas. Stick to well-known neighborhoods (like Roma, Condesa, Polanco), avoid wandering alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Mexico City?
No, don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water—even for brushing your teeth.
What’s the best way to get around Mexico City?
Uber is reliable and safer than hailing taxis from the street. Public transport (metro and buses) is cheap but crowded during rush hours.
Is English widely spoken in Mexico City?
Not everywhere. Many people in tourist areas speak some English, but it’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases.
What’s the local currency and how should I handle money?
The local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). Bring a debit/credit card for ATMs and carry small cash for markets or taxis. Avoid currency exchanges at the airport—rates are better in the city.
Are there any health precautions I should take?
Altitude can affect visitors—Mexico City sits over 7,000 feet high. Take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated. Also, be cautious with street food until your stomach adjusts.
Do I need any vaccines before traveling?
No special vaccines are required for Mexico, but the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines like Hep A and Typhoid if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Mexico City?
March to May has great weather, but it’s also high season. Summer is warmer and rainier, and winter (Nov–Feb) can get chilly at night.
How do I stay connected?
Consider getting a local SIM card (Telcel is a popular provider) or use an international plan. Many places have Wi-Fi, but not all public areas.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Mexico City?
Not commonly. Most places expect pesos, though some tourist spots may accept USD at a poor exchange rate.
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