MISSIONARY PARISH CONFERENCE 2026
Practical Information
“Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5,4)
WELCOME!
Welcome to the fifth Missionary Parish Conference in the Netherlands: a two-day anniversary edition that offers an opportunity to meet people and to be inspired on the road to more missionary parishes!
The past few years have seen a worldwide missionary movement within the Church. Parishes have had hopeful experiences; people have been touched by the Holy Spirit. New people are getting to know Jesus Christ.
Yet parishes also encounter obstacles. It is not always easy to make missionary choices, to truly work together and to give space to the Holy Spirit. So come to this conference, to be immersed in a missionary culture for two days! Even if you are unsure about ‘setting sail’, you are very welcome! Our Protestant brothers and sisters are also warmly invited. We want to learn together what it means to be more missionary, wherever you and your parish stand in this process.
Come to De Basiliek in Veenendaal on 12 and 13 March and experience it for yourself!
THEME: "Put out into deep water!"
After a night of toiling, Jesus challenges his future disciples to set out once more and cast their nets again. This requires them to let go of their own tried-and-tested methods in order to obey Jesus' command. This step of faith proves to be worthwhile: their nets are overflowing!
This is the challenge that many parishes are facing today: do we dare to take a chance and set sail into the deep? What is holding us back? And what comes after; how do we persevere?
The conference will offer ample opportunity to explore these themes in depth – through lectures, various seminars, personal testimonies, and the informal meetings with fellow participants.
Who is invited?
Everyone who wants to embrace the vision of the missionary parish or who is interested in exploring this road is welcome to take part in the conference! Our international and Protestant brothers and sisters are also warmly invited.
Groups
Building a missionary parish is not something you can do by yourself. We therefore encourage people to bring their fellow parishioners along! There is a special group rate available for groups of 5 people or more.
Youth
Young people are of major importance to the Church of today and tomorrow - this is why you are warmly invited to the conference!
There is a specific gathering for students and young professionals (<35 years old) in the evening of Thursday, 12 March - the Young People’s MeetUp!
Where and when?
Where?
The main venue is event venue De Basiliek, Wiltonstraat 56, Veenendaal.
Several seminars will be hosted at Royal Mission, De Schutterij 10 in Veenendaal.
Accessibility
De Basiliek is situated along the A12, a major highway in a central part of the country. There is plenty of (free) parking space available.
Are you using public transportation? The venue is at walking distance (approximately 15 minutes) of the local train station "Veenendaal - De Klomp".
When?
The conference will take place on Thursday 12 March and Friday 13 March 2026.
On Wednesday evening, 11 March, there will be a time of prayer and fellowship ahead of the conference.
Registation & ticket costs
Early bird rates until 1 December 2025
Tickets cost 175 euros p.p. This includes coffee, tea and three meals; it does not include an overnight accommodation and breakfast.
A special group rate of 145 euros p.p. applies for groups of 5+ people.
Young people (< 30 years) can buy a youth ticket at 145 euro per ticket.
Overnight accommodation
Overnight accommodation is not included in the registration fees. You will have to make your own arrangements.
This overview of local accommodations may provide a starting point. Some of the hotels mentioned offer a special rate for participants in the conference.
Spread the word!
Are you excited about the conference? Tell your friends and fellow parishioners all about it!
Digital promotional materials are available as downloads below.
Downloads:
- brochure
- poster
- social media: insta/FB post, story
- conference image
Organisation
The Missionary Parish conference is organised by a number of collaborating organisations that want to encourage and support parishes to become more missionary: the Centre for Parish Spirituality (CPS), Alpha Netherlands, Catholic Alpha Centre, xpand and the Diocese of Breda. Divine Renovation also provides support.