In addition to the morning outdoor Eucharistic Procession, the Made for Happiness Diocesan Assembly includes events and activities throughout the day at the Breslin Center on the campus of MSU. Doors to Breslin Center open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.
Join us for the many activities that will take place throughout the day at the Breslin Center. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. when the doors to the Breslin Center open, Assembly goers will have the opportunity to view four popular religious displays. From 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at seven suites on the Concourse level of the Breslin. The Eucharistic Procession will be broadcast live via the Breslin’s Jumbo Tron, along with other programming. From 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., more than a dozen Catholic vendors and ministries will be available around the concourse. Games and activities for children and families will open in mid morning and will stay open until 8:00 p.m. Free professional child care will be available on a first-come, first served basis during the hours of the main presentations.
The Assembly Gathering commences with a blessing and brief message from Bishop Boyea followed by a series of inspiring and uplifting talks given by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jennifer Fulwiler, Deacon Larry Oney, and emceed by Fr. Joe Krupp. Additionally, an all-diocesan choir and multiple musicians will perform during the afternoon sessions.
The day’s events will come to a joyful culmination with a celebration of The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered by Bishop Boyea and concelebrated by nearly all the priests of the diocese.
Please note: Parishes throughout the diocese have been asked to refrain from scheduling any events on the day of the Assembly and NOT to schedule Saturday afternoon/evening Masses so all clergy from across the diocese may join Bishop Boyea as concelebrants.
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. 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.
Walking with Christ in the Eucharistic Procession? We encourage participants in the Eucharistic Procession to park in the designated lots at the Breslin Center (where the afternoon Assembly Gathering and Mass will take place) and use the free shuttle bus transportation provided to St. Mary Cathedral and Church of the Resurrection. You are also welcome to make your own arrangements for arriving at the Cathedral or Church of the Resurrection, but again please note that there is VERY limited parking in the immediate area around both locations and you will have to make your own arrangements for getting back to your vehicle from the Breslin Center. Buses from the Breslin Center will start shuttling processors at 7:00 a.m. from the Breslin Center and will make their final drop off at around 9:30 a.m. After 9:30 a.m., the shuttle service will begin dropping off at the procession’s halfway point, which is at the Church of the Resurrection on Michigan Avenue. Seating on the shuttle buses will be limited, so please plan ahead to come early and join us as we process through the heart of Lansing.
Barrier-Free Parking: Accessible parking is available in both of the lots immediately south of the Breslin Center, 63W and 63E, and are used on a first come, first served basis.
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.
Spanish and Sign Language Interpretation: Spanish and Sign Language Interpreters will be available onsite. Please check back to this section for directions on where to be seated for interpretation.
Picnic Lunches in Breslin Parking Lots: You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and picnic lunches, etc. Please plan to store food in your vehicle as the Breslin Center’s security policies are very restrictive (refer to the Made for Happiness website for details. By way of reminder, tailgaters are asked not to obstruct driving lanes or block access to other parking spaces.)
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 (offering many options for those with dietary restrictions); 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 located 10-12 blocks from the Breslin along Grand River Avenue (and east of Abbot Road).
Breslin Center Concessions will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Options and prices are as follows: fruit cup: $4.00; yogurt parfait: $4:00; water: $4.00; candy: $3.50; caramel corn: $4.00; fried chicken sandwich: $6.50; chicken tenders: $6.50; coffee/cocoa: $3.50; 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; sandwich wraps: $6.00; hummus with pita: $4.00; nachos: $4.50; pizza slice: $5.00; popcorn box: $4.00; pretzel: $5.00.
Please note: The Breslin Center does NOT permit food or water bottles to be brought into the Breslin Center.