Schedule of Catholic Conferences in December 2009 and January 2010

November 21, 2009

The following Catholic organizations are having national meetings in December and January.

12/28/2009  – 1/1/2010 
NCSC – National Catholic Student Coalition
NCSC Annual Leadership Conference – Our Communities in Need
Philadelphia, PA
A membership organization that seeks to be the representative voice of Catholic collegians, providing students with the necessary resources, network, and partners to aid the formation of faith-filled Catholics. 
 
1/15/2010  – 1/19/2010 
NCOD – National Catholic Office for the Deaf
NCOD Pastoral Week 2010
Houston, TX
A membership association dedicated to the pastoral ministry with deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. The mission of NCOD is to spread God’s message through the support of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Pastoral Ministry so that we may all be one in Christ. 
 
1/30/2010  – 2/1/2010 
ACCU – Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
ACCU Annual Meeting
Washington, DC
The official collective voice of Catholic higher education in the US. ACCU’s mission is to help foster a vibrant Catholic identity at member institutions and support cooperation among them for the greater good of society and the Church.

To learn more about these conferences, visit the Active Parishioner website calendar.

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Memories of Young Life Lost

June 5, 2009

News reports of the murder of the doctor who performed late-term abortions are now highlighting the stories of some his clients.  One woman learned in her third trimester that her child had a tragic illness and would not live more than a day after birth.

Families who find themselves unexpectedly in a similar situation are faced with shock, sadness and grief.   As they approach what should be a joyous event — the day of birth, they know that it will also be a time of devastating sorrow. 

An organization that donates its talents to help these families heal is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  This foundation coordinates over 7,000 photographers worldwide who volunteer their time to come to the hospital or hospice and take heirloom portraits of the child during it’s too brief life.  The photographers then give the photos on a CD to the family as a keepsake of their child.  All services are provided for free.

Parents find that with time, the photos help with the healing process.  The portraits honor and cherish their baby and help them share the child’s spirit with others.  As the song on the organization’s website poignantly describes, these parents find that ”we say hello at the same time we say goodbye.”   The photos help their child continue to be a part of their lives in the future.

When a family finds themselves in this paralyzing situation, learning that their child will never be able to come home from the hospital, as Catholics we need to be there for them.  Trying to stop a tragic late-term abortion delays the child’s death and the means of death, but it still doesn’t address the real and sudden needs of the family.  These families need more.  They need others to journey with them.  They need to be assured that their child’s brief life has meaning.   They need faith and they need hope. 

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is not Catholic nor religiously affiliated.  But what it does for families in time of grief can be called nothing short of ministry.

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Schedule of Catholic Conferences in December 2008 and January 2009

November 18, 2008

The following Catholic national organizations have scheduled annual meetings in December and January:

12/4/2008  – 12/7/2008 
NCCYM – National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry: Formed by Living Water/Formados for Agua Viva
Cleveland, OH
 
12/31/2008  – 1/4/2009 
NCSC – National Catholic Student Coalition 25th Annual Leadership Conference – Our Catholic Faith, Our Nation in Need
Atlanta, GA

1/6/2009  – 1/9/2009 
CCMA – Catholic Campus Ministry Association and NADDCM – National Association of Diocesan Directors of Campus Ministry National Convention
Atlanta, GA
 
1/16/2009  – 1/21/2009 
NCOD – National Catholic Office for the Deaf Pastoral Week 2009 – 2009 National Conference for Pastoral Workers in Deaf Ministry: Bridging the Gap
San Mateo/San Francisco, CA
 
1/31/2009  – 2/2/2009 
ACCU – Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting 2009 – Catholic Higher Education: Institutional Diversity Shared Purpose
Washington, DC

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

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Catholic Conference Welcomes Persons with Disabilities

August 8, 2008

In less than a month, one of my favorite organizations will be hosting its biennial conference.  The National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry (NAfIM) will be meeting in Huron, OH on September 4-6, 2008.  The theme of the conference is “Winds of Change, Spirit of Inclusion.”

NAfIM is a Catholic membership organization of parish ministers, diocesan leaders, university professionals, parents and persons with mental retardation, intellectual disability and other developmental differences.  Anyone can join.  NAfIM’s vision is based on the realization that “the universal call to holiness leads us to recognize that the Body of Christ suffers when some members are not invited to full participation.” NAfIM “envisions that every person with intellectual/developmental disabilities will be welcome to full inclusion into our Catholic communities.” 

I had the opportunity to attend a NAfIM conference several years ago and found the experience to be both moving and enlightening.  Everyone who attends, regardless of intellectual or developmental ability, is fully welcome to participate in the workshops, the prayer services and all parts of the conference. 

The keynote address this year will be given by theologian Fr. Jim Bacik and is titled, “The Parish as a Welcoming Community: Fostering the Spirit of Inclusion.”  This gentle and insightful pastor is adept at helping Catholics understand and live life from a theologically grounded perspective.

General sessions include “Faith-based Care in a Bureaucratic World,” ”Gospel Drama How-to’s: Sharing the Good News and Your Gifts,” “Marriage Panel: I Didn’t Sign Up for This!” where four couples share their marriage challenges and faith journey while raising their children with developmental disabilities, and “Sibling Panel: Riding the Bus and Beyond with my Sib!” where adult brothers and sisters share their relationships with their siblings with intellectual/developmental disability. Many other workshops are also scheduled during the conference. As you can see from this sampling, the conference is a family event where many attendees come as a family.

Whether you are a parish minister, a religious educator, or a parent who’s family is touched by intellectual/developmental disability, you will find this organization and its members to be a lifeline filled with love, wisdom, joy, and a welcoming attitude that would make Jesus proud.

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Schedule of Catholic Conferences in August and September 2008

July 30, 2008

8/1/2008  - 8/4/2008
LCWR – Leadership Conference for Women Religious
2008 LCWR-CMSM Joint Assembly
Denver, CO
The association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the US

8/5/2008  - 8/8/2008
NPM – National Association of Pastoral Musicians
NPM Convention (Regional)
Los Angeles, CA
The membership organization for anyone who recognizes and supports the value of musical liturgy. This includes choir directors, organists, guitarists, pianists, instrumentalists, presiders, cantors, and choral groups. NPM’s mission is to foster the art of musical liturgy.

9/4/2008  - 9/6/2008
NAfIM – National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry
40th Anniversary NAfIM Conference – Winds of Change, Spirit of Inclusion
Huron, OH
A membership organization of parish ministers, diocesan leaders, university professionals, parents, and persons withmental retardation, intellectual disability and other developmental differences. NAfIM’s mission is to lead the Catholic community to the full inclusion of persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
  
9/18/2008  - 9/21/2008
NACDLGM – National Association of Catholic Diocesan and Gay Ministries
NACDLGM 2008 Conference – “I Am Who I Am, By the Grace of God”
Long Beach, CA
Formed in 1994, NACDLGMfosters ministry with lesbian and gay Catholics, their families and friends. It serves as a network of communication regarding Catholic lesbian and gay ministry and provides educational resources and models of ministry to parishes and dioceses.
 
9/24/2008  - 9/28/2008
NCCW – National Council of Catholic Women
NCCW- 2008 General Assembly – We Are Women of Faith
Salt Lake City, UT
An organization of parish and diocesan based Catholic women’s organizations. NCCW’s mission is to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

9/25/2008  - 9/28/2008
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities 2008 Annual Gathering 
New Orleans, LA
The national member service organization that provides leadership and support to enhance the work of local Catholic Charities organization to reduce poverty, support families, and empower communities.
 
9/26/2008  - 9/28/2008
NABCA – National Association of Black Catholic Administrators
NABCA’s 2008 Annual Meeting
Dallas, TX
NABCA is a national organization devoted to strengthening African American persons involved in authentic roles in dioceses for community building.

9/27/2008  - 10/2/2008
NCDVD – National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors
NCDVD 2009 Convention – From East to West: A Perfect Sacrifice
Denver, CO
The professional membership organization of those who work in diocesan vocation offices. The mission of NCDVD is to promote priestly vocations by supporting diocesan vocation directors in their work.
  
9/28/2008  - 10/1/2008
NCDC – National Catholic Development Conference
NCDC Conference and Exposition
Orlando, FL
An association of organizations involved in fundraising to support religious, educational or other charitable activities. NCDC’s mission is to provide educational opportunities, training and networking in the area of fundraising.
 
9/28/2008  - 10/1/2008
DFMC – Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference
DFMC Conference 2008 – Strengthening the Church through Collaboration
Miami, FL
A membership organization for diocesan fiscal managers. DFMC’s mission is to promote the spiritual growth, the exchange of ideas and information, and the development of professional relationships among its members.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

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Catholic Webinar on Ministry with Persons with Disabilities

July 21, 2008

The National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities (NCPD) is a wonderful organization that helps parishes and dioceses to work towards the full inclusion of all persons with disabilities in the Church and in society.  The organization was launched in response to the US Bishops’ pastoral statement on persons with disabilities.  That statement is celebrating its 30th anniversary.  NCPD is sponsoring a Webinar to discuss the “Bright Past, Bold Future” in the area of ministry with persons with disabilities.

The Webinar is scheduled for August 13, 2008 from 1 pm to 2 pm Eastern Daylight time.  Registration is free for staff members from NCPD’s affiliated dioceses.  The registration fee for others is $30 per logged-in computer.  The target audience is directors of disability ministry, parish advocates, catechists, parish and diocesan catechetical leaders, pastoral personnel, and organizational and ecumenical partners.  If this is an area that your parish has not yet addressed, attending this Webinar is a great place to start.

The Webinar will “explore the strides that have been made since this landmark [bishops'] statement was proclaimed thirty years ago. It will look at what principles and practices have brought about the most effective transitions and growth in our Church and society related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Learn what has worked and what hasn’t from presenters with a rich history and perspective in this ministry. This webinar will also keep you apprised on what are the current trends in legislative actions and where we as a Church are seeking to have an impact. Learn practical actions to take to help raise awareness about persons with disabilities in your diocese, parish and community in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the Bishops’ statement that is occurring this Fall.”

To register for the Webinar, click here. 

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Catholic Support for Those with Chronic Illness or Physical Disability

February 11, 2008

Isolation can seep in when a person is suffering with a chronic illness or with a disability. Can one’s Catholic faith help, not just at the individual level but also at the communal level? The answer is a resounding yes as members of CUSA – An Apostolate for People with Chronic Illness or with Disabilities will attest.

CUSA is a community of people who are chronically ill or who have a physical disability who support each other through prayers and letters. Through concern for one another, members forge a special relationship that goes beyond the realms of simple friendships. The organization was founded in 1947 and was modeled after a Catholic organization active in Brussels. CUSA ministers to people in the US and Canada.

Members of all faiths are welcome, although most are Catholic. The way the organization works is that groups of no more than eight people are formed and communicate with each other regularly via email or letter. Each group has a Leader and a Spiritual Adviser who is a priest or deacon. Each group also has a Patron Saint, a Motto and an Intention that gives it a unique spiritual orientation.

The organization also sends out a magazine and runs an inspirational blog. CUSA helps members to “unite in the Cross of Christ, so that they may find God’s will or purpose in their suffering.” The only requirement for membership is physical disability or chronic pain or illness.

In this age where the helpfulness of small town communities is often a thing of the past, CUSA draws into the depth of the Catholic faith to bring people together despite distances and geography. CUSA builds small communities of people rooted in faith and sharing a common situation. And isn’t that what building the Kingdom of God is all about?

Helpful books on illness and disability can also be found at ActiveParishioner.com’s website.

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Stem Cell Research and the Catholic Position

October 5, 2007

Medical research often comes up with new technologies that have the potential to help patients with illnesses or injuries that previously had no treatment.  As these technologies advance, questions arise as to the theological and moral implications of the new treatments. 

Stem cell research is one such example.  Of course there is no mention of stem cell research in the Bible.  So with these and other new developments, what the Church does is apply the Catholic tradition and its principles to the new situation in order to assess the moral and theological implications.  Often this is a dialogue since new technologies are continually evolving as is our knowledge of science and human life.   

Catholic teaching recognizes the dignity of all human life, including that of an unborn embryo.  Because of this, the secular media has often mistakenly portrayed the Catholic Church as being against all stem cell research.  This is not the case.

The Catholic Bishops in Michigan recently developed an excellent 12 minute video titled The Science of Stem Cells: Finding Cures and Protecting Life  explaining the Catholic position. 

Two types of stem cells exist – adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells.  Using adult stem cells does not harm the person who donated them.  These stem cells can be extracted from places such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.  Using embryonic stem cells destroys the embryo in the process.  The Catholic Church is against embryonic stem cell use since it destroys a human life.  But the Church supports adult stem cell research.  This distinction is often not mentioned by the media.

Adult stem cell research is already in use in human research and is leading to improvements in human life.  This is not the case for embryonic stem cell research which can claim no successes to date. 

Additional background papers, including peer-reviewed articles, are available from the Michigan Catholic Conference’s website.

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Catholic views on artificial nutrition and hydration for persons in a vegetative state

September 24, 2007

The speed of technological advancements necessitates that Catholic theology often plays catch-up when reacting to specific, new circumstances.   

In the not-too-distant past, persons in a consistent vegetative state could not survive because of their inability to eat food or even drink fluids.  With improvements in technology, the healthcare field can now provide artificial nutrition and hydration.  Along with this ability come a host of new questions about how long one should provide these artificial means, in what cases are they morally required and in what situations are they not morally appropriate. 

The Vatican recently issued an official response to questions posed by the US bishops regarding the necessity of using artificial means for persons in a coma.  The specific questions related to providing water and food for a person in a vegetative state.

The complete Vatican response was released on September 14, 2007.

A very helpful analysis of the response has been developed by the National Catholic Bioethics Center.  As the analysis explains, confusion had arisen in the past.  The new statement and its detailed commentary provided by the Vatican help to clarify previous misunderstandings.  

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Catholic Books, Magazines and Articles for Those Who Are Blind

September 7, 2007

Founded by the Jesuits in 1900 (yes, it’s that old), the Xavier Society for the Blind (XBS) offers an outstanding collection of Catholic reading and listening materials in Braille, large print, audiocasette and audio CD.  Nearly 1500 resources include over 50 statements from the US bishops’ conference as well as Catholic textbooks which are printed in Braille on-demand.  XBS provides these resources for free to those who are blind or visually impaired.  Currently it serves approximately 10,000 people in the US and Canada.  To reach them at their New York office, call 212-473-7800 or visit www.xaviersociety.com.

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