5/26/2009 – 5/29/2009
Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
RBTE – Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
St. Charles, IL
Annual gathering of Catholic and Episcopal book publishers and dealers. This gathering includes members of the Association of Catholic Booksellers.

5/27/2009 – 5/30/2009
NALM – National Association for Lay Ministry
NALM 2009 Annual Conference
St. Paul, MN
A professional membership association for lay ministers in the Catholic Church. NALM’s mission is to support, educate and advocate for lay ministers and promote the development of lay ministry.

5/27/2009 – 5/30/2009
CPA – Catholic Press Association
CPA 2009 Catholic Media Convention
Anaheim, CA
The official membership association for Catholic press/media personnel.

5/31/2009 – 6/3/2009
ACHTUS – Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the US
ACHTUS 2009 Colloquium
Chicago, IL
A membership association of Roman Catholic Hispanics who possess a doctoral degree in theology, Scripture, ministry or general religious studies and are actively engaged in the North American Hispanic religious experience. The mission of ACHTUS is to promote research and critical theological reflection with the context of the US Hispanic experience.

6/3/2009 – 6/5/2009
DISC – Diocesan Information Systems Conference
2009 DISC Conference
New Orleans, LA
An organization of diocesan information systems managers, as well as others involved in the use of electronic technology for the work of the Catholic Church. DISC’s mission is to provide data processing expertise and professional service to the local and national church as well as to encourage networking of information and ideas among its members.

6/4/2009 – 6/7/2009
CTSA – Catholic Theological Society of America
2009 CTSA Annual Convention -
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The official membership organization of Catholic theologians (professionals with a degree in theological or related studies and who are or have been actively engaged in teaching and research.) CTSA’s mission is to promote studies and research in theology, to relate theological science to current problems, and to foster a ore effective theological education.

6/7/2009 – 6/9/2009
CHA – Catholic Health Association
2009 CHA Assembly
New Orleans, LA
The official membership organization of Catholic health care sponsors, systems and facilities. The mission of CHA is to support the Catholic health ministry’s pursuit of the strategic directions of mission, ethics, and advocacy.

6/15/2009 – 6/17/2009
NDCL – Notre Dame Center for Liturgy
37th Annual Conference – “Paul as Liturgical Theologian”
Notre Dame, IN
The Center for Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame seeks to support and enrich the liturgical life of the Church through scholarly research and pastoral education. The annual conference welcomes anyone at diocesan or parish level who wishes to examine the liturgical foundations of spirituality, catechesis, and ministry.

6/25/2009 – 6/28/2009
NACFLM – National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
NACFLM Conference 2009
St. Paul, MN
The membership association for family life ministers. This includes a variety of ministry areas including singles, marriage prep, respect life, interchurch/ecumenical marriage, families in crisis, separated/divorced, widowed/bereaved, older adults, and special needs families. NACFLM’s mission is to offer support and professional enrichment for those who minister to and with families, to be a voice and advocate for families, to promote the development of family life ministry and to foster a family perspective in Church and Society.

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

3/29/2009  – 4/1/2009 
NACPA – National Association of Church Personnel Administrators
2009 NACPA Convocation
Chicago, IL
The membership organization for personnel and human resource professionals within the Church. NACPA’s mission is to advocate for workplace justice rooted in Gospel values by promoting comprehensive church personnel systems; strengthening working relationships among church leaders, ministers and employees; developing church personnel and human resources skills and competence; and identifying and addressing church and societal issues which affect the church in its role as employer.
 
4/14/2009  – 4/16/2009 
NCEA – National Catholic Education Association
106th Annual NCEA Convention
Anaheim, CA
The official organization for Catholic educators in elementary schools, secondary schools, religious education programs, seminaries, chief administrators of Catholic education and boards/councils of Catholic education. NCEA’s mission is to advance the educational and catechetical mission of the Church.
 
4/14/2009  – 4/17/2009 
CLA – Catholic Library Association
2009 CLA Convention – Leadership, Direction Service
Anaheim, CA
The membership association of individuals and organizations involved with Catholic libraries. The mission of CLA is to provide leadership for professional development, coordinate the exchange of ideas, offer spiritual support, promote Catholic and ecumenical literature, and foster community.
 
4/14/2009  – 4/16/2009 
NPCD – National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors
17th NPCD Convocation: “Leadership. Direction. Service.”
Anaheim, CA
An organization within NCEA’s Department of Religious Education, NPCD is an association for parish catechetical leaders. It’s mission is to support members in their role of advancing the catechetical mission of the Church and to enhance the professional development of parish catechetical leaders.
 
4/22/2009  – 4/25/2009 
NADD – National Association of Diaconate Directors
NADD Convention 2009
Chicago, IL
The membership association for directors of diaconate programs. NADD’s mission is to serve as a documentation and resource center, to develop professional expertise, promote research, training, and self-evaluation procedures, and to facilitate communication.
 
4/26/2009  – 4/29/2009 
CPPCD – Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development
2009 CPPCD Annual Convention: Persevering in Mission to Build the Body of Christ
Plymouth, MI
The professional membership organization for Catholic Church leaders who are responsible for planning, research, and council development at the diocesan and parish levels. CPPCD’s mission is to promote and advocate consultative processes that foster effective planning for the pastoral life of the Church.
 
4/27/2009  – 4/30/2009 
CADEIO – Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers 
2009 CADEIO Annual Program
Phoenix, AZ
The official membership organization for diocesan ecumenical and interreligious officers. CADEIO seeks to stimulate an exchange of ideas, experiences and networking among the ecumenical officers of the dioceses, to promote programs that further work of Christian unity and interreligious cooperation, and to cooperate with other organizations.
 
4/27/2009  – 4/30/2009 
NCCL – National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
2009 NCCL Conference: Focus on Adult Faith Formation
Dearborn, MI
The official organization of diocesan, parish, academic, publishing,and other catechetical personnel. NCCL’s mission is to enrich and strengthen the ministry of catechesis throughout the Catholic dioceses of the US.
 
4/27/2009  – 4/30/2009 
NFPC – National Federation of Priests’ Councils
2009 NFPC Convention – The Parish of Tomorrow – Today!
San Antonio, TX
The membership association for priests’ councils. NFPC’s mission is to promote priestly unity and fraternity, to provide a national forum for priests to discuss pastoral matters, to enable priests councils to speak with a common voice and to promote pastoral research.
 
5/26/2009  – 5/29/2009 
Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
RBTE – Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
St. Charles, IL
Annual gathering of Catholic and Episcopal book publishers and dealers. This gathering includes members of the Association of Catholic Booksellers.
 
5/27/2009  – 5/30/2009 
NALM – National Association for Lay Ministry
NALM 2009 Annual Conference
St. Paul, MN
A professional membership association for lay ministers in the Catholic Church. NALM’s mission is to support, educate and advocate for lay ministers and promote the development of lay ministry.
 
5/27/2009  – 5/30/2009 
CPA – Catholic Press Association
CPA 2009 Catholic Media Convention
Anaheim, CA
The official membership association for Catholic press/media personnel.
 
5/31/2009  – 6/3/2009 
ACHTUS – Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the US
ACHTUS 2009 Colloquium
Chicago, IL
A membership association of Roman Catholic Hispanics who possess a doctoral degree in theology, Scripture, ministry or general religious studies and are actively engaged in the North American Hispanic religious experience. The mission of ACHTUS is to promote research and critical theological reflection with the context of the US Hispanic experience.

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

Not surprisingly, the most complete version of the website is in Italian, although the English version (and others) are not far behind.  The Latin version is much smaller so far, although the Vatican is very good at continuing to add translations as they are available. 

What is important to note, however, is that the Latin version will be helpful in aiding individuals to view the official text and in understanding how the translations into the other language are similar or slightly different. 

For example, the English version of The Code of Canon Law is normally printed in a book that has one page in Latin with the page facing it in English.  Thus, readers can view the original Latin text alongside the translated English text.  With the new website, the Vatican will be centralizing an online collection of Latin texts on many topics for Catholics everywhere to view.

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  We welcome your feedback. Thank you.

Although the target audience generally consists of priests, lay people can also benefit from viewing these presentations.  In fact, these talks provide a unique glimpse into current thinking at the Vatican.

Categories for the talks are varied and include the following:

• Christology
• Ecclesiology
• Trinitarian
• Moral Theology
• Church and Women
• Bioethics
• Resurrection
• Marriage and Family
• The Lay Faithful
• Church and State
• Preaching
• Papal Magisterium
• Economy

There are many more topics available.  Each topic includes presentations by noted experts from around the world, and usually an introduction and conclusion. Although many of these are not light reading, they can be very thought-provoking.

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

The Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference has developed an excellent set of “Standards for Ethical Behavior & Professional Conduct.”  All Catholic parishes and dioceses are encouraged to meet these standards.

The standards, values, and principles go beyond what is found in financial documents in the secular world. Not only are integrity and honesty valued, but the document also adds, “We recognize the power of prayer and the need to pray for strength, wisdom and holiness.”

Similarly, not only does the document state the need to follow GAAP (Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles) in accounting and financial reporting, but it also states the importance of seeking “ways to make financial information and reports more understandable to those not trained in fiscal matters.”

The document brings together good financial practices with appropriate Catholic teaching. 

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

6/1/2008 – 6/4/2008
ACHTUS – Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the US
ACHTUS Colloquium 2008 – Ultura en lo cotidiano: Intersections of Faith and Popular Culture
Miami Beach, FL

A membership association of Roman Catholic Hispanics who possess a doctoral degree in theology, Scripture, ministry or general religious studies and are actively engaged in the North American Hispanic religious experience. The mission of ACHTUS is to promote research and critical theological reflection with the context of the US Hispanic experience.

6/5/2008 – 6/8/2008
CTSA – Catholic Theological Society of America
2008 CTSA Annual Convention – Generations
Miami, FL

The official membership organization of Catholic theologians (professionals with a degree in theological or related studies and who are or have been actively engaged in teaching and research.) CTSA’s mission is to promote studies and research in theology, to relate theological science to current problems, and to foster a ore effective theological.

6/8/2008  - 6/9/2008
CSWNA – Catholic Social Workers National Association
CSWNA’s Inaugural Conference – Catholic Social Work: Living the Mission
Grand Rapids, MI

A national professional association of Catholic social workers. CSWNA’s mission is to promote the implementation of Catholic social teachings in social work practice while supporting competent professional social workers living out their baptismal call by being the hands and feet of Christ.

6/12/2008  - 6/14/2008
USCCB – US Conference of Catholic Bishops
USCCB Annual June Meeting
Orlando, FL

US bishops meet twice a year, in November and June, to conduct the business of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

6/18/2008  - 6/22/2008
Serra USA
Serra USA 2008 Annual Meeting
South Bend, IN

Serra USA is an organization of individuals that promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Catholic Church.

6/22/2008  - 6/24/2008
CHA – Catholic Health Association
2008 CHA Assembly – The Future of Compassion
San Diego, CA

The official membership organization of Catholic health care sponsors, systems and facilities. The mission of CHA is to support the Catholic health ministry’s pursuit of the strategic directions of mission, ethics, and advocacy.

6/30/2008  - 7/2/2008
NACFLM – National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
NACFLM 2008 Conference – Bridging Families and Church
San Francisco, CA

The membership association for family life ministers. This includes a variety of ministry areas including singles, marriage prep, respect life, interchurch/ecumenical marriage, families in crisis, separated/divorced, widowed/bereaved, older adults, and special needs families. NACFLM’s mission is to offer support and professional enrichment for those who minister to and with families, to be a voice and advocate for families, to promote the development of family life ministry and to foster a family perspective in Church and

6/30/2008  - 7/3/2008
NPM – National Association of Pastoral Musicians
NPM Convention (Regional) – In the Midst of Change…
East Brunswick, NJ

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.

7/2/2008  - 7/6/2008
Tekakwitha Conference
69th Annual Tekakwitha Conference – One Heart, All Nations
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

A membership organization open to all clergy, religious, all Native People, and all women and men ministering with Native Americans. The mission of the Tekakwitha Conference is to unify the Native Catholic voice, presence and identity while respective the diversity, to empower Native Catholics as Church, and to deepen and affirm Native Catholic identity and pride in their culture and spiritual traditions.

7/8/2008  - 7/9/2008
NAPP – National Association of Priest Pilots
NAPP 2008 Convention
Savannah, GA

An organization of Catholic priests who are also pilots. NAPP assists with continuing flying education to help members in maintaining their skills and keeping up to date on the latest regulations and technological advances. The organization also provides support to members using aircraft in missionary work.

7/8/2008  - 7/11/2008
NPM – National Association of Pastoral Musicians
NPM Convention (Regional)
Cleveland, OH

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.

7/15/2008  - 7/20/2008
The Vatican and Australian Bishops Conference
WYD – World Youth Day 2008
Sydney, Australia

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

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

A recent document written by the US bishops, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, provides the answer, as well as lots of great information about music in liturgy.

The document begins by explaining the many reasons why we sing and why it is important for the congregation to participate.  The document admits that “Sometimes, our voices do not correspond to the convictions of our hearts.”  It continues, however, to explain that despite this, “Christ always invites us to enter into song.”

The document gives clear guidelines and explanations for the roles of those participating in the liturgy, as well as for types of music, instruments, languages, and parts to be sung. As with many church documents, this one embraces the old and the new side-by-side.  Although older music, such as Gregorian chant, has a special place in liturgy, the breath of the Spirit continues to inspire musicians and artists to create new music to help the congregation sing and pray at a continually deeper level.

Three criteria for judging the appropriateness of music for liturgy are proposed by the bishops.  These are, 

1) Liturgical Judgment – “Is this composition capable of meeting the structural and textual requireents set forth by the liturgical books for this particular rite?”

2) Pastoral Judgment - Does the music promote sanctification of those gathered “drawing them closer to the holy mysteries being celebrated?”

3)  Musical Judgment – Does the music have “the necessary aesthetic qualities that can bear the weight of the mysteries celebrated in the Liturgy?”

The document also discusses the role of music in other liturgies, including the rite of marriage and the rite of anointing.

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

A new book, Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth, addresses this topic beautifully.  Drawing on the wisdom of the Franciscan tradition which includes a reverence for the Earth and nature, this book brings together the richness of the Christian faith with practical guidelines for everyday Catholics.  This book is gentle, yet powerful.  One example of advice given is to “Start small.  Don’t try to change too much at once. . . Choose one [action] that most connects to your heart, and approach it as a spiritual practice” (p. 147). 

If you are looking for a refreshing book this springtime, this one is a great choice. 

Additional Catholic books on the environment can be found at the ActiveParishioner.com’s Environment section.

-  NATRI – National Association for Treasurers of Religious Institutes (11/6-9/2007 in Orange, CA)

- NFCYM – National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (11/8-10/2007 in Columbus, OH)

- USCCB – US Conference of Catholic Bishops (11/12-15/2007 in Baltimore, MD)

- NADDCM – National Association of Diocesan Directors of Campus Ministry (11/13-15/2007 in Baltimore, MD) 

Details for these and future conferences can be found in the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar.