From July 1 to July 4, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is convening an unprecedented gathering of key leaders from across the country. Leaders from 162 dioceses and many Catholic organizations across the country will meet in Orlando, Florida, for 4 days. The purpose: to assess the challenges and opportunities of our time, particularly in the context of the Church in the United States. This has been an ongoing initiative of the Bishops’ Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. Under the leadership of the bishops, the assembly will engage in a strategic conversation to form missionary disciples; to animate the Church; and to engage the culture.
This appears to be a national-scale response to Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelium Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).
The front page of the June 11-24, 2017 issue of National Catholic Register has 2 very informative articles about the Convocation. Find the articles at:
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/convoking-catholic-confidence
Leaders are already focused! They were given a “Participants Guide” to help them prepare for the gathering. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they will engage with one another in a lively exchange of ideas to benefit the church in the U.S. During the event, local delegates will meet and discuss ways to make the experience more fruitful. They will have work to do when they return home.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a sponsor for this event and will be a visible presence. SVdP Diocesan Council of San Diego, represented by Judy Marquie, will be an integral part of the delegation, eager to grow in an ever-changing landscape.
Are you interested in keeping up with the program? Public portions of the event will be broadcast on EWTN and livestreamed online. Go to: event.registerat.com/site/USCCB/Program.aspx
May our delegates help us to bring Jesus Christ to those whom we meet every day.
