The Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering

The Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, "The Church in the Modern World - Founded on Truth, Built on Justice, Animated by Love" met this year on February 18 - 23, 2005.
The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering is the annual coming together of social justice ministry leadership from national Catholic organizations and offices, dioceses, and parishes around the nation. Held in Washington, DC, the meeting includes prayer and celebration, challenging speakers, and social ministry skill workshops. In addition participants receive detailed briefings on priority social and economic justice issues concerning the poor and vulnerable, and carry a common Catholic message to Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill.
Each February, Catholics throughout the country come to Washington, DC to speak on behalf of the poor and forgotten at home and around the world. This year, the focus will be on celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Vatican II document, The Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes). Attending for the Diocese of San Jose were Terrie Iacino, Episcopal Director of Pastoral Ministry and Linda Batton, Associate for Evangelization, Justice, and Peace.

Copies of the February briefing papers and extensive information on the key domestic and international issues presented to legislators is available online at www.usccb.org/sdwp.