Leaders at Cultural Diversity Convocation Send Letter of Support to Arizona Bishops on Immigration

Archbishop Gregory: Christ the Foundation of our Unity, Diversity a Gift God has Fashioned into the Heart Of Humanity

Convocation Responds to Dramatic Demographic Shifts and Quest for a Robust Catholic Identity

By means of a process that includes celebration, prayer and worship, interaction, information, story-telling, inspirational moments with time to consider possible implications and next steps in the building of greater ecclesial unity in diversity.

In pursuit of the Catholic Bishops' priority on recognition of cultural diversity in the Church and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the successful Encuentro 2000 in Los Angeles at the dawn of the Third Millennium, this Convocation offers a historic opportunity to renew and move forward with the project of catholicity and unity in diversity celebrated then.

Scenes from a Parish
Foreword by Fr. Allan F. Deck, S.J.
One of my favorite definitions of spirituality is “a loving look at the real.” James Rutenbeck’s Scenes from a Parish is a standing invitation to look lovingly at one of the most characteristic realities of today’s parish—growing diversity driven by dramatic demographic shifts. How will Catholic communities respond to this shift in the cultural and social class make-up of the parish? More

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In May 2010, the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church convened a two-day gathering of Catholic leadership from among the many cultures and races that constitute U.S. Church membership today. The Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation created an atmosphere of dialogue and collegiality by providing opportunities for leaders to exchange hopes, dreams and challenges. In the spirit of Encuentro 2000, the Convocation opened minds and hearts to the evangelizing potential of the Church's rich and growing diversity. Video.

Dear Friends in Ministry,

The Convocation was a wonderful experience at Notre Dame. I write to share the results of the evaluation instrument and inform you about post-Convocation developments.  Our website features updated information and resources on our Convocation as well as an evaluation of the event.

The over-all rating was good to excellent in all categories with very large percentages giving a rating of excellent. We owe this to the hard work of all the committees and to the support of the University of Notre Dame, our many supporters and to you who participated so thoughtfully and enthusiastically.

Here are the elements of the post-Convocation activities:

1. Our  pre-Convocation resources including the reflection papers for each of the families is located in our toolkit section: /ccdnc/toolkit.shtml
2. Many Convocation resources like the remarks of the six witnesses are also there along with the texts of Bishop Soto’s welcoming address, Archbishop Gregory’s and Bishop DaCuña homilies, Archbishop Sambi’s conference and the live-streaming along with a briefer five-minute video that recaps the whole event.
3. You will also find some examples of how the Convocation methodology is being already being implemented in pastoral settings throughout the country.
4. Staff is currently working on a simple outline or template of the Convocation process for possible replication in dioceses, parishes, schools or organizations where there is considerable cultural, racial or ethnic diversity. Stay tuned for this resource.
5. The Intercultural Competence for Ministers Program including guidelines is almost complete and will be reviewed in June by the bishops of the Cultural Diversity Committee. We expect the Program to undergo discussion at the bishops’ November meeting in Baltimore. The final product and plan for implementation  should become available in 2011.
6. The Convocation theological reflection process facilitated by Dr. Peter Casarella
   of DePaul University is underway. Twenty-five theologians met immediately after
   the Convocation at Notre Dame and did an initial debriefing on the experience.
   Dr. Casarella will be reporting on their plans in a few weeks.
7. The Digital Media Department of the USCCB and New Group Media together with the Cultural Diversity Secretariat are  working on a 20 minute video and study guide that will  be available on the website in September.

If you are on Facebook, please be sure to follow our updates that are regularly posted at:
http://www.facebook.com/CatholiCultures#!/CatholiCultures

Thank you for your support of the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation and the U.S. bishops’ priority on recognition of cultural diversity. We expect to stay in touch with you and ask you to stay in touch with us through our online resources.

Best wishes.

Yours in Christ,

Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ

Email us at diversity@usccb.org