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WASHINGTON (September 6, 2005) — A program for diocesan directors of ethnic, multicultural and welcoming ministries will be held at the Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, VA, September 7-9.
This Convening of the PCMR (Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees) Networks will be presented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services' Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees.
WHAT: The primary purpose of the gathering is to provide a forum for structured dialogue between new and veteran directors and national consultants of these ministries.
WHO: Diocesan Directors for Ethnic, Multicultural, and Welcoming Ministries: Persons appointed by their bishops to oversee ministry, leadership development, and lay formation efforts with new immigrants and ethnic communities; and to direct efforts to develop the capacity of the dioceses and parishes to "welcome the stranger" and respond to their needs.
Ethnic National Consultants: Consultants—chosen nationally by PCMR (in most cases)—from 55 ethnic communities, who advise PCMR on best pastoral practices for their ethnic communities and who work with the PCMR Ethnic Coordinators to organize pastoral and development activities for the ethnic apostolates.
People on the Move Representatives: Elected national officials to the PCMR Advisory Group from the "people on the move" ministry groups. These representatives provide pastoral accompaniment and outreach tothose whose work and lifestyle necessitate travel and migration and, as such, are unable to participate in a local parish community year-round.
PCMR National Advisory Group: This group is comprised of elected representatives of the three groups and exists for mutual exchange between MRS/PCMR staff and the ministry networks.
WHERE: Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, VA
WHEN: September 7-9, 2005
MEDIA COVERAGE: Wednesday, September 7, 4:00pm
Key note address: Multicultural Ministry: An Overview (history, terms, state of the art) – Rev. Robert Schreiter, CPPS, Professor of Theology, Catholic Theological Union in Chicago
Thursday, September 8, 7:15pm
Bishop's address: "New Way of Being Church in America," Most. Rev. Gerald Barnes, Bishop of San Bernardino, Chairman, Bishops' Committee on Migration.
CONTACT: Migration and Refugee Services-Pastoral Care of Migrants And Refugees Office
Rev. Anthony Dao, 202-541-3357
Amy Newlon, 202-541-5408
Brian Doyle, 541-3350