The Catholic Campaign for Human Development convened its Diocesan Directors who, together with national staff, evaluated and reflected on the mission of the Campaign at a milestone year. The group examined and celebrated 35 years of working to break the cycle of poverty in the United States by building relationships of solidarity between poor and non-poor people in this country.

Participants attending wrap-around meetings for all three of these organizations shared a meal and heard about the links between social mission and higher education from Sr. Margaret John Kelly of St. John’s University.

The Catholic labor Network (a loosely affiliated group of Catholic lay, religious, and clergy concerned and active on worker issues) gathered in the morning for Mass, breakfast and interactive workshops. These workshops explored Catholic teaching on work and the rights of workers in today’s society and the practical application of that teaching to current situations. The luncheon speaker was Kim Bobo, Executive Director of Interfaith Worker Justice.

Creating a Culture of Peace: An invitation to dialogue.

In countries throughout the world, Catholic Relief Services has been invited to help our partner's address the injustices in their society that cause conflict and facilitate respectful relationships to build sustainable peace. As a result, peacebuilding is now a major priority for CRS because they have learned that without peace, development is difficult if not impossible. They have also begun to link the building of a culture of peace to the challenge for us in the United States - in our families, neighborhoods, cities, and at the national level.

Participants were able to hear the many ways in which CRS is working to make peace a reality at home and around the world.

Global climate change is a premier environmental justice concern. The engines of economic development are also the source of greenhouse gas emissions that have alarmingly affected the global commons. International cooperation is crucial in dealing with the causes and consequences of global warming. While those with wealth and access to resources will be able to ameliorate their situation, the Church is concerned that the needs of the poor and vulnerable will be pushed aside.

This wraparound session looked at the critical balance between economic development and environmental consequences. Considered was how the Church should respond, both in advocating responsible policies and transforming personal actions. The presenters outlined a vision built on social and economic justice that will better care for the future of God’s creation and the one human family.

Participants came to celebrate the rich tradition of peace and justice advocacy and learning informed by Catholic Social Thought. Within the context of contemporary academic culture, the wrap-around explored a variety of strategies to support an integral and explicit presence of Catholic social tradition at Catholic colleges and universities. Dialogue and civil conversation within a market place of ideas were seen as essential components of a vibrant intellectual community. A central strategy was formulated to promote Catholic Social Thought and dialogue - especially around issues that are potentially divisive within a diverse community of scholars and students.

Presenters included Sr. Catherine Patten from the National Pastoral Life Center and Common Ground Initiative, Br. Raymond Fitz, former president of the University of Dayton and currently the Ferree Professor of Social Justice at the University of Dayton, and Monika Hellwig, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. In addition, a number of break-out sessions provided formats for conversation and collaborating with national Catholic service organizations. Interested faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students were also invited to participate in this inspiring and thought provoking event.

This program was a cooperative effort planned by the ACCU Advisory Committee on Peace & Justice Education and sponsored by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief Services, and USCCB Secretariat for Social Development and World Peace.

Understanding Polarizing Movements within the Church
Diocesan social action directors work with a range of Catholic groups and movements: some leaning more to the left or to the right of the teachings of the Church. In some cases these groups hold views that are at odds with positions taken by the USCCB or the local bishop, causing confusion and polarization among Catholics. This has been especially evident leading up to the recent elections. Dr. William Dinges, Catholic University of America, lead participants in a sociological examination of such movements within the church, their message, and their power.

Responding to Polarizing Movements within the Church
A panel discussion of Roundtable members opened this consideration of how diocesan social action offices should respond to movements which may polarize Catholics and contest the teaching of a local bishop. Participants worked together in small groups and in plenary to explore proper responses to such movements.

A Time for Renewal
Sr. Vivienne Joyce, SC, Fordham University, Hebrew Union College, offered reflections on the spirituality, scripture and tradition which undergirds our work for justice and provided an opportunity for discussion on how to live the prophetic word in the contemporary church.

In recognition of her lifetime of commitment to social justice, her contribution to local, national and international social ministries, and her efforts on behalf of women around the world, The Roundtable honored Mrs. Donna Hanson, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Spokane, with its highest honor, the 2005 Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award.

The staff of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) and other disability leaders discussed domestic social justice issues as experienced by people with disabilities. They urged participants to consider how they can advocate on behalf of the 20% of our population who live with a disability on issues of employment, health care, poverty, education, and the death penalty. They also explored current initiatives that threaten the very existence of people with disabilities (i.e., futile care decisions, physician assisted suicide, end of life decisions made by family members or guardians).

USCCB Secretariats for Hispanic Affairs and African American Catholics hosted a breakfast and discussion on how to more fully engage African American Catholics and Hispanic Catholics in our diocesan action ministry.

The Parish Social Ministry Section of Catholic Charities USA offered participants an opportunity to hear from new Executive Director, Fr. Larry Snyder on his vision of Catholic Charities and the link between parishes and the work of local agencies.

Operation Rice Bowl celebrated its 30th Anniversary! Since 1975, millions of Catholics have reached out to assist our brothers and sisters around the world with prayers, fasting, learning, and giving through Operation Rice Bowl.

The simple breakfast and the moving prayers enabled participants to understand the importance role this effort has made in reducing hunger abroad.

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