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Welcome!
We will gather in Washington, DC, with leaders from across the United States for the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering from February 7-10, 2010. The theme "Charity in Truth: Seeking the Common Good", echoes Pope Benedict XVI's recent encyclical "Caritas in Veritate."
The Gathering sponsored by 19 national Catholic organizations brings together Catholic leaders to pray and to learn, to advocate and to strategize, to share and to listen, and to strengthen and support our social mission and message.
Our outstanding presenters include
 Opening Plenary: Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Executive Director, Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Opening Mass: Bishop William Murphy, Diocese of Rockville Centre
Catholic Social Message: Mr. John Carr, Executive Director, Justice, Peace and Human Development, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
International Plenary: Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, Associate Professor, Department of Politics, The Catholic University of America
Domestic Plenary: Mr. Ray Boshara, Vice President and Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation
Closing Luncheon: Mr. Mark Shields and Mr. David Brooks from the PBS NewsHour
A centerpiece of the Gathering will be our time on Capitol Hill where we will bring our concerns about policies that affect those who are poor and vulnerable to our legislators and we will hear from Congressional leaders. We will learn about key national and international issues and connect with others in carrying out Catholic social ministry across the country.
We will gather with faith in the Christ who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, who embodies "Charity in Truth", calling us to make a difference in our society and in our world. The Holy Father affirms this call in "Caritas in Veritate" stating, "To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity."(7)
The annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering is one of the most important gatherings for Catholics who are engaged in the social mission work of the Church. Please browse through the booklet, register early, and be sure to attend what promises to be an outstanding gathering.
Looking forward to seeing YOU in February!
Cynthia Morris-Colbert
Convener
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