• Why We're Here: Foundations of Parish Social Ministry
  Matt Cato, Director of the Office of Life, Justice & Peace, Archdiocese of Portland
  Empowered by the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, we ground ourselves in Catholic social teaching to inspire and form Catholic disciples – Parish Social Ministry – to build God's kingdom of justice and faithfully witness His love. Our Baptism calls every person to participate in some way.
   
  Moving from Multitude to Community, From Anonymity to Communion
  Pia de Leon, St. Clare Catholic Church, and Father John Kerns, Pastor of Our Lady of The Lake
  We recognize that we all identify ourselves as parishioners. But how well do we really know our parish community? Being connected in our parishes is the building block for social action. Building community is foundational for all parish social ministry work. We are moved to Social Action – helping others – when we know each other and care.
   
  This workshop provided the tools to assess and build a vibrant parish community that becomes our church home and our family
   
  Bringing Parish Social Ministry Back Home 
  Sheila Gilbert, National President of St. Vincent de Paul
  This closing keynote encouraged participants with practical insights and motivation for carrying out the duties and responsibilities necessary to grow their parish social ministries programs and organize their parish community.
   
   
  Specific Needs and Interests
   
  The Holy Spirit Speaking to Us Today: Gifts of Diversity and Unity
  Jesús Huerta, National Coordinator of Diversity, Catholic Relief Services
  Participants learned and discussed practical approaches for creating a vibrant intercultural parish by fostering inclusion and integration, with a spirituality of hospitality and mission.
   
  Opening Keynote: Opening a Horizon of Hope: Transformed by Christ to Love All
  Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice-President of U.S. Operations, Catholic Relief Services
   
  Why Fair Trade?
  Heather Moline, Northwest Catholic Relief Services Consultant, Kelly Hickman, Archdiocese of Seattle
   
  Young adults and ministry leaders discovered ways to introduce their parishes to the Church’s social teaching on solidarity through Fair Trade. Fair Trade creates opportunities for us to respond to this call in a small but significant way every day through the choices we make as consumers.
   
  Participants learned about Fair Trade and simple actions that they took back to their parishes.