On behalf of the 19 national Catholic partnering organizations, I invite you once again to join us in Washington, DC for the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, February 7-10, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.

The theme for the 2010 Gathering Charity in Truth: Seeking the Common Good, gives witness to the recently released papal encyclical Caritas in Veritate.

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering brings together diverse individuals to discuss common issues and concerns. We will discuss global and domestic issues on human life and dignity and justice and peace that challenge our society and our world. There will be briefings, workshops, and strategy sessions on topics facing our various ministries.

We have worked for several months to put together an exciting and focused agenda bringing together experts and visionaries. 

Our outstanding presenters include: 

  • Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church, USCCB 
  • Mr. John Carr, Executive Director, Justice, Peace and Human Development, USCCB
  • Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, Associate Professor, Department of Politics, The Catholic University of America
  • Mr. Ray Boshara, Vice president and Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation
  • Mr. David Brooks and Mr. Mark Shields of the PBS NewsHour

We are pleased to have as the presider and homilist for the CSMG Opening Liturgy, Bishop William Murphy, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

A centerpiece of our Gathering will be an afternoon on Capitol Hill, where we will bring our concerns about policies affecting those who are poor and vulnerable to our legislators and we will hear from our Congressional leaders.

The 2010 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering provides an unequaled opportunity to see old friends, meet new ones, learn about Catholic social mission, and participate in discussions on some of the most important issues our society. We would like very much to count you among the Gathering participants.

I encourage you to register online (the deadline for early registration is December 15, 2009) and make plans to join us in Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, February 7-10, 2010.

Cynthia Morris-Colbert
Catholic Social Ministry Gathering Convener