Priests of the diocese will gather for their biennial convocation in Westlake June 3-6. During the four days, priests will have the opportunity to discuss mutual pastoral concerns, participate in special presentations on aspects of their ministry, be given an update on the affairs of the diocese and share in liturgies, meals and fellowship with their confreres.
Special presentations this year will concern the effective utilization of permanent deacons in the parish. There are presently 157 active permanent deacons in our diocese. Father W. Shawn McKnight S.T.D., a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, and Executive Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will make the presentation. He will also give a presentation on the new preaching document issued by the USCCB last November.
Marriage preparation and the work of the Marriage Tribunal are important aspects of the priestly ministry. A presentation on this important topic will be given by Monsignor Mark A. Plewka, J.C.L. Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado and a former member of the Board of Governors of the Canon Law Society of America.
On the final day I will share with the priests information on the state of the diocese in 2013 and plans for the future based on the impact of demographic data from the 2010 census and propose a vision for the future that all can share.
Please keep our priests in prayer during this important time.
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