Over 300 gather in Sacramento

The West Coast CTA Conference, organized by our local chapters and volunteers, was a wonderful weekend! With about 300 people in attendance -- sharing meals, hearing speakers and praying together -- the weekend was full of inspiration and community building. The opening plenary by Jamie L Manson, columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, encouraged us to challenge the Church even in the time of a popular Pope and reminded us that while we in the United States can leave the Church or frame issues as "culture wars," this isn't true in many parts of the world, where the Church yields immense power over the bodies and lives of women especially. As Catholics, it is our responsibility to hold our institutional Church accountable to its values and to the consequences of its actions on the lives of people around the world.Other speakers throughout the weekend inspired action and critical thinking as well.  

Matthew Fox spoke of rethinking the idea of retirement, making it not a time of rest but of a renewed vocation and active mentor-ship. Liz England challenged us to think what it truly means to be nonviolent, and how radical that can be in one's life. Rev. Peter Hickman talked about the needs and ministry to divorced and remarried Catholics, and speakers from Edwina Gateley to Rose Elizondo and the Stang family talked about a range of issues related to this work we do to create a more just church.

If you missed the West Coast Conference, we look forward to seeing you in Memphis for our National Conference!