Annual Convention 2002

February 4-7 Orlando, Florida

The Impact of the Technological Culture

on the Church and the Priesthood

Keynote Speakers

Speed of Light-Speed of Blood: Electronic Media, Community and Affectivity in Contemporary Society

The information explosion of electronic media is evident to everyone who lives within an electronically mediated part of the world; information overload, media fatigue, "data smog", to quote an author in Technology Review, are part of everyday life in an affluent society today. How address it as people of faith? How address it as individuals for our own inner life’s good and how help those with whom we work to address it? This talk will propose several suggestions:

This is a 130-year-old challenge, beginning with the first speed of light media (telegraph wire service). It helps to put the Internet in a large context of electronic media. How do all these media work and what difference does the way they work make? We will explore the relationship of authors and their audiences. We will consider the difference between physical places within which pretty much everyone knows what all the deep symbols mean (think of ethnic neighborhoods c. 1920) and a world of networked relationships that seem unrelated to physical contiguity.

If I send and receive messages at the speed of light (radio/TV/telephone/Internet) and they connect me at very high speeds to very many places, how does my sensual physical self find the time and the inner place, and perhaps the intimate personal relationships, that will allow me to savor all those messages and make decisions about how I will interpret and respond to them. Speed of light messages, speed of blood contemplation: how to find a good balance.

John M. Staudenmaier, SJ, teaches at the University of Detroit Mercy (engineering ethics course, a survey of U.S. technological style, upper division seminars – "Detroit, The City"; "Individualism and Community in the United States"; "Interpretations of Capitalism"; "Advertising in America"). He also is an editor of Technology and Culture, The International Quarterly of the Society for the History of Technology. Both these commitments influence the other dimensions of Fr. Staudenmaier’s professional life. He frequently speaks in the U.S. and overseas, sometimes in the academy and sometimes in faith-based contexts. He consults with museums about exhibits, with television producers about historical programs, with science and technology reporters about articles in process. He serves on a few boards of trustees. He writes for publications in both the secular and the faith-based worlds, sometimes interpreting the evolving historiography of his professional field, sometimes asking how people use technologies in their search for integrity and intimacy even as they are influenced by those same technologies. A short sampler of titles suggests the kinds of questions that attract his attention: Technology’s Storytellers: Reweaving the Human Fabric (MIT Press 1985, under contract for 2nd edition);  The Politics and Ethics of Engineering;  Relating to Technologies as Moral Adults;  Denying the Holy Dark: The Enlightenment and the European Mystical Tradition;  Rationality vs. Contingency in the History of Technology. On the personal side, Fr. Satudenmaier travels and takes some time for gardening and poetry (mostly reading, rarely writing), for motorcycling, for family and friends, and for contemplation in the Jesuit tradition.

Contemporary communication media and their content provide the context and the structure for theology today, influencing most people's thoughts about religious issues and indeed even defining those issues. In addition, communication media have shaped the pattern of theology since the beginnings of the Church. How do these patterns affect us today as we proclaim God's kingdom?

A communication perspective can also offer fruitful directions for theological reflection. If communication so defines people's experience, can we discover more about sin and salvation by examining their history through the lens of communication?

Traditional theology, too, proposes its own look at communication. It allows us to make informed choices about understanding communication, media, and their religious impact.

Paul A. Soukup, SJ, has explored the connections between communication and theology since 1982. His publications include Communication and Theology (1983); Christian Communication: A Bibliographical Survey (1989), Media, Culture, and Catholicism (1996), Mass Media and the Moral Imagination with Philip J. Rossi (1994), and Fidelity and Translation: Communicating the Bible in New Media with Robert Hodgson (1999). This latter publication grows out of his work on the American Bible Society’s New Media Bible (www.newmediabible.org). In addition, he and Thomas J. Farrell have edited four volumes of the collected works of Walter J. Ong, S.J., Faith and Contexts (1992-1999). These volumes have led him to examine more closely how orality-literacy studies can contribute to an understanding of theological expression. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D., 1985), Fr. Soukup teaches in the Communication Department at Santa Clara University.

Communication, Community and Koinonia

Finding new ways for being Church in the media age is a challenge for the 21^st century. Our session engages in an exploration for a deeper understanding of the meaning of communication for nurturing community and empowering Koinonia. The kaleidoscope approach enables us to reflect on the rich and diverse means of communication that needs to be cultivated for effective pastoral leadership.

Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, is the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies of the University of Dayton. She is the UNDA World President – The International Catholic Association for Radio and Television. She serves as a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication since 1994. With over 30 years experience in the application of multimedia for catechesis, evangelization and adult faith formation, Sr. Zukowski continues to engage in the Internet age via The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation, which offers dioceses an opportunity to partner in offering quality e-learning courses for the local Church. Sr. Zukowski is an international consultant to Episcopal Conferences, Dioceses and non-profit organizations for pastoral communications planning, adult faith formation and transformational leadership. She writes a regular column in MOMENTUM Journal (NCEA) entitled Trends in Technology. Her recent publications are: Radio Presence (2000), Profiles of Courage (2001) (International Profiles of Women and Catholic Communications) both published in Belgium. Medias, chance pour l’eveangelilie (2000) – Chastel Publishers (Paris) and The Gospel and The Internet (2001) (Loyola Press). She has written many articles and given academic papers at conferences along with many workshops and seminars around the world. Sr. Zukowski has received the Lackner Award (1993) from the University of Dayton, Unda USA President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement pin Catholic Communications (1997), Today’s Catholic Teacher Award (1997) and the NCCL Technology and Catechesis Award (2001).

Workshops

Marketing Your Programs

We are all in sales at some level. Whether it is me selling my kids on the need for a good education, or you selling an elderly priest on the need for continuing formation around critical issues affecting the Church. If selling is a transference of conviction, then marketing is the process of transference – a two way communication that is tailored to make every possible connection between sender and receiver, and ultimately elicit the receiver's response. In this workshop participants will learn how to get a 'missile lock' on a target and cause them to respond. We will identify the most important element of the marketing campaign, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and learn about powerful web-based tools that make your work faster, easier, and more efficient.

Paul Gautier is an experienced business leader, team-builder, problem solver and imagineer. He has done extensive work within the Diocese of Beaumont, winning the National Catholic Stewardship Council’s Award of Excellence two years running, producing a daily television broadcast with Bishop Joseph A. Galante, creating video and audio campaigns and serving as a communications advisor. At age 20 Mr. Gautier co-founded Cornerstone Media, Inc., a national award winning, retail-advertising agency. Under his leadership he successfully solicited, negotiated and completed a merger with a rival agency, built a highly profitable broadcast production business, and grew the firm to $7 million in billings before selling his majority interest in 1999. Mr. Gautier is a master grad elect from Rapport Leadership International in Nevada; and completed the Dale Carnegie Course on professional speaking, the Disney Institute Creativity Encounter, and the Kauffman Foundation’s Kauffman Gathering for high growth entrepreneurs. He has participated in scores of workshops through the American Advertising Federation, Young Entrepreneur’s Organization (YEO) and Lamar University. He is one of sixty international students to be accepted into the Inc. Magazine/MIT/YEO Birthing of Giants program. Mr. Gautier is married to his high school sweetheart, Carol; has four children and enjoys participating in their activities, the outdoors and the arts.

With the Internet in its infancy, we have seen only the tip of this virtual iceberg in terms of its impact on our lives, especially in the areas of communication, relational patterns and sexuality. We need to see and understand both the positive aspects of this new tool as well as its shadow side. This workshop will explore how the Internet works from a psychological perspective, what contributes to its attractiveness and what makes it potentially addictive to many.

Sexuality is the most searched for topic on the World Wide Web, with studies showing that fully a third of all adult visits are directed to sexually oriented Web sites, chat rooms and new groups. For most people, forays into cyber-relating and cybersex are relatively harmless while for growing numbers cyberaddiction is bringing turmoil to their lives. This workshop will explore the impact of the Internet on relationships (cyber-relating) and on sexuality (cybersex), who is at risk for addiction and why, personal and relational consequences and some recommendations for reclaiming real time living.

Lynn M. Levo, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a licensed psychologist, consultant and lecturer. She received her Ph.D. from the University of New York at Albany, completing her clinical training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Sr. Lynn consults with religious congregations of women and men, dioceses and seminaries on mutuality, transitions and stress, managing conflict and healthy personal, sexual and spiritual development across the life span. She has presented nationally and internationally on various aspects of relationships, intimacy and sexuality, and on the Internet and Cybersex. Recent publications include: Midlife Infatuations, (Human Development, Vol. 19, 1998), The Internet and Cybersex, (Lukenotes, May-June, 2000), Cybersex Case Studies, (Lukenotes, May-June, 2001). Currently, Sr. Lynn is the Director of Education at Saint Luke Institute, Silver Spring, MD.

Online Continuing Formation for Priests 

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the participants to the possibilities and dynamics of on-line education as a leadership formation tool for clergy, pastoral teams and parish staff. Participants will become familiar with the components of on-line education (threaded discussion, synchronous chat rooms for live and video conferencing, etc.), existing on-line pastoral programs and steps needed to initiate a successful on-line process in their diocese. 

William J. Toth is professor of moral theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. In addition to his diaconate ministry at his parish, St. Elizabeth’s in Wyckoff, NJ, Deacon Toth is Director of the Institute on Work at Seton Hall University, Director of Lay Leadership Development for the Archdiocese of Newark, Chair of the Archdiocesan Peace and Justice Commission and a member of the editorial board of the Catholic Advocate, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Newark. He received his Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from the Union Theological Seminary, New York. Deacon Toth is married to Kathleen. They have eight children.

Navigating New Frontiers: Media and Ministry (Pre-convention workshop)

This 2½-hour workshop will explore the impact and opportunities that the new media age offers ministry, catechesis and pastoral leadership today. Communication is the heart of the Church (Inter Mirifica). How well do we understand communication in light of the blossoming media age? Here we will discuss how communication, dialogue and the new media (multimedia & the Internet) can enhance our outreach and ministry efforts.

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation

In the past 5 years the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives has developed The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation – VLCFF (adult faith formation in cyberspace). This workshop identifies the results of five years of e-learning research, the design of on-line adult faith formation and the impact it is having with our VLCFF Diocesan Partners across the USA.

Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, is the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies of the University of Dayton. She is the UNDA World President – The International Catholic Association for Radio and Television. She serves as a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication since 1994. Sr. Zukowski continues to engage in the Internet age via The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation.

"The advances in network technology and events which led to the Internet occurred over several years. From military research blossomed a technology that was later used to form a large US academic network. This expanded to be an International academic network and then after public access was granted in 1990 it has begun to form the Internet we know today. The Internet is now a huge public network with vast commercial and educational usage. By September 1999 the Internet had over 201 million people worldwide estimated online".

This Workshop is designed for those interested in communicating with people over the Internet. The beginners will be assisted in how to use the basic tools for communicating through messages, speaking and camera. There will be practical hands-on demonstrations for participants.

Mark D. O’Donnell (Workshop Co-presenter) was ordained in 1985 in Norwich, Connecticut and  has served as a parochial vicar for four years at St. John Church in Cromwell, Connecticut. While at St. John Church in Cromwell he was named an Associate Director of Vocations for Promotion and Development. He was then assigned to St. Bernard High School in Uncasville where he served as a chaplain and teacher for seven years. Presently, he is the Chair of Continuing Education and Formation Commission for the Clergy in the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut. He has served five years in this capacity. He has also served as Vocation Director for the past six years. Also, he is on the Board of Directors for NOCERCC (Region I) and has served on the Executive Board for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors as a Member-at-large and now as the Vice-President.

Joseph A. Sidera, CSC (Workshop Co-presenter) is a native of Connecticut (West Haven) and is a Holy Cross religious, ordained in 1968. He is presently the Director of Counseling at King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He has a doctorate in psychology from the University of Notre Dame (1983). He is a licensed psychologist and has taught Theology at King's. He has served as a counselor in the Fall River Diocese in their Catholic Social Services branch (1984-1986). He had served as the counselor for the House Of Affirmation in Portland, Connecticut, from 1988-1990. He had served at King’s in as many as four capacities: In 1968 to 1973 he was Associate Professor of Theology. In 1975-1977, he was Director of Campus Ministry. From 1982 to 1984, he taught in the Psychology Department, and since 1991, he has held his present position in the Counseling Center. Aside from frequent parish assistance, for four months in 1986 he was Acting Pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii Church in East Haven, Connecticut.

Hotel Reservation

The rate for the NOCERCC Convention participants for single or double occupancy is $115.00. This reduced rate is available only until January 3, 2002. 

Attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel reservations. Reservations made after January 3, 2002 will be on a space available basis. Reservations will be made directly with the Hotel by calling or writing the Hotel Room Reservation Department or by calling the Hotel's national toll-free number. Attendees are asked to request the group rate for National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy. To make your hotel reservation directly contact:

Workshop for New Directors

This workshop is designed for the newly appointed directors of continuing education/ongoing formation and their committee members. It addresses the following topics: program development, learning styles, visions and expectations of directors, NOCERCC as an organization and resource, and dialogue with other directors. This workshop is conducted by experienced directors of continuing education/ongoing formation. We will also hear from the NOCERCC Executive Committee officers, as well as from the NOCERCC National Staff.

Saturday, February 2, 2002

7:00 p.m.   Registration

8:00 p.m.   Session I

9:00 p.m.   Social

Sunday, February 3, 2002

8:30 a.m.   Eucharist

9:30 a.m.   Continental Breakfast

10:00 a.m. Session II – Part I

11:15 a.m. Session II – Part II

12:45 p.m. Lunch (provided)

2:00 p.m.   Session III

3:30 p.m.   Panel Discussion

4:30 p.m.   Evaluation of   

                 Workshop

5:00 p.m.   Dinner

For more more information or to receive a brochure and registration form for our convention please contact the NOCERCC national office

Contact Information