Thursday, 04 November 2010 14:29

Parishioners from across the Diocese of Wichita came together Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Respect Life Social Justice Conference to learn how to better serve those in their communities.
Presentations were given at St. Anne Parish, Wichita, by Cynthia Colbert, executive director of Catholic Charities, who inspired those attending with her enthusiasm and passion for her work at Catholic Charities. Michael Schuttloffel executive director of Kansas Catholic Conference, brought the group up to date on information regarding current issues and why it is imperative that Catholics form their conscience and use moral guidelines to vote and become active in political life.

Janet Miller, a member of Resurrection Parish, Wichita, said she found the conference inspiring and energizing. “Cynthia Colbert enlightened us to the work of the different ministries in Catholic Charities.  Then it was our turn to share ideas and brainstorm for Catholic Charities. We all wanted to help, to collaborate more with them, coordinate resources from our parishes to meet the needs and more. There was so much hope and enthusiasm to work for social justice in our community.”
Miller said the group was split in the afternoon for the workshops. “The two I did attend, namely, Jim Rundell speaking on a Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, and Sr. Dorothy LeBlanc, CSJ, leading Human Trafficking  were outstanding,” Miller said. “I heard many other participants say just the same about the workshops they attended.”
Patty Grade of, Augusta, said, “I found the session on Crime and Criminal Justice most informative on the conditions within the prison walls and the mission of the St. Dismas Ministry. Some of my questions concerning getting help for families of the incarcerated who come to St. Vincent de Paul for aid were addressed.”
Bonnie Toombs, Respect Life director, said the focus of the conference was families, the foundation of society who are especially vulnerable to today’s society.