Bishop Kevin Farrell

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas

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2014 University of Dallas Ministry Conference

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udmc2014

For me the University of Dallas Ministry Conference has become a wonderful fall tradition and celebration of being Church. It is a time of networking, of growth, of worship and entertainment. It is a coming together of the Church of North Texas and beyond. It is truly an experience of walking in faith together.

An impressive array of speakers of national and international note has been assembled by the UD School of Ministry for the conference on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 23-25. There will be tracks for Catholic School teachers, youth ministers, catechists, parish catechetical leaders and marriage ministers who wish to grow in their ministerial skills and knowledge.

But the conference is also for all who wish to grow in their faith, with workshops in Scripture, spirituality, marriage and family life and the social teachings of our Church. Sessions will be offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

In addition to the sessions, the exhibits offer a chance to see new techniques and programs that are available for parishes and schools and see the new offerings from the best Catholic publishers. There will also be liturgical art displays and musical performances.

This year the conference will again be held at the Irving Convention Center, with a direct connection to the DART Orange Line.

I urge all Catholics to take advantage of this opportunity to grow in faith, understanding and ministerial skills. I invite you to visit http://www.udallas.edu/udmc/index.html or phone 972-721-5105 or 972-265-5811 to register or get more information.

Perhaps the UDMC will become your new fall tradition, too.

A significant address and an outstanding conference

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Addressing the University of Dallas Ministry Conference on Oct. 25, Cardinal Oscár Rodriguez, the chairman of Pope Francis’ Cardinal Consultors, said that “There is not a possible reform in the Church without coming back to Jesus.”

The Cardinal, of course, is intimately involved in the efforts of the Holy Father to reform the Church and only recently returned from the first meeting of the Cardinal Consultors on Oct. 1-2.

Vatican II, he recalled, “wanted to renovate the Church internally, since the Church was not the Gospel, nor the perfect follower of it” and from “her limited and sinful condition many habits, laws and arrangements were established that did not correspond to the teachings and practice of the Gospel.”

The Cardinal stated that the great challenge of the Church today is “to revise the mission of the Church adjusting it to the mission of Jesus.” The Church and each of us individually must come back to Jesus. Remember, he said, “salvation comes from Jesus, not from the Church.”

Returning to Jesus was a principle theme of Cardinal Rodriguez’ message and he concluded his address by recalling that “The Pope reminds us that the mission of the Church is the same as the mission of Jesus, and to succeed and be authentic we just have to come back to Jesus.”

His was a significant address and the UD Ministry Conference was very successful. It was a great celebration of Church with more than 5,200 in attendance. The workshops were full, many overflowing. The liturgies were excellent and inspiring, and those attending found it a meaningful and joyful weekend.

The UD School of Ministry staff is to be commended for the excellent organization and planning. I am reminded once again of the great gift that the university and the school of ministry are to the Diocese of Dallas.

A Chance to See and Hear the Super Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga

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If you want to know where the Church reform is going to take us, then don’t miss the keynote address at the University of Dallas Ministry Conference next month.

There is great excitement over the fact that Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga will be the keynote speaker at the conference. As chairman of the eight super cardinals chosen by Pope Francis as his special advisors, he is one of the most knowledgeable leaders of the Catholic Church today.  To make it even more interesting, the cardinal will be freshly back from the summit meeting of the advisers with the Holy Father.

Although the Pope will be present, Cardinal Maradiaga will chair the first meeting of the super cardinals (dubbed the G-8 by the media) to be held at the Vatican October 1-3. While the group has not yet met, they have been in frequent contact and will bring suggestions for possible reforms of the Church made by bishops in their region.

Cardinal Rodriguez has been a frequent visitor to Dallas but this will be his first public address. He will deliver keynote addresses in both the English and Spanish sections of the conference and is expected to take questions following his address.

Pastors have been asked to send their catechists, Catholic school teachers and lay ministers to this 7th annual UD Ministry Conference, not only to hear Cardinal Maradiaga but to sharpen their skills by attending the many fine workshops being offered.

For more information go to: http://www.udallas.edu/udmc/2013/ or call 972.721.5105.