EVENTS NOW
About Events
Life, Dignity, and Justice Conference
Held Every Other Year
The Life, Dignity and Justice conference is an event held every other year at the Diocesan Pastoral Center to educate, inform and provide all information in issues related to most aspects of Catholic Social Teaching.
​
The Ministry of Life, Dignity and Justice works to create a holy and just society by promoting the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of God's creation. This is done by providing continuing education, formation, and raising awareness on social, restorative and economic justice issues. This conference provides the opportunity to further extend the work of this department and provide many with the knowledge and resources available to help them further their mission. The event gathers people from every part of the Diocese and surrounding counties. The conference organizing committee lines up experts and speakers to address various topics in respect to Catholic Social Teaching.
Some previous topics include: Human trafficking, sentencing laws and the death penalty, hate and extremism, immigration, culture of life versus the culture of death, among others.
Diocesan Behavioral Health Conference
Held Every Other Year
The Diocesan Behavioral Health conference is an event held every other year at the Diocesan Pastoral Center to provide education, information and clarity on issues of everyday life pertaining to Mental and Behavioral health.
It is important as a community to stay informed and educated about issues relating to mental health so that we may be better prepared and equipped to assist and accompany the affected.
The area of mental illness is so broad that is why these conferences are aimed at covering many of the topics/issues concerning mental/behavioral health. There are many myths and assumptions made about people living with mental health challenges and related stigmas. One of the goals of these gatherings is to address them and provide authentic information about mental health.
Some previous topics include:
-
Caring for people living with dementia/Alzheimer's disease
-
Drug dependency and addictions
-
The challenges of Schizophrenia and related problems
-
Psychological impact and Sociological consequences of loneliness as it relates to end of life issues
-
Discussing “Stigma” Associated with Mental Illness from various Cultural /Ethnic Perspectives
-
Relating Spiritual and Social challenges to mental illness
-
Finding hope amidst the uncertainties of life
Diocesan White Mass
Held Every Year
The White Mass is an annual diocesan event during which the Bishop recognizes the importance and great work done by healthcare professionals in the diocese.
These are people whose services to us are critical and important. They care for us, share our pains and are with us in our most vulnerable moments.
There are many people engaged in this task of serving the health needs of the young and old, the rich and the poor, all of God’s children. But we know there are some who enthusiastically go way beyond the call of duty to carry out this service for the sick and show great deal of diligence to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in their provision of these services. These people strive to live out the gospel values by applying the teachings of the Catholic Church in their medical work ethics.
​
The Bishop gives awards to four healthcare professionals who have been nominated by their fellow professionals/the community and recommended by the White Mass committee to the Bishop.
​
The Mass is usually attended by many priests of the diocese, the hospital chaplains and those in chaplaincy services; healthcare professionals and their families, and any other individual who wishes to celebrate the good work of healthcare professionals.
Awards
St. Luke Award
​
This award is presented to any doctor/physician who has distinguished himself/herself in their professional discipline, in a way that reflects the Catholic values and moral ethics. This award is defined as “Promoting the culture of life, value and respect for the dignity of the human person and compliance with the moral ethics embodied in the Hippocratic oath."
Florence Nightingale Award:
​
This award will be presented to any licensed nurse who has distinguished himself/herself in the field of nursing in a way that reflects Catholic values and moral ethics. This award will recognize an individual with a passion for nursing, clinical excellence, service to the community, respect for patients and families, and teamwork with other healthcare providers
St. Teresa of Calcutta Award
​
This award will be presented to an individual who is not a medical professional, but who has supported projects and programs, provided ancillary services in the healthcare system, fulfilling the mission of the Diocese “so that people’s lives are filled with hope.” For the purpose of this award, projects and programs will be measured by commitment, public information and education to the community.
Bishop Award:
​
This award will be presented to any healthcare provider, other than a physician or a nurse, who has distinguished himself/herself by providing healthcare services in a manner that promotes the mission of the Diocese, “so that people’s lives are filled with hope.” For the purpose of this award, service will be measured by level of commitment, availability and promptness in service and compliance with the moral teaching of the Church.
St. Damien of Molokai Award
​
This award will be given to any Chaplain who has distinguished himself/herself in providing compassionate and dedicated spiritual care to the sick and dying.
This individual has gone beyond the call of duty to be prompt in responding to the needs of the sick and dying, and consistently shown dedication and presence when the need arises...