The 2014 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, held in Washington, February 2-5, 2014, focused on the message and vision of Pope Francis: “Becoming A Church that is Poor and for the Poor.”

Nearly 500 people attended, including 70 College students through the “Young Leaders Initiative.” Five members of the Board of LCUSA were in attendance: Gayle Johnson, President; Mary Ann Dantuono, President-elect; Kathleen Sieracki, VP North East Region; Kathryn Kavanaugh, Director for the North East and Sr. Julie Cutter, DC, Spiritual Moderator.

Attendees participated in Capitol Hill visits, during which state delegations advocated several issues with members of Congress. Legislative priorities will include challenges for families, the minimum wage, the impact of migration on children, technological warfare, peace in the Holy Land, criminal justice, human trafficking and economic inequality.

The Gathering is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and 15 national Catholic partner organizations, including The Ladies of Charity USA, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Catholic Charities USA, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Rural Life and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.

– From a report by Mary Ann Dantuono

See full report and pictures from LCUSA