Presenters

Catherine M. Patten, R.S.H.M.

Catherine M. Patten, R.S.H.M., is the coordinator of the Catholic Common Ground Initiative at the National Pastoral Life Center in New York. Sr. Catherine received her B.A. in English from Marymount College, Tarrytown, New York, and her M.A. and Ph.D. (American Civilization) from New York University. Her experience includes teaching and administration at secondary and college levels, as well as leadership roles in her religious community.

For ten years, Sr. Catherine lived in a small contemplative community where she directed retreats, led workshops, and provided spiritual direction. From 1986-1996 she served as parish director of social ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Old Bridge, New Jersey. She currently serves on the boards of Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, Community House at St. Thomas in Old Bridge, NJ (an independent living residence for physically disabled, mentally competent adults), and St. Paul’s Center (a project developed by two nurse practitioners to provide one stop services for mentally ill persons in danger of homelessness in Manhattan).

"The Parish, the Priest, the Parishioner & their Future"

The presentation will ask participants to be aware of the presuppositions each of us brings to the discussion and then we will reflect on changes outside the church which are affecting all of us. We will examine briefly some broad cultural changes and then look at demographic shifts in our nation and church. Then, we will look at trend data from the National Pastoral Life Center studies of parishes in 1992 and 1997 as well as from CARA. Finally, I will suggest three broad issues that need attention as we move forward.

Colloquium paper