Mark F. Fischer
1921 San Onofre Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
805-444-4014
Professor of Theology (retired) at St. John’s Seminary, the seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (1990-2021).
Previous Position: Director, Office of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Diocese of Oakland (January 1984 to June 1990). Responsible for organizing the 400+ delegate diocesan convention every three years and for coordinating the 20-member Diocesan Pastoral Council, an advisory body to Bishop John S. Cummins.
Professional Associations
Member of the Board of Directors, Catholic Theological Society of America, 2016-2018.
Editor of the “Rahner Papers” within Philosophy and Theology: Marquette University Journal; past Coordinator of the Steering Committee and present Webmaster of the Karl Rahner Society.
Consultant for Synod Area 2, “Participation and Accountability,” Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Archdiocese of Los Angeles (since fall of 2007).
Member, Catholic Theological Society of America. Local Arrangements Coordinator for the June, 2007 annual convention in Los Angeles. Convener of the Christology Continuing Group, 2007. Past chairman of the CTSA Ecclesiology Seminar (1989 to 1992).
Member, Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, a professional organization for pastoral planners and pastoral council staff members. Editor of Conference Call, the CPPCD newsletter, 1990-2000. Steering committee member, 1989 to 1993.
Fomer Chairman of PADICON, the Parish and Diocesan Council Network, an association of those who promote pastoral councils (1988-1989).
Education
Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union, 1984. Dissertation: “Catholic Hermeneutics: The Theology of Tradition and the Philosophy of Gadamer.”
Dissertation research at the Eberhard-Karls Universität in Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany, 1979-1980.
Master of Arts in Philosophical Theology, Graduate Theological Union, 1977. Thesis accepted with honors.
Bachelor of Arts in English literature, University of California at Berkeley, 1973. Great Distinction in General Scholarship.
Personal
Married to Bridget M. Lynch (August 19, 1978). Children: Carl (b. August 3, 1980), David (b. October 22, 1982), and Paul (b. September 7, 1990).
Awards, Fellowships, Sabbaticals
Sabbatical (September-December, 2006): 84 hours of instruction at the Baden-Powell Institute in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.
Lumen Gentium Award, given at the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development’s 32nd Annual Convention, Wyndham City Center Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 12, 2005.
Sabbatical (July – December, 2000): Diplomas earned in “Theology for Ministry” (American College, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium) and in Spanish language and culture (“Cursos para extrañeros,” Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain).
Outstanding Leadership Award of the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, 1993.
Thomas More and Jacques Maritain Fellowship, 1979-1980 and 1980-1981.
Elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, 1973.
Workshops and Lectures
“To Whom Do We Give Thanks in the Eucharist?” Presentation at St. Paschal Baylon Church in Thousand Oaks for the University Series, March 16, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
“Scratching Out a Pleasant Simple Tune . . . Without Breaking Our Necks.” Retreat for the Parish Staff of St. Louise de Marillac Church (Covina), at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, 700 N. Sunnyside Avenue Sierra Madre, CA 91024, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, February 28, 2023
“What Does Mary Teach about the Resurrection of the Dead?” Presentation for the University Series at Sacred Heart Church, Ventura, March 29, 2022.
“The Mystery of the Trinity.” Presentation for the University Series at Padre Serra Church, Camarillo, March 15, 2022.”
“Are We Saved by Paying a Price to God?” Presentation for the University Series at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ventura, CA, April 8, 2019.
“What Do Catholics Expect of Priests Today? Traditional Understandings and Modern Expectations of the Priesthood.” Presentation at San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura, for the University Series, March 18, 2019, 7:30 – 9:00.
“The Trinity, the Central Mystery.” Lecture in “The University” series at St. Peter Claver Church in Simi Valley, March 5, 2018.
“Entrepreneurial Christianity: What Protestants Are Teaching Catholics about the New Evangelization.” Lecture in “The University” series at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura, February 27, 2018.
“Pastoral Council: Mission and Identity,” Workshop for Pastors and Council Members of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, organized by Dr. Ricardo J. Luzendo, Director, Office for Parish Life, Antonian High School, November 18, 2017.
“Idealism, Metaphysics, Finitude: An Appreciation of Karl Rahner’s Theological Aesthetics, by Peter Joseph Fritz,” presentation to the Karl Rahner Breakfast (at the annual convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America), Albuquerque, June 10, 2017.
“Instruments of Communion,” workshop for the Liturgical Ministers of St. Helen Church, Rev. Angel Castro, Pastor, 9314 Madison Ave., Southgate, CA, September 30, 2017, 8:30 to 11:30 AM.
“Defining Success in the Parish Pastoral Council,” workshop for the PPC at Sacred Heart Church, Ventura, Father Aloysius Ezeonyeka, Pastor, June 20, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
“Secrets to a Successful Parish Pastoral Council,” Keynote Address, Pastoral Council Training Day for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, St. Edward Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY, Saturday, January 21, 2017. This was preceded by two video conferences with the Albany Diocesan Pastoral Council, March 5, 2016 and May 14, 2016.
“Persecution of Christians in History and Today,” presented at The University Series, St. Julie Billiart Church in Newbury Park, CA, April 6, 2017.
“How Self-Critical Should Catholics Be?” presented at The University Series, Holy Cross Church in Moorpark, CA, March 20, 2017.
“Planning for the Future,” a workshop for the pastoral and finance councils and the parish staff of St. Anthony Church, Rev. Austin Doran, Pastor, 1901 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776, November 16, 2016.
“The Historical Jesus and the God of Metaphysics,” presented during The University Series at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, March 16, 2016.
“The Incarnation of God in the Holy Land,” presented during The University Series, St. Paschal Baylon Church in Thousand Oaks, CA, March 9, 2016.
“Renewing the Pastoral Council,” workshop at St Mark Church, 940 Coeur D’Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291-4929, Father Paul Spellman, Pastor, Saturday, April 18, 2015.
“How Are We Saved by Christ?” Presentation in “The University” Series of lectures in Lent, St. Jude the Apostle Hall, Westlake Village, CA, Wednesday, March 11, 2015.
“I See You: The Morality of Government Surveillance” or “Government Surveillance of Citizens from a Metaphysical Perspective: Weighing the Justifications of Those Who Leaked Classified Documents,” Presentation in the “University Series” of lectures in Lent, St. Peter Claver Church, Simi Valley, CA, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.
“Christian Spirituality: Assimilating the Mission of Christ,” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Louise de Marillac Church, held at the Trinitarian Sisters of Mary Monastery, 3009 E. Cameron Ave, West Covina, January 24, 2015.
“Pastoral and Finance Councils,” three-hour workshop for the Parish Administration Class of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, held at the Hilton Business Center at Loyola Marymount University, October 24, 2014.
“The Pastoral Council and Planning,” workshop with Father Gerard LeComte and the pastoral council of St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311, October 20, 2014.
“Pastoral and Finance Councils: Benefiting from the Parish’s Practical Wisdom and Expertise,” priests’ assembly on parish administration, Diocese of El Paso, Holy Trinity Church, September 18, 2014.
“The Pastoral Council and Planning,” workshop for Father Ken Brown and the pastoral council at St. Patrick Church, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 7-9 PM, May 21, 2014.
“Consubstantial with the Father: The Mystery of Christ,” in The University Series, St. Mary Magdalen Church, Camarillo, March 11, 2014.
“The Pastoral Council and Planning,” workshop for Father Robert Capone and the Santiago de Compostela Church PPC, meeting at the Christ Cathedral Campus Cultural Center, Garden Grove, CA January 11, 2014.
“The Parish Pastoral Council and Paul Wilkes’ Excellent Catholic Parishes.” Workshop for the Father Bede Wevita and the PPC at Sr. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Las Vegas, Saturday, May 4, 2013.
“Archdiocesan Training Program for the Development of Pastoral Council Mentors,” co-presented with Maria Elena Uribe at Holy Family Church, Pasadena, California, Saturday, April 27, 2013.
“Councils and the New Pastor,” workshop for New Pastors in Region 11, facilitated by Rev. Dan E. Danielson and offered at the Serra Retreat, Malibu, Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
“Practical Wisdom: How Pastoral Councils Can Make a Real Difference.” Diocese of Trenton workshop for PPCs on the theme “Engage Church: Pastoral Councils in the 21st Century,” St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, NJ, March 16, 2013. See the videos on the “Role of the Pastoral Council,” “Selecting Counselors,” and “Successful Pastoral Councils.”
“Working Together to Build a More Effective Parish.” Diocese of Trenton workshop for pastors and parish staff members on the theme “Engage Church: Pastoral Councils in the 21st Century,” St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, NJ, March 15, 2013. See the videos on “How a Pastor and Council Work Together” and “Success Stories.”
“Orientation for a Renovated Council,” workshop for the pastoral council of Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino, California, February 23, 2013.
“Councils and the Consultative Pastor,” lecture to the Course on Parish Business Administration at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, October 20, 2012.
Respondent, “The Church in the Third Millennium: Identity and Mission,” the opening event of the series “Vatican II at Fifty: A Symposium,” University Hall 1000, Loyola Marymount University, October 11, 2012.
“Discerning a Vocation to the Pastoral Council.” Presentation at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1720 E. Covina Blvd., Covina, 91724, June 4, 2012.
“Creating a Pastoral and Finance Council in the Parish,” Presentation at the New Pastors’ Workshop, Serra Retreat, Malibu, May 1, 2012.
“Trannsitions and the Pastoral Council,” workshop at the San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA, Saturday, April 28, 9:00 – 12:00.
“Reconsidering the Pastoral Council,” Workshop with the PPC of St. Bernardine of Siena Church, 24410 Calvert St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367; March 6, 2012.
“The Psychology of Pastors and Councils,”at the San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council’s Parish Council Training and Certification, Saturday, February 11, 2012, 8:30 AM-1:00 PM,Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Road, Alhambra, CA 91803.
“Whom Should the Pastor Consult?” Workshop for the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region’s Parish Office Group, held at St. Joseph Church in Carpenteria, CA, 10 AM – 12 PM, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
“Consulta con el Pueblo de Díos,” and “Pastoral Councils and Consultative Pastors,” at the Diocesan Ministries Celebration sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Orange, Mater Dei High School, 1202 W. Edinger Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92707, October 15, 2011.
“Consultation in the Parish.” Workshop for deacons, lay leaders, and lay pastoral associates. St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, August 20, 2011.
“Pastoral and Finance Councils: Benefiting from the Parish’s Practical Wisdom and Expertise,” Presentation at the New Pastors’ Workshop, Serra Retreat, Malibu, May 17, 2011.
“The Consultative Pastor.” Workshop at the annual convention of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils, “Pastoral Leadership: One Mind, One Heart, One Spirit,”” Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Hotel, May 5, 2011.
“The Esential Workings of a Pastoral Council. Workshop for the Pastoral Council of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1879 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001, April 16, 2011.
“Popular Models of the Pastoral Council and Official Vatican Documents.” Workshop at the annual convention of the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, at the Chicago Theological Union, April 11, 2011.
“Ecclesiology and the Consultative Pastor,” lecture to the Course on Parish Business Administration at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, January 22, 2011.”
“The Church’s Official Teaching about Councils,” presentation to Father Ikechukwu Ikeocha and the pastoral council of St. Gregory the Great Church, Whittier, CA, Tuesday, January 18, 2011.
Leader of the discussion regarding the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Synod Initiative II Report on Participation and Accountability at the Third Annual Interregional Pastoral Council Gathering, Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra, CA, Saturday, December 16, 2011.
“Pastoral Planning by Councils.” Keynote presentation at the San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council PPC Training and Certification, Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra, CA, Saturday, November 13, 2010.
“Encountering Jesus Christ in Advent,” presentation to the Women’s Guild of Santa Maria Church in Orinda, California, November 8, 2010.
“Renewing the Pastoral Council,” consultation with Father Robert Fulton and the officers of the PPC at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1728 East Covina Boulevard, Covina, CA 91724-1640, Nov. 4, 2010.
“Parish Pastoral Councils: Serving the Community,” Evening of recollection at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada – Flintridge, CA, 91011, Monday, September 13, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
“Becoming One Family in Christ,” Mini-Retreat for the Pastoral Council, St. Louis de Montfort Church, 5075 Harp Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455, Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
“St. Genevieve and the Work of Evangelization,” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Genevieve Church, Panorama City, held at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Rd., Encino, CA 91436, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, August 7, 2010.
Rahner’s “New Christology” in “Foundations of Christian Faith,” Report to the Annual Meeting of the Karl Rahner Society on Volume 26 of Rahner’s Sämtliche Werke, Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Saturday, June 12, 2010.
“Pastoral and Finance Councils: Benefiting from the Parish’s Practical Wisdom and Expertise,” Presentation at the New Pastors’ Workshop, May 11, 2010, 2:30 – 4:30 PM, Serra Retreat, Malibu.
“Sharing in the Pastor’s Apostolate by Studying, Reflecting, and Recommending.” Our Lady of the Valley Church, 22021 Gault Street, Canoga Park, CA, October 13, 2009.
“‘In Essence and Not Only in Degree’: Ontological Difference between the Communal and Ministerial Priesthoods.” Faculty Colloquium, St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, September 29. 2009.
“Using an Online Training Module to Develop Pastoral Councils.” Teleconference for the Diocese of Metuchen’s Vibrant Pastoral Councils Conference, Bishop Ahr High School, Edison, NJ, September 19, 2009.
“Parish Council or Parish Pastoral Council?” Teleconference with the pastoral council of St. Paul the Apostle Church of New Middletown, Ohio. Saturday, May 23, 2009.
“Pastoral and Finance Councils: Benefiting from the Parish’s Practical Wisdom and Expertise.” Presentation at the New Pastors’ Workshop, Serra Retreat, Malibu, CA, May 12, 2009.
“Using an Online Training Module to Develop Pastoral Councils.” Teleconference for participants at the Annual Convention of the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, “Persevering in Mission to Build the Body of Christ,” Retreat Center at St. John’s, Plymouth, Michigan, April 28, 2009.
“The Pastoral Council: What It Is, How It Plans.” Workshop for Councillors in the San Pedro Pastoral Region, St. Joseph High School, Lakewood, CA, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, October 18, 2008.
“The Council and Recruiting Volunteers.” Christ the King Church, 616 N. Rossmore Ave., Los Angeles, 90004, October 4, 2008, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
“The Pastoral Council and the Priorities of the Archdiocese.” St. Julie Billiart Church, Newbury Park, CA, Sept. 27, 2008, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM.
“The Pastoral Council and the Apostolate of Pastors.” First Keynote at the Northern California Lay Convocation, University of San Francisco, September 6, 2008, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
“Karl Rahner and the Immortality of the Soul.” Presentation at the Metaphysics Colloquium, St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH, June 11-12, 2008.
“The Pastoral Council : Developing the Agenda.” Keynote presentation at “Parish Leadership: A Shared Responsibility,” a Workshop for Councillors in the San Gabriel Pastoral Region, at Bishop Amat H.S., 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, March 29, 2008.
“The Pastoral Council and the Finance Council.” Workshop for the Diocese of Stockton’s Catechetical Congress, “Rise My People, Walk in the Light,” March 8, 2008.
“Parish Pastoral Councils: How They Serve the Community.” Christ the King Church, 616 N. Rossmore Ave., Los Angeles, 90004, January 16, 2008, 7:00 PM.
“Consultation: Building the Kingdom Together,” and “Riding on Jesus’ Coattails? Rightly Understanding the Vicarious Atonement,” given at Saved by Faith: Santa Barbara Regional Congress, Bishop Diego High School, 4000 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara, CA, Saturday, October 13, 2007.
“Parish Pastoral Council: Structure, Roles and Relationships, and the Future,” St. James Church, 124 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA, October 1, 2007, 7:15 – 9:00 PM.
“Role and Function of Parish Pastoral Councils,” San Fernando and San Gabriel Regional Formation Day for Pastoral Councils, Providence High School, 511 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, Saturday, September 29, 2007.
“Riding on Jesus’ Coattails? Rightly Understanding the Vicarious Atonement,” and “Consultation: Building the Kingdom Together,” given at True Wealth: San Fernando Regional Congress, Alemany High School, 11111 North Alemany Drive, Mission Hills, CA, Saturday, September 22, 2007.
Parish Pastoral Councils: A General Orientation, at “Pastoring in Today’s Church,” Workshop for Pastoral Leaders with Sharon Hueckel, Thursday, June 14, 2007, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, La Quinta Resort, Palm Springs.
“¿Cómo se crea un consejo pastoral eficaz en la parroquia?” Día de formación en la región de Santa Bárbara, Patrocinado por la oficina de la implementación del sínodo, Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles, Sábado, 10 de marzo, 2007, Santa Clara High School, 2121 Saviers Road, Oxnard, California.
“Achieving the Synod Goals,” Workshop for Parish Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Sacramento, at St. Anthony Church, 660 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA, Saturday, April 1, 2006.
“Creating Collaborative Leaders,” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of Holy Family Catholic Community, Middletown, Maryland, at St. John’s Church, Frederick, Maryland, March 25, 2006.
“Beyond ‘Consultative-Only’: A Dialogue on Ecclesial Consultation in Pastoral Councils” with Bradford E. Hinze, CPPCD, Annual Convention, Tuesday, March 7, 2006, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Anaheim, CA.
“The Role and Function of the Parish Pastoral Council,” Workshop at the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Formation Day, “Leadership for Today’s Church,” at St. John Bosco High School, 13640 S. Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA, Saturday, March 4, 2006.
“Pastoral Council Guidelines and Parish Experience,” workshop for the pastoral council at All Souls Church, 17 S. Electric Avenue, Alhambra, CA, February 4, 2006, 8:00 – 12:00.
“Gaudium et Spes in the Age of Benedict XVI,” Presentation at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Camarillo, Part I: “The Church at the Service of the World” (January 31, 2006) and Part II: “Some Problems of Special Urgency” (February 7, 2006).
“Reflections on the Spanish Conquest of Perú: The Mosaic of Victor Delfín in Cuzco,” faculty colloquium at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, January 31, 2006.
“The Threefold Purpose of the Pastoral Council,” Evening of Recollection for the Parish Pastoral Council “Interim Group” at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 10321 Tujunga Canyon Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042-1899, December 5, 2005, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
“The Effective Council’s Threefold Purpose,” Parish Pastoral Council Evening of Recollection at St. Raphael Church, 5444 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93111-2308, December 1, 2005, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
“Parish Pastoral Council: Visioning and Planning” (Nov. 18) and “Working Together to Build an Effective Church” (Nov.19), workshops at the Annual Parish Convention, “Spirituality and the Parish,” sponsored by the National Pastoral Life Center, Radisson Plaza Hotel, Fort Worth, November 18-19, 2005.
“Proposed Plan for Selecting Pastoral Council Members,” St. Mary Magdalen Church, Camarillo, CA, October 5, 2005.
“The Pastoral Council: Investigating, Reflecting, Reach Conclusion.” Retreat for the Pastoral Council of St. Vincent de Paul Church, 3140 North 51st Avenue, Phoenix, September 17, 2005, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
“Practical Wisdom in the Parish,” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council at St. Julie Billiart Church, 2475 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA, September 10, 2005, 1:00 – 4:45 PM
“The Intellectual and Spiritual Task of Councillors,” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of All Souls Church, Alhambra, held at the Maryknoll Retreat, 340 Norumbega Dr., Monrovia, CA, August 27, 2005, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
“The Spirituality of Councils in a Time of Change,” second Keynote Presentation at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Leadership Event, “Vibrant Parishes in the New Millennium,” Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center, 3501 S. Lake Drive, Milwaukee, April 9, 2005.
“Communion and Consultation: The PPC as a Structure for Participation and Accountability,” Keynote at the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Parish Pastoral Council Workshop, St. Mel Church, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, Saturday, March 5, 2005.
“Developing the Council as a Pastoral Planning Body,” retreat for the Pastoral Council at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1523 Golden Gate Ave., Los Angeles, Saturday, February 5, 2005, 9:00 to 3:00.
“Baptism into Christ and the Spirituality of the Pastoral Councillor,” workshop for the Pastoral Council at the Mission Basilica, 31522 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Saturday, January 29, 2005.
“The Mission of the Pastoral Council” and “The Spirituality of the Pastoral Council,” workshops at the Diocese of Reno Annual Conference, “That All May Be One,” John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel and Casino, Sparks, Nevada, January 7-8, 2005.
“Parish Pastoral Council: Visioning and Planning” (November 19) and “What Does a Pastoral Council Really Do?” (Novembr 20), workshops at the Annual Parish Convention, “The Catholic Parish: Global and Local – A Light to the World,” sponsored by the National Pastoral Life Center, Sheraton Cleveland City Centre, November 18-20, 2004.
“The Effective Council’s Threefold Purpose,” Parish Pastoral Council Evening of Recollection, Our Lady of Peace Church, 15444 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, CA 91343, November 9, 2004.
“Rahner and the Avatar: The Doctrine of Divinization and the Claims of the Adi Da Samraj.” Paper delivered at the conference “Karl Rahner at the Pacific Rim,” Santa Clara University, October 9, 2004.
“Pastoral Consultation at St. Leo’s,” Retreat for the Pastoral Assembly at St. Leo Church, Boyes Hot Springs, California, held at the Christian Brothers Retreat and Conference Center, 4401 Redwoods Road, Napa, CA 94558, August 27-28, 2004.
“The Pastoral Council and the Community’s Purpose,” St. Dominic’s Catholic Community at Stanford University, held at the Vallambrosa Retreat, 650 Oak Grove, Menlo Park, CA, July 24, 2004, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
“Pastoral Councils and Their ‘Consultative-Only’ Vote,” presentation to the Practical Theology Group at the Catholic Theological Society of America Annual Meeting, entitled “Reconciliation: Gift and Challenge,” Hyatt Regency Reston Hotel, June 10-13, 2004.
“Purpose, Community, Freedom.” workshop for the Pastoral Council Planners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Downey, California, May 25, 2004.
“Pastoral Councils: Advising Pastors in Pastoral Planning and Needs Assessment.” Workshop with the priests of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida (March 4, 2004), with the Diocesan Pastoral Council (March 5), and with parish pastoral council members (March 6). Marywood Retreat, Jacksonville, FL (March 4-6, 2004).
“The Spiritualities of the Pastor and the Pastoral Council.” St. Lawrence Martyr Church, Redondo Beach, CA (January 31, 2004).
“Baptism into Christ and the Spirituality of the Pastoral Councillor.” Workshop for the Pastoral Advisory Council at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Westlake Village, California (November 15, 2003).
“Council Structure, Roles, and Relationships.” Workshop for the Pastoral Council of St. Timothy Church, Escondido, CA (October 4, 2003).
“Pastoral Councils: Confronting the Reality of Today’s Church.” Workshops for the Diocese of Sacramento. St. Anthony Church, Sacramento (October 11) and Sacred Heart Church, Red Bluff (October 12, 2003).
“Establishing and Renewing Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Stockton.” St. Frances of Rome Church, Riverbank, CA (September 19-20, 2003).
“Jesus Christ within an Evolutionary View of the World.” Adult Education evening at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newport Beach, California (September 11, 2003).
“The Spirituality of Ecclesial Consultation.” Wadhams Hall Pastoral Institute, Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York (August 3-8, 2003).
“The Role of the Parish Council in the Church of the 21st Century.” Workshop Forum on Parish Leadership for Pastors and Lay Parish Leaders, Part of the series Church in the 21st Century, Boston College (June 22, 2003).
“The Spirituality of Goal Setting.” Workshops for Councillors in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Star of the Sea Church, San Francisco (April 26) and St. Mark Church, Belmont (April 27, 2003).
“The Spirituality of the Consultative Priest.” Retreat for the Priests of the Diocese of Stockton. St. Michael Church, Stockton, California, April 10, 2003.
“Establishing and Renewing Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Charlotte.” Arden, North Carolina (March 31) and Thomasville, North Carolina (April 1, 2003).
“The Parish Pastoral Council as a Source of Hope.” Annual Pastoral Council Workshop, Diocese of San Bernardino. St Adelaide Church, Highland, California, March 22, 2003.
“Renewing Pastoral Councils in the Diocese of Stockton. Presentation to the Presbyteral Council. Chancery Office, Stockton, California, January 15, 2003.
“The Free Gift of God Is Eternal Life in Christ.” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Anthony Church, Oxnard, California. October 26, 2002.
“Researching, Identifying, Encouraging, and Planning.” Retreat for the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Julie Billiart Church, Newbury Park, California. September 14, 2002.
“The Purpose of Councils and Selection of Members.” Workshop with the Committee to Plan a Pastoral Council of Christ the King Church, Las Vegas, Nevada (Rev. William Kenny, Pastor). August 3, 2002.
“I Suspect Colonel Mustard in the Library with a Candlestick: Historical and Canonical Clues about the Development of Parish Pastoral Councils,” PPC Certificate Program Sponsored by the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, June 24, 2002: Loyola at the Cenacle in Chicago, Illinois.
“Establishing and Strengthening Pastoral Councils in Salesian Parishes.” A Dialogue with the Salesians of St. John Bosco, St. Joseph Retreat, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Rosemead, California. May 7, 2002.
“The Pastoral and Finance Councils and the Parish Staff,” Evening of Reflection at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Camarillo, May 1, 2002, 7:30 to 9:30 P.M.
“The Theory of Evolution and Christian Faith,” evening of reflection at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Camarillo, for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Group, April 16, 2002, 7:30 – 9:00 P.M.
Strategic Planning Retreat, African-American Ministry and Evangelization Center, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Queen of Angels Academy, 823 E. Compton Blvd., Compton, Saturday, April 13, 2002, 8:30 AM – 4:00 P.M.
“What Makes Councils Work: Many Parts, One Body,” Keynote Address at the Workshop on Councils and Planning Co-Sponsored by the Department of Parish Life and Ministry, Diocese of Tucson, and the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, St. Pius X Church, Tucson, Arizona, March 9, 2002.
“The Vocation of Pastoral Councils.” Keynote address at the 2001 In-Service for Pastors and Pastoral Councils of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. St. Rita Elementary School Cafeterium, New Orleans, LA October 13, 2001.
“Pastoral Councils and Planning.” Keynote address at the Workshop for Parish Pastoral Councils of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Saturday, September 22, 2001 at Norfolk Catholic High School, Norfolk, NE; and Sunday, September 23, 2001, Gross Catholic High School, Omaha, NE.
“Collaboration among the Pastor, Staff, and Parish Council.” Retreat for the council of Most Precious Blood Church in Chula Vista, CA, held at Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside, CA. September 15, 2001.
“Where Faith Flourishes: The Pastoral Council’s Role in Parish Planning.” Keynote Address at the Regional Workshop for Parish Pastoral Councils Sponsored by the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, “Renewing Parishes: Becoming Places Where Faith Flourishes.” March 31, 2001, Archbishop Carroll High School, Radnor, Pennsylvania.
“The Pastor, the Council and the Parish Staff.” Presentation at the 27th Annual Convention of the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, Holiday Inn on International Drive, Orlando, Florida, April 2, 2000.
“The Motive for Pastoral Planning.” Our Lady of the Lake Church, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. January 30, 2000.
“Clergy, Staff and Lay Leadership: Working Together to Build and Effective Parish.” Sponsored by the Kino Institute. Mt. Claret Retreat Center, Phoenix, Arizona. Saturday, January 29, 2000.
“Ministry and the Call to Serve.” Evening of Reflection at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Oak Park, California. November 17, 1999.
Moderator, “Practical Theology and Theological Education,” Catholic Theological Society of America, 54th Annual Convention, Miami, Florida, June 10-13, 1999.
“The Pastoral Council and the New Pastor.” An evening of reflection for the staff and pastoral council of St. Raymond Church, Downey, California. May 11, 1999.
“The New Pastoral Council Guidelines of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.” Presentation with Maria Elena Uribe to the Archdiocesan Parish Administrators and Business Managers. Incarnation Church, Glendale, California. April 22, 1999.
“Models of Parish Pastoral Councils,” Workshop at the Annual Convention of the the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, OH, March 16, 1999.
“What’s ‘Pastoral’ about Parish Pastoral Councils?” Presentation at the Regional Workshop for Clergy, Parish Staffs, Pastoral Council Members and Other Parish Leaders Cosponsored by the Diocese of Covington and the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development. St. Henry Districk High School, Erlanger, Kentucky. March 13, 1999.
“Ecclesiology of Councils,” Keynote Presentation at the Pastoral Council Workshop for the Diocese of San Bernardino, Diocesan Pastoral Center, San Bernardino, March 6, 1999.
“We Are Sent by God: Workshop for the Pastoral Councils of Kodiak.” St. Mary’s Church of Kodiak and the Islands, Kodiak, Alaska. January 16, 1999.
Chairman, Committee to Revise the Pastoral Council Council Guidelines, Archdiocese of Los Angeles (1998-99). Published by the archdiocese as “Communion and Consultation” (in English) and “Comunión y consulta” (in Spanish).
“Models of Parish Pastoral Councils,” Workshop at the Annual Convention of the the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, OH, March 16, 1999.
“Ecclesiology of Councils,” Keynote Presentation at the Pastoral Council Workshop for the Diocese of San Bernardino, Diocesan Pastoral Center, San Bernardino, March 6, 1999.
“Avoid Common Parish Pastoral Council Mistakes,” “Pastoral Councils: Clarify Your Motives,” and “Pastoral Councils in the Next Thirty Years, three workshops given at the Oakland Diocesan Ministerial Congress, “Toward Jubilee: Gifted by the Spirit to Proclaim the Reign of God,” James Logan High School, Union City, CA, October 24, 1998.
“Karl Rahner: One of the ‘Makers of Modern Theology.’” Elective Course taught at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, Fall semester, 1998.
“Parish Pastoral Councils: An American Catholic Success Story,” Workshop for councils in the La Mirada/Whittier area, St. Paul of the Cross Church, La Mirada, CA, May 13, 1998.
“Moving from ‘Parish’ to ‘Pastoral’ Councils,” Workshop at Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA, April 18, 1998.
“Lazarus,” Evening of Reflection for the St. Mary Magdalen Church RCIA Neophytes, Camarillo, CA, March 24, 1998.
“Parish Meetings and Parish Communion,” Presentation to the Assembly of Los Angeles Priests Followup Meeting, Mater Dolorosa Retreat, Sierra Madre, CA, March 12, 1998.
“Blessing, Work, Gifts, Love.” Retreat for the Pastoral Council of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Concord, California, January 24, 1998.
“O Come Emmanuel,” Evening of Reflection for Padre Serra Church, Camarillo, December 14, 1997.
“This Is God’s Dwelling Place,” Retreat for the Parish Council, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Park City, UT, November 9, 1997.
“The Right Criterion for Judging DPCs,” Presentation to the “Interpreter’s Panel” of the NCCB Committee on the Laity, Washington, DC, December 3, 1997.
Chairman, Parish Pastoral Councils Guideline Revision Committee, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, November 1997 to November 1998.
“Parish Councils: Whose Interpretation of Vatican II Was Right?” Select group presentation at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America, “Eucharist for the Twenty-First Century,’ Minneapolis Marriott at City Center Hotel, Minneapolis, June 7, 1997.
“Making Your Parish Council Pastoral,” Workshop at the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development 24th annual convention, “Meeting the Challenges of a Church in Transition,” Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas, March 21,1997.
“Transformation and Discipleship.” Retreat for the Parish Staff. Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Claremont. January 13, 1997.
“The Predictable Crises of Married Life.” Adult Education workshop, Santa Clara Church, Oxnard, December 5, 1996.
“Who Are the Leaders? Ordained and Lay Leadership in the Parish.” Workshop presentation at the Santa Barbara Pastoral Regional Congress, Santa Barbara, October 19, 1996.
“Parish Councils: Where Do We Go from Here?” Keynote Address at the Workshop for Pastors and the Pastoral Council Delegates of the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, October 12, 1996.
“Appreciating the Pastoral Council.” Workshop for the Pastoral Council at Our Lady of Peace Church, 15444 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, CA 91343, October 1, 1996.
“The Pauline Concepts of Justification and Freedom.” Workshop for the Lectors of Padre Serra Church, June 13, 1996.
“Parish Councils: Clarifying Pastoral Issues.” Keynote Address at the Parish Pastoral Council Workshop for the Diocese of Nashville. February 10, 1996.
“Setting Up Pastoral and Finance Councils.” Workshop at the Religious Education Institute of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, “Called to Be Light.” February 3, 1996.
“Planning for Hospitality and Community.” Day of Recollection for the Parish Council of Mission Santa Barbara. November 4, 1995.
“Images of God.” Day-long workshop in the “Advanced Catechetical Ministries” program of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. October 7, 1995.
“Commitment to the Parish Mission.” Pastoral Council Retreat, Incarnation Church, Glendale. September 23, 1995.
“Parish Consultation by the Pastoral Council.” Pastoral Council Retreat. St. John Vianney Parish, Hacienda Heights, August 26, 1995.
“The New Catechism: Impacting Your Faith and Ministry.” Regional Workshop for the Diocese of San Bernardino. St. Theresa Church, Palm Springs, March 11, 1995.
“The New Catechism.” Workshop at St. Paschal Baylon Church, Thousand Oaks, January 23, 1995.
“The Creed: What Catholics Believe.” Workshop at Loyola Marymount University, January 14, 1995.
“The New Catechism.” Two evening workshop at St. Monica Church, Santa Monica, January 11 and 18, 1995.
“Building a Vibrant Pastoral Council.” Workshop at the 1994 Parish Leadership Conference, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, October 1, 1994.
“The New Catechism: Context and Content.” Adult education evening at Sacred Heart Church, Saticoy, California, September 7, 1994.
“Common Mistakes and Essential Features of Parish Pastoral Councils.” Keynote address at the Seventh Annual Diocesan Assembly of the Archdiocese of Salt Lake City, May 14, 1994.
“Parish Pastoral Councils: Purpose, Leadership, and Discernment of Gifts.” Keynote address at the “Enrichment Day” for Parish Pastoral Councils, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, April 9, 1994.
Chairman, “Models of Diocesan Pastoral Councils,” the March 15 panel discussion at the 1993 annual convention of the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development in Sacramento.
“Council Structure, Roles, and Relationships,” workshop at the September 26, 1992 Parish Pastoral Councils In-Service Day, Pius X High School, Downey.
“A Definition of Council Ministry,” address at the San Bernardino diocesan convocation “Pastoral and Finance Councils in Transition,” St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Riverside, November 7, 1992.
