During the annual convocation Sept. 17-20 at the Northfield Center in Springfield, members of the diocesan Curia offices met with priests during a lunch break. Shown here socializing after soup and sandwiches are (left to right) Joan Reed (Office of the Vicar General), Franciscan Father John Ostdiek, Father Thomas Hagstrom and Cheryl Kannall (Office of the Bishop).

The Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign was held in conjunction with Jubilee 2003, the year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the diocese. As the books closed on the campaign after completion of the five-year pledge period, interest earned has been made available from the various endowments, including the endowment for the education of diocesan seminarians deacon candidates and the continuing education for clergy.

The endowment will provide funding to help cover costs for the annual priests' convocation, held this year Sept. 17-20 at Northfield Center in Springfield, according to Father Joseph Ring, vicar for the clergy for the diocese.

"The annual convocation is a time for fraternity and spiritual renewal among the priests," Father Ring said. "Even more importantly it is a time for priests to collaborate with the bishop in his vision for the diocese."

In addition to the cost of facilities and meals, expenses for the four-day annual meeting included stipends for two speakers, both from the Philadelphia area. Jesuit Father Gerard McGlone, author of Creating Safe and Sacred Spaces, spoke about a vision of pastoral authority. Clinical psychologist and consultant Dr. Patricia Kelly facilitated a workshop on pastoral responsibility, goals and vision.

Father Ring said that in the future he also expects Harvest funds to help pay expenses for the two-year "Good Leaders, Good Shepherds" formation program currently being offered for 24 diocesan priests.

In upcoming years, income from the endowment may be used to pay for the seminarian education as well as for the deacon formation program.