By Michael F. Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/9/04)

The Catholic Dioceses of Arlington and Richmond announced this week the formation of a Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) to address public policy issues in the commonwealth.

Father Mark S. Mealey, O.S.F.S., Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Services and Moderator of the Curia for the Arlington Diocese, will head the search committee to find an executive director to give shape and substance to the VCC’s work.

The office is expected to be located in Richmond. In addition to the executive director, the conference staff will include an administrative assistant and part-time assistant director. Financial management and human resources will be provided by the Richmond Diocese.

The concept of establishing a Catholic conference has been discussed for years by the two dioceses. The installation in May of new Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo apparently expedited the process.

The conference’s draft constitution and bylaws were proposed Aug. 30. They include clearly defined purposes and objectives, corporation and board membership (including the two diocesan bishops), and the establishment of committees.

"The Virginia Catholic Conference will enable the Catholic Dioceses of Richmond and Arlington to speak with one voice on the critical issues affecting the citizens of our commonwealth," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. "It is my sincere hope that the conference will ‘give witness to spiritual values in public affairs, provide an agency for corporate Catholic service to the people of Virginia, and promote the spiritual and material well-being of the people of Virginia’ (Va. Catholic Conference Constitution and Bylaws, Art. III)."

"A state Catholic Conference will unite and strengthen our Catholic public policy witness at the Virginia General Assembly," said Bishop DiLorenzo.

State Catholic conferences have been established in over 30 states. Richmond (established in 1820) and Arlington (established in 1974) have a combined Catholic population of more than 600,000 in 209 parishes.

The executive director will implement board decisions within the policies established by the diocesan bishops; communicate VCC positions on public policies to government officials, the media and the general public; facilitate collaboration between the board, its committees and other public and private organizations; coordinate legislative advocacy network; and manage staff and budget.

The executive director's qualification are expected to include: education typically acquired through a doctorate in law/political science or theology/ministry with significant experience in the non-degree area; five to 10 years in government relations work, including three to five years with a diocese or Church agency; knowledge of Catholic social teaching; proficiency in lobbying; and superior communication skills.

Applicants should send resumes and letters of intent by Oct. 15 to: Rev. Mark Mealey, O.S.F.S., Diocese of Arlington, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 914, Arlington, Virginia 22203-3728; or fax: 703/524-5028l or e-mail to M.Mealey@arlingtondiocese.org.