"Social justice, peace and public policy are very complex issues that require more analysis and study," said Father Gerry Creedon, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington. Through the second annual diocesan Peace and Justice Commission Conference on Oct. 1, the chairman of the commission hopes to "encourage people to go one step further, to provide services and work for justice.

"We are hoping that we can re-energize the parishes and parish leaders who work on social ministry," he said.

The conference will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3304 N. Washington Blvd. Arlington, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m.

Father Creedon hopes the conference will give people a better understanding of organizations that can help parish involvement in social ministries. The daylong conference teams up the official diocesan Peace and Justice Commission with representatives of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) so attendees can learn what these groups are all about, said Father Creedon. In turn, he hopes by making people more of aware of these organizations they can help them in their roles.

"We do a lot of mopping up in the Church, especially now after the storm, but it is good to prevent problems by attempting to change the attitudes and the structures involved."

Jeff Caruso, VCC executive director, will deliver the keynote address at 10 a.m. Four break-out sessions will feature the USCCB’s Kevin Appleby on Immigration, Steve Colecchi on peace and an inter-religious approach in the Middle East and Maureen Bailey on life issues, abortion, death penalty; as well as Sue Capers of the Virginia Coalition on the Homeless speaking on poverty issues.

A discussion panel will be led by Rev. C. Douglas Smith, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and will include Margaret Reuthinger and Gina Cerasani.

For reservations by Sept. 27 call Anne Murphy at 703/841-3831 or e-mail a.murphy@ccda.net.