Organizations and Meetings
These organizations exist for liturgical information, updates, and advocacy in the north Texas area, southwest region of the U.S. and nationally. There are workshops, presentations by liturgists, lectures, significant keynote addresses and practical helps included in most conferences. Clergy, musicians (both professional and volunteer), seminarians, parish liturgists and lay liturgical and catechetical leaders are some of the groups who benefit from these meetings.
University of Dallas Ministry Conference is held annually each October. Features include nationally recognized keynote speakers, plus breakout sessions for catechists, liturgical ministers, Catholic school educators, and all in North Texas who want to know more about their faith. Also featured are exhibitors and vendors with accessible materials that support ministry, liturgy and catechesis in the Church. The 2013 UD Ministry Conference is October 26-27 at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. See http://udmc.edu/s/818/mc for more info. Co-sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas and the Diocese of Fort Worth.
Southwest Liturgical Conference This primary mission of this conference is directed toward the local Church at the parish and diocesan level. The SWLC is committed to educational programs and regional workshops which will stimulate the people of God to that "full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy." (CSL n.14). The 51st Annual Gathering is scheduled for January 16-19, 2013, at the Albuquerque (New Mexico) Convention Center and the Albuquerque Hyatt Regency Hotel. The SWLC is the oldest continuous regional liturgical conference in the U.S. See http://swlc.org for info.
Federal Diocesan Liturgical Commission The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) is a national organization composed primarily of members of diocesan liturgical commissions, worship offices and/or the equivalent diocesan liturgical structures. These diocesan liturgical personnel, appointed by their bishops, have responsibility for the promotion of the liturgical life of their dioceses. The FDLC serves as an official collaborating agent between the local churches through diocesan worship offices and liturgical commissions and the USCCB Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy. The FDLC meets annually as well as regionally: the Diocese of Dallas is in Region 10. The FDLC national meeting is October 9-12, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, California. More info available at http://fdlc.org
National Association of Pastoral Musicians - The National Association of Pastoral Musicians fosters the art of musical liturgy. The members of NPM serve the Catholic Church in the United States as musicians, clergy, liturgists, and other leaders of prayer, both professional and volunteer. Annually, the NPM holds a convention that features breakout sessions, nationally known keynote speakers, and opportunities for enrichment in music, prayer, and spiritual growth. Exhibitors at the convention represent national and international music and liturgical interests. The NPM National Convention in 2012 is July 23-27 in Pittsburgh, PA. See http://npm.org for details. All are always welcome to participate.
Dallas Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians supports, enlivens, and informs parish musicians, both professional staff and volunteer. The NPM Board meets regularly to plan and schedule programs, celebrations, and gatherings that will positively impact and inform the quality of music ministry and the musicians in area parishes. To join the local chapter (which affiliates musicians with the NPM nationally), contact the Office of Worship for more info.