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To: Priests
From: Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta
When the Diocese of Atlanta became the Archdiocese of Atlanta on February 21, 1962, the ecclesiastical Province of Atlanta came into being as well. The four other Provincial Sees are the Diocese of Charleston, the Diocese of Savannah, the Diocese of Raleigh and the Diocese of Charlotte.
The Bishops of the Province have always gathered for regular meetings. About thirty years ago, however, they began to invite the priests of their respective dioceses to these meetings and we saw the beginning of programs being offered that were designed to support and enhance priestly life and ministry. Over time, attendance at these meetings grew and the Provincial Assembly became a tradition and a great opportunity to enjoy a healthy and vibrant priestly fraternity that extended beyond our diocesan boundaries.
For the last several years, the Provincial Assembly has been held biennially with each of the five dioceses taking their turn hosting the event. This year, Bishop Robert Guglielmone and the Diocese of Charleston are eager to welcome us to their great southern city. The dates for this year’s Provincial Assembly are Monday – Wednesday, August 20 – 22, 2018.
Our speaker this year will be Professor Charles Zech, Ph.D., Professor of Economics at Villanova University where he also serves as the Director of Villanova’s Center for the Study of Church Management. He has authored 12 books on the topic of church management and has served as the keynote speaker at more than 60 diocesan convocations. His most recent book, “Catholic Parishes of the 21st Century,” is a vital resource for understanding American Catholic life and, specifically, how parishes operate and function in the context of the 21st century.
I hope you will consider attending this year’s Provincial Assembly in Charleston. Msgr. Jim Schillinger has sent registration materials and hotel information. Please contact him if you have any questions.