A History of Achievement

The National Office continued to offer support to regional groups which developed from contact with the Network. Fr. Rodney De Martini, our Executive Director, has attended regional meetings in various parts of the country this year. Active regional groups include: Florida Catholic AIDS Network (FCAN), Washington, DC Catholic AIDS Network (DCCAN) and the Western States Catholic AIDS Coalition (WSCAC).

Convened the 14th National Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry Conference, "You Are My Witnesses," at Loyola University, Chicago, IL in July. The conference was attended by nearly 250 participants and presenters from 32 states, the District of Columbia, and seven countries.

The National Office continued promoting a Youth Initiative in order to raise awareness about the special challenges facing youth and young adults in responding to HIV/AIDS. A steering committee was established for this initiative. Focus group meetings were organized with youth and youth ministers in the archdioceses of Chicago and San Francisco and in the dioceses of Galveston-Houston and Springfield, MA. This initiative was supported by the University of Texas AIDS Education and Training Center and the Centers for Disease Control.

The Network's website underwent significant updating, revision, and expansion of features, including: online ministry conference registration and excerpts from the Network newsletter. A webmaster and web-editor were engaged to oversee the continuing development of this important communications tool.

The Network continued to convene an annual leadership roundtable of religious superiors and national Catholic organizations to discuss the issues and needs faced by religious and clergy living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Network promoted the sponsorship of AIDS Compassion Sunday, developed in the Archdiocese of Newark, in many dioceses throughout the country. It would provide an excellent opportunity for HIV/AIDS education and fundraising for the Network.

Under the expert leadership of our Treasurer, Mr. Robert Hanson, and of our Executive Director, Fr. Rodney De Martini, we have developed a much more concise and clear picture of our financial needs.