Virginia dioceses establish state Catholic conference

Published: 2004-09-17

ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) -- The dioceses of Arlington and Richmond have announced the formation of the Virginia Catholic Conference to address public policy issues in the commonwealth. Father Mark S. Mealey, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales who is 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 conference's work. The conference office is expected to be located in Richmond. In addition to the executive director, the 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 Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo as the new bishop of Richmond apparently expedited the process.

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