CATFE Caucus at Association for Theological Field Education (ATFE) 34th Biennial Consultation, January 19-21, 2017 Saint Paul, MN

CATFE This month seventeen CATFE members from thirteen Catholic seminaries and theological schools met on January 20 for a dinner meeting during the ATFE Convocation held in The St. Paul hotel in Minnesota. The conversations at ATFE among Catholic members and across traditions focused on the theme: "Across the Divides," playing on the the geographical position of the Twin Cities along the North American Continental Divides. CATFE member Barbara Sutton of St. John's School of Theology, Collegeville delivered a tone-setter at the beginning of the gathering, encouraging us to  reflect not only on the geographical and physical divides, but also the social, economic, political and spiritual divides that are a part of the Twin Cities and our current ministries.

At the previous ATFE Biennial, CATFE members from Minnesota, along with other theological schools close to the region, had offered to host ATFE Biennial 2017 in the Twin Cities. Fr. Allen Kuss and Sr. Charlotte Berres, CSJ from St. Paul Seminary were instrumental in the preparation and success of this endeavor.

At the Catholic caucus gathering, it was announced that Barbara Sutton was finished with her term as part of the CATFE Steering Committee, and Kathleen Castillo of Christ the King Seminary, NY was elected. Fr. Rodel Balagtas and Sr. Leanne Hubbard, SND both from St. John's Seminary, CA will remain on the Steering Committee as they host the next CATFE convocation 2018 in California. There will be an email going out to all Catholic member and non-member schools inviting input on the timely topics to explore together at this meeting.