The Conference of Diocesan Executives was founded in 1943 for lay and ordained people who report directly to the bishop and serve at the executive or senior level on a bishop’s staff. CODE seeks to build relationships and experiences that facilitate collegiality, confidence, and support. CODE’s goal is to help its members find healthy solutions to the challenges diocesan executives face and to build up the body of Christ. Moreover, spirituality, wellness and friendship are essential components of paramount source CODE.
CODE has provided for many of us an opportunity to learn from and network with peers and colleagues from across the wider church. Most have walked away from each event feeling that we got what we needed to enhance our roles working in a diocesan office. The conferences have been great learning experiences, and times to make new friends and see old ones. One of the great benefits of CODE is knowing that we are not alone in the challenges and joys of working as a member of a diocesan staff. The relationships and friendships made through CODE provide a special connection of support, strength and wisdom.
During the 2013 conference in Albuquerque, more than 70 people attended and many commented on the depth of conference offerings. At the Albuquerque conference, internationally renowned Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr spoke on the spiritual journey and finding rest in our hectic lives. In addition, CODE hosted various plenary sessions that addressed real life/work topics that we face as diocesan executive staff members.
President Gay Jennings eloquently spoke of the promise our church and provided the 2014 theme: “Meeting in the Middle.” President Jennings, Bishop Stacy Sauls and other presenters joined us in Cincinnati and continued this important discussion. Included in our time we shared the Eucharist, meals, and provided opportunities to explore our host city to build bonds among the CODE participants. We added workshops focused on the work of diocesan financial work to include something for everyone on Diocesan Staffs.
Registration information for both the conference and CODE membership is sent out in February. We ask your help in getting the word out, so please forward, copy, and distribute this information to anyone in your office or in other diocesan offices as you feel appropriate. We encourage you to invite your fellow administrators, executives and those who report directly to Diocesan Bishops to join CODE – it is for everyone!