The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invites people to register for this year’s virtual Catholic Ministry Gathering, which will include speakers, workshops and more from Jan. 29-Feb. 11.

According to the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering website, the event has taken place for more than three decades and is organized by 10 USCCB departments, 20 national Catholic organizations, and the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.

“Join us and hundreds of Catholic leaders and advocates working to build communities of justice where all can thrive at #CSMG22 Jan 29-Feb 1! Register now for this virtual gathering: bit.ly/csmg2022 @WeAreSaltLight,” tweeted the USCCB.

This year the virtual gathering will include speakers and grassroots voices in church and society alike. This includes several cardinals and bishops, as well as professors and government officials. It also will have workshops with policy experts and community leaders, as well as resources from dozens of Catholic social ministry organizations. 

Some of the workshops include tackling the eviction crisis, anti-poverty programs, the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan and where it brings the United States in the world, and the pandemic’s impact on family, the economy and the poor.

There also will be virtual advocacy visits with elected officials and opportunities for best practice-sharing.

Other topics will include “Bringing Justice at the Margins in Native American/Indigenous Communities,” “Amplifying Voices from the Margins: Starting and Sustaining Relationships with Congress,” and “At the Intersections of Climate Change: Starting and Sustaining Relationships with Congress.”

Last year, a total of 852 people attended the event. There were 69 speakers, 20 exhibitors and 77 Senate visits.

Admission to the event costs $50, but financial assistance is available for those with economic hardship, and others from under-represented ethnic, cultural or disability communities. It will also be in both Spanish and English with translation available.