October 20, 2022

Thank you for registering for the 185th Convention of the Diocese of Chicago as a delegate, alternate delegate, or clergyperson. Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we elect leaders, consider resolutions, and receive reports from across the diocese and the wider church.

We look forward to our virtual gathering on Saturday, November 19. Convention will begin at 9 am and conclude by 5 pm, with time given for breaks and lunch.

Only voting delegates and canonically resident clergy will receive access to the Zoom platform. Others, including alternate delegates, may view the livestream.

Pre-Convention Gatherings: Save the Dates
In preparation for voting, please save the dates below for our annual pre-convention gatherings. All of these will have interpretation in Spanish and will be recorded and posted online, but we hope you will join us for the live sessions when possible:

  • Thursday, November 10 at 11 am: Zoom Webinar & Voting Practice

  • Thursday, November 10 at 7 pm: Budget Hearing

  • Saturday, November 12 at 10 am. Meet the Candidates for Elected Office

  • Tuesday, November 15 at 7 pm: Resolutions Hearing

Materials for Review
A preliminary schedule, proposed resolutions, nominations packet, and reports to Convention, along with the 2023 budget and budget narrative will be published in English and Spanish in the diocesan newsletters and on the website beginning October 26. We strongly recommend reviewing these materials in advance of the pre-convention gatherings.

Webinar and Voting Platforms
All voting will be conducted electronically following the Rules of Order for a Virtual Convention using the Zoom webinar platform and VPoll technology.
  • Zoom Webinar is different from a standard Zoom Meeting in that only speakers and presenters can be seen and heard.
  • As a delegate you will not be able to turn on your audio or video, but you will have access to the chat, Q&A, and Zoom polling functions.
  • Throughout the business session we will also use VPoll to vote for election/ballot items.
  • Using Zoom webinar and VPoll together will require you open a separate browser window or use a separate device.
  • For example, you can join the Zoom Webinar via your computer and use VPoll on your phone.
  • Another option is to have a Zoom window open on your computer, minimize it, and then access your browser to use VPoll in another window.
  • It's important to make sure you have adequate technology ahead of time. If you have any questions about the technology requirements, please contact Rebecca Elfring-Roberts.
 
Delegate Changes & Clergy Absences
If you can no longer attend the virtual convention on November 19, please follow these directions:

Stay Up-to-Date with Diocesan Newsletters
Each Wednesday our weekly diocesan newsletters provide updates and links to all available convention materials. If you're not already receiving the newsletters, subscribe here.