There's energy for church reform and social justice at the grassroots: over 6,000 people attended 180 events of local CTA groups in the past year, not including the 2,800 who attended regional conferences. This dynamism is set to continue in 1998. See next page for contacts. Here are some previews:

Pennsylvania - A state caucus at the national conference saw the formation of a new statewide chapter. Stimulated at the 1996 conference by CTA's pro-women and church reform agenda, Elaine and Joe Rogan held consultations with CTA members around the state over a six-month period. At the caucus, eager to collaborate were the Association of Pittsburgh Priests and the Philadelphia Region CTA.

Northwest Ohio is the home of the newest CTA chapter. They are concentrating on a broad agenda of women's concerns, common ground and a collaborative model of church. This group has good connections with young adults on a number of college campuses and is already looking at ways of bringing a contingent of students to next year's conference. They plan the first of their public activities for the spring. Northern Vermont -- CTA members have been meeting for some months. Shortly after returning from the Detroit conference, they held their first public forum. A panel on "Women in the Catholic Church of the Future: Crisis and Opportunity" attracted 53 people, an avalanche by Vermont standards. Further monthly forums are slated. On Jan. 16, there will be a viewing of the film "Women's Ordination: The Hidden Tradition."

The Catholic Campaign to Ban Landmines, sponsored by CTA, sparked action in our local chapters. On short notice, nine groups requested from CTA national the USCC's organizing packet. Evi Quinn of CTA San Diego County then challenged her board to go to their local parishes and ask them what they were doing with the kit they had received direct from the USCC. Her own parish held a Ban Landmines Sunday in late November.

The growth of church renewal and social justice groups can be seen in the expansion of CTA's Church Renewal Directory. The 1998 edition lists 450 U.S. church renewal groups, small faith communities, peace and social justice groups, retreat and formation centers, and parish or religious order groups supportive of CTA's Call for Reform. Another 25 international church reform groups are listed. This is a 50 percent increase over last year's listings. The newly formed Australian Network of church reform groups has also requested affiliation with CTA.