From June 8 to 11, the archdiocese of Toronto will host the 26th annual Diocesan Information Systems Conference. The conference, affiliated with the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, promotes the professional and spiritual growth of its members through the exchange of technology within the Church’s ministry.

The conference theme is “Ministry Without Borders — Transforming Technology in the Catholic Church.”

It will explore the use of social networking and electronic media to communicate with the larger Church. Speakers will focus on how to manage the tools and services available using different technologies.

This year’s keynote speaker is Msgr. James Vlaun, president and CEO of Telecare, the television station of the diocese of Rockville, N.Y. He has also served as chaplain for the New York Jets for eight seasons and has been host of Religion and Rock, a nationally syndicated radio show, for 19 years.

Fr. Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt + Light TV, will present on how social media and television can be used to assist organizations in expanding ministry and the collaboration between IT and communication professionals to develop a social media strategy.

Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins will discuss how he squeezes more into his day through the use of technology.

There will also be a presentation on electronic giving.

Throughout the conference, a variety of vendors will be on hand to present solutions to help parishes, dioceses and schools with tasks like parishioner management, student information management and web site tools.

A June 8 pre-conference workshop will focus on how to proactively and strategically align IT resources with the Church’s ministry.   

For more information, see www.discinfo.org.