By my count, this is the 41st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Newark I've attended.
As might be expected, a lot has changed. The first ones I attended were held in May, on one day, in the cathedral. May is a nice time in Newark. But now the conventions are held in January, which is not a nice time in Newark, where this one -- the first in a long time -- is being held. The opening worship will be held in the cathedral and the outdoor procession is going to be cold.
Back in 1969, technology consisted of a microphone on a long cord carried down the aisle to pick up the words of convention debates. In 2010, there will be 7 video presentations along with about a dozen PowerPoints illustrating various convention reports. Wireless mikes dot the convention floor to pick up convention debates. Two large rear-projection screens flank the dais.
For the last ten years, I've been a part of making these technological advances work. I am glad to see how far we've come.
