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The topic of computer use by Dioceses in the United States was discussed at many DFMC (Diocesan Fiscal Managers Conference) conventions in the early 1980's. There was a great deal of interest in meeting to discuss mutual computer applications and developments. So, in December 1981, Ed Faraday of the Diocese of Harrisburg invited all dioceses to a seminar called S.O.S. (Sharing Our Systems). The seminar was highly successful drawing 83 participants from 51 dioceses.
In the next few years the idea of forming a permanent computer user group was discussed at the DFMC conventions but questions such as the scope of standardization, hiring programmers, etc., were never resolved.
However, the dream of sharing software and ideas would not die in the heart of Fr. John Peters of the Diocese of El Paso. In order to get started, in 1985, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee offered to host a group of IBM minicomputer users which became known as DICUG (Diocesan IBM Computer Users Group). The idea was to actually show how Milwaukee used the equipment and application software. Any software developed by Milwaukee was offered free of charge with no warranty. Other dioceses offered their software also.
The first year there was a group of 15, representing 11 dioceses, who participated in a one and a half day conference. The cost was $60, which included food and lodging at the Retreat Center in Milwaukee. The hospitality room consisted of a refrigerator stocked with beer, soda, sausage and cheese. At the conclusion of the meeting and after a supper a one of Milwaukee's many German restaurants, it was decided to meet the following year, again in Milwaukee.
The 1986 conference in Milwaukee expanded to 25 participants from 14 dioceses and the 1987 conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was attended by 22 people from 16 dioceses. The 1988 Conference was held at Orange California. This was the first conference that we relied heavily on software vendors for presentations. Fewer dioceses attended in Orange so, at the end of the meeting we discussed the direction for the group and it was decided to open up the conference and invite the PC and non-IBM dioceses.
San Antonio offered to host the 1989 conference. Sue Forbrich along with Wally Cotton did an outstanding job of promoting the conference which was attended by 52 people representing 39 dioceses. There were concurrent sections offering mid-range and PC topics. Attendees enjoyed the interaction with other dioceses using all types of equipment; the scope of the conference was changed permanently. There was considerable discussion about dropping "IBM" from our name. In the past our conferences consisted of three parts. We relied heavily on IBM to provide a keynote speaker and workshop leaders, our own members to present their favorite programs to share, and the host diocese department heads to explain how they used computers in their operations. This reliance on IBM might have to change if "IBM" was dropped. It was decided to keep our acronym DICUG with the name meaning Diocesan Computer User Group.
The 1990 Chicago Conference also drew well with 53 attendees representing 35 dioceses. Our group was welcomed by Cardinal Bernardin. This was the first conference that was held entirely at a hotel. At the planning meeting on the last day, Phoenix volunteered to play host for 1991. Also, a committee of 5 people was chosen to assist Phoenix in putting together the program. Jim Kavanagh of Buffalo volunteered to be program chair. We also talked about formally organizing our group and discussed the possibility of paying dues.
During the summer of 1990 the Phoenix diocese underwent a reorganization and was unable to host the 1991 conference. However, Jim was able to invite everyone to Buffalo. Much to our pleasure a new record attendance of 72 people representing 42 dioceses attended. At the first meeting on Sunday, May 19th, the members approved the by-laws which were patterned after the DFMC by-laws. A board of 6 members were to be elected and take office on the last day of the conference. Dues were set at $50 and the name was changed to DISC (Diocesan Information Systems Conference).
In the following years conferences were held in Anchorage ('92), Philadelphia ('93), San Bernardino ('94), St. Louis ('95), San Diego ('96) and Colorado Springs ('97), Biloxi ('98), San Antonio ('99), Colorado Springs ('00) , Toronto/ London, Ontario ('01), Bloomington, MN ('02), St. Pete Beach, FL ('03), Williamsburg, VA (’04), Raleigh, NC (’05), Pittsburgh, PA (’06), Monterey, CA ('07), San Antonio, TX ('08), New Orleans, LA ('09).
Future conferences are scheduled for: Toronto, Canada (June 9-11, 2009) Boise, Idaho in 2011 and the 2012 location is still to be announced..
Each year we have several dioceses that are interested in hosting the annual DISC conference. If your Arch/Diocese is interested, please review the following document that outlines the current guidelines for hosting the DISC conference.
DISC Conference Guidelines
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