On its 50th anniversary, the Conference initiated plans for the Collaborative Ministry Project (CMP) in August, 2003. At its inception, the CMP was open to any Presentation Sister from North America who desired to serve those made poor in any part of the world. Following two discernment weekends, a five-member team of Sisters emerged who would choose to work among the homeless and underserved through St. Joseph Outreach Program in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Tulane County, one of the poorest counties in the United States. The CMP team will begin its formal ministry in September, 2005, and will be guided in their planning by a three-person board from the Conference leadership, Sisters Sharon Fagan, Chair (NL), Pam Chiesa (SF), Katherine Fennell (U).