"I think those are all things universally that, no matter what state you're from, no matter what bishop your representing," she stressed, stating that "those are all really unifying principals" that they as directors offer.
Regarding the ongoing push for religious freedom in light of the Health and Human Services mandate requiring employers to provide health insurance covering contraception, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs, even if doing so violates their religious beliefs, Kraska noted that she has seen progress.
Recalling numerous rallies and events that have taken place across the United States, she went on to say that "we've been able to see coming together as a group and talking about this issue very specifically, is that people are starting to become, if nothing else more aware."
"It's really important that people to know that there is these religious liberty issues that are popping up, and that what our rallies, and what the bishop's initiatives have done, is put that issue and put that terminology at the forefront of people's minds."
When asked if she has seen any change on the side of the Obama administration as far as religious freedom being a pressing issue, Kraska stated that "I would like to hope it is."
"I really would hope that the Obama administration would make it a priority for themselves as well."
Expressing future goals of the directors following the conference, Kraska explained that "our first and foremost goal always is to advocate on behalf of our local bishop, and our local Church."
However, she observed that being in Rome with "this experience of not only educating ourselves about lots of different issues that the Church is facing at a universal level" as well as the "spiritual dimension of pilgrimage," has provided a "new vigor" to the work that they do.
"We're dealing usually with issues that are very controversial, and that takes its toll, and so I think having the experience of being together in Rome will give us the additional strength that we need to be renewed in our passions for our jobs, and for the work that we do for the Church."
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.