Retreat houses and church halls used to be settings for continuing education workshops for clergy and pastoral coordinators. But these updatings for professional re-certification seem to have faded, and nowadays are rarely required by bishops, provincials, or other employers. Theology takes place also by publication in journals such as Theological Studies , now in its sixtieth year, and a rich variety of periodicals with different readerships and interests. Publishing is a multi-faceted activity. At first writers oscillate back and forth between their own experiences and those of the faith community.
Individuals read, reflect, outline ideas during hours of isolation in tier study or library.
As the writing continues and re-writing follows, drawing upon experiences of community, persons typically interact with family, friends, or colleagues, talking out sticky points. Then comes the finished product inviting interaction between submitter and editor, aided by suggestions and evaluations of a journal's referees. Eventually the published text is read and absorbed within a variety of ecclesial and national settings. Many are still committed to reading theology, and some even read not just what their friends or ideological soulmates write, but what others from opposite cultural poles are saying. Theology is also done before, during, and after annual conventions, meetings of learned theological societies.