(USCCB News Archives can be accessed at www.usccb.org/news/)
October 16, 2024
U.S. Bishops to Meet Nov. 11-14 in Baltimore
WASHINGTON — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2024 Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-14. Throughout the meeting, the bishops will have opportunities for prayer and fraternal dialogue with one another. Public sessions of the assembly on November 12 and 13 will be livestreamed.
The plenary will begin with an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre. The bishops will hear from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, president of the USCCB.
The agenda for the plenary is not final,
and therefore subject to change, but the bishops are anticipating a full schedule that includes: an update on the resources being developed in a collaborative effort among several USCCB committees for
Dignitas Infinita; an update on the interim implementation of
Antiquum Ministerium (on the ministry of the catechist); a discussion on the pastoral implementation of integral ecology and
Laudato si’; the drafting of a document guiding lay ecclesial ministry as a follow-up to the bishops’
2005 document; the USCCB’s 2025-2028 Mission Directive; the USCCB’s 2025 budget; and three action items pertaining to liturgical texts from the divine worship committee.
Also expected at the meeting: an update on migration; a report on the 2021-2024
Synod of Bishops; a report on the U.S. bishops’ Eucharistic revival initiative and National Eucharistic Congress; a consultation of the bishops on causes of beatification and canonization for Sister Annella Zervas, a professed religious of the Order of Saint Benedict, and of the Servant of God Gertrude Agnes Barber, a lay woman.
During the assembly, the
bishops will vote for the new Conference treasurer, as well as chairmen-elect of five Conference committees. The terms for the bishops elected as chairmen will serve for one year as chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the 2025 Fall Plenary Assembly.
October 3, 2024
U.S. Bishops’ President Calls on Fervent Prayer to Open Pathway to Peace
WASHINGTON — “Our Catholic faith teaches us to hope even amidst the darkest of circumstances, for Christ is risen from the dead,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in a letter inviting the bishops to pray for an end to the violence in the Holy Land. At a time of warfare in the Holy Land and in the face of a dramatic rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents here in the United States, Archbishop Broglio called on the bishops to seek ways to express solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, and commit to combatting all forms of hatred.
“Compassion is not a zero-sum game,” he said, referencing the loss of life in Israel and in Gaza, as well as the spike in hate crimes in the United States. “We join in mourning all those whose lives have been cut short. We share the desire for lasting peace.”
To mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel,
Pope Francis has called on Catholics to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace on October 7. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has also asked the clergy and lay faithful of his diocese to observe October 7 as a day of prayer, fasting and penance. To complement these efforts, Archbishop Broglio invited the U.S. bishops to join Pope Francis, and the Christians of the Holy Land “in fervent prayer for an end to the violence, for the prompt and safe return of all hostages, and for the conversion of hearts so that hatred may be overcome, opening a pathway to reconciliation and peace.”
Read Archbishop Broglio’s letter to the bishops
here.
October 2, 2024
Bishop Seitz Expresses Gratitude for Refugee Resettlement Efforts
WASHINGTON — This week, President Biden signed the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2025, setting the number of people who can be resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) at 125,000. While the goal remains unchanged from last year, the program resettled 100,000 refugees in 2024 — the first time that number was achieved since 1994. Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates there are over 120 million forcibly displaced persons in the world, up from 24 million at the end of the twentieth century.
“My brother bishops and I could not be more grateful for the witness of faithful Catholics across our country who have, for many decades now, committed themselves to accompanying refugees as a visible sign of Christ’s love in the world,” said Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso.
Through its Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is one of ten national resettlement agencies partnering with the federal government on USRAP. At the local level, dioceses and their Catholic Charities agencies play an essential role in helping refugees to integrate successfully into their new communities.
Speaking as chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, Bishop Seitz added:
“Having just joined our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the Universal Church in marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, what better time to give thanks to God for the reciprocal blessings exchanged through these efforts? From life-saving protection for refugee families, to the economic renewal they offer receiving communities, this is part of what it means to ‘love thy neighbor.’ Moreover, as we enter Respect Life Month, we recognize this as one of the many ways in which the consistency of the Church’s concern for the sanctity of human life manifests itself.
“Resettling 100,000 refugees is a significant achievement, given the all-time low number seen in 2021 and some of the challenges facing American communities at this time, including a nationwide shortage of affordable housing. We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the Biden Administration in recent years to reassert and grow our nation’s proud tradition of welcoming refugees. This would not be possible without the bipartisan support of Congress, which has played a vital role in the success of the resettlement program since its inception.
“Guided by the Gospel and faithful to our national values, the U.S. Catholic community will continue doing its part to carry this endeavor forward.”
September 27, 2024
Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet
WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Dennis Spies, as Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet. Bishop-elect Spies is a priest of the Diocese of Joliet, and currently serves as vicar for clergy of the Diocese of Joliet. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 27, 2024, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Spies was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Father Spies was born on March 5, 1968, in Clifton, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture-business economics (1990). He received a master of divinity in theology, and a licentiate of sacred theology from Mundelein Seminary (2002). He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 2002.
Bishop-elect Spies’ assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar at Saint Walter in Roselle (2002-2005); pastor at Saint Liborius in Steger (2005-2016); and member of the faculty at Mundelein Seminary as director of the pre-theology and parish internship program (2016-2024). Since 2024, he has served as vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Joliet.
The Diocese of Joliet is comprised of 4,218 square miles in the state of Illinois and has a total population of 1,969,927 of which 501,292 are Catholic.
September 23, 2024
Novena for Mental Health Begins October 10
WASHINGTON — “Everyone who needs help should receive help.” This is the simple message that underscores the
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. The
campaign was launched in 2023 through the
efforts of the chairmen of two committees in response to growing concerns in mental and behavioral health to raise awareness among Catholics nationwide on the many facets of mental health. In addition to raising awareness, the ongoing efforts of the initiative are to combat the stigmas associated with this issue, and to advance wise, compassionate, and effective public policy in response to this growing crisis in our nation.
World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10, and here in the United States, the USCCB will begin nine days of focused prayer, teaching, and actionable steps to engage more intentionally on mental health issues. While the campaign is a year-round effort, the novena will run October 10-18, concluding on the feast of Saint Luke, the patron of health care.
Information and resources about the USCCB’s
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign may be found at:
https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth. Catholic dioceses are encouraged to share the information with their parishes with a special emphasis on
Mental Health Sunday, October 13, as it falls in the midst of the nine-day renewal effort and is an opportunity to promote and support the efforts of local mental health programs.
September 19, 2024
Bishop Burbidge Calls on Catholics to Renew Commitment to Life
WASHINGTON — “Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, gives us the fullness of life,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington in his statement inviting Catholics to commemorate Respect Life Month with “a revival of prayer and action.”
“{Jesus} calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person. While we live in a society that often rejects those who are weak, fragile, or vulnerable, they are the most in need of our care and protection,” he continued. “Through the graces of this revival, may we witness, work, and vote so that all children in the womb will be protected in law and welcomed in love, and that all mothers and families will be strengthened by our support and accompaniment.”
Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” Bishop Burbidge, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called on Catholics to renew their commitment to the legal protection of human life, to support policies and service ministries that assist mothers, and to extend compassion to those suffering from participation in abortion.
Read Bishop Burbidge’s full statement
here.
September 19, 2024
World Day of Migrants and Refugees September 29
WASHINGTON — The Catholic Church observes the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on the last Sunday of September each year. Leading up to September 29, the Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Migration Week (September 23-29), calling attention to the challenges confronting migrants and refugees, from their country of origin to their destination, and how Church teaching calls on Catholics to respond with compassionate acts of love. Catholic dioceses, schools, charitable organizations, and other institutions around the country will commemorate these annual events in various ways, from special Masses and festivals to volunteer opportunities and immigration legal clinics.
For this year’s observance, Pope Francis selected the theme “God walks with his people.” God not only walks
with his people, but also
within them, in the sense that he identifies himself with men and women on their journey through history, particularly with the least, the poor and the marginalized, the Holy Father said in his
annual message.
Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, remarked that “Pope Francis calls for solidarity with migrants, reminding us that their journeys mirror the biblical Exodus, with God as their guide and companion. He emphasizes that every encounter with migrants is an encounter with Christ, urging us to respond with compassion, recognizing their struggles as a reflection of our shared journey toward the Kingdom of Heaven.”
September 3, 2024
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Cote of Norwich
WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Norwich. At the same time, he has appointed the Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne of Hartford, as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Diocese of Norwich.
The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 3, 2024, by Monsignor John Paul Pedera, chargé d’ affaires, a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The Diocese of Norwich is comprised of 1,978 square miles in the State of Connecticut and has a total population of 669,430 of which 228,520, are Catholic.
August 30, 2024
Eucharist Inspires Hope and Action on World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
WASHINGTON — Catholics are called to hope and action to protect creation, instilled in us by Jesus in the Eucharist, Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan wrote in a statement for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Inspired by this year’s theme of “
Hope and Act with Creation,” and drawing on the National Eucharistic Revival’s Year of Mission, the bishops reflect: “A true Eucharistic experience will also recommit us to the task to protect creation, ‘one that is eminently theological, for it is the point where the mystery of man and the mystery of God intersect.’ The care for creation is constitutive of the Christian life.”
The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is commemorated on September 1. Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the reflection which may be found
here.
August 28, 2024
Bishop Chairmen Call for More Just Economy of All
WASHINGTON — “Our faith calls us to pray, work, and advocate for protections that allow all laborers to thrive,” said Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Mark J. Seitz in a joint reflection for Labor Day (Sept. 2). The bishop chairmen called for a more just economy that honors the human dignity of all who labor, inclusive of those who have newly arrived in the country, as well as those whose families have been here for generations. The bishops also addressed affronts to the dignity of children, who have been identified by some as supplemental sources of labor amid widespread worker shortages.
“The Church offers a vision for the future that does not require our society to choose between a thriving economy, economic justice, dignified conditions for all workers, and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” the bishops state, calling attention to the plight of those who work in industries without protections due to their immigration status.
Archbishop Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Seitz of El Paso is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration.
The full Labor Day statement is available
here (
Spanish).
August 21, 2024
Diocesan Survey Released on Parishes and Hispanic/Latino Ministry
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs has released the results of a recent
diocesan survey it conducted on parishes and Hispanic/Latino ministry. The survey aligns with the launch of the
National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and serves as a baseline for implementing it as a 10-year plan.
The survey featured three questions regarding the number of parishes in each diocese, the number of parishes offering Mass in Spanish, and the number of parishes with a Hispanic/Latino presence or ministry without a Mass celebrated in Spanish. The data was self-reported by the dioceses.
The summary of the findings show:
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175 surveys were completed, representing 100% of the Latin Catholic (arch)dioceses in the United States*
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The (arch)dioceses reported a total of 16,279 parishes, with 4,479 offering the Sunday Mass in Spanish.
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2,760 parishes have a Hispanic/Latino presence or ministry, but do not currently offer Mass in Spanish.
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99% of the surveyed dioceses have multiple parishes offering Mass in Spanish.
*The survey did not include the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair
of St. Peter, or the Eastern Catholic Archeparchies and Eparchies in the United States.
The survey also highlighted the leadership in Hispanic/Latino ministry at the diocesan level, with 47% of respondents being either directors or coordinators of Hispanic/Latino ministry, while another 35% of respondents held positions in offices dedicated to cultural diversity, faith formation, and catechesis, signaling that there are other diocesan offices engaged in, or overseeing Hispanic/Latino ministry. The subcommittee reads this data point to show the correlation of a robust diocesan structure and a vibrant ministry at the parish level.
Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs welcomed the results: “Surveys like this are vital to understand and address the response of the Church to the needs and aspirations of our Hispanic/Latino communities. There are common obstacles that dioceses face when engaging in Hispanic/Latino ministry, such as bilingual priests, or limited resources. In a practical way, this survey helps to measure our work and determine how we can continue serving this thriving part of our Church and the importance of ongoing ministry to the needs of our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters.”
Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of Hispanic Affairs under the USCCB’s Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church commended the dioceses for their participation in the survey, stating, “The high participation rate reflects the dedication of our dioceses to Hispanic and Latino communities. It is heartening to see such a widespread commitment to build a more integrated and united Catholic Church in the United States.”
August 5, 2024
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap.
WASHINGTON – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., 80, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Boston, and has appointed Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence, as his successor.
The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on August 5, 2024, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The Archdiocese of Boston is comprised of 2,465 square miles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has a total population of 4,496,207 of which 1,794,260, are Catholic.
August 1, 2024
James Bogner Appointed Chair of U.S. Bishops’ National Review Board
WASHINGTON — Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Mr. James Bogner as the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB). Mr. Bogner, who joined the NRB in 2020, succeeds Mrs. Suzanne Healy, who concluded her term as chair at the conclusion of the bishops’ June 2024 Plenary Assembly. Mrs. Healy joined the NRB in 2017 and served the four-year term for chair from 2020-2024.
The National Review Board advises the U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and works closely with the USCCB’s Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which the bishops adopted in 2002.
Archbishop Broglio thanked Mrs. Healy for her leadership and service, and welcomed Mr. Bogner, “It is propitious to acknowledge the excellent and collaborative manner that has characterized the work of the NRB and the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People. We have witnessed great strides and challenges in the continued and ongoing efforts for the Catholic Church in the United States to strengthen and renew her efforts for the protection of young people and the healing of victims. I thank Mrs. Healy for her longtime service on this most crucial issue, and I look forward working with the NRB under the leadership of Mr. Bogner to continuing that process in the future.”
Mr. Bogner is a retired Senior Executive Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with over 35 years of law enforcement experience both at the municipal and federal levels. During his FBI career, he served as the Chief of the FBI’s Internal Affairs/Adjudication and Inspection Units. He was the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge in Oklahoma City after the 1995 domestic terrorist attack on the federal building. He served in the Senior Executive Service in Washington, D.C., and later as Special Agent-in-Charge of FBI offices in the midwest over Nebraska and Iowa. These positions included investigations, developing partnerships, addressing national personnel and misconduct policies and issues, conducting national inspections and internal audits, risk analysis, strategic planning, and high-profile media matters. He later served as the first Assistant Federal Security Director developing procedures and protocols for airport security for law enforcement in Nebraska and Iowa after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He has served on several local, state and national boards and councils.
His graduate work has included studies in public policy analysis. He is a graduate of the FBI’s National Executive Institute and has also served as a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Criminal Justice program.
As a life-long Catholic, Mr. Bogner has served his parish in Omaha as president of the parish council and leading the parish in data and survey analysis and strategic planning. He was a founding co-leader in his parish’s “Catholics Returning Home” program for fallen away Catholics, and in developing evangelization initiatives in his parish. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Bogner is the chair of the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Advisory Review Board and the Ministerial Misconduct Board. He is also the chair of the Missionary Society of St. Columban’s United States Review Board.
August 1, 2024
Archbishop Broglio Appoints Members to the National Review Board
WASHINGTON — Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed three new members to serve on the National Review Board (NRB). He also renewed the appointment for a current member to serve a second term. The NRB advises the U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures established and adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002 to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.
In his letter to the newly appointed members, Archbishop Broglio underscored the importance of the NRB, saying that it plays a vital role as a consultative body assisting the bishops in ensuring the complete implementation and accountability of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The three new NRB members are as follows:
Dr. Paulette Adams is a tenured professor emeritus from the University of Louisville School of Nursing. She practiced and taught in the profession of nursing from 1964-2008. She received her BSN and MAT from Spalding University and EdD in Higher Education from University of Kentucky. Dr. Adams is a registered license nurse in Kentucky. She taught nursing in three hospital schools of nursing, at Jefferson Community College and 33 years at the University of Louisville School of Nursing. For 25 years, Dr. Adams was a nurse legal consultant on malpractice cases working for numerous law firms in Kentucky and Ohio. She reviewed cases and testified as a nurse expert witness. Dr. Adams, a founding member of St. Michael Parish in 1974, served on numerous committees, and campaigns. On an archdiocesan level – Dr. Adams chaired the Peace and Justice Commission, honored by the Catholic Education Foundation in 1996. Dr. Adams has served on the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Sexual Abuse Review Board since its establishment in 2002 to present.
Scott Surette is a devoted husband to his wife of 26 years, Audrey, and he is also a devoted father to their five children. He was born and raised Catholic in central Indiana. Mr. Surette has been a home inspector for 41 years. He now owns and operates his own home inspection business. His father gave to Mr. Surette his home inspection career as well as his love for Jesus through the Catholic Church. Mr. Surette came to his local diocesan review board in the diocese of Lafayette in Indiana as a result of being fully healed from the clergy sexual abuse he suffered when he was 15 years old. After 40 years of living in pain and denial, he came to understand that the priestly sexual abuse he suffered was at the core of his pain. At age 55, Mr. Surette sought understanding and healing through his local diocese in Lafayette, Indiana. Through counseling provided by the diocese and an intensely healing meeting with Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana, Mr. Surette believes he was given a vision of his abuser through the eyes of Christ. Christ did not view this man with anger and vengeance, but with sorrowful compassion and pity for his lost soul. Christ showed Mr. Surette how this man was a hurt, wounded and lost soul. Mr. Surette was able to fully forgive his abusive priest, who is now deceased. Mr. Surette’s paradigm regarding this man changed from anger and vengeance to compassion and forgiveness and Mr. Surette now routinely prays for this man’s eternal soul. This healing and peace have touched every aspect of Mr. Surette’s life, and he now wishes to bring this total paradigm shift from anger and vengeance to healing and forgiveness to the Church to help the Church recover from the deep wounds that the sexual abuse scandals have caused.
Barbara Thorp, MSW is a retired clinical social worker employed by the Archdiocese of Boston for 35 years. Ms. Thorp is the Founding Director of the Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach 2002-2012 - an outreach of trauma-informed services for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, family members and parishes. Ms. Thorp assisted with the first papal meeting with clergy abuse survivors led by Cardinal Seán O’Malley with Pope Benedict XVI in April 2008. Ms. Thorp was the Director of the Pro-Life Office for the Archdiocese of Boston from 1985-2002. She initiated Project Rachel for the Archdiocese of Boston as an outreach to persons suffering in the aftermath of abortion and served for many years as a board member for the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing. Presently, Ms. Thorp is a Board member for Awake - A community of abuse survivors, concerned Catholics and allies responding to the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Ms. Vivian M. Akel, LCSW, has been reappointed for a second term as member of the NRB.
Ms. Akel is a Clinical Social Worker (retired) and Spiritual Director currently holding the position of Safe Environment Coordinator for the Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn as well as Seminary Formator and Pre-Cana facilitator. Ms. Akel has been a member of the USCCB’s National Review Board for Child and Youth Protection since June 2020. Prior experience includes 21 years with the New York City Department of Education as a School Social Worker providing all aspects of Social Work Services with school age children, parents and educators. In addition, Vivian held the position of Director of Social Work in an acute care medical center supervising social workers providing services to patients, families and medical personnel. She began her career working in a Community Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, New York providing psychotherapy to individual patients, couples and families and maintained a private practice until her retirement in 2014. Vivian received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College’s School of Social Work and a certification in Spiritual Direction at Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality. She has been married for 38 years and has 2 adult children.
Details regarding the National Review Board, its functions and other members can be found at:
July 25, 2024
Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Kevin Thomas Kenney, as auxiliary bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Bishop-elect Kenney is a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and currently serves as pastor of Saint Olaf Catholic Church, administrator of Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and chaplain at DeLaSalle High School, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on July 25, 2024, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Kenney was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Father Kenney was born on December 29, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul (1978-1983), with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and Spanish and a master of divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (1992). Bishop-elect Kenney entered the Archdiocesan Seminary of Saint Paul in 1992. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1994.
Bishop-elect Kenney’s assignments after ordination include: assistant priest at Saint Olaf Catholic Church (1994-1998); pastor at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Minneapolis (1998-2004); pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Shrine in Saint Paul (2004-2015); regional vicar of Latino ministry (2011-2018); representative of the comprehensive assignment board (2014-2020); pastor of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Kenyon (2015-2019); and pastor of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault (2015-2019). Since 2019, Bishop-elect Kenney has served as administrator of Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Minneapolis, chaplain at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, and pastor of Saint Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Bishop-elect Kenney speaks English and Spanish.
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is comprised of 6,187 square miles in the state of Minnesota and has a total population of 3,532,316 of which 720,000, are Catholic.
July 16, 2024
Grants from National Collections Reveal Global Impact of Generosity of U.S. Catholics
WASHINGTON — In June, the bishops on the subcommittees that oversee the various national collections met to review and award grants that support pastoral care, evangelization, and social ministry. The bishops awarded 453 grants totaling over $10.5 million that will be put to use here in the United States and in three global regions, all made possible through the generosity of U.S. Catholics.
The grants are supported through the following collections:
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The Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
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The Collection for the Church in Latin America
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The Bishops’ Emergency Disaster Fund
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The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa
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The Catholic Home Missions Appeal
“These collections are a powerful way of following Jesus’ commands to seek the lost sheep and to care for ‘the least of these,’” said Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on National Collections. “They are one way in which Catholics in dioceses across the United States can show solidarity and act together to provide tangible love and assistance to our neighbors in need, in this nation and around the world.”
Participating dioceses take these collections on designated dates, and
#iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds for the individual programs. Three of the collections mentioned underwrite international ministry, while the other two have both domestic and international reach. The
Catholic Home Missions Appeal assists dioceses and eparchies of the United States and its territories that are too poor or too small to provide ministry without outside help. The
Bishops’ Emergency Disaster Fund allows dioceses to take special collections after major crises such as hurricanes and tornadoes and directs those gifts to the designated responses of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, and to repair and rebuild Church properties in dioceses struck by disasters.
The national collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe helps to rebuild the Church and restore the faith in this region after decades under communist rule. Grants from the collection will assist children and teens impacted by war in Ukraine through a day camp and a weeklong summer camp in the Diocese of Lutsk. Open to youths of all faiths, the camps are a ministry of St. John Paul II Parish in Rivne. With the support of a $15,000 grant from the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, these camps help young people build spiritual and emotional resilience through prayer, worship, sports, music, art and cultural activities. At camp they can relax for a time and experience joy, freed from the immediate threat of bombs. This program is just one of 241 grants totaling more than $5.8 million approved by the subcommittee for ministries in over 25 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
The national collection for the Church in Latin America awarded 163 grants totaling more than $3.2 million, which includes assistance to two dioceses with long term recovery from disasters. One of the dioceses has also received assistance through the Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund, which provided nearly $233,000 to complete the reconstruction of two churches in Havana, Cuba, that were heavily damaged by a devastating tornado in 2019. More than $28,000 was provided to finish rebuilding a Catholic radio station and related buildings of the Dominican Priests and Brothers in the Dominican Republic that were destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The bulk of the grants for the Church in Latin America, more than $2.9 million, financed pastoral projects, such as training leaders for culturally sensitive evangelization of the Indigenous Garifuna people of Honduras. This outreach focuses on communicating the Gospel within the Garifuna worldview, connecting with their ancestral values and emphasizing dialogue, listening, environmental stewardship and conflict resolution.
The national collection for the Church in Africa awarded 48 grants from the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa totaling $1,399,100 to bishops’ conferences in Africa to support pastoral activities of the conferences, member dioceses, and religious communities across the continent. With a grant of $21,100, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, an order of women religious, will be able to launch a far-reaching re-evangelization campaign among 12,500 Christian families and their children in the Archdiocese of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. The sisters are training 20 lay evangelists, equipping them with bicycles to reach beyond their immediate communities, and preparing them to teach others to also become evangelists. Their campaign includes many creative kinds of outreach, including a Christian band and street theater.
Through a special grant of $146,000, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal is enabling 19 home mission dioceses and Eastern Catholic eparchies to host the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as it traverses four paths across the nation on its way to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress. To accommodate the pilgrims, many parishes are hosting picnics and fiestas for hundreds of people, as well as feeding and housing the perpetual pilgrims who are making the journey to Indianapolis. These perpetual pilgrims are a small group of young adults who are traveling one of the four routes in its entirety, from May through July through countless communities across the nation. This grant helps ease the financial burden on mission dioceses and eparchies, and their parishes, so they can provide hospitality, as well as extra security, rental equipment, gasoline for diocesan vehicles, insurance riders, and other pilgrimage-related expenses.
“The value of all of these grants is far more than financial,” Bishop Wall said. “Each of them represents the love that followers of Jesus have for one another – especially those who are poor or marginalized. Lives and hearts are transformed forever as the Holy Spirit works through the ministry that these grants provide.”
July 13, 2024
USCCB President Condemns Political Violence
WASHINGTON – Following the news of the shooting at a political rally involving former President Donald Trump today, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:
“Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or injured. We also pray for our country and for an end to political violence, which is never a solution to political disagreements. We ask all people of goodwill to join us in praying for peace in our country. Mary, Mother of God and Patroness of the Americas, pray for us.”
Earlier this summer, the USCCB issued a
statement on political violence, urging all Christians and people of good will to abstain from political violence, and instead, ‘pursue what leads to peace and building up one another’ through dialogue, seeking justice.
July 10, 2024
Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa Helps the Church Thrive
WASHINGTON — Across the continent of Africa, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa is supporting Catholic ministries in countries where the people are strong in faith and devotion, but lacking in resources due to poverty, political instability, and civil conflict.
The Fund was established by the bishops of the United States in the spirit of their 2001 statement, “A Call to Solidarity with Africa,” as a way to help the growing African Church thrive and adapt to the pastoral needs and challenges it faces. Catholics across the United States can answer this call to “Stand with Africa” by participating in their diocese’s annual collection for the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
“Globalization, climate change, and poverty deeply affect the lives of African men and women every day. But amidst rapid societal change, the Catholic Church remains constant, proclaiming the timeless and hopeful message of the Gospel,” said auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith of Portland in Oregon, and chairman of the bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa. “The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa enables the Church to support those who are in dire need of pastoral care and to inspire those whose faith and hope may be flagging.”
Catholics wishing to participate in this annual collection are invited to give through their parish collection or e-offertory program on the date scheduled by their diocese. #
iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds for the Church in Africa program year-round.
The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa awarded more than $2.1 million for 75 projects that were proposed by the bishops of Africa in 2023.
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Grants are helping Kenyans and Ugandans recover spiritually from the COVID pandemic, which led to the disintegration of marriages and family violence.
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In Cameroon, cited by human rights groups for appalling prison conditions, Catholic prison chaplains learned to document abuses and advocate for reform.
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The sisters of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa received theological and practical training to apply Catholic social teaching to a broad range of threats to human life, from human trafficking to environmental degradation.
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the public sector is plagued by rampant financial corruption, diocesan and parish staff studied proper church administration and financial stewardship.
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In South Africa and Namibia, ethnic groups received hymnals in the Xhosa and Rumanyo languages and a Bible in the language of the Rukwangali people.
“The Church helps people to praise God in their own language because God came to us speaking our languages,” said Bishop Smith. “He wants to walk with everyone through whatever hardships or heartaches we suffer. That is the purpose of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. Gifts to this fund make God’s love tangible.”
July 10, 2024
Bishop Zaidan Condemns Targeting of Civilians in Gaza
WASHINGTON — Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, has expressed his solidarity with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in condemning the targeting of civilians. The Latin Patriarchate released a
statement expressing grave concern over news of raids that were launched at the Sacred Family School in Gaza, which also reportedly included civilian casualties and destruction.
As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, Bishop Zaidan said: “The Sacred Family School has been a place of refuge for hundreds of civilians, and I join the Latin Patriarchate in condemning any targeting of civilians in the Sacred Family School in Gaza. I urge in strongest terms that civilians remain outside the sphere of combat, while also praying for peace and an immediate end to hostilities.”
July 9, 2024
USCCB Welcomes the Release of the Instrumentum Laboris
WASHINGTON — Earlier today, the Holy See’s General Secretariat of the Synod issued the
Instrumentun Laboris for for the Second Session of the
2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. This document will form the basis for the discernment and discussion for the participants of the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held this October.
Following the interim stage of the 2021-2024 Synod which consisted of local listening sessions held across the world followed by discernment from local bishops’ conferences, reports were shared with the Holy See earlier this year. The reports served as the basis for the Instumentum Laboris.
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine, who has been shepherding the synodal process in the United States, welcomed the document saying, “The Instrumentum Laboris presents the delegates and the People of God with the occasion to reflect deeply upon the grace of our relationship to God, the Most Holy Trinity, and to one another as incorporated into Trinitarian life in Christ by the Spirit. These relations are practically lived out in our local communities and in the Universal Church and are at the service of the Mission. The quality of our relations, rooted in charity, their theological and practical shape at all levels, are at the heart of synodal discernment and renewal in the Church. This document’s primary purpose is to inform the ongoing discernment that will continue in Rome this October. I encourage everyone to read and discern this document within your community in conversation with the insights and fruits of earlier local, national, and continental Synodal consultations.”
The Instrumentum Laboris consists of five sections. The Introduction, followed by a section dedicated to the Foundations of the understanding of synodality. Next are three closely interwoven parts: (I) Relationships that sustain the Church; (II) Paths that support the dynamism of relationships; and (III) Places or the concrete contexts of lived relationships. Each of these sections will be the subject of prayer, exchange and discernment in one of the modules that will mark the work of the Second Session.
June 28, 2024
Archbishop Gudziak: Recognize the Inherent Dignity of Every Person
WASHINGTON — “Policies that criminalize homelessness are a direct contradiction of our call to shelter those experiencing homelessness and care for those in need,” Archbishop Borys Gudziak, responding to today’s Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson, et al. The Court ruled it constitutional to arrest or fine individuals experiencing homelessness for resting or shielding themselves from the elements in a public place even when no safe shelter is available.
“Criminalizing homeless is not the response to caring for those in need. This decision fails to affirm the inherent dignity of a person, which is properly recognized by the constitution. Having to sleep in public with a blanket is the definition of being homeless. Ticketing and arresting people for it is a counterproductive approach to the problem of homelessness. Instead of punishing the most vulnerable among us, government should help provide shelter and economic and social programs that uphold and enhance the dignity of homeless persons. Such action would offer real opportunities for a better life and to remedy the deeper causes of homelessness.”
Archbishop Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The USCCB filed an
amicus curiae brief in this case and has long advocated for
federal investments in safe, decent, and affordable housing along with homelessness services.
June 27, 2024
Emergency Medical Care for Women and Their Preborn Children Affirmed by Bishop Burbidge
WASHINGTON — “The Catholic faith and Catholic hospitals unequivocally allow for procedures that are necessary to save the life of a pregnant mother in a medical emergency, even when they tragically result in the unintended loss of her preborn child,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge explained in addressing Thursday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In dismissing Moyle v. United States without addressing the merits, the Court, for now, leaves in place a lower court ruling that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) can in certain circumstances override state laws that protect preborn lives. Bishop Burbidge continued, “EMTALA was enacted to ensure access to emergency medical care for low-income persons, especially pregnant mothers, and the law expressly protects both the mother and her preborn child. Catholic hospitals have thus faithfully and effectively cared for patients under this law for decades, and we will work and pray to ensure that they remain free to do so. EMTALA should not be newly misconstrued to override state laws protecting life nor misunderstood to mandate the performance of direct abortions – which are always wrong – as opposed to morally acceptable procedures that are necessary to preserve a mother’s life but tragically would result in a loss of her child. We will continue to advocate for policies and practices that offer the best and most accessible care, especially in the most difficult of cases, to both women and preborn children.”
Bishop Burbidge of Arlington is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities. The USCCB joined an
amicus curiae brief in this litigation which may be read
here.
June 18, 2024
Bishops Approve Guidelines for Pastoral Ministries with Youth and Young Adults
WASHINGTON — Last week at their annual June Plenary Assembly in Louisville, Ky., the bishops of the United States took up a vote on a national pastoral framework to guide ministries with youth and young adults. The document, “Listen, Teach, Send” is intended for use by pastors, ministry leaders, and families pastors.
While an overwhelming number of bishops voted in favor of approving the framework at the time of the vote during the plenary, the measure fell two votes short of meeting the threshold of two-thirds of the Conference membership to pass. Therefore, the bishops eligible to vote who were not present at the time the vote were contacted this week with the opportunity to cast their vote. As of the close of business on Monday, June 17, ten additional votes were secured for the measure to pass with 188 in favor of, 4 against, and 4 abstentions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, chaired by Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, developed the framework in response to “Christus vivit,” issued by Pope Francis in 2019 following the Synod on Young People. The framework is the fruit of an extensive listening and dialogue process with youth, young adults, and ministry leaders, with care taken to address the realities impacting youth and young adults across the United States.
Bishop Barron cited the Emmaus story (Lk 24: 13-35) as the inspiration and guide to the development of the framework. “Jesus gave us a wonderful example of how to accompany youth and young adults on their paths of life through the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This well-known and often cited biblical story has been emphasized by Pope Francis as a model for what happens in ministry work, and we also used it as our guide.
“Like the Lord on the road to Emmaus, we first listen to the stories, joys, and concerns of those we encounter along the way. We respond with dynamic, kerygmatic, and heartfelt teaching that shares the light of Christ and seeks to bring about a conversion of heart. And finally, we set the conditions in our ministries and families to send the young forth to follow God’s call for their lives, so that they might transform the world with love. This triptych of ‘listen, teach, and send’ serves as a solid foundation in our homes and churches from which we can build and engage young people.”
The primary audiences for the national framework are pastors, ministry leaders, and families. Two key goals are a revitalization of ministries with youth (teenagers) and young adults (those ages 18 to 30s) in Catholic faith communities and a renewal of intergenerational accompaniment in families.
In addition to the framework, the bishops also affirmed an introductory letter addressed directly to youth and young adults, assuring them of the love of God and the Church and encouraging them to engage more deeply with the Catholic faith.
The promulgation of “Listen, Teach, Send” comes on the fifth anniversary of Christus vivit, yet it is not the first time the U.S. bishops have spoken collectively on ministries with young people. Past documents addressing ministry with adolescents and/or youth have included: “A Vision for Youth Ministry” (1976); “Empowered by the Spirit” (1985) on college campus ministry; “Sons and Daughters of the Light” (1996) on ministry with young adults; and “Renewing the Vision” (1997). The USCCB also shared particular insights on pastoral juvenil hispana (Hispanic/Latino youth and young adult ministries) in “Missionary Disciples Going Forth with Joy: National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry” (2023).
The full text of Listen, Teach, Send, as well as many accompanying pastoral resources, will be posted to the USCCB website: https://www.usccb.org/topics/youth-and-young-adult-ministries. Resources will include bulletin inserts, prayer materials, webinars and workshops, background information on youth, young adults, and ministries with young people, and implementation guides for church and family settings.
June 18, 2024
Supreme Court Ruling Does Not Change Facts about Abortion Pills, says Bishop Burbidge
WASHINGTON — “The Court’s ruling late last week on procedural grounds does not change the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] repeatedly and unlawfully cut corners to put chemical abortion pills on the market and then to reduce the safety protocols around them – putting the health of women and girls at risk,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine.
In its decision on Thursday, the Court determined that the pro-life health care professionals who brought the lawsuit did not have the legally required standing to challenge the FDA’s actions that have now made the abortion drug, mifepristone (previously known as RU-486), widely available.
Bishop Burbidge continued, “From my heart, I thank all of the faithful who joined Archbishop Broglio and myself in prayer regarding this important case. We will continue to pray, to advocate for the health and safety of women and the preborn, and to lovingly serve mothers in need so that they may feel prepared to welcome their children.”
The USCCB had joined an
amicus curiae brief in the case in February. On the eve of oral arguments in March, Bishop Burbidge and Archbishop Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and president of the USCCB, offered a nationwide
invitation to prayer for the case and for the lives of women and their children. For more information on chemical abortion (sometimes called “medical abortion” or “medication abortion” by its proponents), the USCCB has multiple
fact sheets available online.
June 17, 2024
Annual Survey Provides Insight into State of Permanent Diaconate in the Church
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations has released its annual survey, A Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate in 2023: A Study for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Since 2005, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University has conducted this survey which provides important statistics and forecasting trends on the state of the permanent diaconate in the Church in the United States.
Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations expressed his gratitude for the service of permanent deacons in the Church: “An important part of the life of deacons has been their service of the poor or vulnerable by bringing them the love of Christ and guidance. The faithful and tireless witness of deacons is greatly appreciated, and it challenges each of us to strive to serve our neighbor better. I invite the faithful to pray and support deacons in their efforts to spread the Word of God and serve those who are many times the least, the last and the lost.”
The survey utilized contact information from the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD) and was sent to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate in the Latin and Eastern Rite (arch)dioceses and eparchies. In total, CARA received responses from 128 of the 185 (arch)dioceses/eparchies whose bishops are members of the USCCB and have an active Office of Deacons, for a 69% response rate.
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The estimated number of permanent deacons in active ministry was 13,718 in 2023, roughly 69% of all permanent deacons in the Latin Church.
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The Archdiocese of Chicago had the greatest number of permanent deacons (827) followed by Galveston-Houston (346), New York (357), and Joliet in Illinois (307).
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There were 587 men ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2023. Since 2014, the estimated number of ordinations averaged 613.
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Most active deacons are between 60-69 years old (42%) followed by deacons 70 and older (36%).
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Most permanent deacons are Caucasian/white (73%) followed by Hispanic/Latino (20%), Asian/Pacific Islander (3%), African American/black (3%), and Native American/other (1%).
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Active permanent deacons most commonly serve in a parish ministerial position, such as a DRE or youth minister (23%), followed by a parish non-ministerial position, such as administration or business (20%), diocesan non-ministerial positions (12%). Additionally, 9% were entrusted with the pastoral care of one or more parishes, 8% serve in prison ministry and hospital ministry.
The full survey conducted by CARA may be accessed
here.
June 14, 2024
Recap of U.S. Bishops’ Spring Plenary in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered this week for their Spring Plenary Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. Throughout the gathering, the bishops spent time in prayer and fraternal dialogue with one another.
The public portion of the assembly began with the bishops sending prayers and a
message to the Holy Father, followed by an address by
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the USCCB, also addressed the bishops.
The bishops received updates on the following topics: the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality; the bishops’ national mental health campaign; the National Eucharistic Revival and the National Eucharistic Congress; the Religious Worker Visa Program, and the National Review Board.
During their meeting, the bishops held a consultation on
advancing the cause for beatification and canonization for Adele Brise, a lay woman who taught and catechized to children in Wisconsin and founded the Sisters of Good Help, a community of lay women. By a voice vote, the bishops affirmed the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization on the diocesan level.
The bishops discussed and voted on three action items related to liturgical texts pertaining to the Liturgy of the Hours, presented by the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship:
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The bishops voted 177 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 1 abstention to approve the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) Supplementary Texts to the Liturgy of the Hours. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent confirmatio from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
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The bishops voted 180 in favor, 2 votes against, and 0 abstentions to approve the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) Additional Texts for the Liturgy of the Hours. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent confirmatio and recognitio by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
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The bishops voted 178 in favor, 4 votes against, and 0 abstentions to approve the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) Gray Book of the 2021 Roman Missal-Liturgy of the Hours Supplement. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent confirmatio by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
They also reviewed, discussed, and voted on two sets of guidelines to assist with specific ministries:
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“Listen, Teach, Send: A National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults,” presented by the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth is a guiding document for use by pastors, ministry leaders, and families in an effort to revitalize ministries with youth and young adults. While an overwhelming number of bishops voted in favor of approving the framework, it was two votes short of meeting the threshold of two-thirds of the Conference membership to pass. The bishops eligible to vote who were not present at the time the vote was taken will be contacted and given the opportunity to cast their vote next week.
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The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis provided an update on the Task Force for a National Directory for Instituted Ministries. They put forth two votes before the body that required a simple majority vote of bishops present:
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A friendly amendment to allow the presentation of an interim document on the catechist: the bishops voted 136 in favor, 22 against, and 14 abstentions to pass.
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Writing of a National Directory on Instituted Ministry: the bishops voted 156 in favor, 8 against, and 11 abstentions to pass.
Prior to the public sessions, the bishops spent time reflecting on positioning the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) for the future. For a half-century, grants made possible through the annual CCHD collection have gone to help community organizations working to empower people striving to overcome poverty. While the bishops met behind closed doors in an executive session, Archbishop Broglio provided an update at a press event without breaking the confidentiality of the bishops’ discussion saying simply: “The bishops had a good discussion, including time to share in small groups. The CCHD subcommittee will take this feedback and discern the best way to incorporate it into the future work of the CCHD. In all these discussions, the bishops’ ongoing commitment to the vital work of fighting poverty was clear.”
News updates, texts of addresses and presentations, and other materials from the 2024 spring plenary are posted to:
www.usccb.org/meetings.
June 14, 2024
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of a Cause of Beatification and Canonization for Lay Woman
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At their annual June Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the United States held a canonical consultation on a possible cause of beatification and canonization for Adele Brise. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield in Illinois, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, facilitated the discussion by the bishops. By a voice vote, the bishops expressed support for the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization on the diocesan level.
The following brief biography of Adele Brise was drawn from information provided by the Diocese of Green Bay:
Adele Brise was born on January 30, 1831, in Dion-le-Val, Belgium, to Lambert and Catherine Brise. Despite losing sight in one eye from a childhood accident, she was known for her cheerful demeanor. Adele pledged to the Blessed Virgin Mary to become a religious sister after her first Holy Communion, a goal that continued even after her family immigrated to the United States in 1855. Settling in Wisconsin, Adele remained committed to her religious calling.
In 1859, Adele experienced several apparitions of a woman dressed in white whom she later identified as Mary, the Queen of Heaven. She instructed Adele to become a teacher of religion. Adele began a door-to-door ministry, eventually founding a community of laywomen known as the Sisters of Good Help. They chose to live following the Franciscan way of life, without taking formal vows and focusing on religious education. The community faced many challenges, including the Peshtigo fire of 1871, which threatened their chapel and school. Historically considered one of the deadliest forest fires, these buildings were spared and considered by many to be a miraculous and divine response to prayers.
Adele continued her mission tirelessly, teaching and catechizing children, and creating a lasting impact on her community until her death on July 5, 1896. Her legacy of devout service is summarized by the inscription on her headstone: “Sacred Cross, Under thy Shadow I Rest and Hope.”
The Marian apparitions experienced by Adele in 1859 were given formal and official approval by Bishop Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay in December 2010, and the site of the apparitions was designated as a national shrine by the U.S. bishops in 2015, today known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
May 28, 2024
U.S. Bishops Release National Synthesis for the Interim Stage of 2021-2024 Synod
Following the conclusion of the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod in October 2023, the Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops invited episcopal conferences to engage in a listening process in response to the synthesis report
A Synodal Church in Mission.
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine, has been leading the synod process for the Conference and shepherded the preparation of the synthesis. “Participation in this Interim Stage has been an opportunity to deepen our ongoing formation in synodality and in the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council,” he said. “It is with deep gratitude that I share this synthesis which now becomes part of our ongoing record of theological and pastoral reflection together.”
The USCCB invited dioceses and eparchies to hold two to three listening sessions during Lent and submit a three-to-five-page document to the U.S. Synod Team. Additionally, the U.S. Synod Team created three working groups on participation in Church life, social justice, and vocations, bringing bishops, USCCB staff, diocesan synod leaders, theologians, experts, and pastoral ministers. The resulting diocesan and working group reports served as the source material for this synthesis, submitted to the Holy See earlier this month.
The National Synthesis for the Interim Stage will, along with the contributions of episcopal conferences worldwide, form the basis of the work to be engaged by the Catholic Church until the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod in October 2024.
Bishop Flores expressed, “This document reflects the sense that there exists among Catholics in the United States a deep desire to rebuild and strengthen our communion as the Body of Christ. Rebuilding trust where it is frayed involves practicing the humanly graceful art of listening to each other and speaking together. The more we do this, the more we realize that it is the Lord who never fails us.”
The
National Synthesis for the Interim Stage is available in
English and
Spanish. More information about the 2021-2024 Synod is available at usccb.org/synod.
March 8, 2024
Bishop Burbidge speaks out on IVF issues
WASHINGTON — Each person’s life is a unique gift and has immeasurable value from the moment of conception, said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, and it is for that precise reason that the Catholic Church cannot condone procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) that result in a loss of life at a massive scale. In response to the growing attention to assisted reproductive technologies, Bishop Burbidge, as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, spoke about the gift of life.
Recognizing the desire to have children is good and given the challenges many couples face, Bishop Burbidge called for greater focus on ethical treatments addressing the root causes of infertility. Additionally, other approaches that may be sought by some couples seeking to expand their families, such as foster care and adoption, should be offered more support. The chairman’s full statement follows:
“The national conversation in the news about laws related to in vitro fertilization and other technologies creates an opportunity and a necessity to speak about protecting the gift of life itself. Each of our lives has immeasurable value from the moment of conception. In this way, we know that the deeply-rooted desire to bring about new life by having children is good. As priests and bishops, we grieve with and accompany in hope and love the increasing number of families suffering with an experience of infertility. We also encourage restorative, often-overlooked, treatments that can help to address the root causes of infertility.
“It is precisely because each person’s life is a unique gift that we cannot condone procedures that violate the right to life or the integrity of the family. Certain practices like IVF do both, and they are often not effective even for their own purposes.
“Children have a right to be born to their married mother and father, through a personal act of self-giving love. IVF, however well-intended, breaches this bond and these rights and, instead, treats human beings like products or property. This is all the more true in situations involving anonymous donors or surrogacy. This of course does not mean that our brothers and sisters who were conceived by IVF are somehow ‘less than’ anyone else. Every person has immeasurable value regardless of how he or she was conceived – and that applies, absolutely, to all children created through IVF, the majority of whom have not been and may never be born.
“The fact is that, in the IVF industry, many embryos are never transferred to a mother’s womb, but are destroyed or indefinitely frozen, and, of those who are transferred, only a fraction survive to be eventually born. All told, there are millions of human beings who have been killed or potentially permanently frozen by this industry. This cannot be the answer to the very real cross of fertility challenges. In efforts to bring about new life, we cannot turn our face from the many more lives that are cut short and extinguished in the process.”
Bishop Burbidge was joined by three other bishop chairmen in a letter to the U.S. Senate on February 28, opposing the Access to Family Building Act and similar legislation that would greatly widen the use of various problematic assisted reproductive technologies nationwide. For more on infertility, including ethical restorative reproductive medicine and research, see https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/infertility.