(USCCB News Archives can be accessed at www.usccb.org/news/)
November 14, 2024
Recap of U.S. Bishops’ Fall Plenary in Baltimore
BALTIMORE — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-14. The bishops began their plenary in
prayer at the Baltimore Basilica and as the public session of the assembly began, they sent 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.
Attending the plenary as a special guest was Bishop Stepan Sus, auxiliary and curial bishop to the head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Metropolitan of Kyiv-Halych, who shared his testimony of the Church in Ukraine in the midst of war. Bishop Roy E. Campbell, auxiliary bishop of Washington and president of The National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) gave a brief presentation to the body on the history, mission and programs of the NBCC. And as the universal Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the
Jubilee Year 2025, Sister Maria Juan Anderson, a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, who currently serves as the coordinator for the Bishops’ Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican, shared information about her office and the services they provide to pilgrims visiting Rome. Mr. Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, provided an update on the Order’s
Cor initiative.
The bishops received a report on the 2021-2024
Synod of Bishops that concluded in Rome last month; a report on the Eucharistic revival initiative and the National Eucharistic Congress held this summer; and an update on the interim implementation of
Antiquum Ministerium (on the ministry of the catechist). An update was also given on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) as a follow up to the discussion the bishops had at their June plenary on the best way that the CCHD could continue the vital work of fighting poverty. The bishops’ migration committee chairman gave an update on the work of the committee, which aims to help reshape the national narrative on migration to be more welcoming and responsive to the needs of migrants and to help the faithful better understand Catholic teaching on migration. A presentation was also given on the resources available for diocesan and parish leaders in applying the Vatican’s declaration,
Dignitas Infinita (on human dignity) to the specific cultural context of the United States; this effort is an ongoing collaboration among several committees of the USCCB.
Exemplifying synodality, the bishops engaged in a table discussion during the public session on the pastoral implementation of integral ecology and Laudato si’. Specifically, they were provided with prompts to discuss how best to mark the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’. The table discussions were enhanced by the adjustment to bishops’ seating made during the November 2022 plenary to more naturally accommodate fraternal dialogue. While a summary of the discussions was not provided publicly during the plenary, the reports from each bishop group will be used to guide the work of Conference committees.
The bishops also approved the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth to move forward with the drafting of a document to guide lay ecclesial ministry, which is meant to be a follow-up to the bishops’
2005 document,
Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord; the action item was passed with 223 votes in favor, 9 votes against, and 6 abstentions. The bishops also voted to pass the USCCB’s 2025 budget (226 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 4 abstentions), and on the USCCB’s 2025-2028 Mission Directive, which will guide the work of the Conference staff over the next three years (225 votes in favor, 7 votes against, and 2 abstentions).
During their meeting, the
bishops voted for a new treasurer and new chairmen of five standing committees. All six elected bishops will serve for one year as the chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term that begins at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2025 Plenary Assembly. They also held a consultation on advancing the causes for 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, and by voice vote, they affirmed the advancement of both causes at the local levels.
The bishops discussed and voted on three action items related to liturgical texts, presented by the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship:
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The bishops voted 216 votes in favor, 4 votes against, and 3 abstentions to approve the revised New American Bible for liturgical use. 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 220 in favor, 2 votes against, and 1 abstention to approve the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) Gray Book of The Order of Crowning of an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 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.
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The bishops voted 213 in favor, 1 vote against, and 9 abstentions to approve the Liturgia de las Horas: Textos propios y adaptaciones para las diócesis de los Estados Unidos de América. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent recognitio by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
November 12, 2024
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Dr. Gertrude Barber
BALTIMORE — At their November Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the United States held a canonical consultation on the cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Dr. Gertrude A. Barber.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Bishop Edward M. Lohse of Kalamazoo and a member of the same committee, facilitated the presentation of the cause to the bishops. With 205 votes in favor, 6 votes against, and 19 abstentions, the bishops affirmed their support for the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization at the local level.
A brief biography of Dr. Gertrude Barber was provided by the Diocese of Erie:
Dr. Gertrude Agnes Barber was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on September 16, 1911. After the death of her father during the 1918 flu pandemic, her eldest brother left school to support the family, ensuring his siblings could continue their education – a sacrifice that had profound impact on Gertrude’s lifelong advocacy of education.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and began her career as a teacher in the Erie School District in 1931. While teaching, she continued her education, earning a master’s and doctoral degree in education, becoming a school psychologist and administrator. Her work with children with special needs profoundly impacted her and in 1952 she opened her first class for children with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Barber’s mission expanded throughout her career, opening the first home for children with disabilities in 1958. In 1971, she left the Erie School District to lead an organization serving individuals of all ages, providing care for children from 24 area school districts, adult training and job placement services, group homes and recreational programs, a retirement center for adults in their senior years, and mental health support services.
Dr. Barber passed away on April 29, 2000, but her legacy continues through the Barber National Institute, which provides services to thousands of children and adults with autism, intellectual, and physical disabilities and behavioral health challenges and their families across Pennsylvania.
The cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Dr. Gertrude A. Barber was formally opened by Bishop Lawrence T. Persico of Erie in December 2019.
November 12, 2024
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB
BALTIMORE — At their November Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the United States held a canonical consultation on the cause of beatification and canonization of Sister Annella Zervas, a professed religious of the Order of Saint Benedict.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, facilitated the presentation of the cause to the bishops. With 206 votes in favor, 7 votes against, and 11 abstentions, the bishops affirmed their support for the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization at the local level.
A brief biography of Sister Annella Zervas was provided by the Diocese of Crookston:
Anna Cordelia Zervas was born on April 7, 1900, in Moorhead, Minnesota. From a young age, she exhibited a deep devotion to the Eucharist and prayer and attended Mass daily. At age fifteen, she entered the convent of the Benedictine Sisters in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She received the Benedictine habit in 1918, receiving the name Sister Mary Annella, made her simple profession in July 1919, and her solemn profession in July 1922. Sister Annella was known for her devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, as well as for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, musical talent and artistic abilities.
About a year after her solemn profession, Sister Annella began suffering from a severe, undiagnosable illness. The illness was marked with extreme physical suffering that eventually prevented her from living in the monastery and forced her to return to her family for care. Despite the pain, Sister Annella maintained unwavering faith and joy, and she focused on the spiritual welfare of others, inspiring others with her kindness and calm. Holy Communion was her greatest consolation in her suffering, and she trusted that God had a special reason for her suffering, and that He would bring it to an end when He wished, remarking, “I am buying my ticket for eternity, and it is well worth the price.”
Sister Annella passed away on August 14, 1926, at the age of 26. She is remembered as an “apostle of suffering for our day,” with her life serving as a testament to radical trust in God and full obedience to His holy will. Central to Sister Annella’s legacy is her belief that the Eucharist is life’s greatest consolation, teaching the importance of recognizing God’s true presence in this sacrament. Her life serves as an example of profound trust and obedience, offering a model of holiness for Catholics around the world.
November 12, 2024
USCCB Elects Treasurer and Committee Chairmen at Fall Plenary Assembly
BALTIMORE — At their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voted for a Conference treasurer and chairmen for five standing committees. The Conference treasurer also serves as the chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance. All six bishops will serve for one year as chairmen-elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2025 Fall General Assembly.
The bishops elected as chairmen-elect are:
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, as treasurer-elect, and chairman-elect of the Committee on Budget and Finance in a 156-84 vote over Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford.
Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations in a 146-94 over Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, auxiliary bishop of Hartford.
Bishop Michael G. Woost, auxiliary bishop of Cleveland, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Divine Worship in a 128-112 over Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland in Oregon.
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development in a 158-81 over Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson.
Bishop Edward J. Burns of Dallas as chairman-elect of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth in a 147-91 over Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln.
Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria as chairman-elect of the Committee on Migration in a 155-85 over Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Yakima.
November 6, 2024
U.S. Bishops’ President Calls for Prayers and Unity Following Presidential Election
WASHINGTON — Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement following the results of yesterday’s presidential election.
Archbishop Broglio’s statement follows:
“In the United States, we are fortunate to live in a democracy and yesterday Americans went to the polls to choose who should lead our country as the next President of the United States. I congratulate President-elect Trump, as well as the national, state and local officials who campaigned to represent the people. Now, we move from campaigning to governing. We rejoice in our ability to transition peacefully from one government to the next.
“The Catholic Church is not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops’ conference. No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church’s teachings remain unchanged, and we bishops look forward to working with the people’s elected representatives to advance the common good of all. As Christians, and as Americans, we have the duty to treat each other with charity, respect, and civility, even if we may disagree on how to carry out matters of public policy. As a Nation blessed with many gifts we must also be concerned for those outside our borders and eager to offer assistance to all.
“Let us pray for President-elect Trump, as well as all leaders in public life, that they may rise to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them as they serve our country and those whom they represent. Let us ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the patroness of our nation, that she guide to uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants.”
November 4, 2024
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Archbishop of Archdiocese of Milwaukee
WASHINGTON – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and has appointed Bishop Jeffrey S. Grob, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, as his successor.
The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 2024, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is comprised of 4,758 square miles in the State of Wisconsin and has a total population of 2,363,605 of which 529,771, are Catholic.
October 29, 2024
Pray with Gratitude for Those Who Respond to Their Vocation, says Bishop Boyea
WASHINGTON — “Joy and enthusiasm were palpable as thousands of seminarians, religious, deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals processed witnessing to the world that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, affirming their own vocations. There were people in tears who embraced each other as they experienced this historic moment in the life of our church in the United States,” said Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing. “We hope and pray the Eucharistic Revival and also this summer’s National Eucharistic Congress yield a generous harvest of vocations,” he added, reflecting on the Eucharistic procession held during the congress this July that saw over fifty-five thousand people gather in Indianapolis. The Catholic Church in the United States will commemorate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9. Each year, dioceses, parishes, and schools take the opportunity to raise awareness for vocations, particularly those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life.
“We pray with gratitude for those who seek and respond in their daily lives to their vocation, whether that be as husbands, wives, parents, priests and other ordained ministers, and consecrated persons,” said Bishop Boyea, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “And during National Vocation Awareness Week, we celebrate in a special way, the men and women who offer their lives to God through a life of service to the Church, ‘sowing seeds of hope and revealing to all the beauty of God’s kingdom’” as the Pope Francis says in his
message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Beginning in 1976, the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the liturgical year as an opportunity for the Catholic Church in the United States to renew its prayerful support for those discerning an ecclesial vocation. In 2014, the commemoration of National Vocation Awareness Week in the United States was moved the week to the first week of November to better engage Catholic educational institutions in the efforts to raise awareness for vocations.
Resources on Vocation Awareness Week are available on the USCCB’s
website, and also available
in Spanish.
October 25, 2024
Anti-Poverty Program Creates Path to Good Jobs, Stronger Communities
WASHINGTON — As the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of the Poor on November 17, dioceses across the United States will take up the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) annual collection for their anti-poverty program, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). #
iGiveCatholicTogether also accepts funds for CCHD.
Founded in 1970, CCHD focuses on promoting the active participation of people experiencing poverty in the United States working together to create job opportunities, improve conditions in their neighborhoods, and address the root causes of poverty in their communities.
“When you give to CCHD, you uphold the dignity of the poor by creating a path to good jobs and better, stronger communities,” said Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. “CCHD opens the door to the active participation of those experiencing poverty to convene, identify barriers, research issues, brainstorm solutions, and take action to change problematic structures and systems in their communities and is an essential part of the social mission of the Church in the United States.”
Last year, CCHD distributed more than $12.7 million to non-partisan grassroots organizations that help poor or marginalized people across the country work together to rise above the obstacles to living wages, affordable housing, and safe neighborhoods. Additionally, 25% of all contributions to diocesan CCHD collections stay in the diocese where they were given, funding local anti-poverty projects.
Grant applications are reviewed and approved by both the local bishop and the U.S. bishops’ subcommittee on CCHD.
“Organizations that receive funding from CCHD reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, and bring together Catholics, ecumenical and interfaith leaders, and non-religious members dedicated to making positive change. While they are religiously diverse, these funded organizations commit to advancing and uplifting Catholic moral and social teaching,” Bishop Senior said. “Once a grant is awarded, CCHD staff maintain close relationships with organizations throughout the length of the grant.”
October 25, 2024
Bishop Chairmen: Religious Freedom is a Basic Human Right
WASHINGTON — “The Catholic Church teaches that religious freedom is a
basic human right, which has even been called the ‘
synthesis and summit of all other fundamental rights,’” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades. The bishop chairmen cited the Vatican’s International Theological Commission as they underscored the importance of religious freedom in commemoration of International Religious Freedom Day (Oct. 27). In
its most recent report, Aid to the Church in Need found religious freedom violations in 61 countries where 4.9 billion people live. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Religious Liberty
released a report earlier this year on the state of religious freedom in the United States.
“Religious freedom allows all persons to seek the truth about God and to respond to the truth when it is grasped. Sadly, throughout the world, people of faith do not enjoy this privilege. As Christians, we seek to build up the common good by
fostering peace, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of others, but
blasphemy and apostasy laws in many countries essentially criminalize what should be a person’s ability to choose one’s own religion. Other countries stifle religious freedom by forcing faith communities to support the state.
“Pope Francis has repeatedly
emphasized the importance of religious freedom as a basic, primary and inalienable right that must be promoted everywhere. Here in the United States, the USCCB has not only echoed our Holy Father’s call, but made advocacy of religious freedom a high priority in public policy deliberations, most recently
supporting the reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Let us uphold freedom of religion and
pray that globally, the dignity of the humans person will be recognized, tolerated, and respected.”
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was created in 1998 and monitors and reports on the worst violations of religious freedom globally in countries such as China, India, Iran, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Russia, and Syria.
Bishop Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and
Bishop Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Religious Liberty.
October 24, 2024
Pope Francis’ Encyclical Invites Faithful to Open Hearts to Love of Christ
WASHINGTON — Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can open our hearts to the discovery of “the immense love of the heart of Christ,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), quoting Pope Francis’
encyclical letter released today.
Archbishop Broglio’s reflection on Dilexit Nos follows:
“The ills of modern society can read like a litany of uncurable diseases: consumerism, secularism, partisanism. Today, Pope Francis offers a simple and powerful cure: the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In his latest encyclical Dilexit Nos, the Holy Father teaches us that devotion to the heart of Jesus can open our own hearts to renewed ways we can love and be loved. We need this timely counsel.
“Within this devotion, we encounter the living heart of Jesus and the power to bring us together as children of God. Pope Francis writes, ‘love, in the end, is the one reality that can unify.’ This is why he says, ‘all of us need to rediscover the importance of the heart.’ Our Holy Father’s message affirms a message of our own National Eucharistic Revival that in the Eucharist we discover ‘the immense love of the heart of Christ.’
“I invite you to spend time in prayer with this moving letter from the Holy Father. As he writes, ‘Jesus is now waiting for you to give him the chance to bring light to your life.’ Then, share that light in service to others. ‘Speak of Christ, by witness or by word, in such a way that others seek to love him,’ Pope Francis encourages us.”
Read Catholic News Service’s story on
Dilexit Nos here.
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 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.”
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.