Interactive Advent Web Site Offers Prayer, Reflection, Activity Suggestions
WASHINGTON—An interactive Web site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) provides resources for prayer, reflection and action throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons (www.usccb.org/advent).
The focal points of the site are the interactive calendars for the Advent season, which began with the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, and the Christmas season, which ends on January 12, with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord.
U.S. Bishops Offer Support to Mormons Targeted for Defending Marriage,
Backing California’s Proposition Eight
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops offered “prayerful support and steadfast solidarity” to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in the face of attacks on the church and its members for working to pass California’s Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage.
The support was offered in a November 21 letter from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, chairman of the bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, to Thomas S. Monson, president of the Mormon Church. The letter follows.
Pope Accepts Resignation of Bishop William Weigand of Sacramento;
Co-Adjutor Bishop Jaime Soto Succeeds Him
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop William K. Weigand, 71, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Sacramento, California. Bishop Jaime Soto, 52, who has been co-adjutor bishop of Sacramento since October 11, 2007, succeeds him. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, made the announcement in Washington.
A co-adjutor bishop enjoys the right of succession upon the death or retirement of the incumbent bishop.
Orthodox Jewish-Catholic Consultation Looks at Faith in Public Life in Election Season
WASHINGTON—Ethical issues that arose in the recent presidential election drew the attention of the Orthodox Jewish-Catholic Consultation, October 27, in New York City. The priests and rabbis at the consultation noted that Jews and Christians share a sacred responsibility to protect and care for one’s neighbor. The consultation includes representatives of the Orthodox Union (OU), the Rabbinical Council of America and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Co-chaired by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Rabbi Fabian Schoenfeld of Young Israel Synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills, New York, the meeting addressed the challenges facing people of faith in a religiously pluralistic and democratic society. Presentations representing the Catholic and Orthodox Jewish perspectives highlighted the role of faith traditions in forming consciences that allow people to exercise responsible citizenship.
Polish Bishops Meet with USCCB’s Cultural Diversity Secretariat
WASHINGTON—A delegation of the Polish Conference of Bishops met recently in Washington with representatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Cultural Diversity.
Participating in the dialogue were Cardinal Adam Maida, the bishops’ liaison for the Polish Apostolate; Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki, national coordinator of the Polish Apostolate; Msgr. Peter Zendzian, consultant to the Polish Conference of Bishops; Jesuit Father Allan Deck, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, and representatives of USCCB offices involved in work with migrant communities.
Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue Explores
Transfer of Clergy, Doctrinal Statement
WASHINGTON—The Polish National Catholic (PNCC)-Roman Catholic Dialogue explored the transfer of clergy and a doctrinal statement at their fall meeting, that took place in Baltimore, November 6-7. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo and Bishop Anthony Mikovsky of the PNCC Central Diocese in Scranton, Pennsylvania, presided.
The meeting began with a progress report from the Roman Catholic members on a proposal to ask the Holy See if the PNCC could be considered to be in the same position as the Orthodox on two matters.
National Migration Week to be Celebrated January 4-10
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Migration Week on January 4-10, 2009.
This year’s theme, Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice, “reminds us of our obligation to bring hope to the hopeless and to seek justice for those who are easily exploited,” said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, in a letter sent every parish and Catholic school across the country.
Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Immigration Reform
among Catholics
WASHINGTON—A recent Zogby poll of Catholics nationwide showed overwhelming support for reform of our nation’s immigration laws, with Catholics supporting a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million undocumented persons in the country.
The poll conducted October 17-20, included a sample of 1,000 people who self-identified as Roman Catholics and was commissioned by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (MRS/USCCB). It had a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
Catholic Bishops Support CCHD Collection as a Response to
Current Economic Crisis
WASHINGTON—The 2008 collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will take place on November 22-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving, in most dioceses of the United States. In his announcement of the annual appeal and collection, Bishop Roger Morin, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and chairman of the Bishops' Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, urged Catholics to participate.
Bishops Elect Archbishop Broglio, Bishop Flores, Bishop Holley to Three-Year Terms on Catholic Relief Services Board
BALTIMORE—Three bishops have been elected to the Board of Directors of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Military Services, USA, Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Detroit and Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley of Washington were elected by the full body of the USCCB at their general meeting, November 10–13, in Baltimore.
Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue Studies Meaning of Christ’s Atonement, Redemption
WASHINGTON—The Evangelical–Catholic Dialogue issued a statement on the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus at the conclusion of its October 17-19 round of discussions. The dialogue has included as many as seven Catholic scholars and 15 theologians from Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions and has met annually since 2002, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Pope Names Msgr. Barry Knestout Auxiliary Bishop of Washington
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Barry C. Knestout, 46, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington. Bishop-elect Knestout has been Moderator of the Curia and Vicar for Administration for the Archdiocese of Washington since 2007.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development Names Winner in Eighth Annual Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest
WASHINGTON—Stacy Plummer, a recent graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, New York, is the winner of the grand prize in the 2008 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Multi-Media Youth Arts contest. CCHD is the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Ms. Plummer submitted a drawing entitled, “Game Over.” It shows a boy playing a video game in which he has completed Level One, which involved feeding the poor.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development Ends All Funding to ACORN
BALTIMORE—Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has ended all funding to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), Bishop Roger Morin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Catholic Campaign for Human Development, announced in a November 11 report at the USCCB Fall General Assembly.
Cardinal George Voices Hope for Obama Administration,
Points to Possible Obstacles to Our Desired Unity
BALTIMORE—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), voiced hope for the Obama Administration but pointed to possible obstacles to our desired unity, in a Nov. 12 statement at the end of the annual fall assembly of the USCCB.
“The bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States welcome this moment of historic transition and look forward to working with President-elect Obama and the members of the new Congress for the common good of all,” he said.
Bishops Approve Icel Gray Book Translation of
the Proper of Seasons and Revised Grail Psalter
BALTIMORE—The U.S. bishops approved the ICEL Gray Book Translation of the Proper of Seasons November 11, at their General Assembly in Baltimore, in a 189-30 vote. The bishops also approved the Revised Grail Psalter by the Monks of Conception Abbey for liturgical use in the United States in a 203-5 vote.
Bishops Vote on USCCB Secretary-Elect, Chairs of Five Committees
BALTIMORE
—The U.S. bishops voted on the secretary-elect of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and chairs-elect of five committees November 11, at their General Assembly in Baltimore.
Bishops Approve Blessing for Child in the Womb
BALTIMORE
—The U.S. bishops approved the Order for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb for use in the dioceses of the United States with a 223-1 vote November 11, at their General Assembly in Baltimore. The bishops also approved a Spanish version of the blessing with a 224-0 vote.
Chicago Young Adult Receives National Award For Empowerment Of Immigrants
WASHINGTON—Stephanie Garza, 25, was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award for her remarkable work with immigrant parents through the Southwest Organizing Project in Chicago. Bishop Roger P. Morin, Chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, praised the choice.
TO: Members of the News Media
The following changes have been made to the agenda of the annual Fall Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
USCCB Announces Winner of Faithful Citizenship Ipod Drawing
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced today that the winner of the Faithful Citizenship iPod drawing is Kathleen Robinson from St. Petersburg, Fla. The winner was randomly selected from 2,625 persons who entered in the contest between September 17 and November 4.
Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Studies Eucharist
as Part of its 'Hope of Eternal Life’ Theme
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue added a study of the Eucharist to its discussions on the theme “Hope of Eternal Life.” The dialogue took place at St. Paul’s College, Washington, and was the sixth meeting of Round XI in the historic relationship that began 43 years ago at the end of the Second Vatican Council.
Catholics, Orthodox Examine ‘Ravenna Document’
Related to Authority, Sacramental Nature of the Church
WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation examined the international dialogue’s “Ravenna Document” and continued its study of primacies and synodality in the Church at its 75th meeting, October 23-25, at the Manoir d’Youville in Chateauguay, Quebec. The meeting was chaired jointly by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh.
ADVISORY
TO: Members of the News Media
FROM: USCCB Department of Communications
The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be November 10 through 13, at:
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel
700 Aliceanna St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 385-3000
Bishops Congratulate Barack Obama on Historic Election;
Urge Him to Defend the Weak, Heal Divisions
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops congratulated President-elect Barack Obama, the first African-American elected President of the United States, and called the event “historic” and coming at a difficult time.
“Our country is confronting many uncertainties,” the bishops said. “We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person.”
Midwest Muslim-Catholic Dialogue Explores Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON—The Midwest Muslim-Catholic Dialogue met in Northwest Indiana, October 26-28, at Calumet College of St. Joseph, the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana and the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center. Participants discussed “In the Public Square: Muslims and Catholics on Religious Freedom.”
Catholic Campaign for Human Development 2008 Collection
Slated for November 23
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Campaign for Human Development 2008 Collection will occur November 22-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving, in most dioceses of the United States. As he announced the annual appeal and collection, Bishop Roger Morin, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and chairman of the Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, urged Catholics to participate.
Background - U.S. Catholic Population by State
WASHINGTON—In response to media inquiries, here is a list of states with their population and percentage who are Catholics according to the 2008 Official Catholic Directory.
Bishops to Vote on USCCB Priority Initiatives Through 2011
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote on goals and objectives for the work of their five task forces on the priority initiatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops through 2011. The vote will take place during their Nov. 10-13 annual fall assembly in Baltimore.
Bishops Bring Concerns about Same-Sex Unions to YouTube
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops have taken their concerns about same-sex unions to YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site.
The English-language video features Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, chair of the bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, speaks on the Spanish-language video.
Bishops to Vote on USCCB Secretary-Elect, Chairs-Elect of Five Committees
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote on the secretary-elect of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and chairs-elect of five committees at their November 10-13 General Assembly in Baltimore.
Catholic Church Resettles Nearly 18,000 Refugees in 2008;
Largest Resettlement Effort in United States
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church resettled 17,823 refugees in 2008, through Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS) and its network of diocesan entities, representing 30 percent of the total refugees admitted to the nation. Overall, the U.S. government admitted 60,192 refugees during the fiscal year that ended September 30.
Oriental Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Discusses
Safe Environments for Children, Church Decision-Making
WASHINGTON—The Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic theological consultation in the United States discussed safe environments for children and church decision-making at its annual meeting at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, N.Y., October 16- 17.
The consultation was chaired jointly by Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, N.Y. and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
Legal Protection for Unborn, Support for Mothers Both Needed,
Say Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Murphy
WASHINGTON—"Our faith requires us to oppose abortion on demand and to provide help to mothers facing challenging pregnancies," Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., said in an October 21 statement. The bishops urged Catholics to study the teaching of the Church, rather than rely on statements and materials from outside groups and individuals.
Translation of Psalms, Proper of Seasons, New Blessing for Child in the Womb
on Agenda of November Bishops' Meeting
WASHINGTON—Liturgical items will occupy a prominent place on the Bishops' action item agenda for the annual Fall General Assembly, November 10-13, in Baltimore.
The Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship is requesting a vote on several items including the approval of the Revised Grail Psalter by the Monks of Conception Abbey for liturgical use in the United States.
Bishop Holley Calls on Black Community to Overcome Abortion
WASHINGTON—Bishop Martin D. Holley, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, issued a statement responding to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthood's research branch, showing that black women have abortions at five times the rate of white women.
Bishops Request Temporary Protected Status for Haitians
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic Bishops have requested that President George W. Bush designate the country of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), for a period of eighteen months, citing pressing humanitarian reasons.
Pope Names Bishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Duluth Coadjutor Archbishop of Cincinnati
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Duluth, Minnesota, 60, coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati.
The appointment as coadjutor bishop confers on Archbishop-elect Schnurr the right to succession to Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk of Cincinnati. Archbishop Pilarczyk is 74.
Bishops Intensify Work to Defend Marriage
WASHINGTON—Recognizing the societal implications of legislative and judicial efforts to redefine marriage, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has joined efforts with the Knights of Columbus to develop a national plan of action in defense of marriage.
Pope Names Detroit Auxiliary Bishop John M. Quinn Coadjutor Bishop of Winona
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Detroit Auxiliary Bishop John Michael Quinn, 62, Coadjutor Bishop of Winona, Minnesota.
Catholics, Anglicans Start New Round of Dialogues
WASHINGTON—Catholics and Anglicans launched a new round of dialogues, September 29-30, at the 64th meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue in the United States (ARC-USA) in Washington.
Catholics, Orthodox Bishops Examine Naming of Bishops, Campus Ministry at Alabama Meeting
WASHINGTON—The naming of bishops and the work of campus ministry led topics at the Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops' 24th meeting in Daphne, near Mobile, Alabama, October 1-3. Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, retired archbishop of Mobile, Alabama, hosted the meeting. Archbishop Lipscomb and Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, currently serving as Administrator of the Orthodox Church in America, co-chaired the meeting.
Nielsen Ratings Find Bishops' Media Campaigns on Poverty, Marriage among Most Popular
WASHINGTON—TV public service messages from the U.S. Catholic bishops to raise awareness of poverty and encourage strong marriages were among the most popular in 2007 according to Nielsen Media Research.
Advisory for Broadcasters: Vatican Sets Telecast Info on Papal Christmas, Day of Peace Ceremonies
WASHINGTON—The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has released information for broadcasters regarding worldwide telecasts of the ceremonies presided over by Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Bishops to Meet November 10-13 in Baltimore; Agenda Includes Address by Cardinal George; Election of USCCB Secretary, Committee Chairs-Elect; Approval of Liturgical Texts
WASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be November 10-13, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
At the assembly, the bishops will hear an address by the president of the USCCB, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago; and elect the USCCB secretary and chairs-elect of the Committees on National Collections, Cultural Diversity, Doctrine, Pro-Life Activities and Communications.
Synod on Bible Web Site to Highlight Catholics and Scripture
WASHINGTON—A Web site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will highlight Catholics and Scripture during the 2008 world Synod of Bishops in October. (www.usccb.org/synod).
The Synod, titled "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church," will meet at the Vatican October 6-25. It will be led by Pope Benedict XVI and include bishop delegates from around the world.
Cardinal Rigali Urges Respect for Human Life, Opposition to ‘Freedom of Choice’ Act
WASHINGTON—In a statement to mark Respect Life Sunday, October 5, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia urged Catholics “to help build a culture in which every human life without exception is respected and defended.”
"Let us rededicate ourselves to defending the basic rights of those who are weakest and most marginalized: the poor, the homeless, the innocent unborn, and the frail and elderly who need our respect and our assistance,” he said.
Bishops Urge Congress, Bush Administration to Find Moral Response to Financial Crisis
WASHINGTON—Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, urged the Bush Administration and Congress, September 26, to consider the moral aspects of the current financial crisis.
Philadelphia Priest Named Head of Bishops’ Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis
WASHINGTON—Father J. Brian Bransfield, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been named executive director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis
The appointment will become effective in late Spring. Father Bransfield succeeds Msgr. Daniel Kutys, also a priest of Philadelphia, who is returning to the Archdiocese.
Pro-Life Chair To Congress: “We Can’t Reduce Abortions By Promoting Abortion”
WASHINGTON—Writing to all members of Congress on September 19, Cardinal Justin Rigali warned against enactment of the proposed “Freedom of Choice Act” or “FOCA” (S. 1173, H.R. 1964).
“Despite its deceptive title,” he wrote, “FOCA would deprive the American people in all 50 states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry. FOCA would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars. And FOCA would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government to reduce abortions in our country.”
Bishops Intensify Efforts To Communicate With Catholic Voters; Use Youtube, Facebook, Ipod Giveaway
WASHINGTON—As the nation moves closer to the presidential election, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is intensifying efforts to communicate to U.S. Catholics the messages in the bishops’ statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
USCCB Applauds Proposed Conscience Regulations From HHS
WASHINGTON—Proposed government regulations to protect the conscience rights of health care professionals and institutions drew applause September 12, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Catholic Radio Weekly Features Segments On Rwanda, Gay Marriage,
John Paul I
WASHINGTON—Catholic Radio Weekly, a U.S. bishops’ audio program, will feature speakers on Rwanda, gay marriage and Pope John Paul I the week of September 14. The program can be heard on or downloaded from WWW.CATHOLICRADIOWEEKLY.COM.
African National Prayer Day Celebrated September 19-21 In Washington
WASHINGTON—African Catholics and others will convene September 19-21, in Washington for African National Prayer Day. The annual gathering, which is free and open to the public, serves as an opportunity for worship and reflection on the presence, role and influence of African Catholics in the Church in United States.
Bishops Ask U.S. To Permit Remittances And Travel To Cuba Given Hurricane Crisis
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops asked the U.S. government to lift its ban on remittances and travel to Cuba, even temporarily, in light of the crisis caused by recent hurricanes.
The request was made in a September 10 letter from Cardinal Francis George, OMI, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to President George Bush. The letter follows.
Bride-To-Be Blogs On Bishops’ Marriage
WASHINGTON—Momentous and minute moments mark the road to marriage, according to a blog on the U.S. Bishops’ www.ForYourMarriage.org site. The latest addition to the popular site that includes marriage tips and other helps for those married and planning to marry is “Sarah’s Blog.” It recounts musings of 22-year-old Sarah as she prepares to marry Daniel, also 22, next May.
Concerned Over Effects On Families, Communities, Bishops Urge President Bush, Homeland Security To Drop Raids
Bishops Respond To Senator Biden’s Statements Regarding Church Teaching On Abortion
Bishops Ask Homeland Security, President Bush To Abandon Use Of Worksite Enforcement Raids
Bishops’ Pro-Life Office Debuts Stem Cell Research, Abortion Ads
Quinceañera Ritual Book To Be Released
Church Increasingly Responsive To Domestic Violence, Says Survey
Orthodox Jewish, Catholic Leaders Urge That Marriage Remain Defined As Between Man And Woman
Church Teaching Against Abortion Constant Through Centuries, Says New Resource