http://new.usccb.org/news/ Latest News Releases from USCCB Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:32 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-095.cfm <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="&#45;-"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false... Wed, 15 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-094.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—Human cloning for any purpose is inconsistent with the moral responsibility to "treat each member of the human family as a unique gift of God, as a person with his or her own inherent dignity," said the chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). </p> <p>"Creating new human lives in the laboratory solely to destroy them is an abuse denounced even by many who do not share the Catholic Church's convictions on human life," said Cardinal Seán O'Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston. He said this way of making embryos will also be taken up by people who want to produce cloned children as "copies" of other people."Whether used for one purpose or the other, human cloning treats human beings as products, manufactured to order to suit other people's wishes." He added, "A technical advance in human cloning is not progress for humanity but its opposite."</p> <p>Cardinal O'Malley's statement responded to the news May 15 that researchers in Oregon have succeeded in producing cloned human embryos and obtained their embryonic stem cells. He added that the researcher's goal of producing genetically matched stem cells for research and possible therapies is already being addressed by scientific advances that do not pose the same moral problems.</p> <p>More information on USCCB's position on human cloning is available online: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/cloning/">www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/cloning/</a></p> <p>The full text of Cardinal O'Malley's statement follows:</p> <p>The news that researchers have developed a technique for human cloning is deeply troubling on many levels. Over 120 human embryos were created and destroyed, to produce six embryonic stem cell lines. Creating the embryos involved subjecting healthy women to procedures that put their health and fertility at risk. And the researchers' alleged goal, producing genetically matched stem cells f... Wed, 15 May 2013 12:21:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-093.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—"It is the height of irony that the Minnesota legislature decided, and the governor signed into law, the redefinition of marriage just after we celebrated the unique gifts of mothers and women on Mother's Day," said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco. Archbishop Cordileone chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. He said further, "It is all the more so given the fact that in the last election Minnesotans were led to believe that there was no need to define marriage in the constitution, that nothing would change if the marriage amendment didn't pass."</span></p> <p><span>"It also renders senseless the very idea of President Obama's National Fatherhood Initiative, in that a bill now becomes law in Minnesota that effectively claims that a mother and a father together are superfluous and can be replaced by two men or two women," he added.</span></p> <p><span>Archbishop Cordileone noted that Minnesota is the third state in just over a week to redefine marriage in the law.</span></p> <p><span>"There are many of us Americans, including many Minnesotans, who stand for the natural and true meaning of marriage. They know that men and women are important; their complementary difference matters, their union matters, and it matters to kids. Mothers and fathers are simply irreplaceable," he said. "Instead of strengthening, the Minnesota legislature's decision to redefine marriage weakens motherhood and fatherhood, and so strikes a blow to all children who deserve both a mother and father."</span></p> <p><span>"Some wish to believe that sexual relationships outside of the marital context of husband and wife are innocuous, choosing to ignore the fact that they are actually harmful to individuals and to society as a whole," he added.</span></p> <p><span>"We know that now is the time to redouble our prayers, efforts and witness. The truth of marriage is not going away," Archbishop Cordile... Wed, 15 May 2013 10:38:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-092.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—The second annual Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, and will consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad. As with last year's Fortnight, the event will begin and end with a special Mass. </span></p> <p><span>Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, will open the 2013 Fortnight for Freedom by celebrating Mass at Baltimore's historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, scheduled for June 21 at 7 p.m. EDT. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington will celebrate the closing Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on July 4 at 12 p.m. EDT. </span></p> <p><span>"The need for prayer, education, and action in defense of religious liberty has never been greater," explained Archbishop Lori. "The Fortnight for Freedom exists to meet that need. This year's Fortnight occurs just weeks before August 1, when the administration's mandate coercing us to violate our deeply-held beliefs will be enforced against most religious non-profits. During the Fortnight the Supreme Court's decisions on the definition of marriage will likely be handed down as well. Those decisions could have a profound impact on religious freedom for generations to come."</span></p> <p><span>Further details about the Fortnight can be found at </span><a href="http://www.fortnight4freedom.org/"><span>www.Fortnight4Freedom.org</span></a><span>. The site hosts resources such as one-page fact sheets outlining current threats to religious freedom both in the United States and abroad; frequently asked questions about religious liberty, including quotes from the Founding Fathers, the Second Vatican Council and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI; and a study guide on <em>Dignitatis Humanae</em>, Vatican II's document on religious liberty. The website also li... Mon, 13 May 2013 11:38:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-091.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The 2013 Farm Bill is an opportunity to address outdated agriculture policies and help hungry people at home and abroad, said leaders of four Catholic organizations in May 9 letters. The letters went to leadership of the Agriculture committees of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.</p> <p>"This is a crucial time to build a more just framework that puts poor and hungry people first, serves small and moderate-sized family farms, promotes sustainable stewardship of the land and helps vulnerable farmers and rural communities both at home and in developing countries," wrote Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, Carolyn Woo, Ph.D., president of Catholic Relief Services, and James Ennis, executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. </p> <p>Bishop Blaire and Bishop Pates chair the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace, respectively.</p> <p>The letters outlined five priorities for the Farm Bill:</p> <p><span><span>·</span></span>Support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, and other programs that help hungry people.</p> <p><span><span>·</span></span>Protection of funding for international emergency assistance and food security development projects.</p> <p><span><span>·</span></span>Subsidies for farmers who truly need assistance and who comply with environmentally sound and sustainable farming practices.</p> <p><span><span>·</span></span>Promotion of programs for farmers to help conserve water, energy, soil and wildlife habitats.</p> <p><span><span>·</span></span>Support for programs that help the development of urban communities.</p> <p>The full text of the Senate letter is available online: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/agriculture-... Thu, 09 May 2013 16:08:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-090.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—The National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea will be celebrated May 22. The day is observed in conjunction with National Maritime Day in the United States, which has been celebrated since 1933 to recognize merchant mariners and others in the maritime industry. </span></p> <p><span>Bishop J. Kevin Boland, retired bishop of Savannah, Georgia and Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) promoter, encourages dioceses to mark the national day by remembering the men and women of the sea in homilies and by including special petitions during Mass. For Masses celebrated on May 22, the text for the Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, is encouraged. </span></p> <p><span>"Mariners serve the needs of human kind in quiet and unobtrusive ways. These hardworking men and women contribute to global economic vitality. The nature of the industry requires their absence from home and family for many months without a break. Their labor and sacrifice make possible our access to the goods of the world," Bishop Boland said. </span></p> <p><span>Bishop Boland will celebrate a Mass in observance of Maritime Day on Saturday, May 18, at 12:10 p.m., in the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The Mass is sponsored by the AOS national office and the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).</span></p> <p><span>Ninety percent of the world's goods are transported by sea and the waterways. There are approximately 1.2 million seafarers worldwide in 10,000 commercial ships and maritime vessels. </span></p> <p><span>AOS is a worldwide Catholic maritime ministry that offers spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers, fishermen, their families and all those who work and travel by sea and the waterways. In the United States, AOS chaplains, associates and volunteers carry on this ministry in maritime ports in 50 dioceses. </sp... Thu, 09 May 2013 12:18:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-089.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The annual audit of diocesan compliance with the <em>Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People </em>found a drop in the number of allegations, number of victims and number of offenders reported in 2012.</p> <p>The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), which gathered data for the report, found "the fewest allegations and victims reported since the data collection for the annual reports began in 2004."</p> <p>Most allegations reported last year were from the seventies and eighties with many of the alleged offenders already deceased or removed from ministry in the priesthood. </p> <p>StoneBridge Business Partners, which conducts the audits, said law enforcement found six credible cases among 34 allegations of abuse of minors in 2012 itself. Credibility of 15 of the allegations was still under investigation. Law enforcement found 12 allegations to be unfounded or unable to be proven, and one a boundary violation. </p> <p>Almost all dioceses were found compliant with the audit. Three were found non-compliant with one article of the <em>Charter</em>. The Diocese of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was faulted because its review board had not met in several years. (The diocese had no allegations during that time). The Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was faulted because auditors could not determine if parishes provided safe environment training to religious education students and volunteer teachers. The Diocese of Baker, Oregon, was faulted because students did not receive safe environment training while a new program was being developed. The diocese has since begun training.</p> <p>The report can be found at <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/upload/annual-report-on-the-implementation-of-the-charter-for-the-protection-of-children-and-young-people-2012.pdf">http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/upload/annual-report-on-the-implementation-of-the-charter-for-the-protection-of-ch... Thu, 09 May 2013 11:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-088.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—</span><span>"</span><span>The Delaware Senate passed an unjust bill that attempts to redefine marriage," said </span><span>Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.</span></p> <p><span>"The claim of this bill to redefine marriage is in vain; marriage cannot be redefined, because its unique meaning lies in our very nature. It is also a serious injustice to the most vulnerable among us: children," said Archbishop Cordileone.</span></p> <p><span>Archbishop Cordileone went on to emphasize the importance of marriage for children. "Marriage is the only institution that unites a man and a woman to each other and to any child conceived of their union," he said. "Our society either preserves laws that respect the fundamental right of children to be raised by their moms and dads together in marriage, or it does not."</span></p> <p><span>The Delaware bill also includes further implications of marriage redefinition in the law. For example, the bill states that terms such as "husband" and "wife" denoting a spousal relationship in Delaware law are to apply equally to persons in an opposite-sex or same-sex relationship. The bill also allows two "parents" of the same sex to be entered on the original birth certificate, thus allowing for two mothers or two fathers to be on the certificate.</span></p> <p><span>The Governor of Delaware signed it into law.</span></p> <p><span>---</span></p> <p><span>Keywords: Delaware, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Defense of Marriage</span></p> <p align="center"><span># # # # # #</span></p> <div><span>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:</span></div> <div><span>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh</span></div> <div><span>O: 202-541-3200</span></div> <div><span>M: 301-325-7935</span></div> <div><span><a href="mailto:MWalsh@usccb.org">Email</a></span></div>  ... Wed, 08 May 2013 09:49:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-087.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and oppose policies that undermine a just resolution to the conflict, such as Israel's decision to re-route the separation wall through the Cremisan Valley, said the chairman of the bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. </p> <p>In his May 6 letter, Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, said the proposal would harm the livelihood of 58 Christian families in the region. He added, "The route will separate a Salesian monastery from a Salesian convent, and will separate both from their lands. The Salesian Convent and Primary School will be surrounded on three sides by the barrier that will confiscate most of the convent's lands."</p> <p>Bishop Pates echoed the concern of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who spoke on behalf of all bishops in the Holy Land in saying that such moves only exacerbate tensions in the region.</p> <p>"The Cremisan Valley is a microcosm of a protracted pattern that has serious implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict," wrote Bishop Pates. "As the wall moves and constricts more communities in the West Bank, the possibility of a future two-state resolution becomes less likely. Moving the wall and disassociating Palestinian families from their lands and livelihoods will incite more resentment against the State of Israel among residents of the West Bank, not less, increasing the frustrations that can lead to violence."</p> <p>The full text of Bishop Pates' letter is available online: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/israel-palestine/upload/2013-05-06-Letter-to-Sec-Kerry-on-Cremisan.pdf">www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/israel-palestine/upload/2013-05-06-Letter-to-Sec-Kerry-on-Cremisan.pdf</a></p> <p>Bishop Pates wrote to Kerry's predecessor, Secretary of State ... Mon, 06 May 2013 15:02:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-086e.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Auxiliary Bishop Mark Seitz of Dallas, 59, as bishop of El Paso, Texas.</span></p> <p><span>The appointment was publicized in Washington, May 6, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.</span></p> <p><span>He succeeds Bishop Armando Ochoa, who was named bishop of Fresno, California, December 1, 2011. </span></p> <p><span>Bishop Seitz was born in Milwaukee, January 10, 1954, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, master of divinity and master of arts in theology degrees from the University of Dallas. He was ordained a priest for the Dallas Diocese in 1980.</span></p> <p><span>He earned a master in liturgical studies degree from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1985. In 2004, Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor, carrying the title "monsignor." </span></p> <p><span>Assignments after ordination included parochial vicar, Good Shepherd Parish, 1980-1985; adjunct professor, University of Dallas, 1985-1994; spiritual director, Hoy Trinity Seminary, 1986-1987; vice-rector, Holy Trinity Seminary, 1987-1993; pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Waxahachie, Texas, 1993-2003; and pastor, St. Rita Parish, since 2003. </span></p> <p><span>Bishop Seitz was named auxiliary bishop of Dallas, March 11, 2010.</span></p> <p><span>The El Paso Diocese includes 26,686 square miles. The diocese has 858,546 people, with 686,037, or 80 percent of them, Catholic.</span></p> <p align="center"><span># # # # #</span></p> <div><span>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:</span></div> <div><span>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh</span></div> <div><span>O: 202-541-3200</span></div> <div><span>M: 301-325-7935</span></div> <div><span><a href="mailto:MWalsh@usccb.org">Email</a></span></div>  ... Mon, 06 May 2013 09:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-085.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops support a rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that would guard against U.S. investments funding militias in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In a May 3 letter to Bishop Nicolas Djomo Lola of Tshumbe, president of the Congolese bishops, Bishop Pates expressed the solidarity of the U.S. bishops as the rule faces a legal challenge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.</p> <p><span>"Your tireless efforts, along with those of your brother bishops and the entire Church community, have long exemplified courageous leadership in the face of violent conflict," wrote Bishop Pates. "We send our ongoing prayers as innocent people in your country suffer and die at the hands of militias who control illegal mines, divide up your country and eliminate the rule of law."</span></p> <p><span>Bishop Pates noted that the U.S. bishops offered official comments in support of the rule when the SEC first proposed it and continue to support it now. The rule is part of the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.</span></p> <p>"The rule is consistent with Catholic teaching on protection of human life and dignity," wrote Bishop Pates. "It takes into account the lived experience of the Church in your country and that of our colleagues at Catholic Relief Services and other development and relief agencies in the region. It also meets our concern of providing appropriate coverage of issuers and products, and insuring information submitted to the SEC is accurate, verifiable and easily available to investors and consumers."</p> <p>Bishop Pates said the Congolese bishops have the "deepest respect" of the U.S. bishops for their efforts to stop the violence in their country, address its root causes and provide a sustainable... Fri, 03 May 2013 12:57:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-083e.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Jesuit Father Michael Barber, 58, a member of the Jesuit Province of California and director of spiritual formation at St. John's Seminary, Brighton (Boston), Massachusetts, as bishop of Oakland, California.</span></p> <p><span>The appointment was publicized in Washington, May 3, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.</span></p> <p><span>Bishop-elect Barber was born July 13, 1954, in Salt Lake City. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1973 and was ordained a priest for the Society in 1985.</span></p> <p><span>He holds a bachelor of arts degree in history/philosophy from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington; master of divinity and bachelor of sacred theology degrees from Regis College of the University of Toronto; and a licentiate and doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.</span></p> <p><span>Assignments after ordination included 1985-1987, missionary in Apia, Western Samoa; 1987-1992, student at Gregorian University and assistant professor of theology there (1990-1991); 1992-1998, researcher and tutor at Oxford University; 1998-2001, director, School of Pastoral Leadership, Archdiocese of San Francisco, with residence at St. Agnes Parish; 2002-2010, assistant professor of systematic and moral theology, and spiritual director, St. Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park, California; and 2010-present, director of spiritual formation, St. John's Seminary.</span></p> <p><span>He succeeds Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who was named head of the San Francisco Archdiocese, July 27, 2012.</span></p> <p><span>The Oakland Diocese includes 1,467 square miles and two counties, Alameda and Contra Costa, in California. The diocese has 2,586,396 people, with 399,546, or 15 percent of them, Catholic.</span></p> <p align="center"><span># # # # #</span></p> <div><span>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:</span></div> <div><span>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh</span></div> <div><span>O: 202-541-3200</span></... Fri, 03 May 2013 12:40:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-084.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—The passage of legislation by the Rhode Island General Assembly yesterday to redefine marriage "is a serious injustice," said </span><span>Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.</span></p> <p><span>"The meaning of marriage cannot be redefined, because its meaning lies in our very nature. Therefore, regardless of what law is enacted, marriage remains the union of one man and one woman – by the very design of nature, it cannot be otherwise," he said.</span></p> <p><span>Archbishop Cordileone emphasized the importance of marriage for children. </span></p> <p><span>"Marriage is the only institution that unites a man and a woman to each other and to any child conceived of their union. While those making great sacrifices to raise their children in less than ideal circumstances need and deserve our love and support, we cannot claim to have a just society if we do not look out for the most vulnerable among us: children. That means preserving in the law the principle that every child deserves a mother and father united in marriage. That means supporting in our institutions and in our culture the true and unique meaning of marriage," he said.</span></p> <p><span>The Governor of Rhode Island signed the bill into law.</span></p> <p><span>---</span></p> <p><span>Keywords: Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, marriage, Rhode Island</span></p> <p align="center"><span># # # # #</span></p> <div><span>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:</span></div> <div><span>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh</span></div> <div><span>O: 202-541-3200</span></div> <div><span>M: 301-325-7935</span></div> <div><span><a href="mailto:MWalsh@usccb.org">Email</a></span></div>  ... Fri, 03 May 2013 09:45:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-082.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—The repeal of the death penalty in Maryland represents a courageous step toward a culture of life, said the bishop who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, congratulated the Maryland bishops, the Maryland Catholic Conference, Catholic Mobilizing Network and all dedicated advocates for their efforts to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.</span></p> <p><span>Bishop Blaire also expressed the Church's solidarity with victims, their families and "all who work for a just and safe society." <span><span>Governor Martin O'Malley enacted the legislation May 2, making Maryland the 18th state to repeal the death penalty.</span></span></span></p> <p><span>"We must lift up the dignity of all human life – even for those convicted of the worst crimes, and work to transform our culture so that it respects the inherent dignity and value of all people," said Bishop Blaire. "Americans are beginning to realize that we can do better than the death penalty both to punish crime and keep our society safe. We welcome the decision by the Maryland legislature and Governor O'Malley to abolish the use of the death penalty in Maryland. This is a courageous step toward a culture of life."</span></p> <p><span>The U.S. bishops have long called for the end of the use of the death penalty. They have echoed the words of recent popes, who have supported efforts for "political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty." (Benedict XVI, November 2011) More information on the U.S. bishops' advocacy on this issue can be found online: </span><a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/death-penalty-capital-punishment/"><span>www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/death-penalty-capital-punishment/</span></a></p> <p><span>---</span></p> <p><span>Keywords: death pe... Thu, 02 May 2013 11:39:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-081.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The April 30 move by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve over-the-counter sale of "Plan B One-Step" to minors 15 years and older is a "disappointment," said a spokesperson for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).</p> <p>"The FDA has acted irresponsibly by approving sales of the powerful drug, single-dose Plan B, for those 15 and older," said Deirdre McQuade, assistant director of policy and communications in the Pro-Life Secretariat. "The rule change subjects girls to risks of STDs and manipulation by others, a risk that is compounded by allowing males to purchase the drug even for girls under the age of 15."</p> <p>"Many studies have shown that wider access to so-called 'emergency contraception' reduces neither pregnancy nor abortion rates, but can contribute to higher rates of sexually transmitted disease, especially among young people," McQuade said, "No public health consideration justifies the unsupervised sale of such drugs to young teens."</p> <p>McQuade added, "While the FDA is failing here in its responsibility to protect children, we continue to hope it will appeal the April 5 decision by one federal judge insisting that this drug be made readily available without any age limit at all."</p> <p>"Plan B One-Step" is a large dose of the hormonal drug levonorgestrel. It is available only by prescription when used either in two doses (in Plan B and its generic versions), or in smaller doses for ongoing contraception.</p> <p>---</p> <p>Keywords: Plan B, contraception, emergency contraception, sexually transmitted disease, abortion, U.S. bishops, USCCB, Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities</p> <div><strong>Media Contact Only</strong></div><div>Don Clemmer</div><div>Office: 202-541-3206</div><div><a id="mailto:dclemmer@usccb.org|" href="mailto:dclemmer@usccb.org">Email</a></div>... Wed, 01 May 2013 14:41:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-080.cfm <p><span>W</span><span>ASHINGTON—The median age of men ordained to the priesthood in 2013 is 32, two-thirds are Caucasian, and 26 percent carry educational debt.</span></p> <p><span>These figures stand out in <em>The Class of 2013: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood</em>, the annual national survey of men being ordained priests for U.S. dioceses and religious communities. The study was conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a Georgetown University-based research center. The entire report can be found at </span><a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ordination-class/index.cfm"><strong>usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ordination-class/.</strong></a></p> <p><span>The report is the 17th annual survey of ordinands commissioned by the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). About 74 percent of an estimated 500 men to be ordained priests in the United States in 2013 responded to the survey.</span></p> <p><span>On average, most of the ordination class were baptized as infants, but nine percent became Catholic later in life. Eight in ten report that both parents are Catholic, and more than a third have a relative who is a priest or religious.</span></p> <p><span>On average, respondents report that they were nearly 17 years old when they first considered a vocation to the priesthood. Two in three (67 percent) say they were encouraged to consider a vocation to the priesthood by a parish priest. Others who encouraged them include friends (46 percent), parishioners (38 percent) and mothers (34 percent).</span></p> <p><span>Two-thirds of the respondents (67 percent) report their primary race or ethnicity as Caucasian/European American/white. Compared to the U.S. adult Catholic population, men to be ordained are more apt to be of Asian or Pacific Islander background (10 percent), but less likely to be Hispanic/Latino (15 percent). Compared to dioces... Wed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-078.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), called the April 22 kidnapping of two Orthodox archbishops in Syria and the killing of their driver "a sign of the terrible violence that is destroying the fabric of Syrian society." He joined Pope Francis in praying for their return in an April 26 statement and said the Catholic Church would "continue to work through all channels," including the Vatican and the diplomatic and international communities for their release.</p> <p>The full statement follows:</p> <p align="center"><strong>Statement of<br>Timothy Cardinal Dolan<br>Archbishop of New York<br>President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops<br>April 26, 2013</strong></p> <p>The kidnappings of two archbishops in Syria and the murder of their driver continue to weigh heavily on the hearts of people of good will. The Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo and Iskanderun, Boulos Yazigi, and the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Youhanna Ibrahim, remain in our prayers. Ironically, the two men were returning from a mission of mercy to aid Syrians suffering from the violence gripping their nation when they were accosted. We join with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in "praying that they may return to their communities soon." The kidnapping of two men of peace is a sign of the terrible violence that is destroying the fabric of Syrian society. We will continue to work through all channels with the Holy See, the diplomatic and international community and all agencies of good will. I plead for their release and for a political solution that ends the violence and protects the citizenship rights of all Syrians, including minorities.</p> <p>---</p> <p>Keywords: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, USCCB, Catholic Church, Pope Francis, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, archbishops, Metropolitan Boulos Yazigi, Metropolitan Youhanna Ibrahim, religious freedom, violence, Syria,... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:20:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-077.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The heads of two committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urged Congress in April 22 letters to both chambers to weigh decisions surrounding the budget by how they impact human life and dignity, serve "the least of these" and reflect government's shared responsibility to protect the common good. The bishops' letters followed President Obama's 2014 budget proposal.</p> <p>The letter affirmed proposed funding for poverty-focused international assistance, but Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, and Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, wrote, "The President's proposal moves Food for Peace funding allocated for food needs during emergencies to International Disaster Assistance (IDA) while substantially cutting existing IDA programs. The proposed reductions are deeply troubling, especially as humanitarian needs grow in places like Syria. Congress should reject these cuts in shelter and medical assistance to very vulnerable populations." Bishop Blaire and Bishops Pates chair the USCCB Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace respectively.</p> <p>In response to the proposed budget from President Obama, Bishop Blaire and Bishop Pates commended "concern for people living in or near poverty, especially children and families." They supported investment in early childhood education, as well as making improvements to the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits permanent. They cautioned that reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other programs must not increase economic hardship for those in the programs.</p> <p>The full text to the letters to the House and Senate are available online. House: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/federal-budget/upload/2013-04-22-letter-to-House-of-Represenatatives-on-President-Obama-s-fy14-budget.pdf">www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/federal-budget/upload/2013-04-22-letter-to-House... Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:29:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-076.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—Catholics nationwide can support Church communications through contributions the weekend of May 11-12 to the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) annual collection. </p> <p>The second collection, taken up in most parishes in the United States May 11 and 12, supports national and international media projects. Fifty percent of the collection targets local media efforts, such as print publications, television and radio programs, and digital initiatives.</p> <p>"The projects funded by the Catholic Communication Campaign allow the Church to spread the Gospel message in the digital environment," said Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Yakima, Washington, chairman of the U.S. bishops' CCC subcommittee. "The bishops firmly believe in the importance of these Catholic media projects, which allow the Church to evangelize within the modern communications world."</p> <p>The campaign recently supported communication efforts surrounding the election of Pope Francis and an immersion program in the Middle East for Catholic journalists to learn firsthand the concerns of the Middle East's Christian community.</p> <p>Another funded project, in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is developing a digital safety guide for Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian families to stay informed and responsible in their digital activities. The guide offers practical tips for protecting children and families, an overview of the challenges of becoming literate in digital communications, and theological foundations for responsible Internet browsing.</p> <p>Information about the Collection can be found at </p> <p><a id="CP___PAGEID=18253,index.cfm,522|" href="/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/catholic-communication-campaign/index.cfm">www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/catholic-communication-campaign/</a></p> <p>---</p> <p>Keywords: National Collections, Catholic Communication Campaign, CCC, Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, grants, projects, digital med... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-074e.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The Holy See has extended the jurisdiction of the Romanian Catholic Eparchy of St. George in Canton, Ohio, to include the territory of Canada.</p> <p>The action was publicized in Washington, April 23, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.</p> <p>"Eparchy" is the term used in Eastern Rite churches for the equivalent of a diocese in the Roman rite. </p> <p>The Romanian Eparchy in Canton currently includes the entire United States as its territory and serves 5,675 Catholics. Bishop John Michael Botean, 57, a native of Canton, heads the eparchy, which includes 15 parishes. The eparchy has 21 active priests. </p> <p align="center"><span># # # # #</span></p> <p>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:<br>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh<br>O: 202-541-3200<br>M: 301-325-7935<br><a href="mailto:MWalsh@usccb.org">Email</a></p>  ... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-075.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said in a press conference April 22 that “now is the time” to fix the nation’s broken immigration system. Cardinal Dolan was joined at the press conference by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, and Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chair of the USCCB Communications Committee.</p><p>“Let me say that now is the time to address this issue,” Cardinal Dolan said. “As we speak, persons are being deported and an untold number of families are being divided. Human beings continue to die in the American desert. This suffering must end.”</p><p>The Catholic Church has much to bring to the national immigration debate, given the Church’s history as an immigrant church, “having welcomed successive waves of immigrants into our parishes, social service programs, hospitals, and schools,” Cardinal Dolan said. “As the pastor of the archdiocese of perhaps the greatest immigrant city in the world, I know first-hand of the many efforts that have been made by the Catholic community on behalf of immigrants.”</p><p>He pledged to work with the sponsors of immigration legislation and other elected officials to “achieve the most humane legislation possible.”</p><p>In responding to recently introduced immigration reform legislation in the U.S. Senate, Archbishop Gomez said the path to citizenship for the undocumented population in the legislation is welcome, but certain requirements “could leave many behind, remaining in the shadows.” He pointed to the need to shorten the time required to obtain citizenship, to create a more generous cut-off date and to remove barriers for low-income migrants as areas for improvement. </p><p>“If the goal [of the legislation] is to solve the problem in a humane manner, then all undocumented persons should be able to participate,” Archbishop Gomez said. He also cited the need to preserve family u... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-073.cfm WASHINGTON­­—A large majority of Catholics support immigration reform legislation that provides a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country, according to a recent survey sponsored by the Office of Migration Policy and Public Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).<p>Overall, 77 percent of Catholic voters support a proposal that allows earned citizenship through meeting requirements like registration, paying a fine, paying taxes and taking English classes, the survey shows.</p><p>Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, embraced the results of the survey. “It is clear that Catholics understand the importance of this issue,” Archbishop Gomez said. “As an immigrant church, Catholics from all walks of life understand the migration experience and accept the Gospel’s call to welcome the stranger.”</p><p>Most Catholics support the bishops’ call for the creation of an immigration system that respects basic human rights and dignity while ensuring the integrity of our borders, according to survey results. As immigration reform takes center stage in the public square, this data makes clear that the Catholic population is behind current efforts to reform the broken immigration system. </p><p>Archbishop Gomez called upon Catholics to engage their elected officials on behalf of immigration reform. “I encourage Catholics across the nation to contact their legislators in support of humane immigration reform, which would help our brothers and sisters come out of the shadows and become full members of our communities,” he said.</p><p>Key findings include:</p><ul><li>Eight-four percent agreed that requiring undocumented immigrants to register with the government as a condition to remain permanently would improve national security.</li><li><br>Seventy-five percent said that enforcement of laws should be based upon humane values that deports violent criminals but finds ways to work with... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-072.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed "deep disappointment in the Senate's failure to support reasonable regulations to reduce gun violence in our nation" in an April 18 letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.</p> <p>"The USCCB has been working with other faith leaders and organizations urging Congress to support legislation that builds a culture of life by promoting policies that reduce gun violence and save people's lives in homes and communities throughout our nation," wrote Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California. "In the wake of tragic events such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, the failure to support even modest regulations on firearms is a failure in moral leadership to promote policies which protect and defend the common good."</p> <p>The U.S. Senate failed to pass amendments to the Senate's gun violence legislation (S. 649) that would have expanded background checks for gun purchases, increased penalties for gun trafficking, reinstituted an assault weapons ban and imposed restrictions on civilian access to high capacity ammunition magazines. Bishop Blaire noted that many of the provisions of the bill enjoyed bipartisan support.</p> <p>"Though we are disappointed, we will continue our efforts to work with Congress and other people of good will to advocate for policies that create a safer and more peaceful society," Bishop Blaire wrote.</p> <p>The full text of Bishop Blaire's letter is available online: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/criminal-justice-restorative-justice/upload/Letter-to-Senate-Leadership-on-Gun-Violence-Vote-4-18-13.pdf">www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/criminal-justice-restorative-justice/upload/Letter-to-Senate-Leadership-on-Gun-Violence-Vote-4-18-13.pdf</a></p> <p>Additional information on the U.S. bishops... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:46:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-070e.cfm <p><span>WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Walter A. Hurley, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and named Father David J. Walkowiak, 59, a pastor in the Diocese of Cleveland, to succeed him.</span></p> <p><span>The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, April 18, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.</span></p> <p><span>Bishop-designate Walkowiak was born June 18, 1953, in Cleveland. He was ordained a priest for the Cleveland Diocese in 1979. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds a master of divinity degree from St. Mary Seminary of Cleveland and a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from The Catholic University of America CUA).</span></p> <p><span>Assignments after ordination include 1979-1984, associate pastor, St. Mary Parish, Lorain, Ohio; 1984-1988, study at CUA; 1988-2006, vice-chancellor, Cleveland Diocese and professor and vice-rector at St. Mary Seminary; and 2006-present, pastor, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.</span></p> <p><span>Bishop Hurley was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1965. He was named an auxiliary bishop of Detroit in 2003 and Bishop of Grand Rapids, in 2005.</span></p> <p><span>The Diocese of Grand Rapids has 6,795 square miles and includes 11 counties in the Lower Peninsula of the State of Michigan. It has a population of 1,283,717 people, of whom 178,000, or 14 percent, are Catholic.</span></p> <p align="center"><span># # # # #</span></p> <div><span>MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:</span></div> <div><span>Sr. Mary Ann Walsh</span></div> <div><span>O: 202-541-3200</span></div> <div><span>M: 301-325-7935</span></div> <div><span><a href="mailto:MWalsh@usccb.org">Email</a></span></div>... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:28:00 GMT http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-069.cfm <p>WASHINGTON—The introduction of U.S. Senate bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. immigration system was welcomed by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, April 17. Archbishop Gomez also pledged that the U.S. bishops would carefully examine the legislation and work with Congress to ensure that any final measure respects the basic human rights and dignity of migrants.</p><p> “I welcome the introduction of legislation today in the U.S. Senate,” Archbishop Gomez said. “The U.S. bishops look forward to carefully examining the legislation and working with Congress to fashion a final bill that respects the basic human rights and dignity of newcomers to our land—migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations.”</p><p>Archbishop Gomez commended the so-called “Gang of Eight” senators for their leadership on the issue. He also said that once it has completed its review of the voluminous bill, the USCCB may seek improvements upon the proposed legislation, consistent with principles for reform laid out for decades by the bishops’ conference.</p><p> “I commend the Senators who have introduced this bipartisan bill, as they have shown leadership and courage in this effort,” he said. “We will look to work constructively with them and other members of Congress to improve upon their proposal, should such improvements prove necessary, so that any final bill creates an immigration system that restores the rule of law in a humane and just manner.”</p><p> In their 2003 pastoral letter, “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” the U.S. bishops outlined several goals for immigration reform, which include:</p><ul><li>A path to citizenship for the undocumented that is achievable, set within a reasonable time frame and includes the maximum number of persons;</li><li>The protection and enhancement of the family-based immigration system—based on the union of a husband and ... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:54:00 GMT