USCCB Clips

Weekly news summary from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Weekly news summary from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Weekly news summary from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Four committee chairmen called on Congress to be in “radical solidarity” with women and babies. Read their letter to policymakers: https://www.usccb.org/resources/USCCB%20Letter%20and%20Policy%20Recommendations%20Supporting%20Women%20and%20Families%20-%20Oct%202022%09_0.pdf November is Black Catholic History Month. Related resources and information about the six African American men and women on the road to sainthood: https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/road-sainthood-leaders-african-descent The USCCB Fall Plenary Assembly will take place November 14-17. More information about the event, votes, and live stream: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/us-bishops-meet-nov-14-17-baltimore-will-elect-new-usccb-president-vice-president The Pope celebrated Mass on All Souls' Day and prayed for the cardinals and bishops who have died in the past year: https://catholicnews.com/showing-love-mercy-are-key-to-entering-heaven-pope-says-on-all-souls-day/

Catholic Current November 10,2022 - Released 2022.11.10 by USCCB Clips

Catholic Current November 16, 2022 - Released 2022.11.16 by USCCB Clips

This week the Senate passed H.R. 8404, the “Respect for Marriage Act.” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, issued a joint letter and analysis urging Congress to oppose the measure. Read the press release. The USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs issued a statement emphasizing its recommitment to relationship with the Jewish committee. Read the press release. Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Lord is always present and to look for signs of God's nearness this Advent. Watch the video.

President of the USCCB Archbishop Timothy Broglio wrote a column published in America Magazine, calling for unity: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/12/07/archbishop-broglio-pope-francis-unity-244275 During his general audience Nov. 30, Pope Francis encouraged a daily examination of conscience. Watch the video. December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Read Pope Francis's Prayer for the Immaculate Conception. The Vatican unveiled its Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square on December 3, 2022. Watch the video.

On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Mark Seitz, Chair of the Committee on Migration, issued a statement in solidarity with migrants and invited all people of faith to pray for those forced to move from their homes. Read the statement: On Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, U.S. Bishops' Migration Chairman Reaffirms Church's Solidarity with Immigrants. Pope Francis also celebrated Mass for the occasion on December 12, 2022. Watch the CNS video: Pope: Guadalupe's message of hope. Learn more about the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration: https://www.usccb.org/committees/migration While praying on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis broke down while speaking of the suffering in Ukraine. Watch the CNS video: Pope weeps for Ukraine. On Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis prayed for the children of Ukraine. Watch the CNS Video Pope: May Christmas bring hope to Ukrainians.

Carol Glatz of Catholic News Service in Rome gives a short tour of more than one hundred nativity scenes from around the world under Bernini's colonnades in St. Peter's Square. The crèche exhibition is sponsored by the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI passed away December 31, 2022, in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. On January 5, 2023, Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass for his predecessor: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/funeral-pope-remembers-benedicts-wisdom-tenderness-devotion Read USCCB President, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio's reflection on Pope Benedict XVI: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/reflection-usccb-president-death-pope-benedict-xvi, as well we reflections and tributes from other U.S. bishops: https://www.usccb.org/pope-benedict-xvi-tributes Starting January 5, you can also pray the novena that has been prepared in Pope benedict XVI's memory: https://www.usccb.org/novena-pope-benedict-xvi

President Biden recently visited the border where he met with Bishop Mark Seitz, Chair of the Committee on Migration and Bishop of El Paso. Bishop Seitz issued a statement on January 6th expressing his dismay about the administration's “ continued reliance on harmful policies over humane solutions.” Read more about the Committee on Migration: https://www.usccb.org/committees/migration Read more of Bishop Seitz' statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-migration-chairman-dismayed-continued-reliance-harmful-policies-over-humane January is Poverty Awareness Month. Daily reflections prepared by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (also en Español) are available that include ways to learn about poverty, get inspired by how communities are responding, and take action with others. You can also sign up to receive daily reflections by email. Learn more about the state of poverty in the United States by visiting PovertyUSA.org (or en Español at PobrezaUSA.org). Pope Francis underlined the importance of knowing the date of one's baptism as he celebrated Mass and baptized 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIo4tTb89io

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, and president of the USCCB issued a statement in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/usccb-presidents-statement-observance-rev-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2023 Catholics across the country are observing a nationwide prayer vigil on Thursday, January 19 to Friday, January 20, 2023 and praying a novena to protect human life with “9 Days for Life.” https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years , in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. Watch the video introduction from Fr. Walter Kedjierski, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. https://www.usccb.org/resources/introduction-2023-week-prayer-christian-unity Representatives of bishops' conferences from several countries, including the United States, met for the annual Holy Land Coordination, January 14-19, 2023. Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace represented the U.S. bishops. Read the communique from the delegation. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/2023-holy-land-coordination-communique The annual blessing of livestock took place at the Vatican on January 17, 2023.

During Mass for the Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis said that the Church should have an expansive heart. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTGwhXjQzwQ Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt invites the Catholic faithful to view a new series of video seminars to learn more about Scripture. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz8FAZqeBK8 January 22 also marked the twentieth anniversary of Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, a pastoral letter on migration from the bishops of the United States and Mexico.https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/strangers-no-longer-together-on-the-journey-of-hope Bishop Mark Seitz, chairman of the Committee on Migration, issued a statement to celebrate the anniversary. Read the statement: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-church-marks-twenty-years-release-strangers-no-longer-together-journey-hope For the National Prayer Vigil for Life, the homily of Bishop Michael Burbidge, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, reflected on the work ahead. https://www.usccb.org/resources/1-19-23%20HOMILY_Vigil%20Mass%20for%20Shrine.pdf Speaking separately with Catholic Current, he encouraged young people not to feel alone in their beliefs.

The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 12) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. This year's theme is "Marriage...one flesh, given and received." Learn more at https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage... The annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG), organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and 20 collaborating organizations, attracted hundreds of participants from around the country this week. The conference equips current and emerging leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy to cultivate God's justice as they engage in their communities and around the world. World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in the Church on Thursday, February 2, 2023, and in parishes over the weekend of February 4-5, 2023. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day. Pope Francis heard horrifying stories of cruelty and violence February 1 during a meeting in Kinshasa with victims from eastern Congo, a region the pope had to cancel his plans to visit because of the worsening security situation.

Pope Francis and thousands of visitors and pilgrims at his general audience prayed for the victims of the earthquakes that devastated the region along the border of Turkey and Syria. Bishop David Malloy, International Justice and Peace Chairman, called for prayer and financial aid for the victims and relief workers. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Pope Francis recently concluded his historic visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. He prayed with South Sudan's Christians for peace and spoke about the important role of women in peacebuilding.

On Ash Wednesday Churches in the United States will take a special collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. We were joined by Jennifer Healy, Director for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, to tell us more about the collection. Learn more about the collection at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/church-central-eastern-europe/collection-church-central-and-eastern-europe The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. We discussed with Father Andrew Menke, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship, how to best utilize this period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Find more Lenten resources here: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent Pope Francis called for prayer and peace in Nicaragua after Bishop Rolando Alvarez was imprisoned for criticizing the Ortega-Murillo regime. Last week, the USCCB welcomed expelled Nicaraguan Priest and Seminarians who were able to celebrate mass for the first time in six months. Please continue to pray for the People of Nicaragua.  Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-pained-nicaraguan-bishops-26-year-prison-sentence

On February 17th, Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City dedicated a new shrine to Blessed Stanley Rother. We were joined by Most Rev. Paul Coakley to learn more about Blessed Stanley's story and the new shrine dedicated to him. Visit https://rothershrine.org/ to learn more. February 24th marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Pope Francis spoke about the occasion, which he called a sad anniversary. He encouraged us to stay close to the Ukraine people who continue to suffer. Bishop David Malloy, Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, also released a statement calling on the faithful to continue to pray for peace and to give generously to humanitarian organizations that are provided continued and much needed assistance. The full statement is available at usccb.org. Bishop David O'Connell, auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, was found murdered in his home on Saturday, February 18th. We join Archbishop Gomez and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in grieving his death and praying for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.

Bishop Frank Caggiano, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the catechism, joined the show this week to discuss the future of formation and how United States Bishops are responding to the changing catechetical landscape. Following the tragic events in Southeast Turkey and Northern Syria, we spoke with Msgr. Peter Vaccari, the president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (C.N.E.W.A), about relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.

We were joined by Jen Maez from CRS Rice Bowl – the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services. March 13, 2023, marks the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis's papacy. To mark the occasion, a few cardinals reflected on Pope Francis' legacy so far.

The Catholic Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' election. Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promoting Integral Human Development, reflected on Pope Francis' vision for the Church. This year, on March 19, many dioceses in the United States will observe the traditional Lenten practice of almsgiving by participating in The Catholic Relief Services Collection. Funds from this collection support the work of Catholic organizations that aid victims of war and natural disaster, provide pastoral care to migrant workers, and help welcome refugees fleeing violence and persecution. Bishop Seitz spoke about the role that this collection plays in vital Catholic programs that share in the Catholic mission of promoting the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Read the CRS Collection annual report. https://usccb.cld.bz/crs-2021-annual-report

On this week's show, Bishop David Talley of the Diocese of Memphis and Chairman of the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs joined the show to discuss this time of year and how it presents numerous opportunities to grow in our faith. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecumenical-interreligious-affairs This week, the USCCB Committee on Doctrine issued a Doctrinal Note on the Moral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body. The focus of the statement is in the area of gender identity and medical procedures, and it provides moral criteria for medical interventions. Read the full statement at: https://www.usccb.org/resources/Doctrinal%20Note%202023-03-20.pdf Pope Francis visited with migrants, refugees, and representatives this week at the Vatican from various organizations to thank them for their work in the promotion of peace. His Holiness discussed moving refugees out of dangerous crisis areas and into demilitarized areas, as well as welcoming migrants in a dignified manner and assisting them in integrating into their new communities. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/welcoming-migrants-refugees-first-step-toward-peace-pope-says

Looking back three years ago this week, Pope Francis gave his “Urbi et Orbi” to an empty St. Peter's square during the Covid-19 pandemic. This message will be embedded in a satellite and launched into orbit around the Earth, where it will transmit the Holy Father's message every day. Read more at https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/popes... Holy Week begins next week, as well as the Jewish celebration of Passover. Chairman of USCCB's Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Bishop David P. Talley joined the show to discuss the work of the bishops to combat antisemitism in the United States. Find more information at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecum... The Dicastery of Culture and the Dicastery for Integral Human Development released a joint statement rejecting the Doctrine of Discovery, a series of 15th-century papal bulls that were used to justify colonization of indigenous peoples. The statement came after a 2022 papal visit to Canada, during which Pope Francis visited indigenous communities and met with leaders. The statement renounces the Doctrine of Discovery, saying “the church acknowledges that these papal bulls did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of indigenous peoples”. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecum...

Catholic Current April 13, 2023 - Released 2023.04.13 by USCCB Clips

The North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod was recently released. It marks the end of the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Read the document and learn more at https://www.usccb.org/synod. Before reciting the "Regina Caeli" prayer April 16, Pope Francis spoke about the day's Gospel reading and how the wounds still visible on the Risen Lord are signs of God's love and a call to the church to welcome all who have been wounded into the church, the body of Christ. Read more at CNS Rome: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/people-wounded-life-should-find-welcome-church-pope-says.

Catholic Current April 27, 2023 - Released 2023.04.27 by USCCB Clips

Recently the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State announced a series of actions being taken in response to the anticipated end of the Title 42 public health order on May 11 and increased migration throughout the Western Hemisphere. Read about the response of the U.S. Migration Chair at https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-migration-chairman-addresses-new-regional-migration-mitigation-efforts On May 3rd, Pope Francis asked the faithful to renew their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and met with a Russian Orthodox leader. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLYsCsVFLQU&t=11s

May is the month of Mary. In this week's episode we visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to learn about the history of the month of Mary and popular Marian devotions, such as praying the rosary. The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Saint John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous. Learn more about how to pray rosary. https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this week's episode we highlight a story out of the Diocese of Tulsa which reflects the diversity and richness of our faith! Fr. Samuel Perez, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Miami, Oklahoma celebrates mass every weekend in Chuukese for local Micronesian Catholics in addition to five other masses in English and Spanish. People in the pews wear brightly colored traditional clothing and hairstyles. One Micronesian family from southwest Missouri makes the almost two-hour drive to hear Scriptures, prayers and songs in Chuukese. Adding a weekly Mass in Chuukese has improved not just Mass attendance but religious education enrollment at Sacred Heart, from 30 students to 120. Baptisms are up too: Father Perez's calendar in May had 11 baptisms for members of the Micronesian community. Farming jobs attracted many of Oklahoma's Micronesian natives from the island of Chuuk in the South Pacific. For their part, the community members are grateful that Father Perez has worked to learn their language and integrate their culture into the worship experience. “It shows that he really cares,” one altar server said. Father Perez points out that he made a lot of pronunciation mistakes early on, and he's still learning. There was no textbook; he caught on by repeating words his parishioners taught him. “They were very patient with me,” he said. “My accent is thick. I don't know how much they understand me, but it looks like they're OK with it.” Father Perez wants every Catholic to feel welcome and included in their Church home. “When God calls you to be a priest, you are called to serve all people.” The Diocese of Tulsa is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary jubilee year. Click here learn more about the Diocese and the Chuukese Catholic Community at Sacred Heart Church: https://dioceseoftulsa.org/ Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, was at the Vatican to mark the 50th anniversary of a joint declaration signed by St. Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III in 1973 outlining the beliefs shared by their churches. Pope Tawadros II called for unity between Catholics and Copts during Pope Francis' general audience. Read the CNS Rome story: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-pope-let-our-churches-be-united-christs-love Watch the video of this historic meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCTAC7dE_uI

May 22nd is the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and Seafarers. Bishop Brendan Cahill discusses the ministry of the church to seafarers through the work of Stella Maris. The day is intended to remember the men and women seafarers. Many seafarers are Catholic Christians and largely a migrant population in the world. Because of the nature of their work, they are not always a visible community presence. In over 50 ports, there are more than 100 Stella Maris chaplains, maritime deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers who minister to seafarers. They welcome, network, and reach out to seafarers, fishermen and women, their families, and all who work or travel on the seas. Through the celebration of the Eucharist and the Word of God, the chaplaincy team helps seafarers discover the loving presence of God in an often-challenging world. Their continued presence is a clear indication of their dedication to this vital pastoral ministry and love for the people of the sea. https://www.usccb.org/committees/pastoral-care-migrants-refugees-travelers/stella-maris-who-we-are On Wednesday, May 10, a panel of advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted unanimously to make the birth-control drug, Opill, available to consumers over-the-counter in the United States. The FDA is reportedly poised to make a final decision this summer. In response to the FDA panel's recommendation, Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, urged the government agency to reject this advice as “not good medicine” and continue their efforts to protect women's health. Read the full statement. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/fda-acknowledges-harm-oral-contraceptives-while-its-own-panel-advisors-push-make-drug After literally hundreds of public prayers for peace in Ukraine and 443 days after Russia launched an all-out war on the Eastern European country, Pope Francis welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Vatican. This was their first face-to-face meeting since the war began. Read the Catholic News Service Rome story. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-ukrainian-leader-talk-about-humanitarian-situation-provoked-war

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has appointed Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, to serve as the next chairman of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Read the pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf Laudato Si' Week is an eight-day campaign held annually in May to mark the anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on creation care. Find prayer and action resources to engage your community. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/index.cfm Archbishop Broglio sent a special message for Memorial Day. Watch the video and pray for those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Prayer: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-memorial-day-last-monday-may

At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Archbishop Timothy Broglio celebrated a special Mass on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for the Synod, as requested by Pope Francis. The Synod enters its global phase in October of this year. Learn more about the Synod at www.usccb.org/synod. The Vatican Dicastery for Communication has provided a new reflection on social media. Find that document at www.vatican.va/roman_curia/dpc/documents/20230528_dpc-verso-piena-presenza_en.html. During his General Audience on May 31, Pope Francis spoke about the need to live a life that is consistent with our faith.

The Catholic bishops of the United States are preparing to meet in Orlando, Florida for their spring plenary assembly. Agenda items include the upcoming Synod on Synodality, a new national pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry, a plan for the ongoing formation of priests, the 2025-2028 USCCB strategic plan, revisions to certain English liturgical texts, and more. Watch the plenary assembly either live or as video-on-demand at www.usccb.org. The bishops of Florida have appealed a planned execution. Catholic Current spoke with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network about alternatives to the death penalty. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, asks for prayers as Pope Francis recovers from recent abdominal surgery.

The bishops' plenary assembly held its first public session on June 15th in Orlando, Florida, where the bishops have gathered for fraternal dialogue and listening. Among the agenda items was the advancement of the local cause of beatification and canonization of the five Shreveport martyrs, who heroically ministered to victims of an 1873 yellow fever epidemic in Shreveport, LA. Several of the presenters spoke about the ongoing Synod on Synodality (https://www.usccb.org/synod) and the Eucharistic Revival (https://www.usccb.org/resources/welcome-national-eucharistic-revival).

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, shares incredible stories of a pilot pilgrimage for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress. Following the bishops' overwhelming approval of the new national pastoral plan, Bishop Oscar Cantú talks with Catholic Current about strengthening Hispanic/Latino Ministry in parishes and dioceses. The bishops have voted to begin a process of consultation and eventual revision of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Ministry. Forty-five years after the landmark pastoral letter on disabilities, the USCCB voted to begin drafting a new statement. Bishop Michael Burbidge, episcopal moderator of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming document. In his opening address to the bishops, the apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre exhorts the baptized to be “ambassadors for Christ.”

The working document for the Synod of Bishops in October was released by the Vatican on June 20th. The document will form the basis for the discernment and discussion for the participants of the first session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in October 2023 in the Vatican. Read the CNS story (https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/synod-document-asks-how-increase-unity-participation-mission-outreach). Press release (https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/usccb-welcomes-release-instrumentum-laboris-first-session-xvi-ordinary-general-assembly). The Archdiocese of St. Louis held its second annual ‘Forgive Us Our Trespasses' Maafa and prayer service to remember enslaved persons and acknowledge the archdiocese's involvement with the institution of slavery. Read the story from the St. Louis Review (https://www.archstl.org/-forgive-us-our-trespasses-maafa-and-prayer-service-remembers-enslaved-persons-8740). Learn about the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs (https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs) and the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism (https://www.usccb.org/committees/ad-hoc-committee-against-racism). Pope Francis blessed a four-foot-tall monstrance for the U.S. National Eucharistic Congress in 2024 and spoke about how at Mass that morning he was thinking about Jesus' great gift of himself in the Eucharist, a gift that nourishes and consoles believers. Read the CNS story. Learn more about the Eucharistic Revival at (https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/) Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, spoke with Catholic Current about the gifts and challenges of the Catholic Church in the United States.

In May, Pope Francis created the Ecclesiastical Province of Las Vegas, comprised of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Las Vegas, and the suffragan dioceses of Reno and Salt Lake City. At the same time, he named Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Las Vegas. On June 19th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Archbishop Thomas received the pallium in Rome. Watch the CNS Rome video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L27V8k6tMqk&t=3s The Vatican Observatory resumed its biennial summer school program for young scientists around the world. Read the CNS Rome story: Rising stars: Vatican hosts astronomers of tomorrow for summer school. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QnnUx_ymYk&t=28s Beginning June 22, the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invited Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom. Visit the Religious Freedom Week website. Statement from the Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace released a statement on religious persecution in Nicaragua in April. Read the statement. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-international-justice-and-peace-chairman-ongoing-religious-persecution

On July 9, Pope Francis named twenty-one new cardinals, including two with deep ties to the United States: U.S.-born Archbishop Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The cardinals-designate will be installed during a consistory in Rome on September 30. The Vatican has released names of several hundred participants in the upcoming Synod on Synodality in October. Along with bishops and cardinals from around the world, the Holy Father personally appointed other participants, including some non-bishop voting members. Catholic Current spoke with Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, one of delegates appointed by Pope Francis.

On July 14, 2023, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection released the 2022 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This is the twentieth such report since 2002 when the U.S. bishops established and adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive framework of procedures to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and establish protocols to protect children and young people. The international World Youth Day celebration takes place every 2-3 years, typically in the summer months and on a major scale. The next one of these will take place soon, from Tuesday to Sunday, August 1 to 6, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal with millions of people and the Holy Father. The U.S. Bishops invite all young people across the United States to be a part of this global event - in person, digitally, or stateside. Learn more at https://www.usccb.org/topics/world-youth-day/international-celebration. On July 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for nationals of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Read the statement from Bishop Seitz, chair of the Committee on Migration, and the press release: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/us-bishops-migration-chairman-responds-new-family-reunification-programs.

The fourth African National Eucharistic Congress was held in Washington, DC on July 19-23. It brought together African Catholics from across the United States for worship, fellowship, and workshops. Learn more at https://anec-us.org. The National Black Catholic Congress, which meets every five years, also gathered on July 20-23. An estimated 3,000 Black Catholics from 80 dioceses renewed their mission and worked on a pastoral plan for local implementation. https://nbccongress.org/ Bishop Robert Barron, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, offers his thoughts on Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, which is an annual educational campaign. https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/national-nfp-awareness-week At the recitation of the Angelus on July 23 following a Mass in commemoration of the Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis was joined at the papal balcony by a young person and his grandmother. The young man will attend World Youth Day in Lisbon next week, and the Holy Father noted the significance of the proximity of these two days, seeing it as an invitation to promote an alliance between generations.

Upon the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a statement in remembrance and support of nuclear arms control. Visit www.usccb.org/nuclear for more information and resources on the bishops' teachings related to nuclear disarmament. Pope Francis spoke about the observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30th. The USCCB's Anti-Trafficking Program aims to educate on the scourge of human trafficking as an offense against the fundamental dignity of the human person, to advocate for its end, and to provide training and technical assistance to support survivors. Learn more and get involved at https://www.usccb.org/topics/anti-trafficking-program. More than 28,600 young people and 60 bishops travelled from the United States to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day. Follow the latest stories from the global celebration at https://www.usccb.org/newsroom.

In 2022, an estimated 258 million people in 58 countries experienced crisis-level acute hunger, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), the global humanitarian organization addressing food security. Russia's recent decision no longer to allow Ukraine to export tons of grain means more people are likely to go hungry. In response to the rising concern, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, called on global leaders to do more to ensure food security for all. Read Bishop Malloy's full statement. Pope Francis asked the 1.5 million young people who attended World Youth Day to take "what God has sown into your hearts" back to their home countries and build a joyful church that is open to all. Look back at the significant moments and messages of Pope Francis' Aug. 2-6 trip to Portugal. • Watch: Huge crowds gather for WYD vigil, papal Mass • Watch: U.S. pilgrims celebrate WYD The next WYD has been announced. Taking place in Seoul, South Korea, WYD 2027 will be the first to take place in on mainland Asia. Korea has a growing Catholic population of about 11 percent, or 6 million believers. Pope Francis has also announced the Jubilee of Youth in Rome 2025 for the interim. See you in Seoul in 2027!

Pope Francis prayed for Hawaii, Ukraine, and migrants during his Angelus address on August 13. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC6oCoQoRO4 Recovery efforts continue following the catastrophic wildfires that burned the historic town of Lahaina on the island of Maui. Pope Francis sent a papal message to Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu expressing his closeness and solidarity with all those affected. Bishop Silva shared his thoughts and how to help those in need on Maui in a letter on August 11, 2023. You can also read and reflect on his homily delivered on August 13th in Kapalua, Maui, after visiting Lahaina. To help the people of Maui recover, please prayerfully consider contributing to the Hawai'i Catholic Community Foundation at https://tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic or Catholic Charities USA at https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/?form=hawaii23

As millions of students return to school after summer break, Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane spoke with Catholic Current about the importance of Catholic Education. He is chair of the Committee on Catholic Education, which provides guidance for the educational mission of the Church in the United States in all its institutional settings. Learn more at https://www.usccb.org/committees/catholic-education. With its Rome bureau founded in 1950, Catholic News Service has been providing complete, in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years. CNS-Rome Bureau staff members Carol Glatz and Justin McLellan joined Catholic Current to discuss what it is like working as a journalist in the Vatican and what we can look forward to in the upcoming Synod. Read the latest from CNS Rome at https://www.usccb.org/newsroom?f%5B0%5D=type%3A9043.

In preparing for the observation of Labor Day in the United States on September 4, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued a statement calling for radical solidarity with working families. Read the 2023 Labor Day statement (also available in Spanish). Learn more USCCB's work on Economic Justice and Domestic Poverty. Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes on October 4 with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The theme chosen for this year's Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow,” and it calls on the faithful to reflect on the relationship between justice and creation. 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 David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on International Justice and Peace issued a reflection: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/laudato-si-20-pope-announces-new-document-ahead-season-creation. Pope Francis announced this week he would publish a follow-up document to his 2015 encyclical on the environment “Laudato Si'” on the October 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Read the story from Catholic News Service in Rome.

We spoke with Kim Burgo, Vice President of Disaster Operations at Catholic Charities USA, about the devastation in Maui and ongoing emergency disaster relief operations. The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Learn more at https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/. Pope Francis traveled to Mongolia and met with the country's small Catholic community which is buoyed by the presence of missionaries from dozens of countries. Read the Catholic News Service story: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-encourages-little-mongolian-flock-faith-unity-witness The Catholic Biblical Federation has elected Mary Elizabeth Sperry as its first woman and first lay person to serve as moderator. Learn more about fruitful Scripture reading: https://www.usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible.

The third Sunday in September is set aside for acknowledging the importance of catechists in the Church's teaching ministry. Catholic Current speaks with Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, who serves on the USCCB Committee for Evangelization and Catechesis. Learn more about Catechetical Sunday at http://www.usccb.org/committees/evang.... The 109th World Day for Migrants and Refugees is on September 24. Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman of the Committee on Migration, invites viewers to think about the root causes of migration. Resources and information may be found at http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org. Every 25 years, the Church celebrates a Jubilee. The next will be in 2025, and more than 30 million visitors are expected in Rome. Preparations are underway now. Visit https://www.iubilaeum2025.va to learn more.

Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed October as “Respect Life Month.” This year, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities invites Catholics to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month by embracing “radical solidarity” with women facing difficult or challenging pregnancies. Read Bishop Burbidge's full statement, “Living Radical Solidarity.” Resources for Respect Life Month are available at https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month. More than one hundred bishops from around the world recently attended the Vatican's school for new bishops. Bishop Jeffrey Fleming of Great Falls, Montana, and Bishop Michael Izen, Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, shared their experiences with Catholic Current.

Released 2023.09.28 Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the USCCB, wrote a letter asking Congress for bipartisan action to avert or bring an end to federal government shutdowns and the hardships that come when Congress and administrations fail to reach agreements on such actions. Read the letter: https://www.usccb.org/resources/letter-congress-fiscal-year-2024-continuing-resolution-and-government-shutdown-september?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term= Representatives from Catholic Indigenous organizations came together with Catholic bishops and staff from the episcopal conferences of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States for the International Conference on Catholic Indigenous Ministry (ICCI). The purpose of the week-long gathering was to share experiences, ideas, resources, and best practices encountered in the relationship between the Catholic Church and Indigenous communities. Read the press release: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/international-conference-seeks-enrich-ministry-catholic-indigenous-populations Learn about the work of the USCCB Subcommittee of Native American Affairs: https://www.usccb.org/committees/native-american-affairs Praying for those who have died in the Mediterranean Sea and praising those who help rescue and welcome migrants attempting the treacherous crossing, Pope Francis insisted compassion, encounter and fraternity are the only possible responses to migration. Read the CNS Rome story: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/people-have-duty-save-migrants-danger-drowning-pope-says Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNmlBLb5ydI

Released 2023.10.06 Pope Francis told the church's 21 new cardinals, including one born in the United States, that the key to evangelizing is to "cherish in our hearts the wonder and gratitude" of having heard the Gospel message and of knowing that they, like all Christians, still must grow in faith. Read the CNS story: Creating cardinals from 16 nations, pope asks them to join church 'symphony'. Watch the CNS video ”Cardinals for a Synodal Church”, an interview with Cardinal Prevost, and an interview with Cardinal Pierre. In Pope Francis' new document on the climate crisis, he urges everyone to "move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned" and to have "the courage needed to produce substantial changes." Catholic Current speaks with Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Chair of the Domestic Justice and Human Development Committee, about environmental concerns. Learn more about the USCCB's work to promote care for our common home at www.usccb.org/environment. Read the CNS Story: Pope, in document on climate crisis, criticizes science 'deniers.' Read Laudate Deum. Catholic Current speaks with Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis who is patron of the National Eucharistic Revival. Learn about Eucharistic Miracles of the World – an initiative led by Carlo Acutis as a teenager. Pope Francis opened the assembly of the Synod of Bishops on October 4th, 2023, with a Mass in St. Peter's Square. Read the CNS story: Pope addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'. Watch videos from CNS Rome: Pope: The church has stopped to listen and Pope: Trust God, don't fear the synod. Learn more about the synod at https://www.usccb.org/synod and visit https://www.usccb.org/newsroom for the latest news on the Synod.

Released 2023.10.19 Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza. Watch the CNS video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiuzrjveGv4 The bishops of the United States launched a mental health campaign on October 10th, Mental Health Day. It is a time when people from many nations are seeking to raise awareness and remove the stigma around issues concerning mental health. The bishops invite people to pray a special Novena for Mental Health. Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9s8jAcqik As the Synod on Synodality continues in Rome, Catholic News Service has spoken with participants about their experiences: • WATCH: At the synod on synodality, Cardinal Tobin said a more inclusive church would better spread the Gospel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK7nKJYa88g • WATCH: Cardinal Cupich said the synod on synodality is advancing the place of women in the church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrbp9v5tYI • WATCH: Synod leaders respond to hopes and fears about their work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTXUSmP3Ho

Released 2023.10.26 Pope Francis invited all people of faith to join him on October 27th for a day dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance for peace and reconciliation in Israel and Gaza. Watch the CNS video: Pope: War is always a defeat. Read the letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to his entire diocese: https://www.lpj.org/posts/letter-to-the-entire-diocese.html October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Read the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women. Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research on Domestic Abuse provides education, resources, and research that help Catholics promote peace within families and to recognize and respond with compassion to domestic abuse. Visit https://www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org/ to learn more and download resources. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been participating in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops and shared with CNS some of his thoughts about the monthlong experience. Read “USCCB president talks about his synod experience.” Participants in the Synod on Synodality have approved a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experience, detailing the work of the past few weeks, and expressing the hope that in the coming months, everyone will be able to "concretely participate in the dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word 'synod.'"