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Current News Releases
- Media Advisory - Mass for Immigrants, March 21, in Washington
(10-049)
March 18, 2010
WASHINGTON—Due to limitations of space and the large numbers expected to attend the Mass for Immigrants, March 21, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington, media intending to cover the Mass are strongly encouraged to register with the USCCB Media Relations office. Please contact Mar Muñoz-Visoso at mmunoz-visoso@usccb.org or 202-541-3202.
- Clarification
(10-048)
March 18, 2010
Washington—A recent letter from Network, a social justice lobby of sisters, grossly overstated whom they represent in a letter to Congress that was also released to media.
- U.S. Bishops Provide Resources Explaining Flaws In Senate Health Care Bill
(10-047)
March 18, 2010
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has made available several new resources explaining its calls for essential changes to the Senate health care reform bill. In a March 15 statement, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the USCCB, said that the U.S. bishops would, regretfully, have to oppose the final bill if these changes were not made.
- USCCB Marks Refugee Act Thirtieth Anniversary, Catholic Church Commitment To Refugees
(10-046)
March 17, 2010
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the largest resettlement organization in the United States, on March 17, marked the thirtieth anniversary of the 1980 U.S. Refugee Act.
- Cardinal Mahony will Celebrate Mass for Immigrants, March 21, in Washington
(10-044)
March 16, 2010
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, will celebrate a Mass for Immigrants, March 21, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington. The event coincides with the “March for America: Change Takes Courage and Faith” organized by diverse communities of faith demanding comprehensive immigration reform.
- President of U.S. Bishops says cost is too high, loss is too great for Health Care Bill not to be revised
(10-043)
March 15, 2010
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement on the state of health care reform:
Statement by Cardinal Francis George, OMI
The Cost is too High; the Loss is too Great
The Catholic Bishops of the United States have long and consistently advocated for the reform of the American health care system. Their experience in health care and in Catholic parishes has acquainted them with the anguish of mothers who are unable to afford prenatal care, of families unable to ensure quality care for their children, and of those who cannot obtain insurance because of preexisting conditions.
- Pope Names Vicar General, Pastor As Auxiliary Bishops For Dallas
(10-042)
March 11, 2010
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father J. Douglas Deshotel, 58, vicar general of the Diocese of Dallas, and Msgr. Mark J. Seitz, 56, pastor of Dallas’s St. Rita Parish, as auxiliary bishops of the Diocese of Dallas.
- Bishops Call For Extension Of Trade Preferences For Haiti As Part Of Long-Term Recovery Support
(10-041)
March 4, 2010
WASHINGTON—As part of an effort to address the long-term needs of the Haitian people, the United States needs to extend trade preferences for Haiti, said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In a February 19 letter, Bishop Hubbard called on the Senate Foreign Relations and Finance Committees to support the “Renewing Hope for Haitian Trade and Investment Act” (S. 2978) so that it moves quickly through the legislative process.
- Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation to Dialogue about Challenges of Unity in Diversity
(10-040)
March 2, 2010
WASHINGTON—Three hundred church leaders —bishops, priests, religious and laity—from all ethnic and cultural families and walks of life will gather May 6-8, at the University of Notre Dame for the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation (CCDNC).
- Catholics, Mormons Stand as One for Religious Liberty, States Cardinal George in Salt Lake City Speech
(10-039)
March 2, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY—Catholics and Mormons stand as one in defense of religious liberty, said Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- U.S. Bishops Offer Prayers, Assistance for Victims of Earthquake in Chile
(10-038)
March 2, 2010
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed prayers for all victims of the recent earthquake in Chile in a March 1 letter to Bishop Alejandro Goić, Karmelić, President of the Chilean bishops’conference.
- ADVISORY: Schedule For March 1-3 U.S. Bishops’ Advisory Group Visit To Haiti
(10-037)
February 26, 2010
WASHINGTON—The delegation will assess the impact of the earthquake on the local Church and identify ways in which the subcommittee can assist.
- Give Hope to Jesus in Disguise is Plea of the Catholic Relief Services Collection
(10-036)
February 26, 2010
WASHINGTON—The 2010 Catholic Relief Services Collection calls Catholics to Give Hope to Jesus in Disguise. The collection will be taken in most parishes around the country the weekend of March 14.
- Bishops Call for Bipartisan Action to Advance Health Care Reform That Protects Human Life and Dignity
(10-035)
February 24, 2010
WASHINGTON—On the eve of the White House Health Care Summit, the U.S. Bishops urged Congressional leaders “to commit themselves to enacting genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.” In their February 24 letter to Congressional leadership, the bishops also cited their longtime support of adequate and affordable health care for all, calling health care a basic human right.
- USCCB Subcommittee on Church in Latin America Creates Haiti Advisory Group
to Visit Haiti March 1-3
(10-034)
February 24, 2010
WASHINGTON—As part of the ongoing response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, has created a Haiti Advisory Group to help assess the impact on the local Church. Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12.
- Pope Names Bishops for Scranton, Pennsylvania; Ogdensburg, New York
(10-033)
February 23, 2010
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. Joseph C. Bambera, 53, administrator of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, as bishop of Scranton, and Father Terry R. LaValley, 53, administrator of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, as bishop of Ogdensburg.
- USCCB Liturgist: Welcoming Catechumens into Church a Job for all Catholics
(10-032)
February 22, 2010
WASHINGTON—During Lent candidates for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) experience final preparation to become members of the Catholic Church. The "Elect," as they are called, rely on the whole Church to welcome them.Father Richard Hilgartner, assistant director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship at the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops offered ten things Catholics can do to welcome new members into the Church.
- Series of Seminars Slated to Introduce Revised Roman Missal
(10-031)
February 18, 2010
WASHINGTON—A series of workshops slated from April 15-16 to November 4-5 will be offered around the nation to prepare priests and diocesan leaders for implementation of the revised Roman Missal.
- Bishops’ Conference Launches Por Tu Matrimonio, A Spanish Website On Marriage For Couples
(10-030)
February 16, 2010
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched this week www.PorTuMatrimonio.org, a new Web site in Spanish for couples. The Website, completely in Spanish, is the Hispanic version of the popular www.ForYourMarriage.org, although it is not a translation of it, said Alejandro Aguilera-Titus director for Hispanic Affairs of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church and coordinator of the project. The initiative responds to the bishops’ current priorities on marriage and cultural diversity with special emphasis on Hispanics.
- USCCB President Clarifies Status of New Ways Ministry
(10-028)
February 12, 2010
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I, archbishop of Chicago and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement on the status of the organization "New Ways Ministry":
New Ways Ministry is an organization based in Mount Rainier, Maryland, that describes itself as "a gay-positive ministry of advocacy and justice for lesbian and gay Catholics and reconciliation within the larger Christian and civil communities."
- Catholic Service Agencies Serving Haitians Call For Rigorous Safeguards In Protecting Haitian Children
(10-027)
February 5, 2010
WASHINGTON—In a letter to three Cabinet secretaries February 4, the heads of five major Catholic agencies serving Haitian earthquake victims outlined steps that should be taken to ensure the protection of unaccompanied Haitian children in the aftermath of the January 12th earthquake.
- Catholics Urged to Give ‘Faith to the Future’ Through Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
(10-025)
February 4, 2010
WASHINGTON—Years after the fall of communism, even though some are now European Union citizens, the Catholics of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union still have great needs. The 2010 Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, slated for February 17, Ash Wednesday, will focus on the theme “Great needs remain. Give faith to the future.”
- Archbishop O’Brien Speaks At Summit Aimed At Eliminating Nuclear Weapons
(10-024)
February 3, 2010
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Edwin O’Brien of Baltimore said humanity must “build a future free of the nuclear threat” in remarks on February 3 at the Global Zero Summit in Paris. The February 2-4 event brings together 200 international political, military, business and faith leaders for strategy talks on the phased elimination of all nuclear weapons.
- 2010 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering To Bring 400 Leaders To Washington To Focus On Common Good, Papal Encyclical
(10-023)
February 2, 2010
WASHINGTON—The 2010 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering will bring together over 400 Catholic leaders from across the country with the theme, “Charity in Truth: Seeking the Common Good,” echoing Pope Benedict XVI’s most recent encyclical, Caritas in Veritate. Sponsored by 19 national Catholic organizations including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the gathering will take place February 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill.
- Bishops Call for a Longterm Strategy in Haiti That Focuses on Poverty Reduction
(10-022)
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON—The U.S. needs “a long-term coherent strategy for recovery, development and poverty reduction in Haiti,” helping Haiti rebuild and get back to the path of long-term sustainable development, said the chair of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace in a January 26 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk.
- Bishops Urge Congress to Resume Work on Health Care with Access for All, Protection of Life, Conscience Rights
(10-021)
January 26, 2010
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called on Congress to continue to work on health care reform to provide access for everyone, protection of life at all stages and conscience rights.
- Pope Names Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez as Bishop of Austin, Texas
(10-020E)
January 26, 2010
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Galveston-Houston, 52, as bishop of Austin, Texas, succeeding Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who was named archbishop of New Orleans, June 12, 2009.
- World Day for Consecrated Life Set for February 7 in U.S.
(10-019)
January 25, 2010
WASHINGTON—The 14th celebration of the annual World Day for Consecrated Life, February 2, will be marked in the United States the weekend of Feb. 7. The occasion is celebrated in the United States on the Sunday following Feb. 2, to enable as much participation as possible. World Day for Consecrated Life marks an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary contributions of men and women religious in this country as well as a time to pray for vocations to the consecrated life.
- Catechism Expert for U.S. Bishops Explores the Place of Christian Art in the New Evangelization in Recent Book
(10-018)
January 25, 2010
WASHINGTON—Christian art can serve as a visual Gospel in a visual culture, according to a new book by Jem Sullivan, Ph.D., interim director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- President of U.S. Bishops Expresses Sorrow for Earthquake Aftermath in Letter to President of Haitian Bishops
(10-017)
January 23, 2010
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed “profound sorrow and deepest condolences for the terrible tragedy” in Haiti in a January 21 letter to Archbishop Louis Kébreau of Cap-Haïtien, President of the Haitian bishops. The letter was presented by New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Chairman of the Board of Catholic Relief Services, at the January 23 funeral of Port-au-Prince Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, who died in the January 12 earthquake. Archbishop Dolan officially represented the U.S. Bishops at the funeral.
- Christian Churches Together Discusses Evangelization, Issues Statement On Haiti, Plans Day For Common Anti-Poverty Effort
(10-016)
January 25, 2010
WASHINGTON—Christian Churches Together in the USA okayed a common action against poverty across the country for April 2, 2011and issued a statement of solidarity with earthquake-stricken Haiti at their January 12-15 meeting outside Seattle.
- Head of Subcommittee for Church in Latin America Makes Plea for Solidarity with the Church in Haiti
(10-015)
January 22, 2010
WASHINGTON—The head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Subcommittee for the Church in Latin America, Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, TX, sent a letter January 22 to all U.S. bishops urging Catholics to donate to the Collection for the Church in Latin America. The collection is set to be taken up over the next few weekends in most dioceses, in solidarity with the tremendous losses the Church in Haiti has undergone.
- Archbishop Dolan To Represent U.S. Bishops At Funeral Of Haitian Archbishop, Will Be Joined By USCCB General Secretary
(10-014)
January 22, 2010
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, Chairman of the Board of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), will represent the U.S. Bishops at the Saturday, January 23, funeral of Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot in Port-au-Prince Haiti. Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), asked Archbishop Dolan to serve as the representative of the U.S. Bishops.
- Pope Names Austin, Texas Administrator to Succeed Bishop Edmond Carmody as Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas
(10-011)
January 18, 2010
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. W. Michael Mulvey, 60, administrator of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, to be bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Edmond Carmody,76, from pastoral governance of the Corpus Christi Diocese, January 18.
- Head of Catholic Bishops Asks President Obama to Grant Haitians in the U.S. Temporary Protected Status
(10-013)
January 15, 2010
WASHINGTON—In a letter sent to president Barack Obama on Friday, January 15, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked the White House to designate the country of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- USCCB, Other Episcopal Conferences Call for the Courage to Achieve Peace in the Holy Land
(10-012)
January 15, 2010
WASHINGTON—Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Vice President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined with Catholic bishops from Europe and Canada in issuing a communiqué called "The Courage to Achieve Peace in the Holy Land" on behalf of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land. This communiqué was issued at a January 14 press conference at the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, at the end of the Coordination’s tenth annual visit to the Holy Land.
- Video Messages of Archbishop Dolan Outline Haiti Devastation, Need for Generous Response
(10-010)
January 15, 2010
WASHINGTON—New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Chairman of Catholic Relief Services, appears in three Web videos addressing the devastation in Haiti in the wake of the January 12 earthquake and what Catholics can do to help.
The videos, shot during a January 13 interview in Rome with Catholic News Service, also note that the U.S. bishops have urged dioceses to take up a special collection the weekend of January 16-17 for humanitarian work in Haiti.
- U.S. Bishops Mourn Devastation in Haiti, Urge Special Collection January 16-17 to Support Efforts of USCCB, CRS
(10-009)
January 13, 2010
WASHINGTON—The Church mourns the terrible suffering of the people of Haiti, and parishes across the country are urged to take up a special collection the weekend of January 16-17 for the humanitarian efforts of the U.S. bishops and Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in Haiti, according to a January 13 letter to Catholic bishops of the United States from Cardinal Francis George of Chicago and Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York.
- Priest Offers 'Ten Things That Promote Vocations' In Honor Of National Vocation Awareness Week
(10-008)
January 13, 2010
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week January 10-16. To encourage Catholics to foster vocations, Father David Toups, interim director of the Office of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers “Ten Things” Catholics can do to promote vocations to priesthood and religious life.
- Bishops Praise New Jersey Senate Vote Preserving Marriage
(10-005)
January 11, 2010
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, expressed support for a January 7 New Jersey State Senate vote to preserve the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
- U.S. Bishops Call on Parishes to Help Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform
(10-006)
January 11, 2010
WASHINGTON—In a nationwide call to Catholics to prevent health care reform from being derailed by the abortion lobby, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent bulletin inserts and pulpit announcements to almost 19,000 parishes across the country.
- Collection for Church in Latin America, January 23-24, Highlights Theme 'Keep Faith'
(10-004)
January 8, 2010
WASHINGTON—Keep Faith is the theme for the 2010 Collection for the Church in Latin America, to be taken up the weekend of January 23-24 in most parishes.
The proceeds of the Collection for the Church in Latin America are distributed to dioceses, parishes and other Catholic institutions throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to provide assistance for the many pastoral needs of the region.
- Care for God’s Creation Topic of United Methodist-Catholic Dialogue as World Leaders Gathered to Discuss Climate Change
(09-268)
December 23, 2009
WASHINGTON—As leaders of nations and scientists were gathering in Copenhagen to figure out ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that have been linked to global warming, representatives from the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) held their third meeting to discuss Christian responsibility in caring for God’s creation.
- Bishops Call Senate Health Care Reform Bill ‘Deficient,’ Essential Changes Needed Before Moving Forward
(09-267)
December 22, 2009
WASHINGTON—The current health care reform bill is “deficient” and should not move forward without “essential changes,” the chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said December 22.
The chairs, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, of the Committee on Migration, stated their position in a December 22 letter to senators working to pass the Senate version of health reform legislation.
- Cardinal George Welcomes Pope Benedict’s Day of Peace Message, Stresses Human Ecology and Natural Ecology are Inseparable
(09-266)
December 22, 2009
WASHINGTON— The Catholic Church worldwide will celebrate the 43th World Day of Peace on New Year’s Day. Pope Benedict XVI has chosen “If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation” as the theme for 2010 celebration.
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed Pope Benedict’s message for World Day of Peace (WDP) as he called on Catholics in the United States to work and pray for peace.
- Pope Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati; Co-Adjutor Archbishop Dennis Schnurr Succeeds
(09-265E)
December 21, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has acaccepted the resignation of Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, 75, from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Cincinnati. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, 61.
- Health Reform Bill Needs More Work Despite New Language on Abortion, Say Catholic Bishops
(09-264)
December 19, 2009
WASHINGTON--The Senate health reform bill should not move forward in its current form, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City said December 19, as senators proceeded closer to a vote. Cardinal DiNardo chairs the bishops' Committee on Pro-life Activities. Bishop Murphy chairs the bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Wester chairs the bishops' Committee on Migration.
- 'Abortion Compromise' Does Not Address Core Problem in Senate Health Bill, Says Cardinal Dinardo, Bishops' Pro-Life Chair
(09-263)
December 18, 2009
WASHINGTON—Responding to reports of a new “compromise” proposal on abortion in the U.S. Senate’s health care reform bill, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo today reaffirmed the position of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that the legislation will be morally unacceptable “unless and until” it complies with longstanding current laws on abortion funding such as the Hyde amendment. Cardinal DiNardo is Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and Chairman of the Conference’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
- ADVISORY
(09-261)
December 16, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has made available a side-by-side comparison of the language of the Hyde Amendment, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and the proposed Nelson/Hatch/Casey Amendment. The resource can be found online at: http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/hyde-s-by-s-landscape--AP-Marks.pdf
- Bishops Want Health Care Reform Aligned with Current Abortion Funding Laws; Urge Support for Menendez Amendment to Waive Waiting Period for Legal Immigrants
(09-260)
December 15, 2009
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops again urged senators to place Hyde Amendment language into proposed health care reform legislation, a step that would align the legislation with policies now governing all other federal health programs and the just-passed Consolidated Appropriations Act.
They made their request in a December 14 letter from Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities (http://www.usccb.org/healthcare/DiNardo_1214_letter.pdf)
- Catholic Education Chair Lauds Notre Dame’s Initiative to Improve Access to Catholic Schools for Latino Childre
(09-259)
December 15, 2009
WASHINGTON—Bishop Thomas J. Curry, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education and auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, praised an initiative to improve access to Catholic schools for Latino children.
The initiative was designed by the Notre Dame Task Force on the Participation of Latino Children and Families in Catholic Schools. The report “To Nurture the Soul of a Nation: Latino Families, Catholic Schools, and Educational Opportunity” was made public December 12. The task force has set a goal of enrolling one million Hispanic children in Catholic schools by 2020, doubling the percentage of Latinos in Catholic school from 3 percent to 6 percent.
- Faith and Order Group Sees Church as Reflection of Holy Trinity
(09-258)
December 15, 2009
WASHINGTON—“The mission and the Trinitarian nature of the Church were discussed at the Fall meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, October 15-17.
The Commission was hosted by the Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray, a Faith and Order commissioner and the Neal F. and Ila A. Fisher Professor of Systematic Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has participated in the Commission since 1968.
- Bishops Deeply Disappointed by Senate Vote to Table Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment
(09-256)
December 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—“The Senate vote to table the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment is a grave mistake and a serious blow to genuine health care reform,” said Cardinal Francis George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The Senate is ignoring the promise made by President Obama and the will of the American people in failing to incorporate longstanding prohibitions on federal funding for abortion and plans that include abortion.”
- National Vocation Awareness Week to Be Celebrated January 10-16
(09-255)
December 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January 10-16.
“This week provides the opportunity for parishes across the country to promote vocations through prayer and education,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “It is our responsibility to encourage young people to be generous in their response as they discern the possibility of a call to service in the Church. We must also ask parents, families and our parish communities to assist with this work, vocations are everyone’s business. As we pray for an increased number of seminarians and candidates for religious life, we recognize the importance of safeguarding the gift of vocations.”
- Pope Names Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Flores to Succeed Bishop Raymundo Peña in Brownsville, Texas
(09-254E)
December 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Daniel Flores, auxiliary bishop of Detroit, 48, as bishop of Brownsville, Texas, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Raymundo Peña, 75, from the pastoral governance of that diocese.
The appointment and resignation were publicized in Washington, December 9, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
- U.S. Bishops Urge Senators to Support Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment on Health Care Reform; Urge Constituents to Back It
(09-253)
December 7, 2009
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops have voiced support for the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment to the Senate health reform bill and have asked voters to back it.
The bishops took the position in a Dec. 7 letter to all U.S. senators, after Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Casey (D-PA) proposed an amendment to prevent the health reform bill from using federal funds to pay for health plans that include elective abortions. The ban would be similar to the Hyde Amendment, passed in 1976, to ban federal funds in the Health and Human Services’ appropriations bill from paying for coverage that includes most abortions.
- National Migration Week, January 3-9, to Focus on Migrant and Refugee Children
(09-251)
December 3, 2009
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Migration Week on January 3-9, 2010. The theme this year will again be “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice,” although the focus will be migrant and refugee children, following the lead of the Pope Benedict XVI, who has chosen the theme “Minor Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
“Children are an exceptionally vulnerable population that are easily taken advantage of, exploited and abused. This is particularly true when they are undocumented and unaccompanied in a foreign country and, all too often, with nobody to turn to for help,” said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
- USCCB Delegation to Visit Church in El Salvador in Wake of Tropical Storm
(09-250)
December 1, 2009
WASHINGTON—Following recent weather emergencies in El Salvador, Bishop John Manz, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittees on the Church in Latin America and the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers, will visit El Salvador December 1-3. He will travel with Oblate Father Andrew Small, director for the Church in Latin America at the USCCB. They will visit local communities to see first-hand the impact of the flooding. They will also visit with Church leaders in affected areas of San Salvador, Cuscatlán y San Vicente, and La Libertad.
- Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Rejects Coercion In Matters Of Faith
(09-249)
November 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—Catholic and Jewish leaders agreed at a fall dialogue that proselytism understood as coercion or manipulation is a corruption of authentic witness to one’s faith.
- Advent/Christmas Season Web Site Offers Resources For Prayer, Reflection; Has Printable Family Activity Calendar
(09-248)
November 24, 2009
WASHINGTON—For the second consecutive year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has created a Website (www.usccb.org/advent/ ) with suggestions for daily prayer, reading, reflection and action throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.
- U.S. Bishops Voice Disappointment in Abortion-Funding Provisions in Senate Health Bill, Urge Better Care for Immigrants and Affordability
(09-247)
November 20, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Senate to make essential changes its health reform bill in order to keep in place federal law on abortion funding and conscience protection on abortion, protect access to health care for immigrants and include strong provisions for adequate affordability.
- Catholic Campaign For Human Development Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest Winner To Perform At NCYC For Crowd Of 20,000
(09-245)
November 20, 2009
WASHINGTON—Clare Hagan, an 8th grader at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Louisville, Ken., is the winner of the grand prize in the 2009 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Multi-Media Youth Arts contest. CCHD is the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- John Jay Researchers Offer Update On Causes And Context Study; Early Findings Confirm Steep Decline In Sexual Abuse Cases After 1985, Emphasizethe Importance Of Seminary Training
(09-240)
November 17, 2009
WASHINGTON—Researchers from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice presented an Interim Report on the Causes and Context Study on sexual abuse of minors by clergy at the November assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The bishops called for the Study as part of their response to the sexual abuse crisis when they adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002.
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Bishops Remember Slain El Salvador Jesuits On Anniversary Of Murders, Thank Congress For Resolutions In Their Honor
(09-239)
November 16, 2009
WASHINGTON—November 16 marks the 20th anniversary of the murder of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador. On this day, Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) affirmed that USCCB joins many others in "commemorating the lives and work of the six Jesuits and their collaborators."
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Pope Names Bishop Listecki to Milwaukee; Bishop Rhoades to Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana; Accepts Resignation of Bishop D'arcy from Fort-Wayne South Bends
(09-234)
November 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Jerome E. Listecki of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 60, as Archbishop of Milwaukee, and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 51, as Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana. He also accepted the resignation of Bishop John M. D’Arcy, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese.
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Polish National, Catholic Dialogue Focuses on Clergy Transfers between Churches
(09-237)
November 13, 2009
WASHINGTON—The challenges of clergy transfers between churches stood as a key topic at the annual Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic dialogue, this year at the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, September 28-29. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo and Bishop Anthony Mikovsky of the Central diocese of the PNCC co-chaired the meeting.
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Muslims, Catholics Discuss Religion in Public Square at Milwaukee Meeting
(09-236)
November 13, 2009
WASHINGTON—Muslims and Catholics discussed religion in the public square at an interreligious dialogue, October 25-27, in Milwaukee.
The annual meeting of the Midwest Catholic Muslim Interreligious Dialogue was hosted by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Initiatives and the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America and Bishop Francis Reiss, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, on behalf the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
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Diocesan Projects Highlight Good Works Of CCHD
(09-235)
November 13, 2009
WASHINGTON—As the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) nears on November 21-22, numerous projects in dioceses all over the country reflect the benefits of CCHD funding toward breaking the cycle of poverty. In 2008, CCHD funding involved 776 Catholic parishes, 18 Catholic Charities agencies and 51 religious communities.
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Florida Young Adult Receives National Award For Efforts To Support Farmworkers
(09-233)
November 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—Brigitte Gynther, 27, coordinator of Interfaith Action (IA) of Southwest Florida, is the recipient of the 2009 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award for her role in supporting and empowering farmworkers from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), as they pursue fair wages, improved working conditions, and an end to modern day slavery in the fields.
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Cardinal George Lauds House Action to Ban Federal Funds for Abortion; Promises Vigilance as Senate Pursues Health Care Reform, Wary About Effect on Poor, Elderly
(09-232)
November 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, lauded the November 7 decision of the U.S. House of Representatives to block federal health care reform money from paying for elective abortions.
In a statement issued November 9, two days after the Saturday night decision, Cardinal George voiced thanks that “the Representatives honored President Obama’s commitment to the Congress and the nation that health care reform would not become a vehicle for expanding abortion funding or mandates.”
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Coverage Of Bishops' Meeting Available Via Satellite, Internet
(09-231)
November 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will work in conjunction with Telecare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY, to provide live coverage of the U.S. Bishops’ Fall General Assembly, November 16-19, in Baltimore. This coverage will be “free to air” via satellite.
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Parishes To Conduct Annual 'Share In The Care' Collection For Elderly Nuns, Brothers, Priests In Religious Orders
(09-230)
November 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—The annual Retirement Fund for Religious national collection will be taken up in most U.S. parishes December 12-13. The collection theme is ‘Share in the Care.’
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Parishes To Conduct Annual 'Share In The Care' Collection For Elderly Nuns, Brothers, Priests In Religious Orders
(09-230)
November 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—The annual Retirement Fund for Religious national collection will be taken up in most U.S. parishes December 12-13. The collection theme is ‘Share in the Care.’
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Bishops Urge Passage of Stupak-Ellsworth Anti-Abortion Amendment for Health Reform Bill
(09-229)
November 7, 2009
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops November 7 urged members of the House of Representatives to vote for the Stupak-Ellsworth Amendment to the health care reform.
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Bishops To House: Keep Abortion Funding Out Of Health Care Reform, Make Health Care Available To Vulnerable
(09-228)
November 6, 2009
Washington—The U.S. bishops sent an urgent message to the U.S. House of Representatives November 6, as House members steeped themselves in debate over procedures related to abortion and the health care reform bill.
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U.S. Bishops To Vote On Revision Of Ethical Directive On Nutrition And Hydration At November Meeting
(09-226)
November 5, 2009
WASHINGTON—The full body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will take into account the most recent Catholic teaching on care for the chronically ill and dying when they vote on a proposed revision of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services at their November 16-19 general assembly in Baltimore. The proposed revision states more definitively the moral obligation to provide medically assisted nutrition and hydration to patients in a “persistent vegetative state.”
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Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Responds To ‘Ravenna Document’
(09-225)
November 4, 2009
WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation finalized a joint response to the international dialogue’s 2007 “Ravenna Document” at their 77th meeting, held at Saint Paul’s College in Washington, October 22-24. Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Roman Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans presided over it.
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Anglican-Catholic Theological Consultation Looks at Immigration, New Vatican Statement
(09-222)
November 2, 2009
WASHINGTON—The sixty-sixth meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA) took place at the Washington Retreat House in Washington, October 26 and 27. Bishop Thomas Breidenthal of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, co-chaired the meeting. It marked the third round of the dialogue focusing the theme, "Ecclesiology and Moral Discernment: Common Ground and Divergences."
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Bishops to Hear Report about Defense of Marriage
(09-221)
November 2, 2009
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will hear a report highlighting U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) efforts to promote and protect marriage as the exclusive and permanent union between a man and a woman at their November 16-19 meeting in Baltimore.
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, who chairs the bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, will deliver the report. Report items include an update on the Committee’s work in catechesis/education and public policy. A key effort includes development of five seven-nine minute videos, to be rolled out with accompanying pamphlets and a related Web site in 2010.
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Villa Stritch Dinner Time of Remembrance for Cardinal Foley
(09-220)
November 2, 2009
WASHINGTON—"Villa Stritch was truly a home for me in Rome," Cardinal John P. Foley told a gathering that celebrated the Villa Stritch’s more than 40 years of service to U.S. priests assigned to serve the Vatican.
The October 25 gathering took place at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington and was hosted by Cardinal Francis George, OMI of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
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Document on Married Love and Reproductive Technology on Agenda for U.S. Bishops' November Meeting
(09-219)
October 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—A proposed document from the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities looks at the relationship between sex and procreation and the moral issues surrounding various technologies for treating infertility, including in vitro fertilization, embryo adoption and surrogacy. The document,"Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology," will be debated and voted on by the full body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their November 16-19 meeting in Baltimore.
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Bishops’ Conference Blankets Parishes with Inserts Against Expansion of Abortion Through Health Care Reform
(09-218)
October 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—In an extraordinary call to Catholics to prevent health care reform from being derailed by the abortion lobby, the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent bulletin inserts to almost 19,000 parishes across the country.
"Health care reform should be about saving lives, not destroying them," the insert states. It urges readers to contact Senate leaders so they support efforts to "incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights" in health reform legislation.
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Bishops To Vote On USCCB Chairs-Elect Of Five Committees
(09-216E)
October 28, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Father Joseph M. Siegel, 46, Pastor of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois, as Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet in Illinois and titular Bishop of Pupiana.
Publication of the appointment was announced in Washington, October 28, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
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Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecasts Information for Christmas, Day of Peace Ceremonies
(09-217)
October 27, 2009
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote on five United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) chairs-elect of five committees at their November 16-19 General Assembly in Baltimore.
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Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecasts Information for Christmas, Day of Peace Ceremonies
(09-215)
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON—The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has released information for broadcasters regarding worldwide telecasts of the ceremonies presided over by Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas and New Year's Day. All times are UTC/GMT (Coordinated Universal Time/Greenwich Mean Time).
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Archbishop Dolan Named Bishops’ Moderator of Jewish Affairs, Succeeds Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop-Emeritus of Baltimore
(09-214)
October 23, 2009
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York has been named Moderator of Jewish Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), succeeding Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop-emeritus of Baltimore, in that role.
Cardinal Francis George, USCCB president, made the appointment, which is effective November 11, and is for five years.
- Pope Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, Bishop Francis X. Irwin
(09-213)
October 21, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation Bishop Francis X. Irwin from the office of auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. In January, Bishop Irwin reached the canonical age for retirement of bishops, 75. The acceptance of the resignation was made public by the Vatican October 20.
- Latinos and education, U.S. future at stake
(09-212)
October 20, 2009
My grandfather pulled my mother out of school when she was fourteen. The reason: she clunked a geography test. The fact that the teacher went to my grandfather to explain many kids in her class had failed that test and to beg grandpa not to make the biggest mistake of his life did not make a difference. Unfortunately, my mother did not have her mother—who died four years earlier—around anymore to help persuade the old man.
- Upcoming CCHD Collection Focuses On Aiding Struggling Families Amidst Economic Downturn
(09-211)
October 20, 2009
WASHINGTON—"Families are struggling. Faith is calling" is the theme of the 2009 Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), which will be held in most Catholic parishes the weekend of November 21-22.
- Cardinal George Responds to Vatican Announcement on Anglican Groups Entering Catholic Church
(09-210)
October 20, 2009
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement, October 20, following a Vatican announcement of a new provision concerning Anglican groups coming into the Catholic Church. His statement follows:
"Today the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has received word of the new Provision in the form of an apostolic constitution issued by the Holy See for the reception into full communion with the Catholic Church of groups from the Anglican tradition. The USCCB stands ready to collaborate in the implementation of that Provision in our country.
- Dialogue Statement, Vocations Topic Of Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Church Meeting
(09-209)
October 19, 2009
WASHINGTON—The new agreed statement of the international dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the fostering of vocations were the main topics of discussion at the 2009 meeting of the national dialogue between the two communions.
The meeting took place September 30-October 1 at the Passionist Spiritual Center in Riverdale, New York, and was co-chaired by Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York , and The Right Reverend Chor-Episcopos John Meno of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.
In the first session, Paulist Father Ronald G. Roberson, Associate Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and a member of the international Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic dialogue, presented the new international agreed text, entitled “Nature, Constitution and Mission of the Church.” The document outlines broad areas of consensus on such topics as the Church as communion, the attributes of the Church, the bishops and apostolic succession, the relationship between synodality and primacy, the nature of councils, and the mission of the Church. It also identifies points that need further study. Members welcomed this step forward in our relationship and commented on the contents and significance of the document.
- Pope Names Indianapolis Pastor Bishop Of Cheyenne, Wyoming
(09-208E)
October 19, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Father Paul D. Etienne, 50, pastor of St. Paul Church in Tell City, Indiana, as Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Publication of the appointment was announced in Washington, October 19, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop-elect Etienne succeeds Bishop David L. Ricken, who was named Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin, July 9, 2008.
- Liturgical Items At November Meeting Will Conclude U.S. Bishops’ Work On English Translation Of Roman Missal
(09-207)
October 17, 2009
WASHINGTON—Six years of intense work on the English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal are drawing to an end with five action items set to be voted on by the U.S. Catholic Bishops at their meeting in Baltimore, November 16-19.
- Bishops To Debate, Vote On Pastoral Letter On Marriage At November Meeting
(09-205)
October 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote on the approval of a pastoral letter on marriage at their November 16-19 fall general assembly in Baltimore. The letter, “Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” is an important component of the Bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage that began in 2004 (see www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/npim.shtml).
- Bishops' Conference Officials Voice Disappointment In Senate Finance Committee Health Care Vote
(09-204)
October 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—Spokespersons for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voiced disappointment in the Senate Finance Committee vote to approve its health care reform bill without first fixing problematic provisions.
- President Of U. S. Bishops’ Conference Congratulates President Obama For Nobel Peace Prize
(09-203)
October 12, 2009
WASHINGTON--Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement, congratulating President Barack Obama on being honored with the Nobel Peace Prize:
- Bishop Hubbard Offers Administration Catholic Teaching, Experience For Policy In Afghanistan
(09-202)
October 9, 2009
WASHINGTON—Recognizing the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is at a “critical juncture,” Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y. shared Catholic teaching and experience in a letter to the National Security Advisor. The goal of the letter is to help inform the policy choices under consideration by the Obama Administration regarding Afghanistan.
- U.S. Bishops: Current Health Care Bills Violate Essential Principles; Will Seek Changes Or Have To Oppose
(09-201)
October 8, 2009
WASHINGTON—Three chairmen of the bishops’ committees working on health care reform urged the U.S. Congress to improve current health care reform legislation, expressing their “disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform” cited in their previous letters.
- USCCB Commends Advance Of Community Radio Act
(09-200)
October 8, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) commends the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet for marking up H.R. 1147, the Community Radio Act of 2009, and moving this important bill forward.
- Cardinal McCarrick Brings Catholic Bishops’ Perspective To Senate Hearing On Comprehensive Immigration Reform
(09-199)
October 8, 2009
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, testified today in Congress before the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The hearing sought faith-based perspectives on immigration reform.
- Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Patrick Cooney Of Gaylord, Michigan, Names Pittsburgh Priest His Successor
(09-198)
October 7, 2009
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick R. Cooney of Gaylord, Michigan, and named as his successor, Msgr. Bernard A. Hebda, 50, a Pittsburgh priest and Under-Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.
- USCCB Web Page Follows Special Assembly For Africa Of The Synod Of Bishops
(09-197)
October 6, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a Web page on the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, which can be found at www.usccb.org/africasynod. The Synod, which began October 4 at the Vatican and will continue through October 25, will address issues facing the Church in Africa, including conflict and the promotion of peace and reconciliation, dialogue with Muslims, economic justice and the family.
- Bishops Clarify Statement On Dialogue With Jewish Community, Plan To Excise Two Lines From Earlier Statement On ‘Doctrinal Ambiguities’
(09-196)
October 6, 2009
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and four other bishops issued on October 5, a "Statement of Principles for Catholic-Jewish Dialogue."
The cardinal and bishops also said in a letter that the June 18 document titled, "A Note on Ambiguities Contained in ‘Reflections on Covenant and Mission’” would be amended by removing two sentences that might lead to misunderstanding about the purpose of interreligious dialogue.
- Bishops Express Support For Bridgeport Bishop Lori In His Diocese’s Appeal To U.S. Supreme Court
(09-195)
October 5, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has made public a statement in support of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., and its bishop, William E. Lori, in the Diocese's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding legal proceedings initiated by the New York Times and other newspapers in 2002.
The statement was issued at the request of the Administrative Committee of the USCCB.
- Bishops' Committee Heralds Leadership Conference Of Women Religious Exhibit On Sisters
(09-194)
October 2, 2009
WASHINGTON—A Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) traveling exhibit, “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in the United States,” drew praise from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston, chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Cardinal O’Malley hailed the exhibit in an October 1 letter on behalf of the bishops’ committee that asked to be distributed to all LCWR members.
- Senate Committee Addresses Some Issues On Affordability, Fails To Correct Abortion Problems And Immigration Concerns, Say Usccb Officials
(09-193)
October 2, 2009
WASHINGTON— Officials of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) saw mixed results when the Senate Finance Committee completed voting on amendment to its proposed health care reform bill this week.
In a recent letter to the Senate, the USCCB had called for improvements in the bill to meet the bishops’ key criteria for genuine health care reform: protecting life and dignity, affordability, and inclusion of immigrants. For the text of this letter see www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-09-30-healthcare-letter-senate.pdf.
- Bishops To Meet Nov. 16-19, In Baltimore; Agenda Includes Votes On Liturgical Texts, Letter On Marriage, Document On Reproductive Technologies, Revision Of Item In Ethical And Religious Directives
(09-191)
October 1, 2009
WASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be November 16-19, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
In a change from the usual schedule, the meeting will begin with Mass on Monday morning, followed by regional meetings. The public plenary session will not open until early Monday afternoon.
- U.S. Bishops Raise Concerns Over Health Care, The Protection Of Life, Immigrants And Affordability In Letter To Senate
(09-190)
September 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—Three U.S. bishops raised their concerns over human life and dignity, immigrants and affordability in a September 30 letter to the U.S. Senate. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop William Murphy and Bishop John Wester chair the Committees on Pro-Life Activities, Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Migration, respectively, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
"Our Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity," the bishops wrote. "These moral principles and our everyday experience lead us to work for three central priorities for health care reform."
- USCCB Pro-Life Committee Chairman Releases Statement For Respect Life Sunday
(09-189)
September 30, 2009
WASHINGTON—In a statement to mark Respect Life Sunday, October 4, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia called attention to those who are most vulnerable in recent debates on health care reform – the unborn, the poor, the elderly and the immigrant – and called upon Catholics to “examine how well we, as a nation and individually, are living up to our obligation to protect the rights of those who, due to age, dependency, poverty or other circumstances, are at risk of their very lives."
Cardinal Rigali chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Cardinal Rigali noted that the lives of the unborn are those most at risk in America and “despite the opposition of 67% of Americans to taxpayer-funded abortion, all current health care proposals being considered by Congress would allow or mandate abortion funding, either through premiums paid into government programs or out of federal revenues."
- USCCB Public Service Announcements Among Award Recipients In Annual Thoth Awards
(09-188)
September 28, 2009
WASHINGTON—Public service announcements developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in collaboration with Crosby Marketing Communications were among the winners at the annual Thoth Awards of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA).
- Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists Mark Tenth Anniversary Of Historic Agreement
(09-187)
September 23, 2009
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will join other church leaders in downtown Chicago, October 1, to commemorate the signing of a joint agreement on the Doctrine of Justification, a matter that for centuries divided Christians.
- New Survey: Most Americans Want Health Care Reform, Oppose Abortion Coverage, Support Conscience Protection Laws
(09-186)
September 22, 2009
WASHINGTON—A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found widespread public opposition to including abortion in health care reform and majority support for conscience rights protection – views shared by those who favor efforts to pass health care reform.
- Bishop William Winter To Join Religious Leaders To Press For Action During G-20 Summit
(09-185)
September 22, 2009
PITTSBURGH—On the eve of the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Bishop William J. Winter, retired auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, will join more than 25 Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders for a Religious Leaders Summit to press for actions that will help hungry and poor people lift themselves out of poverty. This will include a press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 9 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh.
- USCCB, CRS Global Poverty Initiative Reaches Quarter Million Catholics
(09-184)
September 21, 2009
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) announced that they have reached over 250,000 Catholics through their Catholics Confront Global Poverty initiative, a renewed nationwide effort to address the root causes of global poverty through education and advocacy. In less than seven months, they have reached one quarter of their goal to mobilize one million Catholics.
- Wichita Pastor To Lead U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat For Clergy, Consecrated Life, Vocations
(09-183)
September 21, 2009
WASHINGTON—Father W. Shawn McKnight, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wichita, Kansas, has been named head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.
Father McKnight, who is 41, will assume his USCCB position in July, succeeding Father David Toups, interim secretariat director.
- Christian Unity A Goal, But Won't Happen Overnight, Says USCCB Official In Ecumenism, Interreligious Affairs>
(09-182)
September 18, 2009
WASHINGTON—About 2.1 billion people claim the name Christian. These followers of Christ are divided among numerous religious groups including Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Orthodox, and even those who do not associate themselves with any one Christian group.
Father Leo Walsh, Associate Director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Ecumenical and interreligious Affairs, notes that all Christians are called to be one but it won’t happen tomorrow.
- Hispanic Bishops Meet with Latino Legislators, Others in Congress on Policy Issues Most Affecting Hispanics
(09-181)
September 17, 2009
WASHINGTON—At a series of meetings at Capitol Hill, a delegation of Hispanic Bishops discussed with Democrat and Republican legislators of both houses, four areas of deep concern and offered principles of Catholic social teaching to help in the current debates.
Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, Texas, led the September 17 delegation, representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“The bishops are keenly aware of the substantial contributions Hispanic communities make to the prosperity and well-being of the United States,” said Archbishop Gomez. “Yet those same communities suffer under the weight of a broken immigration policy, as well as lack of access to quality education, adequate medical care and economic opportunities.”
- USCCB Officials Welcome President Obama’s Statements On Abortion, Care For The Poor In Response To Health Care Address
(09-178)
September 10, 2009
WASHINGTON—Calling it an important contribution to a crucial national debate, officials speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed President Obama's September 9 address on health care reform, particularly his statements regarding abortion and the uninsured.
"We agree that 'no one should go broke because they get sick,'" said Kathy Saile, Director of Domestic Social Development at the USCCB. "That's why the U.S. Bishops have worked for decades for decent health care for all. The Catholic Church provides health care for millions, purchases health care, picks up the pieces of a failing health system, and has a long tradition of teaching on ethics in health care. Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President's speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task."
- Bishop Murphy Reflects On Economic Challenges And Dignity Of Work In U.S. Bishops’ Labor Day Statement
(09-177)
September 2, 2009
WASHINGTON—“This Labor Day, we should take a moment to pray for all workers and all those without work” said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., in “The Value of Work; the Dignity of the Human Person,” the annual Labor Day statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He added, “We should also ask God’s help in living out the Church’s call to defend human life and dignity, to protect workers and their rights and to stand with the poor and vulnerable in difficult economic times.”
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