My recap of the U.S. bishops’ November meeting

Outlined below is a summary of the meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from Nov. 14-17. This is my summary, not an official document from the USCCB.

• The United States bishops sent a message to Pope Francis assuring him of our prayers and support. We thanked him for the synodality he has invited us to embrace. We reassured him of our commitment to the protection of all human life.
• The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, addressed the bishops. He greeted us in the name of Pope Francis and reminded us of the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis as our Holy Father. He reminded us of the emphasis of Pope Francis to evangelize the world and to be a missionary church. The pope reminds us to be there for the “forgotten and poor” and to always go beyond our comfort zone. The synodal process calls us to journey with people in the midst of joys and challenges, to truly accompany others in our local church. The Holy Father also calls us to heal the wounds of people in our day. The Nuncio acknowledged the continued importance of the life of the unborn and all human life from conception to natural death. He encouraged us in our efforts for faith formation, liturgical formation and formation in marriage and family life. The nuncio echoed the question: “Where are we going?” and that we must be faithful to our God in leading his church.
• The USCCB president, Archbishop José Gomez, addressed the bishops, acknowledging that his term would be completed at the end of the meeting. He called us to read the signs of our times, especially so many of the challenges that face us today. We must face and address these with the prayers of Mary, our Mother, and with courage to live Gospel values and to call others to do the same. We must fight to remind all people that we belong to God. We are created equal and are called to be saints. He spoke of the words and example of Dorothy Day and how she gives us direction to be the saints we are called to be. What makes us one is the Eucharist. Archbishop Gomez thanked the bishops for their personal support and ministry.
• On behalf of the bishops an apology was extended to all victims and survivors of sexual abuse. We as bishops again recommitted ourselves to protect and to heal. An abuse survivor spoke to the bishops of his pain and healing experience. We remembered that it was 20 years ago that we first published the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
• A report on pro-life activities was given to the bishops, and we discussed opportunities following the Dobbs decision. The USCCB has a program, “Walking with Moms in Need,” which is parish-based and reaches out to moms with challenging pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies. We are aware that in the post-Roe movement some Catholics remain “on the fence” about abortion. We must be willing to dialogue with them in a polarized society and to stand up courageously for the dignity of human life. Project 

Rachel is a retreat ministry that reaches out to those who have had an abortion. All of these programs are part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ ministry. The reaction to Dobbs shows us that we face a long and difficult struggle. With God’s help, we move forward. We were encouraged to participate in state marches for life and the “March for Life” in Washington, DC.

• The 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops was discussed. All dioceses presented a report and these have been summarized into a report representing all U.S. dioceses. The next stage is “continental” as we collaborate with Canada to discuss issues. Our work is not an opinion poll but an opportunity to listen to others so as to better understand the pastoral reality in a realistic way.
• Archbishop Borys Gudziak gave a report on the situation in Ukraine. He described the devastation, incredible number of deaths and the fear of the people. Millions of people have been forced from their homes. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to so many in the United States who have offered prayer and generous gifts. Over $150 million has been given by U.S. Catholics.
• “Journeying Together” is a group of youth and young adults who gathered to talk about their faith and the need for evangelization, social justice and diversity. Two young adults addressed the bishops on their experience.
• Plans for the National Eucharistic Revival continue. The National Eucharistic Congress will be in Indianapolis. We will have participants from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 80,000 people will be able to attend. There will be a procession across the United States, and our archdiocese will host the pilgrimage through Louisiana.
• An Institute on the Catechism has been formed in order to continue to promote the reading and implementation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in Faith formation. The new “Directory on Catechesis” will also give direction to the work of the Institute. The formation of faithful missionary disciples is the goal of this institute. This institute is also in dialogue with and at the service of the catechetical publishers.
• We received a report on the Holy Land from Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, O.F.M., Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He discussed some of the challenges that they experience in the Holy Land, both ecclesial and political.
• The bishops discussed “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” in anticipation of the 2024 elections. After discussion it was decided to reissue “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” without revisions; to issue a new introductory note that incorporates more recent papal teaching and policy developments; to develop bulletin inserts, a social media kit and a template video script that may be adapted to local use; and to begin to re-examine the document after the 2024 election.
• A report was given on Catholic Relief Services and its work throughout the world. It strives to alleviate suffering and care for those in need. In recent years, over two million people have been cared for by CRS in unison with local churches and dioceses.
• World Youth Day 2023 is scheduled for Aug. 1-6 in Lisbon, Portugal, for young adults 18 to 30 years old. We anticipate that 20,000 will attend from the United States. The Archdiocese of New Orleans will participate.
• The National Advisory Council includes clergy, religious and laity. They meet before our meeting to review our agenda and offer insightful comments regarding items on the agenda and other areas of concern. This collaboration is important to the USCCB. Mr. Mark Sadd and Ms. Lisa Weir presented the report.
• The bishops approved the English and Spanish editions of the following.

a. The Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of their Pastoral Care

b. Lay Ministry to the Sick

Confirmation by the Holy See will be required.

• The bishops voted in favor of advancing of the local level the cause of beatification and canonization of three women: Michelle Duppong (lay woman); Cora Louise Evans (lay woman); Mother Margaret Mary Healy-Murphy (foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate).
• Updates were given on the work of the Committee on Migration, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., and Catholic Charities, U.S.A.
• A report was given on the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Including the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 65 dioceses belong to the organization and gain ideas and pastoral care suggestions for those with disabilities. Dioceses were asked to join.

Thanks to all of you who supported us in prayer during the meeting in Baltimore.