A summary of the U.S. bishops’ November meeting

Below is my summary of the November meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This is not an official summary but my reflections during the meeting.

1. The United States bishops sent greetings to Pope Francis and assured him of our spiritual and fraternal support.

2. The apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Pierre, addressed the bishops. He referred to the pandemic as a spiritual journey. He spoke about synodality and the Holy Father’s call for a synod. Accompanying one another, listening and praying together lead us to unity and to know God’s call to foster his kingdom on earth in a spirit of evangelization. He mentioned several social justice issues that need to be part of our conversation. He reminded us that the eucharistic mystery is at the heart of who we are as a church. A church that listens to each other and to the Holy Spirit will meet the demands of our times, keep the fire of God burning and lead toward unity. Mary shows us how to say yes to the call of God.

3. Archbishop Gomez, USCCB president, addressed the bishops. He reminded us that we must discern carefully God’s call to respect the dignity of all people. It can be done. All of us who are baptized are called to be Christian and to be missionaries to others. Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, to find him, walk with him and invite others to live their faith daily. God provides new opportunities for this mission to be accomplished. We are called to live in freedom and to care for (serve) one another. We must see the ways we are/are not accomplishing this. We must see ourselves as evangelizers and eucharistic people.

4. The National Advisory Council is composed of clergy, religious and laity. Their task is to review our agenda and action items and to give their insights. Their report was extensive and given by Mr. Mark Sadd, chair.

5. After thorough discussion and prayer, the United States bishops overwhelmingly approved the statement, “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.” The document includes:

I. The Gift

a. The Sacrifice of Christ

b. The Real Presence of Christ

c. Communion with Christ and the Church

II. Our Response

a. Thanksgiving and Worship

b. Transformation in Christ

c. Conversion

d. Food for the Journey

III. Sent Forth

The entire document can be found on the USCCB website (usccb.org).

6. The bishops support moving forward with plans for a national Eucharistic Congress in July 2024. This is contingent upon securing necessary funding and a separate institutional structure.

7. The bishops approved the following document on finance: A proposal on “Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines” for the USCCB. We also approved the 2022 budget.

8. Concerning liturgy, the bishops approved:

• A new translation of “Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass” with some new adaptations (must be approved by the Vatican).
• A revised edition of the “Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults” in English and Spanish (must be approved by the Vatican).

9. The bishops agreed to authorize the Committee on Protection of Children and Young People to begin a review of “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in advance of the mandated review date in order to provide ample time for consultation.

10. The USCCB supported the cause for beatification and canonization of Servants of God. (This consultation is required for the cause to move forward to Rome.)

• Charlene Marie Richard, laywoman (Lafayette)
• Auguste Robert Pelafigue, layman (Lafayette)
• Joseph Ira Dutton, layman (Honolulu)

11.  His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, addressed the bishops on the issue of ecumenism.

12.  There were presentations from bishops or guest speakers on:

• Youth and Young Adults: “Journeying Together” in a culturally diverse church as we strive for deeper faith, mutual respect and unity. A live, in-person gathering is scheduled for June 23-26, 2022.
• A pastoral framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry in the United States. It is entitled: “Called to the Joy of Love.” It involves prayer, formation, accompaniment and advocacy for marriage and family.
• We were given an update on Pro-Life activities, which are extensive in the USCCB. Specific to the address was reaching out to a single mother who was pregnant and needed someone to walk with her, as the church should do, for her and her baby. “Walking with Moms” is a parish-based program in English and Spanish.

13.  A presentation was given on the 2021-23 synod called for by Pope Francis. It is a three-year process culminating in 2023 with a gathering in Rome. Pope Francis wants us to walk together,  talking to one another and listening to each other. We have a common journey toward God. The synod asks – how are we walking together, sharing faith and better hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. We must reach out to all people of faith, especially the vulnerable. What does God want of the church in the Third Millennium?

It will involve a diocesan dimension, a national report and a gathering in Rome. The Archdiocese of New Orleans held an Archdiocesan Synod in 2016. Information from our synod with over 20 listening sessions will also be used for our report.

14.  Brief reports were given on the following: Catholic Campaign for Human Development; Catholic Relief Service (CRS); Catholic Charities, USA; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (Clinic); Committee on Migration.

Thanks to those who remembered us in prayer during the meeting.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].