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USCCB Sponsors Four Refugees to First UNHCR Refugee Congress, Convenes Its National Resettlement Services Network

WASHINGTON (August 3, 2011)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is sponsoring four refugees to attend the UNHCR Refugee Congress August 2-4, in Washington. Hailing from Sudan, Yemen, Iraq and Bhutan, these refugees were successfully resettled to the United States by the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (MRS). They live now in places like Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, West Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Chicago and, this week, they will have a chance to share their stories and experiences with other refugees and to participate in an advocacy day, August 4, on the Hill.

USCCB: HHS Mandate for Contraceptive and Abortifacient Drugs Violates Conscience Rights

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sharply criticized a new HHS “preventive services” mandate requiring private health plans to cover female surgical sterilization and all drugs and devices approved by the FDA as contraceptives, including drugs which can attack a developing unborn child before and after implantation in the mother’s womb.

Memorial Mass for Vatican Nuncio to U.S. Slated for September 14

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will celebrate a Memorial Mass, September 14, at noon, for the late Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The Mass will be at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Bishops, CRS Say Proposed Foreign Aid Cuts are ‘Morally Unacceptable,’ Call for Balanced Adjustments across Entire Budget

WASHINGTON— The foreign assistance appropriations bill proposed by a House subcommittee “makes morally unacceptable, even deadly, cuts to poverty-focused humanitarian and development assistance,” said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Ken Hackett, President of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in a letter to the House Appropriations Committee.

Record Numbers from United States Attending World Youth Day in Madrid

WASHINGTON—Currently 29,437 pilgrims from the United States are registered to attend World Youth Day (WYD), August 16-21, in Madrid. This is a record number for U.S. participation in a WYD outside of North America. These pilgrims will be joined by 64 U.S. bishops.

Archbishop Sambi Remembered as Friend of the United States

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, died at Johns Hopkins Hospital July 27. He was 73. Staff at the nunciature, his residence in Washington, on July 22 asked for prayers of the Catholic community for him.

Statement of Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the occasion of the death of Archbishop Sambi

News of the July 27 death of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, brings deep sadness for the church in the United States. As the personal representative of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Sambi enjoyed the highest respect and deepest affection of the bishops of the United States and of our Catholic people.

Bishops to House: Budget Cannot Rely on Disproportionate Cuts in Services to Poor Persons, Requires Shared Sacrifice by All

WASHINGTON—In a July 26 letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, called on Congress to remember the human and moral dimensions of the ongoing budget and debt ceiling debate.

U.S. Bishops Voice Solidarity with Bishops of Scandinavia

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops offered prayers and solidarity with the bishops of Scandinavia after the bombings at government building in Oslo and shootings at a nearby youth camp in Utoya.

Eight U.S. Bishops Chosen As Catechists for World Youth Day

WASHINGTON—Eight U.S. prelates have been chosen as English-language catechists by the Pontifical Council for Laity, the Vatican’s official organism that convenes World Youth Day (WYD). The group includes Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, Archbishop Charles Chaput, newly appointed as archbishop of Philadelphia, as well as Bishops Samuel Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota, Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska, William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Frank Caggiano, auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn. The group will be among 250 bishop-catechists from all over the world representing many different countries and languages.

In Wake of Proposed Contraceptive Mandate, Cardinal DiNardo Urges Congress to Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act

WASHINGTON—Responding to a proposal from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that private health plans be required to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the U.S. bishops urged Congress to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179).

USCCB Meets With President, Congressional Leaders to Urge Protection for the Poor in Debt Agreement

WASHINGTON—Religious leaders, including representatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), met with President Barack Obama July 20 to urge the President and congressional leaders to protect programs for hungry and poor people in decisions surrounding the deficit and debt.

Bishops’ Pro-Life Chair Strongly Opposes Recommended Mandate for Birth Control, Sterilization in Private Health Plans

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, strongly opposed the recommendation of the Institute of Medicine that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate coverage of surgical sterilization and all FDA-approved birth control in private health insurance plans nationwide.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia, Names Archbishop Chaput to Succeed Him; Accepts Resignation of Bishop Boland of Savannah, Georgia, Names Franciscan Pastor to Succeed Him

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Justin Rigali, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and named Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap, 66, to succeed him.

The pope also has accepted the resignation of Bishop J. Kevin Boland, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, and named Franciscan Father Gregory Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv., 59, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Little Springs, Georgia, to succeed him.

U.S. Bishops to Hold Vocations Fair at World Youth Day

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will host its first-ever Vocation Fair at a World Youth Day (WYD) on Wednesday, August 17. The Vocations Fair will be held at St. Francis Borgia Parish (Parroquia San Francisco de Borja) located just across the street from the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. The fair is co-sponsored by the USCCB Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) and the Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth.

First-Ever Virtual Pilgrimage to World Youth Day to Assist Those ‘Staying Home’

WASHINGTON— For the first time ever, individuals can make a virtual pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) using a social media tool developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Communications Department. USCCB has created a Facebook application and a website for non-Facebook users (http://www.virtualworldyouthday.org/ ) where individuals can create an avatar and use it to participate in the virtual pilgrimage. The application can be added to any Facebook fan page. A Google map provides visuals of where pilgrims are coming from throughout the world and another shows the pilgrims on a detailed map of Madrid.

Bishop Ricard Will Represent USCCB’s International Justice and Peace Committee at South Sudan’s Independence Events July 9

WASHINGTON—When South Sudan marks its independence and becomes the world’s newest nation July 9, Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, bishop emeritus of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, will be there to represent the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

USCCB, CRS Urge U.S. House to Keep in Mind the World's Poorest as Subcommittee Marks Up Foreign OPS Appropriations for FY2012

WASHINGTON—Morally appropriate efforts must be made to reduce the nations’ deficit and debt but special care must be taken that the cuts don’t disproportionally affect the world’s poorest people, said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services, in a July 5 letter to the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs as it prepares to mark up the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2012.

Pope Names Bishop Alvaro Corrada Del Rio to Puerto Rico Diocese

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio, SJ of Tyler, Texas, as bishop of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Bishop Corrada, 69, succeeds Bishop Ulises Aurelio Casiano Vargas.

Subcommittee on Church in Latin America Approves $2 Million in Grants

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America approved funding for 86 projects, worth over $2.1 million in grants, to aid the pastoral work of the Church in 20 countries throughout the hemisphere. The decision was made during the subcommittee’s meeting June 13, in Seattle.

Rhode Island Civil Unions Bill ‘Fails Justice,’ ‘Further Erodes Marriage’s Unique Status,’ Says Bishop Cordileone

WASHINGTON— Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, has denounced the passage of a civil unions bill in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island legislature enacted a statute this week creating a new legal status deemed to be parallel to marriage, thus allowing two persons of the same sex to obtain all of the rights of spouses by forming what the new law designates to be a civil union. In response, Bishop Cordileone reiterated that “marriage, the communion of husband and wife, is a unique reality that has no true parallel. The exclusive and permanent bond of a man and woman joined in marriage offers to the couple and to society a preeminent value that should not be eclipsed by governmental attempts to redesign fundamental realities by legal dictate.”

Region’s Bishops Express Concern over Immigrants' Deaths, Call Governments to Action

WASHINGTON— Catholic bishops of the North and Central American region and the Caribbean, who are in charge of the pastoral care of migrants, gathered in San Jose, Costa Rica, June 1-3, 2011. A joint declaration after the meeting was made public June 30. The prelates, representing the bishops’ conferences of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panamá, Honduras and Guatemala, as well as CELAM (Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Latin America) and CARITAS International gathered to express solidarity and concern over the plight of immigrants in the Hemisphere. They were joined by religious and lay experts on issues of migration.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Bishop Daniel Walsh of Santa Rosa; Coadjutor Bishop Vasa Succeeds Him

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Daniel F. Walsh, 73, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California. Bishop Robert F. Vasa, 60, up until now coadjutor bishop of the same diocese, succeeds him as bishop of Santa Rosa.

Bishop Cordileone Expresses Grave Disappointment over NY Bill Redefining Marriage

WASHINGTON—In response to last Friday’s enactment of a law redefining marriage in the State of New York, Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, expressed “grave disappointment with the legislature’s abandonment of the common good.”

Bishops Welcome Standards to Reduce Hazardous Emissions, Cite Protection of Human Life and God’s Creation

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Conference welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed standards for mercury and air toxics produced by power plants, according to a June 20 comment filed with the Environmental Protection Agency, by Bishop Stephen Blaire, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “Such standards should protect the health and welfare of all people, especially the most vulnerable members of our society, including unborn and other young children, from harmful exposure to toxic air pollution emitted from power plants,” said Bishop Blaire.

Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue Discusses Roles of Laity, Bishops’ Conferences at Its 80th Meeting

WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation held its 80th meeting at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, New York, June 6-8. The members reviewed major events in the lives of their churches, and heard presentations on the role of the laity in the Church and intermediate levels of ecclesial authority.

On World Refugee Day, USCCB Official urges United States to Remain Global Leader

In remarks made in commemoration of the United Nation’s World Refugee Day June 20, Ambassador Johnny Young, executive director of Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged the United States to maintain its role as a global leader in refugee protection. “Without U.S. leadership, the situation for the world’s 15 million refugees would be much worse,” Ambassador Young said. “We must remain committed to refugee protection and to the U.S. refugee program, which saves thousands of lives each year.”

USCCB President Authorizes Gradual Introduction of Musical Settings of New Roman Missal Starting In September

BELLEVUE, Washington—Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship, announced that diocesan bishops may permit the gradual introduction of the musical settings of the people’s parts of the Mass from the new Roman Missal in September. Primarily this affects the the Gloria, the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Memorial Acclamations.

Bishops Approve Physician Assisted Suicide Statement, Spanish Liturgical Items, Revised Charter for Protection of Children

BELLEVUE, Wash.—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today voted to approve several of the agenda items at their Spring General Assembly in Bellevue, Washington, including a statement on physician assisted suicide, the Spanish translation of the USA Propers and Adaptations to the Roman Missal, and a ten-year review of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Bishops Approve Revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People at its Spring General Assembly in Seattle on June 16. The revisions passed with 187 bishops voting in favor, 5 bishops opposed and 4 abstaining. The Charter was adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002 in response to the crisis of sexual abuse of minors by clerics. It was revised previously in 2005.

Bishops Approve Physician-Assisted Suicide Statement; Call on Catholics to Support the Dying, Ensure Their Legal Protection

WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a policy statement on physician-assisted suicide at its Spring General Assembly in Seattle on June 16. The statement, To Live Each Day with Dignity, passed with a vote of 191-1. It marks the first time the full body of bishops has issued a statement devoted to this issue. The full text of the statement will be available online at www.usccb.org/toliveeachday, along with fact sheets and articles on the issue, relevant Church documents, and prayers for use with those who are ill.

Bishops’ Committee Releases Second Video in Defense of Marriage Initiative

WASHINGTON – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage has released the second of five videos for the promotion and protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Entitled Made for Life, the newly released video features real married couples reflecting on topics related to the gift of children, the indispensible place of fathers and mothers, and sexual difference.

Peter’s Pence Collection Helps the Pope Cast the Peace of Christ Upon the World

WASHINGTON—The Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in most Catholic parishes the weekend of June 25-26. This year’s theme, “Cast the peace of Christ upon the world,” focuses on the relationship between solidarity and peace. The theme draws inspiration from the Gospel of John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” and from Pope Benedict XVI’s beginning-of-year message where he said, that “it is necessary above all that every person be motivated by the authentic spirit of peace, to be implored ever anew in prayer and to be lived in daily relations in every environment” (Homily, Vatican Basilica, January 1, 2011).

Pope Appoints Bishop for the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, Lebanon Priest Ministering in the U.S. as Bishop of Melkite Eparchy of Sydney, Australia

WASHINGTON–Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Nicholas J. Samra, 66, retired auxiliary bishop of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, as Bishop of the same Eparchy, and Father Robert Rabbat, 51, up until now rector of the Annunciation Melkite Cathedral in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, as Bishop of the Melkite Eparchy of Saint Michael in Sydney, Australia.

Pope Names Auxiliary Bishops for Chicago

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named two Chicago pastors, Father Alberto Rojas, 46, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, and Father Andrew Wypych, 56, pastor of St. Francis Borgia Parish, as auxiliary bishops of Chicago. The appointments were publicized in Washington, June 13, by Msgr. Jean-François Lantheaume, chargé d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States.

U.S. Bishops Will Join English-Speaking Pilgrims at World Youth Day Love and Life Center in Madrid This Summer

WASHINGTON (June 9, 2011)—U.S. pilgrims attending World Youth Day (WYD) Madrid 2011 will have the added benefit of a youth facility providing English-language programming. Called "Love and Life: A Home for English-Speaking Pilgrims,” the center will be located at Madrid's Palacio de los Deportes, the city's premiere civic and sports arena. A Mass specifically for U.S. pilgrims is scheduled at the facility the morning of Saturday, August 20, with over 60 U.S. bishops expected to participate and concelebrate.

California Deacon, Child Protection Administrator Named Head of Bishops’ Secretariat for Child, Youth Protection

WASHINGTON (June 1, 2011)—Deacon Bernard V. Nojadera, of the Diocese of San Jose, California, and director of the diocese’s Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, has been named head of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection.

Bishops to Vote on Physician-Assisted Suicide Document at Seattle Meeting; Statement Says Practice Does Not Advance Compassion, Choices

WASHINGTON (June 1, 2011)—The U.S. bishops will debate and vote on a document on physician-assisted suicide at their Spring General Assembly, June 15-17, in Seattle. The document, To Live Each Day with Dignity, will be the first statement on assisted suicide by the full body of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

West Coast Muslim-Catholic Dialogue Focuses on Scripture Interpretation

WASHINGTON (May 27, 2011)—“Principles of Interpretation of Scripture with a Special Focus on the Figure of Moses” was the focus of the West Coast consultation between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and three Muslim organizations from the Sunni and Shi’a traditions. The twelfth annual meeting of the dialogue took place in Orange, California on May 24-25. Bishop Carlos Sevilla of the Diocese of Yakima, Washington, and Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Ph.D., of the Islamic Society of Orange County, presided.

Church to Observe Pope’s 60th Anniversary of Ordination June 29

WASHINGTON (May 26, 2011)—Catholics worldwide are asked to mark the sixtieth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination to the priesthood with sixty hours of Eucharistic prayer for vocations.

The pope will celebrate his anniversary June 29, the Solemnity of St. Peter and Paul. In honor of his anniversary, the Vatican Congregation for Clergy suggested Catholic clergy and faithful be invited to participate in Eucharistic Adoration with the intention of praying for the sanctification of the clergy and for the gift of new and holy priestly vocations.

Pope Names Bishop for Rapid City, South Dakota; Auxiliary Bishop for Milwaukee

WASHINGTON (May 26, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. Robert D. Gruss, 55, rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa, as bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Father Donald J. Hying, 47, rector of St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, as an auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee.

Bishops to Vote on Revision of Charter at June Meeting in Seattle

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2011)—The U.S. bishops will vote on revisions of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People at their meeting in Seattle, June 15-17.

Media Expert, Businesswoman/Talk Show Host, Pediatrician Named to National Review Board

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2011)—A media expert, a businesswoman/talk show host and a pediatrician have been named to the National Review Board for four-year terms, 2011-2015, beginning in June.

Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Examine Sources of Authority, Beatification of John Paul II, Middle East Uprisings

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2011)—The National Council of Synagogues and the Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) discussed “Sources of Authority in Catholicism and Judaism” at their semi-annual consultation in New York City on May 17. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, Chairman of the Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and Rabbi Alvin Berkun of Pittsburgh, Chairman of the National Council of Synagogues, presided.

Pope Names New Eparch for Armenian Catholics In US And Canada

WASHINGTON (May 21, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Archpriest Mikaël Mouradian, superior of the Convent of Notre Dame in Bzommar, Lebanon, as the new bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg in New York for Armenian Catholics.

Religious Leaders Urge Strong U.S. Leadership for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Before It’s Too Late

WASHINGTON (May 20, 2011)—In a letter to President Obama the day after his speech affirming peace is possible and declaring U.S. support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps, leaders of more than 25 Jewish, Christian and Muslim national religious organizations urged strong U.S. leadership for Israeli-Palestinian peace before it is too late.

Religious Communities Unite for Conference Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on the Poor

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2011)—Faith-based relief and development agencies, along with experts from the government, business and security communities, will gather May 19 on Capitol Hill for a conference to explore current international efforts and emerging best practices for helping vulnerable people adapt to climate change.

John Jay College Reports No Single Cause, Predictor of Clergy Abuse

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2011)—A landmark study by researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York, which examined the causes and context of the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the U.S. Catholic Church, concluded that there was no single cause or predictor of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. The report added that that situational factors and opportunity to abuse played a significant role in the onset and continuation of abusive acts.

USCCB and CRS Chairmen Applaud Extension and Re-Designation of TPS to Haiti, Express Concern with Resumption of Deportations

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2011)—Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, chairman of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), today hailed the extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haiti.

USCCB Announces Youth Art Contest, Invites Nominations for Young Adult Award

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2011)—The Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released materials for two programs targeted to youth and young adults, the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award and the Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest. Both are sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty initiative of the U.S. bishops.

Pope Names Bishop Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio as Bishop of Joliet, Illinois

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio, 62, as Bishop of Joliet, Illinois. The appointment was publicized in Washington, May 17, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Bishop Conlon succeeds Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, who was named archbishop of Seattle last September.

Bishops’ Meeting to be Broadcast by Telecare, USCCB Social Media

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2011)—The 2011 Spring General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be broadcast by Telecare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. The proceedings will also be covered via the social media outreach of the USCCB on Twitter (twitter.com/usccb ) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/usccb ).

National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea Is May 22

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2011)—The National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea is May 22. The day is observed in conjunction with National Maritime Day in the United States of America, which has been celebrated since 1933 to honor those who serve as merchant mariners and to recognize the benefits of the maritime industry. A Mass in observance of Maritime Day will be celebrated Sunday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the Crypt Church. The Mass is sponsored by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) national office and the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Bishop Joseph Estabrook of the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA will be the main celebrant and homilist.

Father Juan Molina Named Director for Church in Latin America

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2011)—Trinitarian Father Juan J. Molina has been named associate director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of National Collections and director for the Church in Latin America. Father Molina is currently serving as policy advisor for Latin America and Global Trade in the Office of International Justice and Peace at USCCB and previously served as advocacy program coordinator in the Southwest regional office of Catholic Relief Services.

Bishops’ Migration Chairman Urges President and Congress to Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2011)—Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, today urged the President and the Congress to work together to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

Bishops Will Vote on Spanish-Language U.S. Propers at June Meeting

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2011)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote on two liturgical items pertaining to the Spanish translation of the USA Propers and Adaptations to the Roman Missal, Third Edition, and the inclusion of a collection of Mass prayers for major patronal feasts from Spanish-speaking countries.

Bishops Call on Senate to Protect Poor and Vulnerable People in Budget Debate

WASHINGTON (May 6, 2011)— “The moral measure of this budget debate is not which party wins or which powerful interests prevail, but rather how those who are jobless, hungry, homeless or poor are treated,” said the U.S. bishops in a letter to the Senate May 5.

USCCB Welcomes House Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2011)—The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed passage of the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” (H.R. 3) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill codifies a permanent, government-wide policy against taxpayer subsidies for abortion and abortion coverage, improves federal conscience protection for health care providers and entities, and closes various loopholes that give tax-preferred status to abortion. Co-sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL), the pro-life bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 251-175 on May 4.

Catholic Communication Campaign Collection Helps the Good News Get Around

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2011)—The national date of the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) is June 5. This year, the campaign focuses on new ways to bring the gospel to wherever people are. Whether it is through Internet content to strengthen marriage, podcasts for daily readings, televising the Christmas Mass, or using Facebook for news, discussions and sharing the faith, the Catholic Communication Campaign Collection helps the Good News get around.

2011 Catechetical Sunday Materials Available Online, Theme: ‘Do This In Memory Of Me’

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2011)—Materials for Catechetical Sunday 2011 are available online in English and Spanish at www.usccb.org/catecheticalsunday/. Catechetical Sunday 2011 is September 18, and its theme is “Do This in Memory of Me.”

Asian and Pacific U.S. Catholics Will Celebrate Heritage, Tenth Anniversary of Bishops’ Pastoral Statement Harmony in Faith

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2011)—Asian and Pacific Catholics will hold a one-day celebration of faith and heritage at The Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Saturday, May 21.

Mid-Atlantic Catholic-Muslim Dialogue Discusses Principles of Religious Education, Examines Interreligious Programs

WASHINGTON (May 3, 2011)—The Mid-Atlantic Catholic-Muslim Dialogue continued developing a strategic plan for interreligious education at its meeting in the headquarters of Why Islam Project of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) in Somerset, New Jersey, April 13-14. Co-sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and ICNA, the dialogue continued to examine how religious education curricula and textbooks represent the beliefs, practices and followers of other religions.

Pope Sends Prayers and Support to Tornado Victims

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI was saddened to learn of the death, devastation and suffering caused by the April 25-28 tornadoes across the Southern United States and sends his prayers and support to victims and those engaged in relief and rebuilding efforts, according to a message from the Vatican.

USCCB Launches First Fridays for Food Security Event on Facebook

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2011)—On the first Friday of each month from May 6, 2011 to April 6, 2012, Catholic families and individuals can participate in First Fridays for Food Security, as a way to raise awareness about food insecurity in the U.S. and help Catholics pray and act for those in need. Catholics can take part by limiting meal spending on the first Friday of each month to the amount allotted for a family of their size in the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan. This food plan is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps). In 2009, 17.4 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity.

U.S. Bishops to Meet June 15-17 in Seattle, Discuss Charter Revisions, Assisted Suicide Document, Spanish Mass Translation

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2011)—The annual Spring General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be June 15-17, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel in Seattle. The meeting will begin with Mass at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15.

The bishops will debate and vote on revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a document on physician assisted suicide called “To Live Each Day With Dignity,” and the Spanish translation of USA Propers, as well as an appendix of major feast days of Spanish-speaking countries for inclusion in the future Spanish translation of the Roman Missal.

U.S. Bishops Join with Other Christian Leaders to Call for ‘Circle of Protection’ Around Programs for Poor People

WASHINGTON (April 28, 2011)—A diverse coalition of Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, the National Association of Evangelicals, Bread for the World, Salvation Army, Christian Churches Together in the USA, National Council of Churches and other Evangelical and mainline Protestants, has called for a priority for the poor in the current budget process through a common statement, “A Circle of Protection.”

Pope Names Miami Auxiliary Bishop Estévez as Bishop of St. Augustine, Florida; Accepts Resignation of Bishop Galeone

WASHINGTON (April 27, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Miami Auxiliary Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez, 65, as bishop of St. Augustine, Florida, to succeed Bishop Victor Benito Galeone, 75, and accepted Bishop Galeone’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese.

Pray for Vocations Day Set for May 15

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2011)—The Vatican has called for the 48th World Day of Prayer for Vocations to be observed May 15, the fourth Sunday of Easter, commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday.

Pope Benedict XVI set the theme for the occasion, “Proposing Vocations in the Local Church,” in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The theme underscores the responsibility of all in the local Church to foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The message notes that parish priests, families, catechists and youth ministers are invited to take advantage of “every moment in the life of the Church community” for prayer and pastoral activity that give children and young people a sense of “belonging to the Church and of responsibility for answering the call to priesthood and religious life by a free and informed decision.”

Pope Names Louisville, Kentucky Vicar General to Succeed Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger of Evansville, Indiana

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Charles C. Thompson, 50, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky, and pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Louisville, to succeed Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger of Evansville, Indiana, 75, and accepted Bishop Gettelfinger’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese.

New Priests Younger, Influenced by Parish Priests, Catholic Education, Service as Altar Boys, Social, Church Environment

WASHINGTON—The average age of men ordained to the priesthood in 2011 is trending younger with the average age for the 2011 class at 34, with more than half between the ages of 25 and 34. This is slightly younger than in 2010, and follows the trend over the past five years of ordinands becoming younger.

These figures stand out in The Class of 2011: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood, an annual national survey of men being ordained priests for U.S. dioceses and religious communities, conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a Georgetown University-based research center. The entire report can be found at www.usccb.org/vocations as well as on the bishops’ vocation Web site, www.ForYourVocation.org. It is the 15th annual survey of ordinands commissioned by the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

New Priest Class Boasts Variety of Religious, Ethnic Backgrounds

WASHINGTON—A deaf man, escapees from Vietnam, grandfathers, military veterans, and ministers who converted from other religions are among the men being ordained to the priesthood in 2011.

Men ordained range in age from 25 to 63. Their range of backgrounds shows on www.ForYourVocation.org, and on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) www.usccb.org/vocations.

The sites host results of an annual survey of ordinands conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) for the USCCB Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. The survey is reported each spring, when most dioceses and religious orders in the nation ordain new priests.

Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue Discusses Steps Toward Communion, Local Misunderstandings

WASHINGTON (April 18, 2011)—A meeting of the Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic dialogue took place at St. Paul’s College in Washington on April 5 and 6. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo and Bishop John E. Mack of the Central Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) in Scranton, Pennsylvania co-chaired the meeting. Originally planned for November 2010, this was the first meeting since September 2009.

Doctrine Committee Chairman Gives Rationale for Critiquing Quest for the Living God

WASHINGTON (April 18, 2011)—Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, chair of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, sent a resource to bishops, April 18, outlining the relationship between bishops and theologians.

Cardinal Wuerl acted in light of interest in a March 24 Doctrine Committee critique of the book Quest for the Living God: Mapping the Frontiers of the Theology of God, by Sister Elizabeth A. Johnson, a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York and professor at Fordham University. He particularly cited criticism from the Catholic Theological Society of America.

Pope Names San Antonio Seminary Rector as Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit

WASHINGTON (April 18, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father José Arturo Cepeda, 41, rector of Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

U.S. Bishops, Interreligious Leaders Call on President to Take Lead on Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace

WASHINGTON (April 15, 2011)—In response to the launching of a new Israeli Peace Initiative by former Israeli government, intelligence and security officials, leaders of twenty-five Jewish, Christian and Muslim national religious organizations wrote to President Obama saying that they believe the initiative, along with the earlier Arab Peace Initiative and the Geneva Accord, offers key principles and ideas for comprehensive Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace.

New U.S. Catholics Include Former Abortion Clinic Administrator, Marine, Seven Family Members

WASHINGTON (April 14, 2011) —A young adult raised in communist Cuba, an African woman who grew up as a Muslim, a marine being deployed in June, and a former abortion clinic administrator, along with tens of thousands others around the country, are joining the Catholic Church in the United States at Easter.

These catechumens, now known as “the elect,” and candidates for full communion have all participated in a process of conversion and study of the Catholic faith through Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA has several stages, the most important of which is the moment when they will receive or complete the sacraments of initiation, usually at the Easter Vigil. A catechumen is a person who has never been baptized; a candidate is someone who was baptized in a Christian tradition and now desires to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. In some dioceses, the candidates also include baptized Catholics who never completed their sacraments of initiation and weren’t raised in the faith.

Bishops to Congress: At a Time of Painful Budget Cuts, Defunding Planned Parenthood ‘Not One of Those Hard Choices’

WASHINGTON (April 14, 2011)— In an April 13 letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston urged Congress to vote for a resolution to ban federal funding of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In the midst of a budget debate involving shared sacrifice and hard choices, Cardinal DiNardo wrote, “Whether to fund the largest abortion network in the country is not one of those hard choices.”

Bishops Highlight Protecting the Poor, Fiscal Responsibility as Moral Criteria of Budget Debate

WASHINGTON (April 13, 2011)—The federal budget should protect human life and dignity, make the poor a top priority and promote the common good of all during tough economic times, said the U.S. bishops who oversee foreign and domestic policy on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Bishops’ Website Honors Legacy of Pope John Paul II

WASHINGTON (April 12, 2011)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a new website to honor the legacy of the late Pope John Paul II. The site (www.usccb.org/popejohnpaulii/) features a 17-minute “John Paul II Memorial Video,” which recaptures touching moments and key messages during the late pope’s visits to the United States. Other contents on the site include a biography and a timeline, as well as major writings, backgrounders, canonizations and beatifications, and more.

Pope Names Auxiliary Bishop Tyson of Seattle to Succeed Bishop Carlos Sevilla of Yakima, Washington

WASHINGTON (April 12, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Auxiliary Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Seattle, 53, to succeed Bishop Carlos Sevilla of Yakima, Washington, 75, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Sevilla from the pastoral governance of the diocese.

Head of Bishops’ Latin America Office Named National Director of the National Pontifical Mission Societies

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2011)–Father Andrew Small, 42, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, has been named National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The appointment was made March 4, by Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and became effective immediately. Father Small succeeds Msgr. John E. Kozar, who is completing his second five-year term.

Drop in Number of Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse Continues; Application of Charter Needs Clarification

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2011)—Reports of current instances of sexual abuse of minors continues to decrease, with seven credible allegations against seven priests reported in 2010, according to the 2010 Survey of Allegations and Costs done by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, CARA. At the same time diocesan audits are uncovering weaknesses in audit compliance and finding reports of boundary violations short of abuse, such as inappropriate hugging.

Bishops Call for Responsible Transition in Afghanistan, Voice Concern over U.S.-Pakistan Relations

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2011)—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stressed the importance of a responsible transition of the leadership of Afghanistan to the Afghan people and expressed concern over the U.S. partnership with Pakistan in an April 6 letter from Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, to National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon.

Cardinal DiNardo Urges Support for ‘Respect for Rights of Conscience Act’

WASHINGTON (April 6, 2011)— Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has written to urge all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support a bipartisan bill protecting conscience rights in health insurance. Introduced by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Dan Boren (D-OK), the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011 (HR 1179) “will help ensure that the new health care reform act is not misused to violate the religious freedom and rights of conscience of those who offer and purchase health insurance coverage in our nation,” Cardinal DiNardo wrote.

Pope Names Vicar General as Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati

WASHINGTON (April 6, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Joseph Binzer, 55, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and pastor of St. Louis Parish in Cincinnati, as an auxiliary bishop for the Cincinnati Archdiocese.

Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecasts for Holy Week, Easter and John Paul II Beatification Ceremonies

WASHINGTON (April 5, 2011)—The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has announced its Worldwide Telecasts for April-May, 2011. In addition to the traditional Holy Week and Easter liturgies, this year the telecast will also include the beatification ceremonies of Pope John Paul II.

Catholic Home Missions Appeal Strengthens the Church at Home

WASHINGTON (April 4, 2011)—There are 87 Catholic home mission dioceses in the United States. Whether due to the rugged terrain or the poverty of the population, these dioceses are for the most part unable to fund by themselves the most basic and essential pastoral works. The Catholic Home Missions Appeal, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), works to bridge the gap between need and available resources in mission dioceses, thus strengthening the Church here at home. The national date for the Appeal is May 1.

Bishops’ Doctrine Committee Faults Book by Fordham Professor

WASHINGTON (March 30, 2011)—The U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine authorized a statement March 24, critiquing Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God, a book by a Fordham University Professor, Sister Elizabeth A. Johnson, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York.

Cardinal to Senate: Respect Religious Freedom of All

WASHINGTON (March 29, 2011)—“We remain firmly committed to the defense of religious liberty for all—not just for Catholics—because our commitment is to the dignity of each and every human person,” said Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the retired archbishop of Washington, testifying on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights hearing on “Protecting the Civil Rights of American Muslims.”

Bishops’ Subcommittee on Church in Latin America Approves Nearly $2 Million in Grants at March Meeting

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2011)— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America approved nearly $2 million in grants during its March 21 meeting. The purpose of the grants is to aid the pastoral work and ministry of the Church in the region.

USCCB Urges HUD Not to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among Protected Categories

WASHINGTON (March 25, 2011)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has urged the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) not to adopt a proposed regulation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected categories for which discrimination in HUD programs is prohibited.

Bishops Ask Administration to Weigh Use of Force in Libya in Light of Duty to Protect Human Life and Dignity

WASHINGTON (March 25, 2011)—As the U.S. and other nations take military action to protect the people of Libya from their own government, the U.S. bishops asked the Obama administration to stay focused on this limited goal and mission, as well as the wellbeing of the civilian population.

President of USCCB Reiterates Bishops’ Resolve to Deal Firmly with Clerics Who Abuse Children

WASHINGTON (March 24, 2011)—Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, reiterated the U.S. bishops’ resolve to deal firmly with clerics who abuse children in a March 22 statement.

The Catholic Relief Services Collection Helps “Jesus in Disguise”

WASHINGTON (March 24, 2011)—The Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRSC) supports families in distress, whether across the street or half way around the globe. The national date for this collection, which funds six major national and international Catholic relief agencies, is set for the weekend of April 2-3.

On Anniversary of Archbishop Romero’s Death, Bishops Call U.S. to Do More for Latin America

WASHINGTON (March 23, 2011)—On the anniversary of the 1980 assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, the chairmen of various committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reflected on the relevance of the Archbishop’s witness for today. “This week’s visit of President Obama to Archbishop Romero’s tomb reminds us of the Archbishop’s powerful legacy. He spoke with courage to political leaders to champion justice and peace, and we must do the same today,” said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, of Albany, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace.

USCCB Launches Major Spanish-Language Media Initiative to Support Marriage

WASHINGTON (March 23, 2011)— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced the launch of a major Spanish-language media initiative in support of marriage and the family.

Pope Names Detroit Priests as Auxiliary Bishops of Detroit

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. Donald F. Hanchon, 63, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit and episcopal vicar for the central region of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Father Michael Byrnes, 52, pastor of Presentation/Our Lady of Victory Parish and vice-rector of Sacred Heart Seminary, as auxiliary bishops for the Detroit Archdiocese.

The appointments were publicized in Washington, March 22, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

Pope Names Detroit Priests as Auxiliary Bishops of Detroit

Media Advisory

“The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives” conference at The Catholic University of America (CUA) is being live-streamed today, March 21, at http://live.cua.edu/, 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bishops Voice Solidarity with Japan, Urge Catholics to Support Efforts of Catholic Relief Services Following Earthquake

WASHINGTON (March 16, 2011)—Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), expressed the prayers and solidarity of the U.S. bishops and Catholic for the people of Japan following the March 11 earthquake.

Pope Names San Francisco Vocations Director as Auxiliary Bishop of San Jose

WASHINGTON (March 16, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Thomas A. Daly, 50, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and president of Marin Catholic High School, as an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of San Jose, California.

Anglican-Catholic Dialogue Looks at Moral Discernment, Homosexuality

WASHINGTON (March 11, 2011)—Anglican and Catholic ecumenical leaders examined moral discernment and homosexuality at their current round of dialogue where they explore the positions of the Catholic and Episcopalian churches on theological issues.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Bishop Ricard; Names Archbishop Wenski as Apostolic Administrator until New Appointment

WASHINGTON (March 11, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, 71, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, for health reasons. At the same time, Pope Benedict named Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese until the installation of a new bishop.

USCCB, Illinois Bishops Laud State’s Death Penalty Repeal

WASHINGTON (March 10, 2011)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) congratulated the Illinois bishops, the Catholic Conference of Illinois, the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty, and all advocates for their work to bring about the repeal of the death penalty in Illinois.

Bishops to Launch Scholarship Fund in Africa, Part of Efforts of Solidarity Fund

WASHINGTON (March 8, 2011)—The U.S. bishops will begin a scholarship program and provide funding for educational programs identified by the bishops’ conferences of Eastern Africa. Initial funding comes from a $500,000 anonymous gift to the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) received in 2008.

Bishops Continue to Urge Congress to Remember the Poor in Budget Priorities

WASHINGTON (March 7, 2011)—Congress should place the needs of the poor, unemployed, hungry and other vulnerable people first as it sets its budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2011, said the bishop who oversees domestic policy on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Bishops Decry Assassination of Pakistani Official Who Worked For Rights of Minorities, Christians

WASHINGTON (March 4, 2011)—The March 2 assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s Minister of Minority Affairs, silenced the voice of someone who worked to raise the profile of all minorities, especially Christians, said the bishop who oversees international justice and peace matters for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Interfaith Group Urges Speaker of the House to Defend DOMA Legislation in Court

WASHINGTON (March 4, 2011)—Leaders of Catholic, Protestant and Sikh communities of faith—together representing tens of millions of adherents—joined together to urge the U.S. House of Representatives to fight for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in federal courts, in a March 3 letter to Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Archbishop Dolan Calls Refusal to Defend Defense of Marriage Act an ‘Alarming and Grave Injustice’

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2011)— “Our nation and government have the duty to recognize and protect marriage, not tamper with and redefine it, nor to caricature the deeply held beliefs of so many citizens as ‘discrimination,’” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). His statement followed the February 23 announcement that President Obama has instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a move Archbishop Dolan called an “alarming and grave injustice.”

Thousands Prepare to Attend World Youth Day in Madrid

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2011)—More than 16,500 youth and young adults from across the United States have already registered to participate in World Youth Day 2011, in Madrid, August 16-21. The participants represent 380 different U.S. groups.

At least 60 U.S. bishops will accompany the youth on their pilgrimage to the Spanish capital. Among them will be Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), as well as Cardinals Seàn O’Malley of Boston, Francis George of Chicago, and Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington.

Bishops Urge Illinois Governor to Sign Bill Ending Death Penalty

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2011)—Signing a bill to end the use of the death penalty would “begin building a culture of life in our country,” said the bishop who oversees the domestic justice efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in a letter to the governor of Illinois.

Pope Accepts Cardinal Mahony’s Resignation, Coadjutor Archbishop Gomez Succeeds Him in Los Angeles

WASHINGTON (March 1, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Roger M. Mahony from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The cardinal presented his resignation upon having reached the age of 75. He is succeeded by Archbishop José H. Gomez, 59, until now coadjutor archbishop of the same see.

Pope Names Harrisburg Priest as New Auxiliary Bishop for Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON (February 25, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father William J. Waltersheid, Secretary for Clergy and Consecrated Life of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh. The appointment was publicized in Washington, February 25, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

USCCB Chairman Supports Wisconsin Bishops on the Rights of Workers

WASHINGTON (February 24, 2011)—Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed his “support for and solidarity” with the Wisconsin bishops’ statement on the rights of workers.

USCCB Finds Weakening of Health Care Conscience Rule a ‘Disappointment,’ Affirms Some Positive Elements

WASHINGTON (February 18, 2011)—The Obama administration’s final rule rescinding important elements of a federal regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care providers is a disappointment, but there are also reasons for hope, said Deirdre McQuade of the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

“The Administration’s action today is cause for disappointment, but also offers reasons for hope regarding an emerging consensus in Washington on the need for clear conscience protections for health care providers,” said McQuade.

USCCB Decries Refusal to Support Defense of Marriage Act

WASHINGTON (February 23, 2011) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issues the following from its Office of General Counsel:

“Marriage has been understood for millennia and across cultures as the union of one man and one woman. Today, the President has instructed the Department of Justice to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law reiterating that definition of marriage, passed by a Republican Congress and signed by a Democratic President just fifteen years ago. The principal basis for today’s decision is that the President considers the law a form of impermissible sexual orientation discrimination.

Bishops' Pro-Life Office Hails House Committee Move to Protect Life

WASHINGTON ( February 17, 2011)—The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed the approval in committee of the Protect Life Act (H.R. 358). Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and 123 co-sponsors, the Protect Life Act would apply longstanding federal policies on abortion funding, and conscience rights on abortion, to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) passed last March. On February 15, the full House Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 358 in a bi-partisan vote (33 to 19), and rejected three amendments that would have weakened the bill.

San Antonio Executive Al Notzon Appointed Next Chair of the National Review Board

WASHINGTON—Al J. Notzon III of the Archdiocese of San Antonio has been appointed the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He will succeed the current chair, Diane Knight, at the conclusion of her term following the June 2011 meeting of the USCCB.

Put the Poor First in Federal Budget Decisions Say Catholic Bishops, CRS President

WASHINGTON (February 15, 2011)— Expressing concern over proposed federal budget cuts in the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, the heads of two U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) committees and the president of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) sent letters to Congress on February 14, reminding elected officials that “decisions on how to allocate opportunities and burdens in setting budget priorities are more than economic policies — they are significant moral choices.”

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe to Help Alleviate the Great Needs That Still Remain

WASHINGTON (February 14, 2011)— The national Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will take place on Ash Wednesday, March 9, in parishes across the country.

With the theme Great needs remain, the collection seeks to highlight the great material and spiritual needs for the Church in the region. In dioceses throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union regions of Asia, aging physical structures, insufficient funding, and a lack of trained lay persons and religious are common challenges.

Peter Murphy Named Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

WASHINGTON (February 14, 2011)—Peter J. Murphy, director of the Office of Family Life of the Archdiocese of Washington since 2005, has been named executive director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The appointment will be effective March 7.

Bishops of the Americas Discuss Successes, Challenges of Communicating the Gospel with Modern Social Media

BALTIMORE, Md. (February 11, 2011)— The annual meeting of the leadership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Council of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Latin America (Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano or CELAM), accompanied by four bishops from the four regions of Latin America and the Caribbean — the presidents of the Conferences of Bishops of Peru, Chile and Panama, as well as the Secretary General of Brazil — took place in Baltimore, Maryland on February 7 - 9. The purpose of the meeting was to foster collegial bonds among the bishops of Canada, the United States and Latin America.

Permanent Ban on Abortion Funding Long Overdue, Says USCCB in House Testimony

WASHINGTON (February 8, 2011) — A permanent ban on abortion funding is long overdue, which is why the U.S. bishops support the No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act (H.R. 3), said a representative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in February 8 testimony to the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee.

“H.R. 3 will write into permanent law a policy on which there has been strong popular and congressional agreement for over 35 years: The federal government should not use tax dollars to support or promote elective abortion,” said Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “Since 1976 this principle has been embodied in the Hyde amendment to annual appropriations bills funding the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and in numerous similar provisions governing a wide range of domestic and foreign programs. It has consistently had the support of the American people.”

Deportations to Haiti Should Be Halted, Say USCCB Migration Committee Chair and Chairman of Catholic Relief Services

WASHINGTON (February 7, 2011)—In a joint letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano February 7, Archbishop José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, chairman of the Board of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international humanitarian agency, expressed opposition to the recent resumption of deportations to the nation of Haiti.

“We are disturbed and dismayed over the January 20, 2010, deportation of 27 Haitians, one of whom is reported to have died from cholera. We ask that you cease these deportations indefinitely,” they wrote.

Women Entering Religious Orders Today Highly Educated, Experienced in Church Activities, Survey Finds

WASHINGTON (February 2, 2011) — Women entering religious orders today are highly educated and experienced in numerous church activities, according to a national survey.

The survey report The Profession Class of 2010: Survey of Women Religious Professing Perpetual Vows was released February 2, the Church’s World Day for Consecrated Life. It was conducted by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and commissioned by the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. The survey was sent to sisters represented by the two conferences of religious women, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, as well as contemplative communities. Respondents represented 52 religious orders. A total of 68 out of 79 sisters contacted completed the survey.

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Pre-Orders for New Roman Missal Editions Accepted as of March 1

WASHINGTON (February 1, 2011)—Pre-orders for the Altar and Chapel editions of the new Roman Missal will be accepted starting March 1, by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Both the larger Altar edition and the more versatile and compact Chapel edition are highly readable and beautifully designed and bound, consistent with USCCB versions of previous liturgical books.

Catholic Health Association Affirms the Role of the Local Bishop in Catholic Health Care

WASHINGTON (January 31, 2011)—In response to questions raised about the authority of the local bishop in the interpretation and implementation of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), conversations have taken place among Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president of the Catholic Health Association (CHA); Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Bishop Robert Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida, who is a member of the CHA Board of Directors. faBishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth, episcopal liaison to the CHA, was also part of the consultation. Following those conversations, Sister Keehan and Archbishop Dolan exchanged letters to underscore the agreement evident in their conversations.

Bishops’ Marriage Website Saw Rise in Popularity in 2010

WASHINGTON (January 25, 2011)—The popularity of the U.S. bishops’ website for strengthening and supporting marriage, www.foryourmarriage.org, continued to grow in 2010. According to a report from Google Analytics, the website received nearly half a million visits, a 23 percent increase over 2009.

Bishops Support Three Bills to Strengthen Protections for Life and Conscience

WASHINGTON (January 24, 2011)—Three bills currently in the U.S. House of Representatives would help ensure that adequate protections are in place for the consciences of taxpayers and health care providers and against federal funding of abortion. In three letters, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), urged House members to support the bills.

Pope Names Bishop Vasa Coadjutor Bishop of Santa Rosa

WASHINGTON (January 24, 2011) —Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Robert Vasa, until now bishop of Baker, Oregon, as Coadjutor Bishop of Santa Rosa in California.

World Day for Consecrated Life to Be Observed February 6 in U.S. Parishes

WASHINGTON (January 21, 2011) —The 15th celebration of the annual World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in parishes in the United States the weekend of February 5-6. World Day for Consecrated Life, traditionally observed February 2, marks an opportunity to highlight the ordinary and extraordinary contributions of consecrated men and women in this country and to pray for vocations to the consecrated life.

Thousands to Pray For End to Abortion at National Prayer Vigil for Life

WASHINGTON (January 21, 2011)—Over 10,000 worshippers, many of them youth from schools around the nation, are expected to gather in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to pray for an end to abortion at the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life, Sunday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m., the eve of the 2011 March for Life. January 22 marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

Bishop Curry Announces the 10 Year Review of the Application of Ex Corde Ecclesiae for the United States

WASHINGTON (January 20, 2011)—Bishops and Catholic university presidents across the United States will engage in conversations over the next year as a first step in the 10 year review of The Application of Ex Corde Ecclesiae for the United States. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Curry of Los Angeles, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), announced the review.

Christian Churches Together Respond To ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail,’ Voice Gratitude for Civil Rights Leaders

WASHINGTON (January 20, 2011)—Christian Churches Together in the USA (CCT) issued a response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” on January 14. The Christian leaders, who gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, January 11-14, to examine the relationship between poverty and racism, noted that no one has ever issued a clergy response to King's famous letter. King's letter was an answer to a message from a group of clergy in Birmingham in 1963. In their “Call for Unity,” the clergy appealed for restraint and "common sense," and a withdrawal of support for the civil rights demonstrations.

Archbishop Dolan said he “hopes that this newly elected Congress will advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially vulnerable and poor persons whose needs are critical in this time of difficult economic and policy choices.”

Archbishop Dolan Outlines U.S. Bishops’ Legislative ‘Principles and Priorities’ For New Congress

WASHINGTON(January 18, 2011)—In a letter to Congress, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), outlined the “principles and priorities that will guide the public policy efforts” of the Bishops’ Conference during the new legislature. The letter was mailed to all members of Congress on January 14.

Bishops Welcome New Obama Policies on Cuba, Express Hope

WASHINGTON (January 15, 2010)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed an Executive Order by President Obama broadening the scope of travel allowed to Cuba and allowing non-family remittances to Cuba.

Bishops See Their Work Supported In World Marriage Day and National Marriage Week USA

WASHINGTON (January 14, 2011)—Two separate marriage initiatives in February affirm the priority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to support and strengthen marriage, said Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, who oversees the bishop’s efforts in this area.

Pope Names Pennsylvania Priest Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Adamec, Names Indianapolis Auxiliary

WASHINGTON (January 14, 2011) - Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Mark L. Bartchak, a priest of the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph Adamec, who reached the retirement age of 75. The pope also named Father Christopher J. Coyne, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, assigning him the Titular See of Mopta.

U.S. Bishops’ President Sends Message of Support to Haitian Church, Committee Chairmen Outline Concrete Steps to Help Haiti

WASHINGTON (January 11, 2011)—Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), sent a message of support to Archbishop Louis Kebreau of Cap Haitien, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Haiti, on the first anniversary of the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti one year ago.

Linda Hunt Named Associate General Secretary of USCCB

WASHINGTON (January 10, 2011) —Linda Hunt has been named associate general secretary and secretary of administration of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Hunt is currently director of the USCCB Office of Human Resources. She will succeed Bruce Egnew in July. Both Egnew and Hunt have served on the USCCB staff since 1996.

Collection for Church in Latin America to Help Keep Faith

WASHINGTON—( January 10, 2011) The 2011 Collection for the Church in Latin America is slated for the weekend of January 22-23 in parishes across the country.

This year’s theme, Keep Faith, summarizes the purpose of the collection as well the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. Donations to the collection will support evangelization in some of the poorest parts of the Church by promoting lay-leadership programs as well as the education of seminarians and religious brothers and sisters who, together, help keep the Catholic faith alive in the part of the world where the majority of Catholics live. Though the USCCB Subcommittee for the Church in America Latina mostly funds pastoral projects, in exceptional circumstances funds from the collection are used to rebuild the Church where natural disasters and other circumstances have devastated it.

Archbishop Dolan Calls for Prayers, Greater Respect for Human Life in Wake of Arizona Shooting

WASHINGTON -- (January 10, 2011) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed their call for respect for human life, as the nation mourned for those affected by the shooting that killed six, including John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona, and wounded at least a dozen others, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The incident occurred on the morning of January 8, when Giffords was meeting with constituents outside a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona.

Bishops Invite Catholics to Commemorate Haiti’s Earthquake Anniversary with Prayer, Reflection

WASHINGTON (January 6, 2011)—As the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti last year approaches, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites U.S. Catholics to stand in prayerful solidarity with the people of Haiti.

Archbishop Dolan, Bishop Hubbard Decry Violence against Christians, Express Solidarity, Urge U.S. To Protect Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON (January 6, 2011)—In separate letters to the head of Egypt’s Coptic Christians and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the U.S. bishops condemned the recent attacks on Christians, including the New Year’s Day attack on the Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt, and expressed their solidarity with the victims of religious violence. They also affirmed the ongoing work of the U.S. Church and government to work for the religious freedom of all people, especially vulnerable minorities.

Revised Edition of New American Bible Approved for Publication, Will Be Available in Variety of Formats March 9

WASHINGTON (January 6, 2011)—The New American Bible, revised edition (NABRE), the first major update to the New American Bible (NAB) translation in 20 years, has been approved for publication. Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, then president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), signed the canonical rescript approving publication on September 30, 2010. The NABRE will be available in a variety of print, audio and electronic formats on March 9, Ash Wednesday.

Bishop Cordileone of Oakland Appointed New Chairman of USCCB Defense of Marriage Committee

WASHINGTON (January 5, 2011)—Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has appointed Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, California as chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. Bishop Cordileone succeeds Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, who was elected vice president of the USCCB in November 2010.

Pope Names Army Chaplain Auxiliary Bishop for the Military Services

WASHINGTON (January 3, 2011)—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Neal Buckon, 57, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and titular bishop of Vissalsa. Father Buckon is a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland and has served as a chaplain in the Army since 1998.

Bishop Hubbard Commends Senate Ratification of New Start Treaty

WASHINGTON (December 22, 2010)— Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, NY, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, commended today’s ratification of the New START Treaty by the Senate.

“I welcome today’s ratification of the New START Treaty by the Senate,” Bishop Hubbard said. “It was important that senators joined across party lines to support this Treaty. The Holy See and our Bishops’ Conference have long supported efforts to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation based on the Church’s moral concern for indiscriminate and disproportionate weapons.”

Vatican’s Doctrine Office Issues Statement on ‘Erroneous Interpretations’ of Pope Comments on Sexual Morality in Book Interview

WASHINGTON (December 21, 2010)—The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith issued a statement regarding “a number of erroneous interpretations” of the pope’s comments on human sexuality and the use of condoms following the publication of the book-length interview Light of the World by Benedict XVI.

The statement denounces the manipulation of the pope’s thought “for ends and interests which are entirely foreign to the meaning of his words”.

USCCB Chairman Calls Senate Vote on Dream Act “A Setback, Not a Defeat”

WASHINGTON (December 21, 2010)—Archbishop Jose Gomez, coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, today described the vote on the DREAM Act in the U.S. Senate as a “setback, not a defeat.” The DREAM Act, short for the Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act, failed to attain the sixty votes needed to end a filibuster on the bill, thus ending its prospects for passage in the 111th Congress. The final vote count was 55 in favor of cloture, 41 against, five short of the needed number.

First Director General Named for New Haiti Building Unit

WASHINGTON (December 16, 2010)— Yves Lacourcière has been appointed as the first director general of the newly established architecture and engineering unit of the Haitian Bishops’ Conference. Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, chairman of the Haiti Advisory Group of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, confirmed the appointment made by the Haitian Conference of Catholic Bishops (Conférence Épiscopale d’Haïti) on December 16.

Pope Benedict Accepts Resignation of Oklahoma City Archbishop Beltran, Appoints Kansas Bishop Coakley as Successor

WASHINGTON (December 16, 2010)—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Eusebius Beltran, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, and has named Bishop Paul Coakley, 55, until now Bishop of Salina, Kansas, as his successor.

Migrant Families Focus of 2011 National Migration Week

WASHINGTON (December 16, 2010) — Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice is the primary theme for the 2011 National Migration Week, to be held January 2-8 in parishes and dioceses around the country.

Following the lead of Pope Benedict XVI, who has focused on migrant families in his 2011 World Day of Migrants and Refugees message, the U.S. Catholic bishops focus this year’s National Migration Week message also on the family by highlighting the stresses and strains that migration has on families and the effects that economic underdevelopment has in this process.

Pope Benedict XVI Accepts Resignation of Dodge City Bishop Gilmore, Names Kansas Pastor to Succeed Him

WASHINGTON (December 15, 2010)—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Ronald Gilmore, 68, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas, and named Father John Brungardt, 52, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, to succeed him.

Father J. Brian Bransfield Appointed Associate General Secretary of USCCB

WASHINGTON (December 15, 2010)—Father J. Brian Bransfield, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been appointed associate general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The appointment was made by Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, general secretary-elect of the Conference and current associate general secretary, in consultation with the USCCB Executive Committee and Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia. It will take effect when Msgr. Jenkins assumes the position of general secretary in June 2011.

Declan Murphy Named Director for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

WASHINGTON (December 13, 2010)—Declan Murphy, Ph.D, has been named associate director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of National Collections and director of the Collection for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Murphy previously served as president of the Eurasian Cultural Fund, a foundation that supported faith-based civil society initiatives in Russia and Eastern Europe, deputy director of the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies at the Smithsonian Institution and Russia and Eastern Europe special projects manager at the Library of Congress.

Mini-Documentary on Homelessness by Hawaiian Seventh Graders Wins 2010 CCHD Multi-Media Art Contest

WASHINGTON (December 10, 2010)—A mini-documentary on homelessness by the seventh grade religious education class at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Kailua, Hawaii, won the grand prize of the 2010 Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the anti-poverty program of the U.S. bishops. The prize is being given today at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in New Orleans. Around 2,500 youth ministers will be attending the conference.

USCCB Chairman Commends House Passage of Dream Act, Calls on U.S. Senate to Follow Suit

WASHINGTON (December 10, 2010)—Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, today commended the House of Representatives for passing the DREAM Act December 8.

National Vocation Awareness Week to Be Celebrated January 9-15

WASHINGTON (December 9, 2010)—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January 9-15.

The week begins on the Church’s celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 9 in 2011.The feast marks the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry.

Vocations week celebrates vocations to the priesthood, diaconate or consecrated life in particular. During these days families and the parish community are urged to nurture the faith of their children to prepare them to respond to whatever God’s call is for them.

Archbishop Gregory Named Bishops’ Moderator of Jewish Affairs, Succeeds Archbishop Dolan, Newly Elected USCCB President

WASHINGTON (December 8, 2010) —Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta has been named Moderator of Jewish Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), succeeding Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, newly elected USCCB president, in that role.

Archbishop Dolan resigned from the position as moderator when he was elected president at the general meeting of the USCCB in Baltimore, November 16. Bishops elected to the post of president ordinarily resign from all conference chairmanships and committees. Archbishop Dolan made the appointment of Archbishop Gregory as his successor earlier this week. The three-year appointment is effective December 12.

Catholic Bishops, Evangelicals Call for Ratification of New Start Treaty

WASHINGTON (December 7, 2010) — Representatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) called for the ratification of the New START Treaty in a December 7 media conference call.

Archbishop Dolan, Bishop Blaire Urge Congress to Support Tax Credits for Low-Income Families, Relief for Unemployed

WASHINGTON (December 7, 2010) — Congress should protect vulnerable communities, particularly low-income families and children, and support the continuation of the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and Emergency Unemployment Compensation, said the U.S. bishops in a December 6 letter to both houses of Congress. The priorities of the letter were reflected in a tentative deal struck by Congress and the Obama administration later that day.

Catholic Bishops, Evangelicals Call for Action on New Start Treaty

WASHINGTON (December 6, 2010)—Spokespersons for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals are making a joint call for a vote on the New START Treaty's ratification. In a news conference Tuesday, leaders for both organizations will lay the moral ground for their support and will call for immediate and bipartisan action.

Religious Leaders Voice Shared Commitment to Protect Marriage

WASHINGTON (December 6, 2010) — Leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the United States have come together to express their commitment toward the protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In an open letter released today, entitled “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment,” leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities in the United States affirmed the importance of preserving marriage’s unique meaning.

U.S. Catholic Bishops to Congress: The Dream Act is the ‘Right Thing to Do’

WASHINGTON (December 3, 2010)—In a letter to Congress December 2, Coadjutor Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, called on Congress to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM), calling it “the right thing to do.”

“With the passage of the DREAM Act, we can welcome a new generation of Americans who will one day become leaders of our nation,” wrote Archbishop Gomez.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Launches Website for New Book on Benedict XVI: www.popebenedictbook.com

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will launch an extensive new website dedicated to the new book Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy, which was published this fall by the USCCB in conjunction with Sheed & Ward, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. The site, www.popebenedictbook.com, goes live Wednesday, December 1.

Pope Names Co-Adjutor Bishop O’Connell as Bishop of Trenton, Accepts Resignation of Trenton’s Bishop Smith; Names New Auxiliary for St. Louis, Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary There

WASHINGTON (December 1, 2010) — Pope Benedict XVI has named Co-Adjutor Bishop David M. O’Connell, 55, as bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, and accepted the resignation of Bishop John M. Smith from the pastoral governance of the Trenton Diocese.

The same day the pope named Msgr. Edward M. Rice, 50, director of vocations in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, as an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis and accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert Hermann from the office of auxiliary bishop of St. Louis.

Archbishop Dolan, Bishop Hubbard Voice Bishops’ Support for Ratification of Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty

WASHINGTON (November 30, 2010) — The new president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace have urged the United States Senate to ratify the New START Treaty. The treaty, signed by President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on April 8, would reduce the nuclear arsenals of both countries by 30 percent.

“The Church’s concern for nuclear weapons grows out of its commitment to the sanctity of human life,” wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, in a November 29 letter to the Senate. “Consistent with Catholic teaching, the Holy See and the U.S. bishops have long supported reducing the number of nuclear armaments, preventing their spread to other nations, and securing nuclear materials from terrorists. For decades they have promoted the twin and interrelated policy goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We understand this is an ideal that will take years to reach, but it is a task which our nation must take up with renewed energy.”

Bishops Commend House Resolution Seeking Protection for Religious Minorities in Iraq

WASHINGTON (November 29, 2010) — The U.S. bishops commended a resolution in the House of Representatives that condemns recent attacks on religious minorities in Iraq and calls for the U.S. government to work with the Iraqi government to protect these vulnerable groups.

In a November 29 letter to the sponsors of House Resolution 1725, Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, co-adjutor archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, called for its immediate passage.

Catholic Home Missions Subcommittee Announces 2011 Grants

WASHINGTON (November 23, 2010)—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions has announced its 2011 grantees. A total of 362 projects in 88 “home mission” dioceses were approved at the subcommittee’s meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 27-28. Grants were made to 73 Latin dioceses and 15 Eastern Catholic eparchies.

American College in Leuven, Belgium to Close in 2011

WASHINGTON (November 22, 2010) — Due to the small number of seminarians and available priest faculty, the American College of the Immaculate Conception in Leuven, Belgium, has announced its closure in June 2011. The announcement was made to the seminary community immediately after the decision was made by the board of bishops of the American College and confirmed by the body of bishops at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) General Assembly on November 17, in Baltimore.

Bishop Soto Named Chairman of Subcommittee on Catholic Campaign for Human Development

WASHINGTON (November 19, 2010) — Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, California, has been named the new chairman of the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The appointment was announced November 17, during the executive session of the Fall General Assembly of the USCCB.

Bishops’ Website Offers Resources for Advent and Christmas Seasons Including Book of Reflections from Pope Benedict XVI

WASHINGTON (November 18, 2010) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is continuing its tradition of providing online resources for the Advent and Christmas seasons with suggestions for daily prayer, reading, reflection and action.

As a special spiritual gift this season, USCCB is providing a downloadable book of scriptural reflections for Advent and Christmas featuring the words of Pope Benedict XVI from his homilies, speeches and other addresses during his papacy.

Divine Worship Committee Affirms Timeline for Implementation of Roman Missal

WASHINGTON (November 18, 2010) — After meeting in Baltimore for the annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Committee on Divine Worship issued a statement affirming the timeline of the implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

In the statement, Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, New Jersey, outgoing chairman of the committee, said “there is assurance that the published text will be available in more than ample time for implementation in Advent 2011. It is good to note also that the catechetical preparation for implementation is already underway and has proceeded with much enthusiasm and wide acceptance by both clergy and laity. It is clear at this point in time that there is an attitude of openness and readiness to receive the new text.” The full statement is available on the USCCB’s Divine Worship homepage: www.usccb.org/liturgy.

Bishop Morin Reports to Bishops on Review and Renewal of Catholic Campaign for Human Development

WASHINGTON (November 18, 2010) — Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, Mississippi, chairman of the Subcommittee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the anti-poverty program of the U.S. bishops, reported on the recent steps by his committee and a workgroup of bishops to review and renew the policies and practices of the program. He made this report November 15 at the annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Baltimore. Joining him for the presentation of the report were Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh, Bishop Terry Steib of Memphis, Tennessee, and Bishop Frank Kane, auxiliary of Chicago.

Catholics can ‘Share in the Care’ of Elderly Religious

WASHINGTON (November 18, 2010) — Catholics across the United States will join together to “Share in the Care” of senior religious as part of the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR), to be taken up in most parishes December 11-12. The collection, coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, provides financial support for the day-to-day care of thousands of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

Bishop Kicanas Named Chairman of Catholic Relief Services Board, Succeeds Archbishop Dolan

WASHINGTON (November 17, 2010) — Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, has been appointed chairman of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Board of Directors. Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of Chicago, outgoing president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), made the appointment with the full support of USCCB president-elect Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York during executive session of the USCCB’s annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore.

Pro-Life Spokesperson Urges Institute of Medicine Committee to Focus on Life-Saving Preventive Health Services for Women, Exclude Contraception, Sterilization

WASHINGTON (November 16, 2010) — Deirdre McQuade, spokesperson for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Preventive Services for Women as they convened for the first time on November 16th. She urged them not to recommend contraception or sterilization among mandated “preventive services” to be announced next August by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the Department implements the new health care act.

Bishops Elect Msgr. Ronny Jenkins General Secretary of USCCB

BALTIMORE (November 16, 2010) — The U.S. bishops elected Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, a canon lawyer and priest of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, as the new general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The election was part of the bishops’ annual Fall General Assembly. The general secretary is the priest who oversees the day-to-day operations of the USCCB on behalf of the U.S. bishops. Also on the ballot was Msgr. David Kagan, vicar general of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois.

U.S. Bishops Elect Archbishop Dolan New President, Archbishop Kurtz Vice President, Bishop Bransfield Treasurer, Also Vote on Chairs-Elect of Six Committees

BALTIMORE (November 16, 2010) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) elected Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York as their new president and Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky vice president at their annual Fall General Assembly.

Bishops Praise Generosity of U.S. Catholics, Detail Breadth of Church’s Response to Tragedy in Haiti

BALTIMORE (November 15, 2010) — After the terrible earthquake that last January devastated Haiti and buried almost 300,000 people beneath the rubble, U.S. Catholics responded with remarkable generosity, reported Bishop Kevin Farrell, chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections, during his opening remarks on the first day of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Fall General Assembly. The bishops heard a comprehensive report on the “One-Church” response to the Haiti earthquake which highlighted the breadth of the Church’s response and the collaborative effort it demanded.

Bishops Urged to Embrace Social Media in Order to Effectively Evangelize ‘Digital Continent’

BALTIMORE (November 15, 2010) — The Catholic Church faces an urgent call to evangelize the new “digital continent” of social media, according to a presentation to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their annual Fall General Assembly. Bishop Ronald Herzog of Alexandria, Louisiana, a member of the USCCB Communications Committee, delivered the presentation November 15.

“Although social media has been around for less than 10 years, it doesn’t have the makings of a fad,” said Bishop Herzog. “We’re being told that it is causing as fundamental a shift in communication patterns and behavior as the printing press did 500 years ago. And I don’t think I have to remind you of what happened when the Catholic Church was slow to adapt to that new technology,” he said, referencing the Protestant Reformation.

Bishops Affirm Cardinal George's Letter to President, Voice Solidarity with Suffering of Christians in Iraq

BALTIMORE (November 15, 2010) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) affirmed by acclamation during their annual Fall General Assembly a November 9 letter from Chicago Cardinal Francis George, OMI, USCCB president, to President Obama regarding the recent violence against Christians in Iraq.

“The October 31 attack on the Syrian Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad shocked and horrified the Catholic community and all people of goodwill,” said Cardinal George in remarks to the bishops.

Bishops Announce Framework for Rebuilding the Church in Haiti, Present Haitian Bishops’ New Building Agency

WASHINGTON (November 11, 2010) — At their Fall General Assembly, November 15-18, the U.S. bishops will receive an update on the situation in Haiti and the U.S. Catholic Church’s emergency relief efforts so far, as well as plans to aid long-term reconstruction, including rebuilding of Church structures.

As it begins funding of Church reconstruction projects in Haiti, the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recently adopted two documents that will help guide the work of the Subcommittee in this regard.

New Video from USCCB Explains Work of Catholic Campaign for Human Development

WASHINGTON (November 11, 2010) — With the National Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) coming up the weekend of November 20-21, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a video for use at the diocesan and parish levels, to help explain the work of CCHD and the work it funds to help low-come people address the causes of poverty.

“Meet Mary: About the Catholic Campaign for Human Development,” is a three-minute animated video that follows a school teacher named Mary, who lives in a neighborhood caught in the cycle of poverty. Mary encourages her neighbors to come together to address community issues starting with the safety of children after school. As the neighbors begin to work together, they apply for and receive a grant from CCHD. The video explains the process and principles behind CCHD and, with the fictional Mary, gives an example of the community transformation it funds.

Advisory for Broadcasters: Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecasts Information for Christmas and World Day of Peace Ceremonies

WASHINGTON (November 11, 2010) — 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).

Cardinal George Urges President Obama to Take Measures to Protect Iraqi Citizens in Wake of Attacks

WASHINGTON (November 10, 2010) — Following the October 31 assault on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad and subsequent violence, Chicago Cardinal Francis George, OMI, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged President Obama to “take additional steps now to help Iraq protect its citizens, especially Christians and others who are victims of organized attacks.”

“Having invaded Iraq, our nation has a moral obligation not to abandon those Iraqis who cannot defend themselves,” Cardinal George wrote in a November 9 letter.

Midwest Catholic-Muslim Dialogue Begins Report on Role of Religion in Civic Life

WASHINGTON (November 10, 2010) — WASHINGTON (November 10, 2010) —The Midwest Catholic-Muslim Dialogue gathered in Milwaukee for its 14th annual meeting, October 25-26, to begin drafting a report on the role of religion in civic life. The report, which has the working title, “The Role of Religion in Civic Life: Catholics and Muslims Together in the Public Square,” will present the insights of the dialogue’s work over the last three years. Members of the dialogue noted that in the present cultural environment, in which many people are challenging the right for organized religion to participate in public discourse, a report on the issue is timely.

Father Daniel Mindling to Serve as Consulting Theologian for Catholic Campaign for Human Development

WASHINGTON (November 9, 2010) — Father Daniel Mindling, OFM Cap., has accepted an invitation from Bishop William Murphy and Bishop Roger Morin, the bishops who oversee the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), to serve as a consulting theologian for CCHD. Father Mindling is the academic dean and professor of moral theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He currently serves as a consultant to the Committee on Pro-life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the bishops’ Task Force on Catholic Health Care.

“This service connects greatly with my own interest in the life and justice issues facing the Church,” said Father Mindling of his new role with the bishops. “I look forward to working together in this most important ministry.” Father Mindling will provide ongoing consultation on the moral and ethical dimensions of CCHD’s work.

Janine Carreiro is Winner of 2010 CCHD Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award

WASHINGTON (November 8, 2010) — Janine Carreiro, executive director of Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC) in Brockton, Massachusetts, is the recipient of the 2010 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award, sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). She will be honored at a reception Monday, November 15, at 5 p.m. during the bishops’ annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore.

Bishops to Vote on Baptism Agreement with Reformed Christians at November Meeting

WASHINGTON (November 4, 2010) — The U.S. Catholic bishops will vote on an agreement with four Protestant communities to mutually recognize one another’s baptism as valid when they meet for their annual Fall General Assembly, November 15-18, in Baltimore. The proposed Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism is the result of six years of study and discussion between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and representatives from the Presbyterian Church-USA, the Reformed Church in America, the Christian Reformed Church, and the United Church of Christ.

2010 Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection Slated For November 20-21

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2010) — The 2010 Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection is slated for November 20-21 in parishes throughout the United States. Fight Poverty in America, Defend Human Dignity is this year’s theme.

“At this time of great economic suffering, it is more important than ever for the Church in the United States, through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ ‘to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, new sight to the blind and to set the downtrodden free,’” said Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, Mississippi, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), quoting the Gospel of Luke (4:18). The subcommittee is part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Religious Leaders, Youth to Meet in ‘Generations of Faith’ Interreligious Encounter

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2010) — Religious leaders and young adults from Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh traditions will meet for a day of dialogue and interreligious exchange at the John Paul II Cultural Center, November 19, at “Generations of Faith—an Interreligious Encounter.” The day will feature intergenerational dialogue in a variety of formats and concludes with a reception and presentation at 6 p.m. at the John Paul II Cultural Center. The evening event is open to the public and members of the media.

Catholic Home Missions Appeal Director Receives Father Mader Award for His Support of Missionary Work

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2010) — David Suley, director of the Catholic Home Missions Appeal at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been awarded the “Father George Mader Award” for his support of mission work. The Catholic Volunteer Network presented him with the award October 29, at the 2010 Mission Congress in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

President of U.S. Bishops Offers Prayers, Solidarity with Iraqi Christians, Says U.S. Has Moral Obligation to Help

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2010) — Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), offered the prayers of the U.S. bishops and expressed solidarity with the suffering Christians of Iraq following the October 31 attack on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad that killed 58 people and wounded 75.

“We stand with the bishops, Church and people of Iraq in their urgent search for greater security, freedom and protection,” said Cardinal George in a November 1 statement. “We call upon the United States to take additional steps to help Iraq protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.”

Bishops to Elect Conference President, Vice President at November Meeting

WASHINGTON (October 29, 2010) — The U.S. bishops will elect their president and vice president at their annual Fall General Assembly, November 15-18, in Baltimore.

The new president will succeed Cardinal Francis George, OMI, of Chicago, who completes his three-year term at the meeting. His successor assumes the presidency at the end of the meeting. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona completes his term as vice president at the November meeting.

Bilingual Resources Available for November 27 Worldwide Vigil for the Unborn

WASHINGTON(October 29, 2010) — On Saturday, November 27, Pope Benedict XVI will open the new liturgical year by celebrating a Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope has requested that “all diocesan bishops (and their equivalent) of every particular church preside in analogous celebrations involving the faithful in their respective parishes, religious communities, associations and movements.”

Many dioceses have already made plans to celebrate this special worldwide vigil for the unborn. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariats of Divine Worship and of Pro-Life Activities have developed resources to help other parishes, religious communities and organizations participate. English and Spanish language worship aids are available in multiple formats at www.usccb.org/prolife/papalvigil.

USCCB Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Federal Anti-Trafficking Law, Issues Report on Needed Improvements in Services to Trafficking Victims

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2010) — Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Utah, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) Committee on Migration, today commemorated the tenth anniversary of enactment of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), signed into law on October 28, 2000. The TVPA is the landmark federal legislation used to fight human trafficking operations and to rescue and assist victims of human trafficking in the United States.

Congress has re-authorized the TVPA three times since its original enactment, in 2003, 2005 and 2008. The TVPA again will be considered for re-authorization in 2011.

Bishops’ Meeting to be Broadcast by Telecare, USCCB Social Media

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2010) — For the second year in a row, Telecare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, will broadcast the Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Baltimore. The proceedings will also be covered via the social media outreach of the USCCB on Twitter (twitter.com/usccb) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/usccb).

The telecast will air during the days of public sessions of the bishops’ meeting, Monday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, November 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This coverage will be “free to air” via satellite.

Catholic-Reformed Dialogue Completes Documents on Baptism, Eucharist/Lord’s Supper

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2010) — The Seventh Round of the Catholic-Reformed Dialogue concluded their final plenary in Henryville, Indiana, from October 6-8. The dialogue produced two documents to present to the churches, one on Baptism and the other on the Eucharist/Lord’s Supper. The dialogue is jointly sponsored by the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Presbyterian Church-USA, the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

U.S. Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Completes Statement on Death and Eternal Life

WASHINGTON (October 26, 2010) — Members of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue in the United States approved by unanimous consent on October 17 the dialogue’s final report on "The Hope of Eternal Life." The 65-page report represents the fruit of the dialogue's four-and-a-half-year study. It explores issues related to the Christian's life beyond death, such as the communion of saints, resurrection of the dead, and final judgment, as well as historically divisive issues such as purgatory, indulgences, and prayers for the dead.

Review Offers Road Map for Renewal of Catholic Campaign for Human Development

WASHINGTON (October 26, 2010) — “The Review and Renewal of CCHD reaffirms CCHD’s Catholic foundations and priority for the poor,” according to Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, Mississippi, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). “It also responds to concerns about CCHD funding policies and makes 10 commitments to strengthen CCHD as a faithful and effective expression of Catholic teaching and the Gospel mandate to defend the lives and dignity of those who are poor in our nation.” It builds on the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, which urges Catholics to pursue “the institutional path … of charity.”

USCCB Delegation to Attend Opening of New Seminary in Havana

WASHINGTON — A delegation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America will travel to Cuba November 3-6, 2010 to attend the opening of the new National Seminary located some 30 miles outside of Havana. The seminary is the first new religious construction in Cuba in more than 50 years.

The delegation will be led by subcommittee member Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, and will also include Father Andrew Small, OMI, National Collections Office director for the Church Latin America, Thomas Quigley, counselor to the subcommittee, and local clergy from the Archdiocese of Miami.

Pope Names Miami Auxiliary Noonan Bishop of Orlando

WASHINGTON (October 23, 2010) — Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop John Noonan, an auxiliary bishop of Miami, bishop of Orlando, Florida.

Bishop Noonan, 59, succeeds Archbishop Thomas Wenski, who served as bishop of Orlando until his appointment as archbishop of Miami on April 20.

Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Examines Mixed Marriages And Societal Pressures On Marriage Today

WASHINGTON (October 22, 2010)—Reform rabbis and Catholic clergy view mixed marriages as a serious challenge to religious identity and practice, but also as an opportunity to expose others to one’s faith traditions, said members of a Catholic-Jewish dialogue in New York City.

The semi-annual consultation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the National Council of Synagogues (NCS) of America took place on October 19, at the Union for Reform Judaism in Manhattan. Co-chaired by New York’s Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan and Rabbi Alvin Berkun, President of the (Conservative) Rabbinical Assembly, the consultation considered changing attitudes about religiously mixed marriages in America.

Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Discusses Youth Outreach, Christians in the Holy Land, Judaism’s Contributions to Christianity

WASHINGTON(October 22, 2010) — Representatives of the U.S. Bishops and two Orthodox Jewish associations discussed a wide range of ethical and cultural issues at their semi-annual meeting on October 18 at the Orthodox Union (OU) headquarters in New York City.

The challenge of attracting youth to synagogue and church worship topped the list of topics covered at this fall’s consultation, which was co-chaired by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld of the Rabbinical Council of America’s Joint Committee on Interreligious Affairs.

USCCB Sponsors ‘Pope Culture’ Week on Twitter

WASHINGTON (October 21, 2010) — The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is encouraging Catholics to learn about the pope—in 140 characters or less. Following the success of the week of “Pope Culture” trivia on the USCCB’s page on the social networking site Facebook, the Conference is sponsoring a similar contest on the micro-blogging site Twitter.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Sklba

WASHINGTON (October 19, 2010) — Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of auxiliary Bishop Richard Sklba of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, for reasons of age. Bishop Sklba reached the retirement age for bishops of 75 on September 11.

Bishop Sklba’s retirement was announced Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Vatican.

Pope Names Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Garcia as Archbishop of San Antonio

WASHINGTON (October 14, 2010) — Pope Benedict XVI has named Auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of Chicago, 53, Archbishop of San Antonio.

Archbishop-designate Garcia-Siller, a native of Mexico, is a member of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit. He was superior of the congregation’s United States and Canadian province, “Cristo Sacerdote,” when he was named an auxiliary bishop of Chicago in 2003.

Bishops to Hear Report on Haiti Response, Greet New Catholic University President, Vote on Ecumenical Agreement at November Meeting

WASHINGTON(October 8, 2010)—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be November 15-18, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The meeting will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. on Monday.

At the assembly, the bishops will hear addresses by the president of the USCCB, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi. On Tuesday, they will elect the next president, vice president, treasurer-elect and general secretary of the USCCB, as well as the chairmen-elect of six committees.

Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue Lays Out a Vision of Unity in Unprecedented Document

WASHINGTON (October 7, 2010)—Representatives of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches have issued two new documents outlining immediate steps they can take to overcome their thousand-year separation. The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation finalized these agreed statements when it met at Georgetown University in Washington, September 30 to October 2. The Consultation is co-chaired by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh.

USCCB Sponsors ‘Pope Culture’ Week on Facebook

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is sponsoring Pope Culture Week on the USCCB page on the social networking site, Facebook (www.facebook.com/usccb).

Every day, starting Monday, October 11, and ending Friday, October 15, the USCCB will ask one question relating to the life and teachings of Pope Benedict XVI of the Facebook fans of the USCCB. The first person to provide the correct answer as a comment will receive a free copy of the book, Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on his Papacy, published by Sheed & Ward and the USCCB.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Sansaricq of Brooklyn

WASHINGTON (October 6, 2010)—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation from office of Bishop Guy Sansaricq, until now auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn, New York, due to age limits.

Guy A. Sansaricq was born October 6, 1934, in Jeremie, Haiti. He studied for the priesthood at the diocesan seminary of the Jeremie Diocese and at St. Paul’s Pontifical Semirary in Ottawa, Canada. He was ordained a priest in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1960.

Mission Congress 2010 will Paint Broad Portrait of U.S. Catholics in Mission

WASHINGTON (October 1, 2010)—God’s Mission, Many Faces: A Portrait of U.S. Catholics in Mission is the theme of Mission Congress 2010, which will meet October 28-31, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Using the image of a portrait, Father Michael Montoya, executive director of the United States Catholic Mission Association (USCMA), said the 2010 Mission Congress “will bring together dedicated men and women from across the nation and around the world into a faith-filled environment to discern the movement of the spirit within the U.S. Church in mission; discover the varied colors and brushstrokes of U.S. Catholics in mission; invigorate mission identity and leadership in the U.S. Church, and celebrate the faces and creativity of U.S. Catholics in mission.”

In Message To White House, Religious Leaders Say Peace Is Possible

WASHINGTON(September 29, 2010) —In visits to the White House and the State Department, religious leaders representing the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities offered support for the Obama administration’s efforts to continue peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Dialogue Discusses Proselytism, Other Pastoral Issues Facing Their Churches

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2010) —The United States Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation held its 2010 meeting at the Passionist Spiritual Center in Bronx, New York, on September 20 and 21. The meeting, co-chaired by Catholic Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, and the Right Reverend Chor-Episcopos John Meno of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, focused primarily on pastoral issues facing both churches.

USCCB Pro-Life Committee Chairman Issues Statement for Respect Life Month

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2010)—In a statement to mark Respect Life Month, October 2010, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston addressed direct threats to human life and called Catholics to “constantly witness to the inestimable worth and dignity of each human life through a loving concern for the good of others.” He also encouraged participation in the worldwide “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” called for by Pope Benedict XVI at the start of Advent.”

USCCB Publishes Findings, Recommendations after Mission to Haiti and Haitians in Other Caribbean Nations

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2010)—Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, head of the U. S. bishops’ special Task Force on Haiti, introduced September 27, the report “The Displaced of Haiti: Long-Term Challenges and Needed Solutions” on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Mission to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.

“As we saw from the storms that hit Port-Au-Prince over the weekend, Haiti is still in a fragile state,” Archbishop Wenski said. “Nearly nine months after the earthquake, 1.3 million persons remain homeless, living in tent camps, and clean-up and reconstruction efforts proceed at a very slow pace. Despite the outpouring of support from the international community in the aftermath of the disaster, attention to the long-term recovery of Haiti has begun to lag. Full assistance to help the country rebuild has yet to be delivered, and displaced Haitians, particularly vulnerable children, remain in dangerous situations.”

Bishops To Elect Next General Secretary At Meeting In Baltimore

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will elect a new general secretary of the Conference at the annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 15-18. The two candidates are Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, JCD, a priest of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, who is currently serving as associate general secretary of the USCCB, and Msgr. David Kagan, JCL, who is currently serving as the vicar general for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois.

Doctrine of the Faith Congregation Names Archbishop Wuerl to Guide Bringing Anglican Groups into Catholic Church in U.S.

WASHINGTON(September 23, 2010)—The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has named Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington to guide the incorporation of Anglican groups into the Catholic Church in the United States.

Bishops’ Doctrine Committee Says Book By Creighton University Professors Conflicts With Catholic Teaching On Sexuality

WASHINGTON (September 22, 2010)— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine has issued a statement in response to a request from the former and current archbishops of Omaha to review the content of a book by Creighton University professors Todd Salzman and Michael Lawler, The Sexual Person: Toward a Renewed Catholic Anthropology. In the statement, "Inadequacies in the Theological Methodology and Conclusions of The Sexual Person: Toward a Renewed Catholic Anthropology," the Committee asserts that the authors of The Sexual Person "base their arguments on a methodology that marks a radical departure from the Catholic theological tradition" and "reach a whole range of conclusions that are contrary to Catholic teaching."

Bishop Murphy Urges Congress To Preserve, Improve Tax Credits That Benefit Working Poor Families And Children

WASHINGTON (September 21, 2010) —The chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, urged Congress to give priority attention to working poor families and their children as it debates tax policy.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Catanello

WASHINGTON(September 20, 2010)—Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of auxiliary Bishop Ignatius A. Catanello of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, in accordance with canons 411 and 401 paragraph 2 of the Code of Canon Law, outlining the retirement of a bishop for reasons of health or other serious reasons.

USCCB Officials Urge HHS Not to Require Coverage of Contraception and Sterilization

WASHINGTON (September 20, 2010)—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should not require coverage of contraception or sterilization in group and individual health plans as part of “preventive” services for women, said representatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as HHS continued its deliberations on a final list of required preventive services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Commission Meets, Plans Statement on Approaches to Moral Issues

WASHINGTON(September 17, 2010)—The Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the United States held its sixty-eighth meeting in Alexandria, Louisiana, on September 9 and 10. Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of Alexandria, the Catholic co-chairman of the Consultation, hosted the session, which took place at the St. Joseph Catholic Center in Alexandria. Episcopal Bishop John Bauerschmidt of the Diocese of Tennessee (Nashville) also co-chaired the meeting, replacing Bishop Thomas Breidental of Southern Ohio, who announced his resignation at the last meeting due to other responsibilities.

U.S. Bishops to Meet November 15-18 in Baltimore, Will Elect Officers and Chairs-Elect of Six Committees

WASHINGTON—The annual Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be November 15-18, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
During the meeting, the body of bishops will vote for the chairmen-elect of six committees, as well as the treasurer of the Conference.

New Poll: Americans Continue to Oppose Tax Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Support Ethical Alternatives

WASHINGTON (September 16, 2010)— As the U.S. Senate prepares to hold a hearing on human embryonic stem cell research (hESCR), a new public opinion poll shows that a plurality of Americans (47 percent) oppose federal funding of stem cell research that involves destroying human embryos, while only thirty-eight percent (38 percent) support such funding. The poll, conducted by ICR / International Communications Research, surveyed 1,006 adults September 8-14. It was commissioned by the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Pope Names Bishop Sartain of Joliet, Illinois to Succeed Retiring Archbishop Alex Brunett of Seattle

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop J. Peter Sartain of Joliet, Illinois, 58, to succeed Archbishop Alexander Brunett of Seattle, 76. At the same time, the pope accepted Archbishop Brunett’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the Seattle Archdiocese.

USCCB Announces New Book about Pope Benedict XVI to Be Released September 19

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), with Sheed & Ward, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, will release September 19 Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy, an unprecedented look into the first five years of Benedict’s reign. Edited by Mercy Sister Mary Ann Walsh, director of media relations for the USCCB, it features forewords by King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Shimon Peres of Israel, and articles by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, USCCB president, and John Thavis, Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service.

Respect Life Program Packet For 2010-11 Now Available

WASHINGTON—The 2010-11 Respect Life Program is now available in preparation for Respect Life Sunday, October 3. This year’s theme is “The measure of love is to love without measure.”

The Respect Life flyer explores this theme with three vignettes of common situations calling for heroic love – a college student’s unplanned pregnancy, an elderly loved one who needs assistance with feeding, and a baby diagnosed with a life-threatening disability.

Bishops Committees Voice Concern for Anti-Muslim Prejudice

WASHINGTON—Catholic Bishops dealing with interfaith, domestic and international concerns voiced concern for anti-Muslim prejudice surrounding the threat of Koran burnings in Florida.

Bishop Farrell to Be New Episcopal Moderator of Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference, Bishop Trautman to Step Down

WASHINGTON—After 25 years, Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Pennsylvania, is stepping down from his duties as episcopal moderator of the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC), the national association of financial leaders of dioceses in the United States and Canada, and will be succeeded by Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas. Bishop Farrell will assume the episcopal moderator’s duties at the conclusion of the DFMC’s 41st annual conference in New Orleans, September 26-29. Bishop Trautman asked Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to name a replacement.

Bishops Welcome Ruling Against Embryonic Stem Cell Funding, Urge Government to Pursue Ethical Stem Cell Research

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the federal court injunction against the Obama administration’s funding of human embryonic stem cell research, calling the ruling a “victory for common sense and sound medical ethics.” He said this ruling also vindicates the bishops’ reading of the Dickey amendment, the amendment approved by Congress since 1996, which prevents federal funding of research in which human embryos are harmed or destroyed.

Bishop Murphy Calls for New Social Contract for ‘New Things’ in Today’s Economy in Labor Day Statement

WASHINGTON—With millions unemployed and U.S. workers experiencing tragedies such as mining deaths in West Virginia and the oil rig explosion and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Americans “must seek to protect the life and dignity of each worker in a renewed and robust economy,” said Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York. Bishop Murphy addressed these issues in the 2010 Labor Day Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), entitled “A New ‘Social Contract’ for Today’s ‘New Things,’” which can be found online in English (www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/labor_day_2010.pdf) and Spanish (www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/labor_day_2010_spanish.pdf).

Cardinal DiNardo Urges Support for Law Preventing Federal Funding of Abortion

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called on members of the House of Representatives to support the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” (H.R. 5939), introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) at the end of July.

Cardinal George Announces Vatican Approval of New Roman Missal English-Language Translation, Implementation Set for First Sunday of Advent 2011

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has announced that the full text of the English-language translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, has been issued for the dioceses of the United States of America.

Cardinal DiNardo Presents ‘People of Life’ Awards to Three Honorees

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and as chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, presented the People of Life award to three individuals for their lifetime commitment to the pro-life movement at a ceremony in Houston August 9. Those honored were Professor William E. May, Msgr. Philip J. Reilly and Patricia Bainbridge. Over 85 diocesan pro-life directors from across the country attended the private awards dinner during the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities’ annual Diocesan Pro-Life Leadership Conference.

Bishops’ Child Protection Office Lists Messages Children Hear In Safe Environment Programs

WASHINGTON—As schools launch a new academic year, millions of children also are set to learn the ABC’s of child protection. In Catholic schools and parishes nationwide, safe environment training gives children the skills necessary to protect themselves from would be-offenders. Mary Jane Doerr, associate director of the Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has listed here some of the messages children hear in safe environment programs.

Bishops' Delegation Finds Mission to Haiti both Disturbing and Hopeful

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sponsored a delegation July 26-August 2 to Haiti and the Caribbean region to examine the plight of Haitians impacted by the January 12 earthquake.

Cardinal George Decries Court Decision Striking Down California Marriage Law

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, decried the August 4 decision of a federal judge to overturn California voters' 2008 initiative that protected marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

USCCB Migration Chairman Lauds Court Decision Regarding Arizona SB 1070, Urges Comprehensive Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON— As chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City applauded the July 28 decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton to halt some of the most controversial provisions of Arizona SB 1070 from going into effect the next day. Bishop Wester lamented the status quo on immigration as “unacceptable” and called for the Federal government to act immediately on immigration reform.

U.S. Bishops Send More Help to the Church in Haiti

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee dedicated to administering money raised for Haiti after the earthquake there last January has approved $212,700 of funding for 10 projects. The grants were made from the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America to programs and agencies sponsored by parishes, religious orders and dioceses in Haiti. These grants do not include funding for construction projects, which will be considered according to a separate procedure.

Pro-Life Chair Welcomes HHS Exclusion of Abortion from Federal Insurance Program, Calls For Permanent Law

WASHINGTON— Following public criticisms of new federally-funded health insurance plans that would have covered elective abortions in Pennsylvania and New Mexico, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a statement that the agency will act to exclude abortion from this program. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, welcomed the statement as averting an “alarming precedent” and called for permanent law to exclude abortion from all programs under the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

U.S. Bishops’ Doctrine Chairman Welcomes Vatican Clarification On Ordination, Praises The Work Of Women In The Church

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, Chairman of the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), responded to a clarification from the Vatican that raised the attempted ordination of a women to a “more grave delict,” or a Church crime that is always referred to the Holy See, in a July 15 statement.

The archbishop’s full statement follows:

Bishops Welcome Update of Vatican Norms on Sexual Abuse

WASHINGTON-Bishop Blase Cupich, bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota, and bishop-designate of Spokane, Washington, and Chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Protection of Children and Young People, welcomed the Vatican’s update of its 2001 norms dealing with clergy sexual abuse of minors in a July 15 statement. The new norms include the abuse of a mentally disabled adult and the downloading of child pornography in the same category as abusing a minor and also extend the Vatican’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse to 20 years after the victim turned 18.

Tucson Bishop Kicanas Testifies Before Congress, Urges Federal Action on Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON—Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, Vice-president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, testified before Congress on the ethical imperative for reform of the U.S. immigration system. He spoke July 14, before the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Pope Erects Exarchate For Syro-Malankara Catholics In U.S.; Names Priest From India As First Bishop

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has erected an Apostolic Exarchate for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the United States and appointed Father Thomas Naickamparampil as its first bishop. The pope also appointed him Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Canada and Europe.

The erection of the exarchate and appointments were publicized in Washington, July 14, by Msgr. Jean-François Lantheaume, Chargé d’Affaires, at the apostolic nunciature in the United States.

World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid Opens Registration

WASHINGTON—Registration to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) Madrid 2011 is now open. Though the registration is done online with the WYD organization in the Spanish capital, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has updated its existing World Youth Day page (www.wydusa.org) to allow access to the registration process through its Web site. The site includes links to important information regarding the event. Content will be progressively built up as additional information becomes available.

Bishops Concerned Over Federal Court Rulings Rejecting Marriage as Between One Man, One Woman

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 grave concern regarding recent rulings by a federal judge in Massachusetts rejecting the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.

Archbishop Kurtz offered his remarks after two rulings on July 8 that held that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. Section 3 provides that for purposes of federal statutes, regulations, and rulings, “marriage” means the legal union of one man and one woman.

Methodist-Catholic Dialogue Looks at Environment, Eucharist

WASHINGTON— Scholars from the Catholic Church and the United Methodist Church (UMC) discussed the relationship between the environment and Eucharist at the fourth session of the seventh round of the Catholic-Methodist dialogue, June 28-30, in Washington.

Pope Names New Auxiliary Bishop For San Francisco

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. Robert McElroy, 56, pastor of St. Gregory Parish, San Mateo, California, as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Pope Accepts Resignation of Hartford Auxiliary Bishop Rosazza

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Hartford Auxiliary Bishop Peter A. Rosazza, 75, from the office of auxiliary bishop.

Pope Names Bishop Cupich to Spokane, Accepts Resignation of Bishop Skylstad

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Blase Cupich, 61, of Rapid City, South Dakota, to the Diocese of Spokane, Washington, and accepted the resignation of Bishop William Skylstad, 76, from pastoral governance of the diocese.

Pope Names Seminary Rectors as Auxiliary Bishops in Boston, Accepts Resignation of Boston Auxiliary Bishop Emilio Allué

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Arthur Kennedy, 68, and Father Peter J. Uglietto, 58, priests of the Archdiocese of Boston and both seminary rectors, as auxiliary bishops of Boston. The pope also accepted the resignation of Boston Auxiliary Bishop Emilio Allué, SDB, 75, from the office of auxiliary bishop.

Bishops Urge Senate to Remove Abortion Amendment from Defense Bill

WASHINGTON—A Senate committee amendment that would authorize the performance of elective abortions at military hospitals in this country and around the world is “misguided” and should be removed from the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 3454), said the Chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. In a June 29 letter, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston urged Senators to remove this amendment on the grounds that it breaks with longstanding federal and military policies on government promotion of abortion.

Bishops' Committee Launches New Initiative, Marriage: Unique for a Reason

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage has launched a new initiative for the protection of marriage, entitled Marriage: Unique for a Reason. The initiative is to help catechize and educate Catholics on the meaning of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Pope Names Auxiliary Bishop Joseph McFadden to Harrisburg; Announces New Auxiliary Bishop for Philadelphia

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Joseph McFadden, 63, as Bishop of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and named Msgr. Michael Fitzgerald, 62, Judicial Vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Philadelphia, as an auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia.

New Website Highlights Catholic Church’s Significant Role in Immigration Debate for Almost a Century

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) has partnered with The Catholic University of America to develop an educational Website that highlights the significant role that the U.S. Catholic bishops and the institutional Church in the United States have played on immigration related issues, especially since the early twentieth century. The Website, “U.S. Catholic Bishops and Immigration,” can be found at http://libraries.cua.edu/achrcua/packets.html.

Bishops Express Prayers, Solidarity for Those Harmed by Oil Spill

WASHINGTON—While meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida, for prayer and reflection, on June 18, the U.S. bishops voiced their prayers and solidarity for those affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pro-life Chair Voices ‘Grave Concern’ Over FDA Plan to Approve Abortion Drug for ‘Emergency Contraception’

WASHINGTON—The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities voiced “grave concern” to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its move toward approving a new drug that may induce early abortions as an “emergency contraceptive.” In a June 17 letter to Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the FDA, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston criticized the FDA’s move to hold an advisory committee meeting on the drug Ulipristal “without broad public input or a full record on the drug’s safety for women or their unborn children.”

Apostleship Of The Sea Sets Up Network, Urges Catholics To Assist Those Harmed By Oil Spill

WASHINGTON—The overseer of the maritime ministry of the U.S. bishops expressed solidarity with those impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and announced the creation of a network to help with the human and environmental harm caused by the disaster.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development Approves $300,000 for Grants Assisting Those Affected by Gulf Oil Spill

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—The Catholic Campaign for Human Development approved grants up to $300,000 to assist people and dioceses affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Meeting June 12, the Subcommittee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development approved these funds outside of the regular funding cycle of the Campaign in order to help low-income people and vulnerable communities impacted by the oil spill to have an effective voice in shaping the response to this terrible challenge.

Regional Bishops Issue Joint Statement on Migration

WASHINGTON—Participants at the Catholic bishops' Regional Consultation on Migration in Washington, June 2-4 issued a joint statement calling for protection, hospitality, service and justice to immigrants throughout the hemisphere.

Full Video, Text Of Canon Law Seminar On Abuse Available Online

WASHINGTON—Video and print resources from the Canon Law Seminar for Media, explaining the Church’s processes for dealing with clergy sexual abuse of minors, are now available online at /canonlawseminar/

Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Callahan Named Bishop Of La Crosse

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM, Conv., 59, as Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Book Explores What It Means to be Human in Light of Theology of the Body

WASHINGTON—“What does it mean to be human?” A new book by the priest who spearheads the evangelization and catechetical efforts of the U.S. bishops explores this question by drawing on the teachings of Pope John Paul II in his theology of the body. In The Human Person: According to John Paul II, published by Pauline Books and Media, Father J. Brian Bransfield examines the vision of humanity expressed by Pope John Paul II and uses it as the basis for a moral theology that offers practical guidance and support in living the Christian life.

Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Examines Steps to Unity

WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation continued work on a new agreed statement during its meeting at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, June 1-3. The meeting was co-chaired by Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans.

Pope Names New Auxiliary Bishop for Philadelphia; Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Maginnis

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. John J. McIntyre, 46, secretary to Cardinal Justin Rigali, as an auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, and accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Robert P. Maginnis, 76, from the office of auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia.

Pope Names President of Catholic University Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Vincentian Father David O’Connell, up until now President of The Catholic University of America, coadjutor bishop of Trenton, New Jersey. The appointment was publicized by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. As coadjutor, Bishop-elect O’Connell will automatically succeed Bishop John M. Smith of Trenton upon his retirement.

ADVISORY

Bishops of the United States and Latin America will hold a media conference and issue a joint statement Thursday, June 3, at 1 p.m. at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops headquarters in Washington. The bishops will discuss the immigration debate, comprehensive immigration reform, Haiti reconstruction and other issues as part of the 2010 Regional Bishops’ Consultation on Migration.

West Coast Catholic-Muslim Dialogue Compares Sacred, Pious Writings

WASHNGTON—Catholics and Muslims compared sacred and pious writings at the 11th meeting of the West Coast Catholic-Muslim Dialogue, in Orange, California, May 19-20. The dialogue is co-sponsored by the Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Islamic Shura Council of California, with the cooperation of the Islamic Society of Orange County (an affiliate of the Islamic Society of North America) and the Islamic Education Center of Orange County, which is in the Shia tradition of Islam.

Peter's Pence Collection Helps Needy People Around The World

WASHINGTON—The Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in most Catholic parishes the weekend of June 26 - 27. This year’s theme, “Cast the love of Christ upon the world,” focuses on the relationship between solidarity and love.

Generosity, Resilience, Education, Key Features of Permanent Deacons

WASHINGTON—A national survey of permanent diaconate offices in Catholic dioceses in the United States found that one-quarter of active permanent deacons (28 percent) have a graduate degree. Given that the diaconate is a ministry of service and charity, the vast majority of deacons are not paid for their ministry. Even still, their number continues to rise and they stay active for a very long time.

Pope Names Baltimore Priest as Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Military Services

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Father F. Richard Spencer, 58, a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and up until now vice commandant of the military chaplains of the U.S. Forces in Europe, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, and Titular Bishop of Auzia.

Bishops Note Way Forward With Health Care, Clarify Misconceptions

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called for steps to protect the lives of the most vulnerable, provide fairness for immigrants and guarantee conscience protections for individual and institutions in a statement on health care reform issued May 21.

Bishops Urge Congress to Support Bill to Remedy Abortion, Conscience Flaws in Health Care Reform Law

WASHINGTON—Congress should support a bipartisan bill that will remedy the abortion and conscience flaws in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), according to the Chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. In a May 20 letter to Congress, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said PPACA was an important step toward ensuring access to health coverage for all Americans but was “profoundly flawed in its treatment of abortion, conscience rights, and fairness to immigrants.”

2010 Catechetical Sunday Focuses On Marriage as a ‘Sacrament of Enduring Love’

WASHINGTON— This year’s Catechetical Sunday theme is “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love.” Materials for Catechetical Sunday 2010 are now available online at www.usccb.org/catecheticalsunday. Among the online materials, parishes participating in Catechetical Sunday can find prayer resources, art, catechist commissioning materials, plans for a catechist in-service, and an array of materials for teachers, pastors, catechists and others working with couples preparing for marriage.

Bishops Withdraw From Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Coalition; Renew Opposition to Discrimination

WASHINGTON-The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has pulled out of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition group founded in 1950.

Migration Chairs of Mexican and U.S. Bishops’ Conferences Issue Joint Statement on President Calderon’s Visit to the United States

WASHINGTON—Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, and Archbishop Rafael Romo Muñoz of Tijuana, Mexico, head of the Mexican Episcopal Conference Migration Commission, issued May 19, a joint statement on the occasion of President Felipe Caderón of Mexico visit to the United States.

Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Sees Individualism, Porous Boundaries in Faith Practice, Religious Identification

WASHINGTON—Individualism and porous boundaries mark today’s faith practice and religious identification, members of a Jewish-Catholic Dialogue heard at a recent meeting.

Regional Bishops Consultation On Migration To Meet June 2-4 In Washington

WASHINGTON—Representatives of bishops’ conferences of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other Latin American and Caribbean countries will convene June 2-4 in Washington for the 2010 Regional Bishops’ Consultation on Migration. Archbishop Antonio Maria Vegliò, president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People at the Vatican, and Archbishop Pietro Sambi, papal nuncio to the United States, are also slated to attend.

Pope Names Head of Bishops’ Central, Eastern Europe Office as Rector of Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Jesuit Father James McCann, 61, as rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome.

Mid-Atlantic Catholic-Muslim Dialogue Discusses Interreligious Education, Makes Statement on Stereotypes

WASHINGTON—Interreligious education and the danger of stereotypes were discussed at the 14th annual meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Dialogue between Catholics and Muslims, in Somerset, NJ, May 5-6.

What National Review Board Learned From Child Sex Abuse Victims

WASHINGTON—Diane Knight, MSW, chair of the National Review Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, notes ten points that National Review Board members have learned in dealing with victim/survivors of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.

Questions and Answers Regarding the Canonical Process for the Resolution of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests and Deacons

WASHINGTON—The Office of Media Relations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers the following Q&A on Canon Law as it relates to sexual abuse of minors. This resource also can be found at: www.usccb.org/comm/q&a-canonical-process-sexual-abuse.pdf

Mass to Honor Mariners and People of the Sea at National Shrine in Washington

WASHINGTON— In observance of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and people of the Sea, a Mass will be celebrated May 22 at 12:10 PM at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (in the Crypt Church). The Mass is sponsored by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) and the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington will be the main celebrant and homilist.

Pope Names Rockford, Illinois Pastor to Succeed Bishop William Higi as Bishop of Lafayette in Indiana

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Msgr. Timothy Doherty, 59, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, in Dundee, Illinois, as Bishop of Lafayette in Indiana, and accepted the resignation of Bishop William Higi, 76, from pastoral governance of the diocese.

Pope Names Seminary Vice-Rector Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Eduardo A. Nevares, 56, Vice-Rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, and a priest of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, as Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, assigning him the Titular See of Natchez.

Leaders at Cultural Diversity Convocation Send Letter of Support to Arizona Bishops on Immigration

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—Catholic leaders from across the United States participating in the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, on the last day of their meeting, sent an open letter to the Catholic bishops of Arizona, expressing their support for the bishops’ leadership in raising opposition to Arizona Law SB 1070.

Archbishop Gregory: Christ the Foundation of our Unity, Diversity a Gift God has Fashioned into the Heart Of Humanity

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta weighed in on the issues of unity and diversity in the Church during the homily, May 7, at a Mass for the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation at meeting at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.

Bishops Thank Congress for Working on Extension and Improvement of Trade Preferences for Haiti

WASHINGTON—By extending and improving trade preferences for Haiti, Congress “will send a clear signal that the United States is prepared to take the necessary steps to improve the lives of thousands of Haitians both in the short-term and in the long-term,” said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y. In a May 4 letter, Bishop Hubbard, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, thanked the sponsors of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010 for introducing the bill (HR 5160 and S 3275) and called on the House and Senate to move swiftly to approve the legislation.

Unity in Diversity, Catholic Identity Key to U.S. Church Future

WASHINGTON—Building unity in diversity and linking it to a robust sense of Catholic identity for the sake of the Church’s future is the topic of the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation (CCDNC) that will meet later this week at the University of Notre Dame.

Vatican Approves New Version of Roman Missal, Bishops to Decide When to Implement in Dioceses, Parishes

WASHINGTON—The Vatican has given its “recognitio,” or statement of acceptance, of the proposed U.S. version of the new edition of the Roman Missal. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) now must decide when to authorize its use in dioceses and parishes in the United States.

Immigration Reform Framework Needs Work, But ‘Important First Step’ In Legislative Process, Say U.S. Bishops

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called the introduction of a framework on immigration reform by Senate leadership, April 29, an “Important first step” in the process of achieving enactment of comprehensive reform legislation. The framework, developed by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and endorsed by Senate leadership, attempts to lay a road map for launching negotiations toward a bipartisan immigration reform bill.

Catholic Communication Campaign Collection Keeps Catholics Connected Through Digital Media

WASHINGTON—“Help Us Connect the World with God’s Word!” is the theme of the 2010 collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). The CCC Collection funds a variety of communications projects and this year’s campaign highlights efforts in digital and social media.

Students Who Attend Catholic High Schools More Likely To Graduate, Go To College, Report Finds

WASHINGTON—Students who attend Catholic high schools are more likely to graduate and attend college than students attending other schools, according to The Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment and Staffing , United States Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2009-2010, a report recently released by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Haiti, Chile, Clergy Education Receive Grants From Bishops’ Subcommittee On Latin America

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America has made public the grantees for its latest funding cycle. In total, $2,777,917 was approved for distribution among 128 projects in 23 countries. Of that amount, $972,869 went to help rebuild the Church’s infrastructure in earthquake ravaged Haiti and Chile. Clergy and religious formation took up the bulk of the remaining awards, while other catechesis and evangelization projects in Central and South America, and the Caribbean also benefitted.

USCCB Migration Chairman Joins Arizona Bishops in Decrying Anti-Immigrant Measure, Calls for Comprehensive Reform

WASHINGTON— In solidarity with the Catholic bishops of Arizona, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, issued a statement April 27, opposing the enactment and implementation of Arizona SB 1070, which criminalizes undocumented immigrants.

Archbishop O’Brien Urges Ratification Of New START Treaty, Welcomes Nuclear Posture Review In Catholic University Panel Discussion

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Bishops urge members of the U.S. Senate to come together across party lines to ratify the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and also welcome the Nuclear Posture Review as a “significant, yet modest, shift toward a world free of nuclear weapons,” said Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore. He made his remarks, “Moral Reflections on U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy,” April 26, at a symposium on the ethics of the Obama Administration’s nuclear weapons policy, held at The Catholic University of America (CUA).

Father Hilgartner Slated To Head Bishops Divine Worship Office In 2011, Succeeding Msgr. Sherman

WASHINGTON—Father Richard Hilgartner, 41, a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and associate director of the U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Divine Worship, has been tapped to become head of the secretariat in 2011. The current head, Msgr. Anthony Sherman, plans to return to the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, in Spring 2011.

ADVISORY Canon Law for Media Seminar

The USCCB Office of Media Relations and the Canon Law Society of America will sponsor a seminar on Canon Law for Media, May 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the USCCB, 3211 4th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194. Attendance will be limited to journalists, and registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Father Of Priest, Scientists, Military Men, People From Other Countries And Faith Traditions Among New Priests

WASHINGTON—Gregory A. Rapisarda of the Archdiocese of Baltimore is a widowed deacon with four children, one of whom is priest. When he is ordained to the priesthood this year, he and his son will be the first father-son priests to serve in the archdiocese since its founding. Rapisarda is an oldster in a class where the median age is 33. Over half (56 percent) of the 440 men being ordained to the priesthood in U.S. dioceses and religious communities this year are between the ages 25 and 34. Eleven men being ordained are age 65 or older, and young and old alike, the priests of the class of 2010 come from an eclectic array of backgrounds, careers and life experiences.

Catholic Marriage, Divorce and Bereavement Ministries to Host Conference on Strengthening Marriage and Family Life

WASHINGTON—Hundreds of Catholic leaders, including bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity, will gather June 23-26, at Xavier University, Cincinnati, for a national conference entitled “Marriage-Building Parishes: Blueprints and Building Plans.”

Bishops Launch Campus Web Site to Promote Catholic Social Teaching, Life and Dignity

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development has collaborated with eleven Catholic organizations to create a new Web site to help college students and campus ministers promote Catholic social teaching on campus. The Web site, “Transforming Our World: Our Catholic Faith in Action,” can be found at www.usccb.org/campus.

Bishops Launch National Website To Promote Vocations To Priesthood And Consecrated Life

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations is initiating a new website on April 25 to be a resource for both laity and clergy in the promotion of vocations. The launch date is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Good Shepherd Sunday.

Pope Names Orlando Bishop As Archbishop Of Miami, Chicago Auxiliary Bishop As Bishop Of Springfield In Illinois

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, 59, as Archbishop of Miami, and accepted the resignation of Archbishop John C. Favalora, 74, from the pastoral governance of the Miami Archdiocese. The same day the pope also named Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, 57, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, as Bishop of Springfield in Illinois.

Ordination Class of 2010 Completed College, Held Jobs, Participated in Parish Ministry Before Entering Seminary

WASHINGTON—The vast majority (92 percent) of men being ordained to the priesthood report some kind of full-time work experience prior to entering the seminary, most often in education. Three in five (60 percent) ordinands completed college before pursuing the priesthood, with one in five (20 percent) also receiving a graduate degree. One in three (34 percent) entered the seminary while in college.

For Your Marriage Web Site Launches New Design and Content

WASHINGTON—The popular For Your Marriage Web site (www.foryourmarriage.org) has launched a redesigned look that includes additional content and several new features. The Web site is a major activity under the U.S. Bishops’ priority goal to Strengthen Marriage.

Advisory - Media Credentialing Open For Cultural Diversity Convocation In May

WASHINGTON—Media intending to cover the Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, May 6-8, can register now with the USCCB Office of Media Relations. Registration is required to gain access to the event. To register, fill out the credential form and return to Mar Muñoz-Visoso, assistant director of media relations, at MMunoz@usccb.org; fax: 202-541-3173; or mailing address: USCCB Media Relations, 3211, Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC, 20017.

Given Inappropriate Content in Digital Media Era, Parents Want More Control

WASHINGTON— A United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) national survey of parents about media’s impact on their children finds parents are deeply concerned about inappropriate content in media and want help from the media industry and government to be able to control it. The Parents’ Hopes & Concerns About the Impact of Media on their Children study was commissioned in response to a notice of inquiry by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Bishops' Expert on Prevention of Clergy Abuse of Minors Offers Ten Points for Protecting Children

WASHINGTON—The Catholic bishops’ expert on preventing clergy abuse of minors, Teresa Kettelkamp, offered ten tips for child safely to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pope Names Los Angeles Pastor As Bishop Of Eparchy Of Our Lady Of Deliverance Of Newark For Syrian Catholics

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Reverend Chorbishop Yousif Habash, 58, pastor of Sacred Heart Syrian Catholic Church in Los Angeles, as bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Deliverance of Newark for Syrian Catholics. He succeeds Bishop Joseph Younan, who was installed as Patriarch of the Syrian Catholic Church, in 2009, in Beirut.

U.S. Bishops Welcome Signing Of New START Treaty, Call For Bipartisan Senate Ratification

WASHINGTON—"The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomes the signing of the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the United States and the Russian Federation," said Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the USCCB, in an April 8 letter to President Barack Obama.

Catholics Donate Almost $60 Million Through Special Sunday Collection for Haiti

WASHINGTON— A special Collection for Haiti in Catholic parishes nationwide has raised $58.7 million to date.

Relationship Between Salvation, Justice, Topic Of Council Of Churches Faith And Order Commission

WASHINGTON— The relationship between salvation and justice was one of the key topics at the spring meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC).

Pope Names San Antonio Archbishop José Gomez Coadjutor Archbishop Of Los Angeles

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has named Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, 58, as Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles.

USCCB Reaches Out to Help the Church in Earthquake Rattled Chile

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America has made a $280,000 grant to support a mobile chapels project in Chile. This grant will provide 20 temporary chapels to earthquake-affected dioceses in Chile.

Catholics Called To Strengthen The Church At Home

WASHINGTON—The 2010 Catholic Home Missions Appeal calls Catholics to Strengthen the Church at Home. The appeal will be made in most dioceses around the country the weekend of April 24-25.

U.S. Bishops Voice Concern for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse, Thank Pope Benedict for Leadership

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops March 30 voiced concern for victims of child sexual abuse by clerics and praised Pope Benedict XVI for leadership in dealing with the sin and crime of child sexual abuse.

Catechumens, Candidates, Sign of Easter Blessings for the Catholic Church

WASHINGTON—Thousands of new Catholics will join the Church on Easter. Every year, in dioceses big and small, people seeking baptism (catechumens) or to be brought into full communion with the Church (candidates) signal a new springtime at Easter and are a reminder of the power of the Gospel to transform lives.

Migration and Refugee Services Receives Romero Human Rights Award from University of Dayton

WASHINGTON—The University of Dayton, in Ohio, has announced that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) is the recipient of the 2010 Archbishop Oscar Romero Human Rights Award. The Ceremony will take place March 29, at the Immaculate Conception Chapel of the university.

USCCB Communications Department Undergoing Reorganization

WASHINGTON—The Department of Communications of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will undergo reorganization, effective May 1.

"These changes will allow us to tap the benefits of the rapidly changing media environment around us," said Helen Osman, secretary of the Communications Department.

Bishops Encourage Vigilance that Health Care Legislation Protects Conscience, does not Fund Abortion

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops called on Congress and people in the Catholic community to make sure promises are kept that new health care legislation will not expand abortions in the United States.

Catholic, Episcopalian Leaders Hear Anglican Views on Blessing Same-Sex Unions, Catholic Principles on Health Care Decisions

WASHINGTON—The Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the USA (ARC-USA) discussed blessings for same-sex unions and health care decisions during their 67th meeting March 15-16, in Delray Beach, Florida. Catholic Bishop Ronald Herzog of Alexandria, Louisiana, and Episcopal Bishop Thomas Breidenthal of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, co-chaired the meeting.

Audit Shows Fewest Reports of Sexual Abuse by Clerics since 2004; Most Incidents from Decades Ago

WASHINGTON—The 2009 annual report on compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People shows the fewest number of victims, allegations and offenders in dioceses since 2004. Most cases reported to dioceses were from decades ago.

Bishops to House of Representatives: Fix Flaws or Vote No on Health Reform Bill

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops urged the House of Representatives to fix flaws in health care legislation or vote against its passage in a March 20 letter to House members. The letter was signed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, chair on the Committee on Migration. The letter follows.

Head of Immigration Committee, Hispanic Bishops Urge Congress to Include Immigrants on Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON—Several Hispanic bishops, joined Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, in sending a letter to all Representatives in the House urging them to include immigrants in health care reform.

Media Advisory - Mass for Immigrants, March 21, in Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Pope Names Vicar General, Pastor As Auxiliary Bishops For Dallas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Cultural Diversity Director Unveils Report on the Status of National and Regional Hispanic Ministry Initiatives

WASHINGTON— Jesuit Father Allan Figueroa Deck, executive director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, announced February 4 the completion of a report titled National and Regional Hispanic Catholic Ministry Organizational Initiatives: An Assessment.

Catholics Urged to Give ‘Faith to the Future’ Through Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

WASHINGTON—Christian Churches Together in the USA okayed a common action against poverty across the country for April 2, 2011 and issued a statement of solidarity with earthquake-stricken Haiti at their January 12-15 meeting outside Seattle.

Archbishop Dolan To Represent U.S. Bishops At Funeral Of Haitian Archbishop, Will Be Joined By USCCB General Secretary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Bishops Call on Parishes to Help Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform

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.