Members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from around the country have been met June 11-14 in Baltimore for their annual Spring General Assembly. Thank you for your continuing prayers for our bishops.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s update letter to parishioners
Watch Video: of assembly proceedings on the USCCB website.
Spring assembly News & Updates from the USCCB
The agenda:
During the assembly, the bishops discussed and voted on:
- Bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis. They heard reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National Review Board.
- Three new members of National Review Board appointed (June 11, 2019)
- The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (2nd edition); and on the final approval of revisions made to the second typical edition of the ICEL Gray Book of the Ordination of a Bishop, of Priests, and of Deacons.
- The revised passage of the death penalty for the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults and subsequent recognition from Rome. The bishops also heard a report on the Committee on Priorities and Plans on the Strategic Priorities of the Conference for the development of the 2021-2024 USCCB Strategic Plan. They also heard reports from Bishop Robert E. Barron, Chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis as well as a report on the Bishops’ Working Groups on Immigration and on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
- The bishops held a voice vote for support of the cause for canonization of the Servant of God Irving (a.k.a. Francis) C. Houle who spent his life in Escanaba, Michigan. Read more about him here.
New online resource highlights steps to confront clergy sex abuse
The USCCB has launched a new website highlighting the importance of prevention, protection and accountability in response to the ongoing effort to eradicate clergy sexual abuse. This new site serves as a resource detailing the steps the American bishops are taking to confront this crisis.
On the site, readers can browse through the Holy Father’s Motu Proprio, the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and its progress, as well as the new reforms set to be discussed in Baltimore. There are also numerous readily available resources to address any instance of clergy sexual abuse. Visit the USCCB website on prevention, protection and accountability.
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