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

By Archbishop Gregory Aymond

Outlined below is a summary of the USCCB meeting from Nov. 11-14, 2024. This is my summary, not an official document from the USCCB. 

1. We sent a letter to Pope Francis assuring him of our prayers and support.

2. The Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Pierre, addressed the bishops. His address included the following points:

• He conveyed the greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.™ He commented on the Eucharistic Congress and the Synod, which just concluded.     He spoke of the importance of hope as we prepare for the Holy Year of 2025. The latest letter of Pope Francis, on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was discussed. The heart of Christ can be related to what the church is experiencing today. Jesus speaks to our hearts through his Sacred Heart. We are compelled to share his life and his heart with others. We must move from a personal encounter to evangelization. We must make a renewed commitment to know the heart of Christ, the Sacred Heart.
• The Synod gives us an example of conversation that can be discussed in the Church. All of this is done in fidelity to the church encountering the heart of Christ. The Holy Spirit is among us and leading us. The human heart can bring us together as a church.
• The bishop is to give hope to the people, as we are moved by the Spirit. The deeper we go into the heart of Christ, the greater we bring hope to all in the church.

3. Archbishop Broglio, president of the USCCB, addressed the bishops:

• Just as the Israelites of old made a difference in the world, so must we do so and address the signs of the times. We continue to encounter the Eucharistic Christ in us and in our midst.
• We must create the “openness of heart” to Christ and our sisters and brothers. The synodal spirit is that we must listen to others and look for the movement of the Holy Spirit.
• In this time of transition in our government, we must work together and pray for peace.
• We proclaim the Gospel in and out of season. We must address racism and legal immigration and other important issues of our day. We must preach the truth in love. Persecution is still a part of our lives and the life of the church at large.

 4. Two bishops gave a brief update on the recent Synod in Rome. There was great witness of the universal church. It was a month-long meeting. There was open discussion, where there was agreement at times and other times differing points of view. There was great respect for each other and open discussion in order to ponder the issues at hand. The document from the Synod will be sent to us. Pope Francis will not write a conclusion to the Synod; the document will stand as a discussion for Diocesan Councils and other groups. The Synod made no “decision making,” but open discussions and listening. The Synod considered themes from the dioceses around the world. Many topics were a mirror to our Archdiocesan Synod from 2017 for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

5. The members of the conference approved a mis
sion directive from 2025-28. This will guide the work of committees and staff of the USCCB:

• Form missionary disciples
• Evangelize those disaffiliated from the church
• Special focus on young adults and youth

6. The bishops approved the proposed texts of:

• Order of Crowning of Virgin Mary
• Liturgy of Hours texts in Spanish; approval of Rome is required.

7. Bishop Sus of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church addressed the bishops. It was the 993rd day of the Russian war against Ukraine. It was a very sobering presentation.

8. A report was given on the Eucharistic Congress, which was held in July 2024. Over 60,000 participated in the Congress. Another Congress is planned for 2029.

9. The bishops were given a report on the National Black Catholic Congress. Its mission was discussed as well as its history in the United States. The Congress dates back to 1889. It was discussed as to what it means to be Black and Catholic. We were asked to prayerfully support the six people who are on the road to sainthood from the Black community.

10. The bishops approved the revised “New American Bible” to be used for Liturgy. This must be approved by Rome.

11. There was a proposal to proceed with the drafting of a succession document to “Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.” The bishops approved the proposal. This is a document on lay ministry in the church.

12. The Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus gave an update on the “Cor” initiative. It is a program encouraging evangelization and catechesis for men. It encourages men to live their faith in daily life. There are 3,000 parishes that have “Cor” today. Men meet in small groups for faith formation. It also invites Hispanic men to participate.

13. It is the intention of the USCCB to develop a document on the ministry of the catechist, lector and acolyte by next fall.

14. We had a table discussion on “Laudato Si.” It has been 10 years since its promulgation.

15. There was an update on “Dignitas Infinita”:

• Bishop Barron spoke on Laity, Family, Marriage Life and Youth.
• Bishop Daly addressed Catholic Education.
• Bishop Burbidge addressed Pro-Life.

All of these are rooted in the dignity of the person.
The following topics were mentioned and addressed:

• Sexual identity, gender theory, defense of human dignity, safety of vulnerable persons, faith and science. 
• Forming the young to know and address these issues dealing with Catholic education, formation of conscience and the role of teachers.
• School identity as “Catholic.”
• Abortion continues to be a genuine concern. The dignity of the unborn is of essence to Catholic teaching; unborn children are defenseless. “Walking with Moms in Need” is important.
• Assisted suicide, euthanasia and IVF are important issues today, and more education is needed.

16. The committee on immigration gave an update by Bishop Seitz.

• He reminded us of the Scripture to take care of the needy and newcomers, to see Christ in them.
• Immigration policy needs to be fixed.
• We must stand strong on Church teaching in this concern.
• The USCCB must have a strong moral voice regarding immigration.
• Seminarians need to be formed in this teaching.

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