My synopsis of the U.S. bishops’ fall assembly

By Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond

Outlined below is a summary of the USCCB meeting from Nov. 14-16, 2023. This is my summary, not an official document from the USCCB.

1. The Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Pierre, addressed the bishops. He greeted us in the name of Pope Francis and thanked us for our ministry. For the last couple of years, we have been guided by the Eucharistic Congress and synodality. Both of these have to do with believing in Christ and entering into sincere dialogue with others. These concepts shed light on one another.

He connected these to the “Road to Emmaus”; truly recognizing Christ and sharing our story with others. He stressed our listening to Jesus and others in faith. Even in disagreement, we must listen attentively. He reminded us in the name of Pope Francis that we are led by the Holy Spirit as God’s people of faith – as a church.

2. Archbishop Broglio, USCCB president, addressed his brother bishops. He, too, reminded us that as a church we are led by the Spirit. He spoke of his positive experience at the Synod by speaking and listening to others. He recalled the need for peace in our world and our need for prayer and sacrifice. He requested in particular our prayers for the Middle East. We must stand strong for peace and unity in Ukraine, Africa, Nicaragua, Haiti and all areas where there is war. He also called us to embrace in our local churches a strong spirit of evangelization. He thanked the priests as our closest collaborators in this work and their partnership in proclaiming the Gospel.

3. A report on the work of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism was given, and a request of the committee to continue and discuss its reauthorization within the structure of the Conference for a two-year period. This was supported by the bishops.

4. Three participants gave some reflections on the Synod of October 2023 (excerpts are  summarized). Hundreds of thousands of people participated in the pre-synod listening sessions.

In the October Synod, bishops, priests, religious and laity participated from the United States and the world in the month-long session.

Those who attended said there was open discussion, mutual respect, discernment and hope for the future.

It was an experience of the universality of the church and gave a deeper appreciation of cultural differences.

Prayer was an integral part of the experience of the Synod.

Pope Francis says the church is God’s faithful people: saints and sinners.

When you want to know what the church teaches, review the doctrine of the church. When you want to know how it is lived, look at the lives of people today trying to be faithful.

The discussions were not about “hot-button” issues, but listening to voices from around the world, how our faith is lived out. It led to a deeper appreciation of the teachings of the church and avoiding unnecessary conflict. It was an opportunity to build consensus.

The synodal church expects the baptized laity to take responsibility and to engage in evangelization.

The second general assembly will be in October 2024.

5. The bishops approved some United States adaptations for the revised Liturgy of the Hours. They also approved the translation of the following liturgical documents:

•  The Order of Blessings of an Abbot or Abbess
• The Order of Consecration of Virgins
• The Order of Religious Profession

These documents need the approval of Rome.

6. The feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta was added to the liturgical calendar for Sept. 5 of each year as an optional memorial.

7. Concerning “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” this document offers guidance on how to inform our conscience to participate in elections for public office. The revisions include a new introductory note, five bulletin inserts and a template video script. This was approved by the bishops. The “teaching segment” of the document remains the same.

8. The body of bishops approved the revised “National Statutes for Christian Initiation” for use in the United States of America. This document needs the approval of Rome.

9. The Bishops Conference of England and Wales asked the pope to name St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church. The United States bishops agreed to support their request. The Conferences of Ireland and Scotland also support this request.

10. A representative of the subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island affairs gave a presentation on the implementation of “Encountering Christ in Harmony.” This document gives direction on pastoral care and leadership formation of Asian and Pacific Islanders.

11. We received an update on the Eucharistic Congress to be celebrated in July 2024 in Indianapolis. Many from the Archdiocese of New Orleans will participate. The Eucharistic Pilgrimage will pass through the Archdiocese of New Orleans in June 2024. More information to follow after Christmas.

12. The “Institute on the Catechism” is being formed by the USCCB. It seeks to deepen a person’s encounter with the Lord Jesus. It is a national collaboration to serve each diocese inviting people to faithful catechesis and to form catechists. A handbook is being published to guide all textbook publishers to reflect the contents of the catechism. The institute has a staff to assist in the teaching of the catechism and the formation of catechists.

13. Our nation has a dire mental health crisis, and this includes adolescents. There is a shortage of mental health resources in our country. The cost of care is one of the challenges people face today. The church must do what it can to reach out and to become part of the solution. The USCCB committees are aware of this crisis and desire to aid in addressing these challenges.

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

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