Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #USCCB21
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At #USCCB21, bishops will now debate "The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church?"
It will work like this. They will be asked to consider some amendments by consent agenda, but could propose them for individual consideration. That could lead to debate. Then after that, they would debate the whole doc.
+Biegler asks for specific debate on an amendment proposed by +Cordileone. That amendment calls for a mention of the unborn in a list of "vulnerable people."
+Blair (of Hartford):
First discusses petition (request) to allow St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa, to be added to the calendar in the Church in the US, to be celebrated as an optional memorial on Sept 5.
First discusses petition (request) to allow St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa, to be added to the calendar in the Church in the US, to be celebrated as an optional memorial on Sept 5.
+Blair:
There is one small thing -- there needs to be some modification to the texts used in the Office of Readings which is not yet ready.
There is one small thing -- there needs to be some modification to the texts used in the Office of Readings which is not yet ready.
Good morning! Welcome to Day 2 of the public session of #USCCB21. I'm JD, and I'll be your live-tweeter this morning.
The bishops are now praying morning prayer. I have had three cups of coffee, some scrambled eggs and bacon, and a bowl of fruit. Which is to say that I am ready for a great day here in Baltimore. Hope you are too.
And please allow me to offer a warm welcome to those bishops who follow these live-tweets FROM the meeting. Some of you have been kind enough to mention this to me, and I am grateful.
Hey everybody, we are back for the second half of #USCCB21's afternoon session:
+Caggiano is introducing a slate of candidates to be on the board of Catholic Relief Services.
Candidates:
+Broglio, AMS
+Hying, Madison
+Perez, Phl
+Solis, SLC
Broglio and Solis are incumbents.
+Caggiano is introducing a slate of candidates to be on the board of Catholic Relief Services.
Candidates:
+Broglio, AMS
+Hying, Madison
+Perez, Phl
+Solis, SLC
Broglio and Solis are incumbents.
3 outta 4 will get elected. Seems kinda sad for Bishop Number 4.
The winners are:
+Hying
+Broglio
+Solis
Their prize is a seat on the CRS board. Which actually does sound kinda fun if you're nerdy about the stuff I'm nerdy about.
+Hying
+Broglio
+Solis
Their prize is a seat on the CRS board. Which actually does sound kinda fun if you're nerdy about the stuff I'm nerdy about.
The bishops are now beginning the afternoon session of #USCCB21. So buckle in.
In front of me in the press gallery is @natemup, who runs the @BlkCathStories. It’s a cool journalism project. 
On the agenda today is presentation/discussion of several action items, including *the* Eucharist document. The bps won't vote on those items today, but they will be able, if the meeting follows ordinary practice, to ask questions.
The bps will also elect cmmttee chairs.
The bps will also elect cmmttee chairs.
Ok everyone. Greetings from the opening public session of #USCCB21.
The bishops have not gathered in person since Nov 2019.
Quoth Frozen: “Yes, the wind blows a little bit colder. And we’re all getting older.”
The bishops have not gathered in person since Nov 2019.
Quoth Frozen: “Yes, the wind blows a little bit colder. And we’re all getting older.”
So we begin:
+Vigneron begins meeting with silent prayer for "all those who have been affected by Covid."
"May you O God in your mercy in love be pleased to give the sick health...the dead eternal rest...workers protection, and the discouraged consolation and peace."
"May you O God in your mercy in love be pleased to give the sick health...the dead eternal rest...workers protection, and the discouraged consolation and peace."
With #USCCB21 getting underway, I’m outside at “The Men’s March, where participants tell me they want bishops to speak out more clearly on abortion.
Participants prayed at Planned Parenthood, walked to the hotel where the bishops meet, and are now praying the rosary. Two bishops are in attendance, and led decades of the rosary.
I’ll bring you a full story when things conclude.
Hey Everybody:
In just a few minutes, day 3 of #USCCB21 will begin.
Stay tuned for live-tweets of the third day.
In just a few minutes, day 3 of #USCCB21 will begin.
Stay tuned for live-tweets of the third day.
On the agenda today:
Results from voting on various issues, including the drafting of a document on the Eucharist, liturgical translations, the new pastoral framework on marriage, and the development of new pastoral documents on Native Americans and on youths.
#USCCB21
Results from voting on various issues, including the drafting of a document on the Eucharist, liturgical translations, the new pastoral framework on marriage, and the development of new pastoral documents on Native Americans and on youths.
#USCCB21
Here's a gif. Because "youths."
Brought this up at Thurs presser, but important context for the communion debate:
In 2018, ONE bishop suggested canonical penalties (e.g., denying communion) for Catholics who aided Trump's family separation policy.
Unlike now, it went nowhere. #USCCB21 religionnews.com/2018/06/13/cat…
In 2018, ONE bishop suggested canonical penalties (e.g., denying communion) for Catholics who aided Trump's family separation policy.
Unlike now, it went nowhere. #USCCB21 religionnews.com/2018/06/13/cat…
In my entire career as a religion reporter, I have never seen more universal faith-based condemnation for a federal policy than the separation of immigrant families in 2018.
The USCCB condemned it too, but has only mustered sizable pushes for Communion denial regarding abortion.
The USCCB condemned it too, but has only mustered sizable pushes for Communion denial regarding abortion.
(Technically USCCB *members* are the ones who muster said Communion denial campaigns and then bring them up at USCCB *gatherings*, not necessarily the USCCB *as an organization*, but I digress.)
The proposed document would be shared with other committees in the Conference. It will be discussed by the administrative committee. And it will be subject to amendments proposed. #USCCB21
Apparently the document will also undergo some sort of informal review by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, according to the letter from Abp DiNoia read yesterday by Abp Gomez. #USCCB21
Abp Warfel is suggesting that the document be made available for regional meetings so that all bishops could have input on the document. This step may be before the November meeting. This would allow the greatest amount of input. #USCCB21 Bp Rhoades is open to the idea.
At #USCCB21 bishops will now discuss:
+Rhodes is now explaining pathway of document in pre-recorded message. Says there has been much confusion and bad information.
As pastors, we are concerned about decline in belief in the Real Presence. Then the pandemic didn't help that.
#USCCB21
As pastors, we are concerned about decline in belief in the Real Presence. Then the pandemic didn't help that.
#USCCB21
The pandemic has however led to a greater appreciation of the Eucharist for some. But we worry that many Catholics may not come back to Mass. As St. Paul reminded the Corinthians:
Bishop Edward Burns will now present on the LMFLY proposal of the pastoral framework on youth and young adults.
This plan will be in light of @Pontifex document Christus Vivet. #USCCB21
This plan will be in light of @Pontifex document Christus Vivet. #USCCB21
Ok friends, we'll be returning to Day 2 #USCCB21 in just a moment.
First, discussion of a national framework for youth and young adults, presented by +Burns of Dallas.
First, discussion of a national framework for youth and young adults, presented by +Burns of Dallas.
And we are back.
+Gomez says there are some "questions" regarding the approval of amendments on "Called to the Joy of Love, and we'll discuss it again.
+Gomez says there are some "questions" regarding the approval of amendments on "Called to the Joy of Love, and we'll discuss it again.
But for now +Burns discusses the development of a pastoral framework based upon Christus vivit, the post-synodal apostolic exhortation that came after the "youth synod."
U.S. Catholic bishops are meeting for their annual spring conference, and one of the things they’re discussing is whether Catholic politicians who support abortion rights—like @POTUS—should be denied Communion. #USCCB21
THREAD:
THREAD:
But the majority of U.S. Catholics believe abortion should be legal, as @jamielmanson, president of @Catholic4Choice, told us a couple months ago.
“The way the bishops make it this polarizing issue just is not a reflection of the reality on the ground.”
rewirenews.link/3voqgY8
“The way the bishops make it this polarizing issue just is not a reflection of the reality on the ground.”
rewirenews.link/3voqgY8
U.S. bishops have been divided for quite some time on how to deal with prominent Catholics who support abortion access.
For the right wing, this issue became even more urgent once Joe Biden came into office.
For the right wing, this issue became even more urgent once Joe Biden came into office.
The bishops are now being asked to approve the "Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry in the US: Called to the Joy of Love." Abp Cordileone, chair of LMFLY, is presenting the motion. It needs 2/3 vote. #USCCB21
Card. Cupich is raising a concern about two amendments he has raised. (Again, we journalists don't have access to these amendments.)
#USCCB21
#USCCB21
Card. Cupich said his amendments were accepted, but is asking about two footnote references to Amoris Laetitia. #USCCB21.
Now at #USCCB21, bishops will discuss "Called to the Joy of Love" pastoral frameowrk and proposed amendments to them.
We dont have amendments yet but are promised them shortle.
We dont have amendments yet but are promised them shortle.
Bishops are invited to ask for consideration of proposed amendments that the committee recommends for consent motion approval or rejection.
Cupich wants to ask for a particular amendment to be given individual consideration. We don't know which one yet. USCCB will send ASAP
Cupich wants to ask for a particular amendment to be given individual consideration. We don't know which one yet. USCCB will send ASAP
+Cupich:
I want to talk about the both amendments I proposed, on page 26.
No one else asks for separate consideration. But first consent agenda amendments are adopted.
I want to talk about the both amendments I proposed, on page 26.
No one else asks for separate consideration. But first consent agenda amendments are adopted.
Now Bishop James Wall will be asking for support for a new formal statement and comprehensive vision for Native American and Alaska Native ministry. #USCCB21
A summit of indigenous leaders asked for such a pastoral plan.
A summit of indigenous leaders asked for such a pastoral plan.
A national pastoral plan would help in promoting Catholic native ministry, Wall said. Some concerns include reconciliation of the history of church-run boarding schools that is now troubling British Columbia but also has a dark record in the U.S. #USCCB21
In discussion, Bishop Hebda urged concern for Native Americans outside of reservations, saying there is great poverty for Native Americans in urban settings. #USCCB21 Wall said more native Americans live in urban settings than on reservations.
Day 2 of the US Catholic bishops meeting—which will involve discussion of the Eucharist (and presumably whether it should be denied to politicians back abortion rights)—has begun.
The Eucharist convo likely isn't happening for a while, though, so sit tight. #USCCB21
The Eucharist convo likely isn't happening for a while, though, so sit tight. #USCCB21
Oh: In a convo on a Native American/Native Alaskan ministry statement, Bishop Lucia brings up examining the Doctrine of Discovery.
As I note in American Prophets, DoD has come up a lot recently, and Indigenous activists have asked Pope Francis to revoke it (he hasn't). #USCCB21
As I note in American Prophets, DoD has come up a lot recently, and Indigenous activists have asked Pope Francis to revoke it (he hasn't). #USCCB21
Bishop Tyson says he isn't convinced on Eucharist vote yet, asks: "To what extent is this discussion really just about making a point on abortion, to the exclusion of other issues?”
Rhoades says doc would also involve ppl who human traffic back, white supremacy, etc. #USCCB21
Rhoades says doc would also involve ppl who human traffic back, white supremacy, etc. #USCCB21
Mrs. Suzanne Healy, chair of the National Review Board, is now making her virtual presentation. It is pre-recorded, but she will be able to answer questions afterwards.
#USCCB21
#USCCB21
In the 2020 audit, there were 4250 total allegations, but most are historical allegations. Current allegations total 22, less than 1% of total.
#USCCB21
#USCCB21
The audit of new allegations against clergy being less than 1% shows what has been accomplished by new policies, Healey said. Concern remains for the historical case, however. #USCCB21
Hey everybody.
In 15 minutes, Day 2 of #USCCB21 will begin. Today is a pretty full schedule of debate, and I'll be livetweeting it all right here. (Well, in a couple different threads, just to make it easier.)
In 15 minutes, Day 2 of #USCCB21 will begin. Today is a pretty full schedule of debate, and I'll be livetweeting it all right here. (Well, in a couple different threads, just to make it easier.)
Before we get started, just a reminder: I aim to give you a straight summary of what's going on, and I do that in real time. I'm not always 💯, and I am often paraphrasing. A quote is not a quote without "..."
If I make an editorial aside, I try to label it as such
*cont
If I make an editorial aside, I try to label it as such
*cont
And I urge you to take this as a real-time, on the fly, best-as-I-can summary of what's going. If I get something wrong, feel free to note it, but please know I'm not trying to spin, gloss, or editorialize here, I'm trying to capture it.
*cont
*cont
The virtual press office is full, with about 40 journalists, larger than usual.
Question whether Archishop Pierre's speech was commenting on the proposed Eucharist consistency document: Bishop Rhoades feels the emphasis on dialogue was helpful, and there will be much dialogue in preparing for the document.
Question about the proposed Eucharist document: Why there is no national policy envisioned now, when there was at the beginning. +Rhoades said national policy really meant national guidance. He said Card. Ladaria's letter thought of policy as norms, which was not the intent.
The final item today will be a presentation of the Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry by Abp Cordileone, chair of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, known in the halls of the USCCB as LMFLY (pronounced Lim-fly). #USCCB21
This document was to have been considered last November, but no amendable documents were voted on during that meeting. This document now coincides with the Year of the Family called by Pope Francis.
The document is meant to be primarily of pastoral use by those working with families and couples. It is structured around pillars of Prayer, Formation, Accompaniment and Advocacy. Each section is divided into Educate, Encourage and Engage sections. #USCCB21
Scott Voynich of the National Advisory Council gives feedback to the bishops on the items on the June agenda, in general endorsing the various elements of the agenda. #USCCB21
NAC has expressed concern about polls showing a poor appreciation of the Eucharist by Catholics. NAC encouraged bishops to pursue a sustained focus on Eucharistic practice. NAC was worried a program may be a burden on priests, however. #USCCB21
Question from one NAC member: Does lack of reverence lead to unbelief in the Eucharist or does lack of belief lead to a lack of reverence?
NAC feels the belief in the Eucharist is an urgent issue for the Church.
NAC feels the belief in the Eucharist is an urgent issue for the Church.
Today is the first day of the annual Catholic bishops’ spring conference and by my read two things emerged: Deep division, and strong emotions and views. A key vote right off the bat showed the men are in some ways split down the middle. #USCCB21 1/6
Bishops have various agenda items but most challenging is the move by some to create a doc about the meaning of communion, including for pro-choice Catholic pols. The bishops did this in 2006 but many conservatives want another one bc of the election of the pro-choice Biden. 2/6
Today, right off the bat the more-conservative bishops’ president reads a statement from a member of a Vatican committee that appears to encourage the bishops to create such a document. But the head of that Vatican body told the men to have various discussions first. 3/6
