Bishops begin the November meeting of #USCCB19 remembering military veterans and Ab. Joe Kurtz who is in surgery for bladder cancer.
They begin with morning prayer.
They begin with morning prayer.
Today is the feast of St. Martin of Tours, the bishops ask for the intercession of St. Martin as they pray morning prayer.
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After morning prayer, the bishops traditionally recognize those bishops who have retired since the last meeting, pray for bishops who have died, and then after a brief message from the USCCB to Pope Francis, the formalities of starting the meeting will get underway.
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On #USCCB19 agenda this morning is an address from outgoing prez +DiNardo, an address from apostolic nuncio +Christophe Pierre, and the presentation of some things the bishops will vote on tomorrow:
-New program of priestly formation
-ICEL translation of RCIA
(cont)
-New program of priestly formation
-ICEL translation of RCIA
(cont)
I'll get back to agenda at a free moment.
+DiNardo introduces new bps
+Bill Joensen of DesMoines
+(elect)Vetter, to soon be installed in Helena
+DiNardo introduces new bps
+Bill Joensen of DesMoines
+(elect)Vetter, to soon be installed in Helena
Retired bps now welcomed. 31 retired bps registered to attend the meeting.
Bps now pray for recently deceased bps. (Media does not have the list)
+Leveda is among the recently deceased, as is +Morlino, who died unexpectedly in Nov. 2018
Bps now pray for recently deceased bps. (Media does not have the list)
+Leveda is among the recently deceased, as is +Morlino, who died unexpectedly in Nov. 2018
Msg to Pope Francis (sent annually) read by Msgr. B Bransfield, sec general of USCCB.
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"We prayerfully turn our thoughts to Your Holiness."
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"We prayerfully turn our thoughts to Your Holiness."
#USCCB19 message thanks Pope for declaring a new "Sunday of the Word of God," thanks Pope for World Day for the Poor, and asks the pope for his prayers for the meeting.
A note about my live-tweeting.
THIS IS LIVE. Quotes in "..." are as accurate as I can make them. If I am summarizing what someone says, and don't use "..." summary is mine, and not a direct quote.
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THIS IS LIVE. Quotes in "..." are as accurate as I can make them. If I am summarizing what someone says, and don't use "..." summary is mine, and not a direct quote.
#USCCB19
+DiNardo mentions that 21 US bishops are in Rome right now for their quinquennial meeting with the pope, and attending the meeting remotely. He welcomes them.
(those bishops are participating from the North American College.)
(those bishops are participating from the North American College.)
+DiNardo mentions that Diocese of Fairbanks was moved today from the competence of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Propaganda Fide) to the competence of Cong. for Bishops.
This means it is no longer considered a "mission diocese" by the Holy See.
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This means it is no longer considered a "mission diocese" by the Holy See.
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Bps considering agenda of #USCCB19.
+Boyea asks if an oral report on the status of the Vatican McCarrick report can be added to the agenda.
+Strickland seconds.
No discussion. Voice vote- a few bps vote "nay," but it is added to the agenda.
+Boyea asks if an oral report on the status of the Vatican McCarrick report can be added to the agenda.
+Strickland seconds.
No discussion. Voice vote- a few bps vote "nay," but it is added to the agenda.
+Strickland goes to mic to thank +DiNardo for his work "at this time."
I echo the request for the investigation request on McCarrick. (that had just been added to the agenda when +Strickland 'echoed the request' that it be added to the agenda.)
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I echo the request for the investigation request on McCarrick. (that had just been added to the agenda when +Strickland 'echoed the request' that it be added to the agenda.)
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+Strickland also asks that "guarding the deposit of faith" be added to the agenda of each meeting.
Also asks that adoration be added to all agendas.
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Also asks that adoration be added to all agendas.
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Bishops now vote by voice vote to approve the meetings agenda, with one additional piece: an oral report on the Vatican's investigation of McCarrick.
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Bps approve minutes of their June 19 meeting.
+DiNardo now discussing "information reports" from each of the committees of the conference. Such reports are not, insofar as I know, publicly available.
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+DiNardo now discussing "information reports" from each of the committees of the conference. Such reports are not, insofar as I know, publicly available.
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+DiNardo invites any bishop to speak on any of the info reports.
No one is interested in doing so.
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No one is interested in doing so.
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+Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the US, will now address the US bishops.
"I am very happy to be with you here in Baltimore, and I greet you in the name of Pope Francis...."
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"I am very happy to be with you here in Baltimore, and I greet you in the name of Pope Francis...."
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"I assure you of the Holy Father's closeness and prayers as you engage in the work of the New Evangelization."
+Pierre says that he has been meeting with priests and religious across the US, proposing topics for reflection and discussion, as Pope Francis did for nuncios in June.
+Pierre says that he has been meeting with priests and religious across the US, proposing topics for reflection and discussion, as Pope Francis did for nuncios in June.
+Pierre: It is useful to reflect on the idea of mission. You have many challenges: demographic changes, rise of religiously unaffiliated, vocations, welcoming migrants, racism, and defending and accompanying the family. "These are but a few of the challenges."
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+Pierre: There are also many practicing and faithful Catholics in the US. There witness is clear in their generous charity, in the 2015 World Meeting of Families, V Encuentro, etc are "all signs of hope"..."even as many of us worry" about the sexual abuse crisis.
+Pierre: It is easy to focus on problems, but there are many great initiatives "in the mission of evangelization" in the US.
"You are concerned not only about the present state of the Church, but all about its future."
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"You are concerned not only about the present state of the Church, but all about its future."
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+Pierre: As your ad limina visits approach, allow me to make a few observations, based on your quinquennial reports, which capture the last 7 years in the life of your dioceses, and based upon my travels.
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+Pierre: What has been truly effective in the New Evangelization?
Have we been forward thinking, or do we find ourselves in the position of being reactive.
"Efforts to evangelize are the work of the whole Church, and necessarily involve clergy, religious, and laity."
Have we been forward thinking, or do we find ourselves in the position of being reactive.
"Efforts to evangelize are the work of the whole Church, and necessarily involve clergy, religious, and laity."
+Pierre: "As bishops we must use our authority to shepherd the flock, mindful that our authority is for the flock," mentions obligation to teach, sanctify, and govern.
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+Pierre: emphasizes collegiality, working together.
Encourages younger bishops to find mentors, and encourages older bishops to share the wisdom of experience.
Says younger bps have something to offer to older bps- mentions evangelizing through technology.
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Encourages younger bishops to find mentors, and encourages older bishops to share the wisdom of experience.
Says younger bps have something to offer to older bps- mentions evangelizing through technology.
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+Pierre:
-It is good to reflect on how we express our communion with the Holy Father
-People are becoming more judgmental and less willing to forgive, as evidenced by polarization in US.
-healing from crisis should include establishing communion and trust.
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-It is good to reflect on how we express our communion with the Holy Father
-People are becoming more judgmental and less willing to forgive, as evidenced by polarization in US.
-healing from crisis should include establishing communion and trust.
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+Pierre: "Have you been able to maintain unity among priests, or is there a sense of disconnectedness among them?"
Mentions that widespread use of foreign priests, and priests having multiple assignments, requires intentional planning about priestly fraternity.
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Mentions that widespread use of foreign priests, and priests having multiple assignments, requires intentional planning about priestly fraternity.
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+Pierre: we should reflect on the degree to which we have received the evangelization of Pope Francis.
Evangelii Gaudium "should be the framework for evangelization."
This would be a tangible sign of communion with the Holy Father.
Evangelii Gaudium "should be the framework for evangelization."
This would be a tangible sign of communion with the Holy Father.
+Pierre:
"The pastoral thrust of this pontificate...must reach the American people."
-Mentions Amoris Laetitia. Says that Laudato si has been very well received by young people.
-"our communion with the Holy Father to make his magisterium better known among our people."
"The pastoral thrust of this pontificate...must reach the American people."
-Mentions Amoris Laetitia. Says that Laudato si has been very well received by young people.
-"our communion with the Holy Father to make his magisterium better known among our people."
It would be good to reflect on the life-giving parts of our episcopal ministry.
"The burdens of ministry can easily impact us." It is good to reflect on our enthusiasm for our ministry when first we were called to be bishops.
"Are we still zealous for the Lord."
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"The burdens of ministry can easily impact us." It is good to reflect on our enthusiasm for our ministry when first we were called to be bishops.
"Are we still zealous for the Lord."
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+Pierre: "I am confident that the Church in the US will discover the right path for its spiritual renewal, so that it can continue to be the Church that Chirst calls it be."
+Pierre gets standing ovation from bps at speech concludes.
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+Pierre gets standing ovation from bps at speech concludes.
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+DiNardo: "I now cede the chair to +Gomez, so I can give my talk."
Sirach: "Speak concisely, say much in few words."
+DiNardo- I will try to follow the wisdom of Sirach.
Sirach: "Speak concisely, say much in few words."
+DiNardo- I will try to follow the wisdom of Sirach.
+DiNardo:
-I remember long lines for confession at border facilities, and the hope of children separated from parents.
"Along with my brother bishops we went to the border b/c Jesus was already there."
May we accompany migrants as Jesus accompanies us in our struggles.
-I remember long lines for confession at border facilities, and the hope of children separated from parents.
"Along with my brother bishops we went to the border b/c Jesus was already there."
May we accompany migrants as Jesus accompanies us in our struggles.
+DiNardo:
-People are pregnancy centers are "doing God's work."
-so are:
-policy advocates.
"If you are a mother feeling alone and considering abortion, please know that a compassionate voice will answer and help you find resources."
-We must continue to work to end abortion.
-People are pregnancy centers are "doing God's work."
-so are:
-policy advocates.
"If you are a mother feeling alone and considering abortion, please know that a compassionate voice will answer and help you find resources."
-We must continue to work to end abortion.
+DiNardo:
-My life has been changed by meeting with the victims of abuse.
-Their witness brought hope and help to other survivors, and helped to catalyze child protection policies.
"By sharing their pain, survivors empower us with the knowledge needed to respond."
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-My life has been changed by meeting with the victims of abuse.
-Their witness brought hope and help to other survivors, and helped to catalyze child protection policies.
"By sharing their pain, survivors empower us with the knowledge needed to respond."
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+DiNardo:
-We must never stop striving for safe environments.
-the measures we passed in June are a good beginning, but only a beginning.
-We must continue to strive for justice, relationships ordered in the right way-- toward the salvation of souls, including our own.
-We must never stop striving for safe environments.
-the measures we passed in June are a good beginning, but only a beginning.
-We must continue to strive for justice, relationships ordered in the right way-- toward the salvation of souls, including our own.
+DiNardo:
-We must try to end clericalism. "The privilege of a cleric is to be a servant to all."
-A renewed impetus toward evangelization must + will be required as an intensified sense of missionary discipleship.
"To be on mission with the People of God is a great blessing."
-We must try to end clericalism. "The privilege of a cleric is to be a servant to all."
-A renewed impetus toward evangelization must + will be required as an intensified sense of missionary discipleship.
"To be on mission with the People of God is a great blessing."
+DiNardo:
-V Encuentro was a great privilege for me.
-At Encuentro + 2017 Convocation of Catholic Leaders, there was an enthusiasm for the Kingdom of God.
-V Encuentro was a great privilege for me.
-At Encuentro + 2017 Convocation of Catholic Leaders, there was an enthusiasm for the Kingdom of God.
+DiNardo:
-In my presidency, I am reminded that the light shines in the darkness but that the darkness has not overcome it."
-We should be civil and courteous even in these troubled times. "God is always courteous. Let us be courteous."
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-In my presidency, I am reminded that the light shines in the darkness but that the darkness has not overcome it."
-We should be civil and courteous even in these troubled times. "God is always courteous. Let us be courteous."
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+DiNardo:
Augustine, "one of my heroes" always said: "That there be a beginning, human beings were made."
"Let's begin anew. Thank you brothers for the last 3 years."
Gets LONG standing ovation
Augustine, "one of my heroes" always said: "That there be a beginning, human beings were made."
"Let's begin anew. Thank you brothers for the last 3 years."
Gets LONG standing ovation
+Col (ret) Anita Raines, chair of the National Advisory Council, along with Deb Amato, vice chair, will give National Advisory Council report.
+Kalabat, a member of the council, introduces them.
The NAC is a consultative group of laity, priests, bps and religious advising USCCB
+Kalabat, a member of the council, introduces them.
The NAC is a consultative group of laity, priests, bps and religious advising USCCB
Col Raines:
-I'm honored to give you a report of the Sept meeting of the NAC.
-NAC seeks to reflect "the Church in miniature."
-Our responsibility is to give our reaction to conference action items, and to give recommendations.
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-I'm honored to give you a report of the Sept meeting of the NAC.
-NAC seeks to reflect "the Church in miniature."
-Our responsibility is to give our reaction to conference action items, and to give recommendations.
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Col. Raines --Here are highlights of Sept. NAC meeting:
Raines mentions NAC provided feedback on the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation, recommended PPF be voted on, supported follow-up on V Encuentro, and supported discussion of new statement on Hispanic ministry.
Raines mentions NAC provided feedback on the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation, recommended PPF be voted on, supported follow-up on V Encuentro, and supported discussion of new statement on Hispanic ministry.
Raines:
NAC affirms efforts on "forming consciences for faithful citizenship," but encourages a stronger strategy for conscience development.
NAC affirms efforts on "forming consciences for faithful citizenship," but encourages a stronger strategy for conscience development.
Raines--NAC also suggests:
-promotion of vocations within Hispanic communities.
-greater Eucharistic preaching and catechesis.
-that bishops call for times of prayer, fasting and violence, to address violence in society.
-that work be done to make Catholic education affordable.
-promotion of vocations within Hispanic communities.
-greater Eucharistic preaching and catechesis.
-that bishops call for times of prayer, fasting and violence, to address violence in society.
-that work be done to make Catholic education affordable.
Raines:
-Thank you +Kalabat, +Thompson, +Bradley, +Olson, bps who serve on the NAC.
-"This has been a tremendously difficult year for our survivors and their families. For our clergy and the lay faithful."
We must be vigilant, and help to restore trust in the Church.
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-Thank you +Kalabat, +Thompson, +Bradley, +Olson, bps who serve on the NAC.
-"This has been a tremendously difficult year for our survivors and their families. For our clergy and the lay faithful."
We must be vigilant, and help to restore trust in the Church.
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+DiNardo- Thank you NAC.
Next on agenda is preliminary presentations of the action items upon which the bps will vote tomorrow.
After presentations, the bps can ask questions and propose amendments. But debate on the action items will be tomorrow.
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Next on agenda is preliminary presentations of the action items upon which the bps will vote tomorrow.
After presentations, the bps can ask questions and propose amendments. But debate on the action items will be tomorrow.
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First action item to be presented is the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation.
Presented by +Joe Tobin.
Presented by +Joe Tobin.
+Tobin:
-This is not a new doc, but we have been revising it for the past four years.
-This version incorporates 2016 norms (ratio) from the Holy See on priestly formation.
-Many USCCB cmte weighed in.
(+Tobin is chair of the clergy, consecrated life, and vocations cmte)
-This is not a new doc, but we have been revising it for the past four years.
-This version incorporates 2016 norms (ratio) from the Holy See on priestly formation.
-Many USCCB cmte weighed in.
(+Tobin is chair of the clergy, consecrated life, and vocations cmte)
+Tobin:
-PPF focuses on benchmarks- outcomes that must be achieved by seminarian before moving on to next stage of formation.
-Weight in PPF6 is given to "stages" rather than academic year.
-Sem must grow into priestly identity as he is formed.
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-PPF focuses on benchmarks- outcomes that must be achieved by seminarian before moving on to next stage of formation.
-Weight in PPF6 is given to "stages" rather than academic year.
-Sem must grow into priestly identity as he is formed.
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+Tobin: we have tried to make PPF6 as least prescriptive as possible, so that dioceses and seminaries can develop particular models to achieve the desired benchmarks.
+Tobin will now take questions.
+Tobin will now take questions.
next up is the committee on divine worship. +Gregory is chair, but +Gregory is in Rome, so +Blair will present two items: new translation of the RCIA and ICEL translation of breviary hymnody.
+Blair:
-ICEL has proposed new translation of the rites of the RCIA, called the "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults."
-Latin edition of OCIA is arranged in a matter that is not user friendly. We have been using a book with supplements for the last 30 years.
-ICEL has proposed new translation of the rites of the RCIA, called the "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults."
-Latin edition of OCIA is arranged in a matter that is not user friendly. We have been using a book with supplements for the last 30 years.
+Blair:
-Cmte on divine worship is of the mind that we should continue using a book with supplementary material. Vatican would support that idea.
+Blair- committee would like to vote *solely* on the translation of the rites tomorrow, and then have a vote on an expanded book l8r.
-Cmte on divine worship is of the mind that we should continue using a book with supplementary material. Vatican would support that idea.
+Blair- committee would like to vote *solely* on the translation of the rites tomorrow, and then have a vote on an expanded book l8r.
+Blair: Any questions for clarification?
+DiNardo: Any questions for clarification?
There are none.
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+DiNardo: Any questions for clarification?
There are none.
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+Gomez will now present video scripts and a new letter to help promote the teaching of "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," which is, essentially, the bishops' document on Catholic political life.
The bishops called for this b/c Faithful Citizenship is very long.
The bishops called for this b/c Faithful Citizenship is very long.
+Gomez:
13 bps have been working on this.
Script drafts are designed to maintain a careful balance among various concerns, and are the fruit of a lot of work.
There are 5 video scripts under consideration.
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13 bps have been working on this.
Script drafts are designed to maintain a careful balance among various concerns, and are the fruit of a lot of work.
There are 5 video scripts under consideration.
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+Gomez:
Scripts are intentionally short, emphasize faith over politics, reflect teachings of Pope Francis.
The five scripts are: 4 90-second videos, and then a 6 minute video comprised of the 4 strung together.
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Scripts are intentionally short, emphasize faith over politics, reflect teachings of Pope Francis.
The five scripts are: 4 90-second videos, and then a 6 minute video comprised of the 4 strung together.
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+Gomez: bps are free to propose amendments to scripts and letter.
If approved, we will being producing videos immediately, so they can be done by early 2020.
If approved, we will being producing videos immediately, so they can be done by early 2020.
(note from JD: ALL of the bps are free to propose amendments to the scripts by 5pm today. That COULD get unwieldy!)
+McElroy-
I notice we are not discussing Faithful Citizenship itself. Why not?
+Gomez-
The body decided to keep the statement.
+McElroy-
No vote on it?
+Gomez-
No.
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I notice we are not discussing Faithful Citizenship itself. Why not?
+Gomez-
The body decided to keep the statement.
+McElroy-
No vote on it?
+Gomez-
No.
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It's break time everybody! 20 minute break right now.
I need to go to the little tweeters' room, and get some coffee.
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I need to go to the little tweeters' room, and get some coffee.
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