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."
+Gomez calls meeting to order.
Gen sec Fuller makes announcement:
-B'more requires masks on, unless speaking, or during meals.
-There will be contact tracing. (we have assigned seats)
-Covid testing is available.
-There's a luncheon for retired bishop today.
#USCCB21
Gen sec Fuller makes announcement:
-B'more requires masks on, unless speaking, or during meals.
-There will be contact tracing. (we have assigned seats)
-Covid testing is available.
-There's a luncheon for retired bishop today.
#USCCB21
+Gomez introduces new members. Applause.
+Gomez invites retired bishops to stand up. Bishops applaud.
#USCCB21
+Gomez invites retired bishops to stand up. Bishops applaud.
#USCCB21
+Gomez leads prayer for deceased bishops.
"Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them."
#USCCB21
"Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them."
#USCCB21
+Gomez: We will send a message to the Holy Father. Fr Fuller will read it.
Fuller: Holy Father, we, the members of the USCCB turn our thoughts to you. Through the darkness of the pandemic, you have called the world to move toward the light of Christ.
Fuller: Holy Father, we, the members of the USCCB turn our thoughts to you. Through the darkness of the pandemic, you have called the world to move toward the light of Christ.
Fuller: You challenged us not to put things back as they were, but to rebuild a more merciful world. We commit to joining you in that work. And we receive your invitation to work on the diocesan phase of the synod on synodality. "This process gathers the wisdom of the PeopleOfGod
Fuller: Synod is necessary to hear the Holy Spirit. Let's pray for one another on this process.
Quick note from JD:
This live-tweeting is performed as a service for those who want to follow #USCCB21. It is meant as MY SUMMARY of what people say. It is not always 100% accurate - it is real time and my best effort. Unless I use quotation marks, I am not giving a direct quote
This live-tweeting is performed as a service for those who want to follow #USCCB21. It is meant as MY SUMMARY of what people say. It is not always 100% accurate - it is real time and my best effort. Unless I use quotation marks, I am not giving a direct quote
Quick note from JD:
So, for real, I'm doing my best. Be cool.
So, for real, I'm doing my best. Be cool.
Fuller: Your Holiness we pray for you, and we ask you to pray for our assembly and the work that lies before us.
Bishops clap. Gomez says if that we support message, he will send it. They clap again.
#USCCB21
Bishops clap. Gomez says if that we support message, he will send it. They clap again.
#USCCB21
Apostolic nuncio +Christophe Pierre will now speak to the bishops.
A nuncio is the pope's diplomatic and ecclesial representative to the US.
Gomez mentions that +Byrnes of Guam (an American serving in Guam) is there, and that an Orthodox bishop will be with the bps today.
A nuncio is the pope's diplomatic and ecclesial representative to the US.
Gomez mentions that +Byrnes of Guam (an American serving in Guam) is there, and that an Orthodox bishop will be with the bps today.
+Gomez:
Welcome media, observers, others. "It is very good to see you, in person."
Welcome media, observers, others. "It is very good to see you, in person."
+Gomez: Now will be approval of agenda.
At last meeting, debate over the agenda -- and especially the Euch doc's place on agenda -- took place for more than an hour. My guess is that the bishops hammered out their problems in exec session.
At last meeting, debate over the agenda -- and especially the Euch doc's place on agenda -- took place for more than an hour. My guess is that the bishops hammered out their problems in exec session.
+Lori motions to approve agenda.
+Murphy seconds.
Call for discussion.
+Barber: I'd like to call for an acclamation by applause to show support for Catholic schools, faculty, staff, students, parents, to keep our schools open heroically.
Standing ovation for Catholic school.
+Murphy seconds.
Call for discussion.
+Barber: I'd like to call for an acclamation by applause to show support for Catholic schools, faculty, staff, students, parents, to keep our schools open heroically.
Standing ovation for Catholic school.
No other discussion. Agenda approves by voice vote. No opposition or abstention. This is a big change from the last meeting, but it is USUALLY pro forma that the agenda is approved in this way.
#USCCB21
#USCCB21
+Malloy will be parliamentarian.
Motion and second to approve minutes of June meeting. Minutes approved.
#USCCB21
Motion and second to approve minutes of June meeting. Minutes approved.
#USCCB21
+Gomez: Committee reports are in the bishops' packet of documentation. I recommend that we don't read all reports - instead, any bishop who wants to speak to them should do so now. No one speaks.
Any other questions or comments on reports?
None.
Now, it's time for +Pierre.
Any other questions or comments on reports?
None.
Now, it's time for +Pierre.
+Pierre: Dear friends in Christ. I'm glad to be here with you. Thanks +Gomez
It's hard to believe I started being nuncio here 5 years ago. We've had a lot of issues to deal with! "Polarization in the nation, and who knows, perhaps also in the Church."
Quite a journey together.
It's hard to believe I started being nuncio here 5 years ago. We've had a lot of issues to deal with! "Polarization in the nation, and who knows, perhaps also in the Church."
Quite a journey together.
+Pierre:
I'd like to talk about synodality.
What is it?
"To be on the journey together."
"Synod on Synodality is not simply have a meeting about meetings."
If it were, we would be one of the lower beings in hell in Dante's Inferno.
#USCCB21
I'd like to talk about synodality.
What is it?
"To be on the journey together."
"Synod on Synodality is not simply have a meeting about meetings."
If it were, we would be one of the lower beings in hell in Dante's Inferno.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Synodality does not involve changing doctrine. It is concerned with how teaching can be lived and and applied in changing contexts.
There is a difference between true and false reform. True reform must include the whole Church, as Yves Congar pointed out.
#USCCB21
Synodality does not involve changing doctrine. It is concerned with how teaching can be lived and and applied in changing contexts.
There is a difference between true and false reform. True reform must include the whole Church, as Yves Congar pointed out.
#USCCB21
Pierre:
Without widespread participation of those at the peripheries, at the bottom, etc, reforms will have little effectiveness.
Synodality is not a partisan debate, in which order to win, one side must conquer the other. That's not synodality.
#USCCB21
Without widespread participation of those at the peripheries, at the bottom, etc, reforms will have little effectiveness.
Synodality is not a partisan debate, in which order to win, one side must conquer the other. That's not synodality.
#USCCB21
Pierre:
Synodality is an answer to the challenges of our time, and to confrontations threatening to divide this country, and the Church. We can't be ideologues.
Synodality is an answer to the challenges of our time, and to confrontations threatening to divide this country, and the Church. We can't be ideologues.
Pierre:
Church must be unapologetically pro-life. We should seek ot understand why people "seek to end pregnancy." What are the causes, factors, etc? This helps build a strategy to build a culture of life and civilization of love.
#USCCB21
Church must be unapologetically pro-life. We should seek ot understand why people "seek to end pregnancy." What are the causes, factors, etc? This helps build a strategy to build a culture of life and civilization of love.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
USCCB initiative "Walking with Moms in Need" is a synodal approach. It seeks to understand needs, accompany, walk with, be present to mothers in need. Truly pro-life.
USCCB initiative "Walking with Moms in Need" is a synodal approach. It seeks to understand needs, accompany, walk with, be present to mothers in need. Truly pro-life.
+Pierre:
Realities are more important than ideas. We can have all the theologicial ideas about the Eucharist, and we should, but we need to appreciate mystery of Eucharist.
We can be distracted by focus on forms of the liturgy, miss the mystery of the Real Presence.
Realities are more important than ideas. We can have all the theologicial ideas about the Eucharist, and we should, but we need to appreciate mystery of Eucharist.
We can be distracted by focus on forms of the liturgy, miss the mystery of the Real Presence.
+Pierre:
Synodality helps us discover a way forward.
This also applies to racism. Do we respond to the lived reality of what some members of the Church experience daily.
What kind of Church are we? Need to be a Samaritan Church.
Synodality helps us discover a way forward.
This also applies to racism. Do we respond to the lived reality of what some members of the Church experience daily.
What kind of Church are we? Need to be a Samaritan Church.
+Pierre:
It is not just the world that needs healing. The Church is wounded too: by abuse crisis, lingering effects of pandemic, and polarization.
The Church needs concrete action which mediates the presence of Christ in a hurting world.
Synodality is a way of life.
#USCCB21
It is not just the world that needs healing. The Church is wounded too: by abuse crisis, lingering effects of pandemic, and polarization.
The Church needs concrete action which mediates the presence of Christ in a hurting world.
Synodality is a way of life.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Synodality is not only a method, but a way to launch a rethinking of the Church's role in contemporary society.
Ben XVI said synodality was constitutive of the Church, and Pope Francis is echoing that to say synodality is journeying together.
#USCCB21
Synodality is not only a method, but a way to launch a rethinking of the Church's role in contemporary society.
Ben XVI said synodality was constitutive of the Church, and Pope Francis is echoing that to say synodality is journeying together.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Synodality is a way of listening. Listening is more than hearing.
There is an argument that clear teaching is needed. That is true. But the HF says that a Church that teaches must first be a Church that listens. We can be a Church that listens
#USCCB21
Synodality is a way of listening. Listening is more than hearing.
There is an argument that clear teaching is needed. That is true. But the HF says that a Church that teaches must first be a Church that listens. We can be a Church that listens
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Listening not only to one another, but also to the Holy Spirit. Listening to the Holy Spirit is the center of synodality and the center of the Church.
#USCCB21
Listening not only to one another, but also to the Holy Spirit. Listening to the Holy Spirit is the center of synodality and the center of the Church.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
PF: "Fidelity to tradition does not consist in worshipping ashes but in keeping the fire going."
The synodal path is to pay attention to what the Spirit has to say to us. That is why I ask everyone to speak frankly and listen carefully to others.
#USCCB21
PF: "Fidelity to tradition does not consist in worshipping ashes but in keeping the fire going."
The synodal path is to pay attention to what the Spirit has to say to us. That is why I ask everyone to speak frankly and listen carefully to others.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
The synod is for everyone a spirit of conversion.
And this kind of listening is effective. That's how it worked at Apparecida. The bishops listened to each other and the spirit, set aside their preconceived notions, and discover a path forward.
The synod is for everyone a spirit of conversion.
And this kind of listening is effective. That's how it worked at Apparecida. The bishops listened to each other and the spirit, set aside their preconceived notions, and discover a path forward.
+Pierre:
The kind of parrhesia at Pentecost -- that's the experience of synodality.
Like at VatII, at which the Spirit was heard.
The path is not always clear -- patience and discernment are needed. But the path forward demands unity.
The kind of parrhesia at Pentecost -- that's the experience of synodality.
Like at VatII, at which the Spirit was heard.
The path is not always clear -- patience and discernment are needed. But the path forward demands unity.
+Pierre:
A divided Church can not lead others to Christ.
A divided Church can not lead others to Christ.
+Pierre:
Some might think the danger is that they synod will veer into doctrinally dangerous territory. That could happen without listening to the Holy Spirit, and being rooted in the Holy Spirit.
Some might think the danger is that they synod will veer into doctrinally dangerous territory. That could happen without listening to the Holy Spirit, and being rooted in the Holy Spirit.
+Pierre:
We are not wandering aimlessly. Instead, we hope to encounter the Way, Truth, and Life - in Jesus Christ.
The Spirit can lead us to see things differently and to move forward.
#USCCB21
We are not wandering aimlessly. Instead, we hope to encounter the Way, Truth, and Life - in Jesus Christ.
The Spirit can lead us to see things differently and to move forward.
#USCCB21
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+Pierre:
An authentic synodal process is driven by God. And the Holy Spirit protects the Church in faith+morals. But the Church needs this experience of listening to the Lord, and part of that is listening to another. Not to see opposing positions fight, but to journey together.
An authentic synodal process is driven by God. And the Holy Spirit protects the Church in faith+morals. But the Church needs this experience of listening to the Lord, and part of that is listening to another. Not to see opposing positions fight, but to journey together.
+Pierre:
The mission of Christ to our humanity was Spirit-driven. Jesus' public ministry began with his baptism when the Spirit descended on him. Then it was poured out at Pentecost. Spirit poured out at baptism, and at priestly and episcopal ordination.
The mission of Christ to our humanity was Spirit-driven. Jesus' public ministry began with his baptism when the Spirit descended on him. Then it was poured out at Pentecost. Spirit poured out at baptism, and at priestly and episcopal ordination.
+Pierre: If we want people to be missionary disciples, we must model the art of listening.
And also co-responsibility.
#USCCB21
And also co-responsibility.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Synodality is mission-driven.
Synodality is mission-driven.
+Pierre:
On its Marian dimension: The Spirit overshadowed the BVM, and Mary conceived Word of God. Mary and the Spirit journeyed together. If in the economy of salvation, the Holy Spirit represents the possibility of God's self-revelation, Mary's fiat is an essential dimension.
On its Marian dimension: The Spirit overshadowed the BVM, and Mary conceived Word of God. Mary and the Spirit journeyed together. If in the economy of salvation, the Holy Spirit represents the possibility of God's self-revelation, Mary's fiat is an essential dimension.
+Pierre:
Mary said "yes" to God, and gradually discovered the way.
Just like synodality, eh?
#Usccb21
Mary said "yes" to God, and gradually discovered the way.
Just like synodality, eh?
#Usccb21
+Pierre:
Just as Jesus began its public ministry in the power of the Spirit, so does the Church carry out her mission in the Spirit. Synodality guides and directs us, if we are humbly listening to each other and the Spirit.
#USCCB21
Just as Jesus began its public ministry in the power of the Spirit, so does the Church carry out her mission in the Spirit. Synodality guides and directs us, if we are humbly listening to each other and the Spirit.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Synodality demands discernment of what is from God and what is not -- so that the missionary path of the Church might be more focused.
#USCCB21
Synodality demands discernment of what is from God and what is not -- so that the missionary path of the Church might be more focused.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Many people are educated in the sciences, but illiterate in spirituality and affectivity. And so there is a need to form people for the spiritual life.
#USCCB21
Many people are educated in the sciences, but illiterate in spirituality and affectivity. And so there is a need to form people for the spiritual life.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
The process of deliberation is critical. Having listened to the Holy Spirit, we need to make proposals about how best to evangelize.
Involving the laity is an invitation to share responsibility.
#USCCB21
The process of deliberation is critical. Having listened to the Holy Spirit, we need to make proposals about how best to evangelize.
Involving the laity is an invitation to share responsibility.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Listening and engaging reality: We must be prayerful, and without self-deception in our experience of consolation and desolation.
What brings abiding joy? Where do we discover the abiding presence of God. How do we integrate our insights with those of others.
Listening and engaging reality: We must be prayerful, and without self-deception in our experience of consolation and desolation.
What brings abiding joy? Where do we discover the abiding presence of God. How do we integrate our insights with those of others.
+Pierre:
Through others, we might discover the will of God, which ecclesial authority will confirm.
Bps have the responsibility to listen and then make decisions. Not an assertion of power, but of service to the Church. This choosing demands patience.
#USCCB21
Through others, we might discover the will of God, which ecclesial authority will confirm.
Bps have the responsibility to listen and then make decisions. Not an assertion of power, but of service to the Church. This choosing demands patience.
#USCCB21
+Pierre:
Time belongs to the Lord. Trusting in him, we move forward with courage.
Time belongs to the Lord. Trusting in him, we move forward with courage.
+Pierre:
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will discover the path of true unity. Listening to one another, and through the Holy Spirit, and walking together, we will emerge through the present crisis as the Church Christ has called us to be.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will discover the path of true unity. Listening to one another, and through the Holy Spirit, and walking together, we will emerge through the present crisis as the Church Christ has called us to be.
+Gomez:
Thanks! And please tell Pope Francis that the Church in the US is "grateful and excited for the synod on synodality."
We are looking forward to this process.
#USCCB21
Thanks! And please tell Pope Francis that the Church in the US is "grateful and excited for the synod on synodality."
We are looking forward to this process.
#USCCB21
Now Gomez is going to make a speech, his presidential address.
First, as a matter of procedure, he cedes the chair to +Vigneron.
First, as a matter of procedure, he cedes the chair to +Vigneron.
+Gomez:
Want to talk about moment and mission.
Where is God speaking to His Church in our moment?
#usccb21
Want to talk about moment and mission.
Where is God speaking to His Church in our moment?
#usccb21
+Gomez:
I want to share some words from a speech from +Ireland
Ireland was ab of Minneapolis-St PAul from 1888–1918
I want to share some words from a speech from +Ireland
Ireland was ab of Minneapolis-St PAul from 1888–1918
+Gomez:
+Ireland believed deeply in the American creed: that all men and women are created equally, endowed with sacred dignity, and rights that must never be denied.
+Ireland believed deeply in the American creed: that all men and women are created equally, endowed with sacred dignity, and rights that must never be denied.
+Gomez:
+Ireland said the duty of the moment is to do the full work that heaven has allotted us. With us, it will be done. Without us, it will not be done.
+Ireland said the duty of the moment is to do the full work that heaven has allotted us. With us, it will be done. Without us, it will not be done.
+Gomez:
+Ireland believed that every Catholic shares responsibility for the Church's mission: we are all baptized to be missionaries.
+Ireland understood the Church's purpose does not change based upon factors outside the Church. Church's mission is always the same.
+Ireland believed that every Catholic shares responsibility for the Church's mission: we are all baptized to be missionaries.
+Ireland understood the Church's purpose does not change based upon factors outside the Church. Church's mission is always the same.
+Gomez:
+Ireland believed that every Catholic shares responsibility for the Church's mission: we are all baptized to be missionaries.
+Ireland understood the Church's purpose does not change based upon factors outside the Church. Church's mission is always the same.
+Ireland believed that every Catholic shares responsibility for the Church's mission: we are all baptized to be missionaries.
+Ireland understood the Church's purpose does not change based upon factors outside the Church. Church's mission is always the same.
+Gomez:
Church's mission is to bring souls to Christ, to proclaim Christ.
I know that all of us believe that too. The challenge we have is how to do that in an America that is highly secularized.
Church's mission is to bring souls to Christ, to proclaim Christ.
I know that all of us believe that too. The challenge we have is how to do that in an America that is highly secularized.
+Gomez:
What is the best way to help people to live as Catholics in this moment? As a Church, how should we evangelize and speak to the needs of justice.
#USCCB21
What is the best way to help people to live as Catholics in this moment? As a Church, how should we evangelize and speak to the needs of justice.
#USCCB21
+Gomez:
Many of the disagreements in the Church right now are because we have different perspectives on these most basic questions.
But there are signs of hope. There is a spiritual awakening going on in America. People are starting to examine what they truly believe.
#USCCB21
Many of the disagreements in the Church right now are because we have different perspectives on these most basic questions.
But there are signs of hope. There is a spiritual awakening going on in America. People are starting to examine what they truly believe.
#USCCB21
+Gomez:
We are living in a moment when American society seems to be losing its story.
(JD note: Gomez is unusually soft-spoken in this speech, even for him. To me, that soft-spokenness seems to convey a kind of reflective earnestness. To me.)
We are living in a moment when American society seems to be losing its story.
(JD note: Gomez is unusually soft-spoken in this speech, even for him. To me, that soft-spokenness seems to convey a kind of reflective earnestness. To me.)
+Gomez:
We see signs that the American story is breaking down. And we need God to make sense of our lives. when we try to live witohut God, we are confused. Many of our neighbors are searching. They are looking for a new story.
#USCCB21
We see signs that the American story is breaking down. And we need God to make sense of our lives. when we try to live witohut God, we are confused. Many of our neighbors are searching. They are looking for a new story.
#USCCB21
+Gomez:
"Our neighbors do not need a new story. What they need is the true story. The beautiful story of Christ coming for us."
"Our neighbors do not need a new story. What they need is the true story. The beautiful story of Christ coming for us."
+Gomez:
People are seeing that the world without God cannot bring them happiness and meaning. People are willing to let themselves be found by God. I believe they are ready to listen to the Word of Life. I believe many are ready to hear the Word for the very first time.
#USCCB21
People are seeing that the world without God cannot bring them happiness and meaning. People are willing to let themselves be found by God. I believe they are ready to listen to the Word of Life. I believe many are ready to hear the Word for the very first time.
#USCCB21
+Gomez:
Pope Francis has encouraged the Church to return to the Church's missionary identity, again and again. the Church exists to evangelize. To be a Christian is to be a missionary disciple - there is no other definition.
#USCCB21
Pope Francis has encouraged the Church to return to the Church's missionary identity, again and again. the Church exists to evangelize. To be a Christian is to be a missionary disciple - there is no other definition.
#USCCB21
+Gomez:
We can't count on numbers or influence in society. None of that matters anyway. "We are here to save souls. And Jesus promises that everything we need will be given to us."
We can't count on numbers or influence in society. None of that matters anyway. "We are here to save souls. And Jesus promises that everything we need will be given to us."
+Gomez:
Our document on the Eucharist and our plan for Eucharistic Revival is essential. Not because we are saved through a document, but because the Eucharistic Revival could awaken "Eucharistic amazement."
Eucharist is deeply personal. It is God who comes to nourish us.
Our document on the Eucharist and our plan for Eucharistic Revival is essential. Not because we are saved through a document, but because the Eucharistic Revival could awaken "Eucharistic amazement."
Eucharist is deeply personal. It is God who comes to nourish us.
+Gomez:
Everything changed in my life when, as a teen, I started going to daily Mass. I hope we can all share our personal experiences with people about coming ot love Christ in the Eucharist.
Everything changed in my life when, as a teen, I started going to daily Mass. I hope we can all share our personal experiences with people about coming ot love Christ in the Eucharist.
+Gomez:
If we hope to end human indifference and social injustice, we need to revive a sacramental awareness. In every person we meet -- we must see the image of God.
If we hope to end human indifference and social injustice, we need to revive a sacramental awareness. In every person we meet -- we must see the image of God.
+Gomez: In just a few weeks we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Our Lady's appearance to St. Juan Diego -- the true founding of America. Let's entrust all our challenges to Our Lady of Guadalupe's maternal heart.
#USCCb21
#USCCb21
Sustained applause becomes standing o.
+Vigneron:
Thanks you, +Gomez, for speaking out of your own missionary zeal, to advance the Kingdom of Christ.
+Gomez: Thanks.
Thanks you, +Gomez, for speaking out of your own missionary zeal, to advance the Kingdom of Christ.
+Gomez: Thanks.
+Gomez: Now a report from the National Advisory Council, a body of laity, clergy, and religious from across the country, who meet 2x annually to discuss the USCCB's work.
Mark Sapp, chair of the National Advisory Council, will give the report. +Thompson introduces him.
Mark Sapp, chair of the National Advisory Council, will give the report. +Thompson introduces him.
Mark Sapp:
The NAC is the so-called Church in miniature- an expression of synodality. NAC members offer their views on USCCB agenda, strategic plan, and other matters. We give you "blunt but respectful statements on our hopes and concerns.
The NAC is the so-called Church in miniature- an expression of synodality. NAC members offer their views on USCCB agenda, strategic plan, and other matters. We give you "blunt but respectful statements on our hopes and concerns.
Mark Sapp:
NAC votes on agenda items (consultatively) and talked about synod of synodality, and needs of Catholic education.
NAC votes on agenda items (consultatively) and talked about synod of synodality, and needs of Catholic education.
Mark Sapp:
NAC members supported bishop proposals on 2024 Eucharistic Congress, Eucharistic revival in the US, -- in eucharistic revival, desire clarity and fervor in teaching, "to refocus the Church, toward Jesus Christ."
NAC members supported bishop proposals on 2024 Eucharistic Congress, Eucharistic revival in the US, -- in eucharistic revival, desire clarity and fervor in teaching, "to refocus the Church, toward Jesus Christ."
Mark Sapp:
NAC members supported CCHD and CRS programs to aid and support sisters and brothers in need. Thanks USCCB for briefing NAC in 2022 on finances of CCHD and CRS.
NAC members supported CCHD and CRS programs to aid and support sisters and brothers in need. Thanks USCCB for briefing NAC in 2022 on finances of CCHD and CRS.
Mark Sapp:
At our September meeting, we talked aobut synodality and Eucharistic revival. Those are different things, but they're underway at the same time, and have great logistical needs. NAC members are concerned that those things could distract from each other.
At our September meeting, we talked aobut synodality and Eucharistic revival. Those are different things, but they're underway at the same time, and have great logistical needs. NAC members are concerned that those things could distract from each other.
Mark Sapp:
NAC members are struggling to understand the process and goals about the synod on synodality. We have questions:
-What is the synodal process trying to accomplish.
-terminology is confusing
-does it aim at growth and clarity?
- might lead to unrealistic expectations.
NAC members are struggling to understand the process and goals about the synod on synodality. We have questions:
-What is the synodal process trying to accomplish.
-terminology is confusing
-does it aim at growth and clarity?
- might lead to unrealistic expectations.
Mark Sapp:
The NAC urges that the bishops invite people on the margins.
One member compared the synodal process to the 12 tribes of Israel: wandering through the desert and disperesed.
"Will the synodal process lead us into the wilderness, or lead us out of it?"
The NAC urges that the bishops invite people on the margins.
One member compared the synodal process to the 12 tribes of Israel: wandering through the desert and disperesed.
"Will the synodal process lead us into the wilderness, or lead us out of it?"
Mark Sapp:
We also talked about Catholic schools.
Pandemic is leading to more school choice initiatives. That could lead to long-term changes for Catholic education.
"Our Catholic schools must strive to make lifetime Christians who follow Jesus as their way in the world."
We also talked about Catholic schools.
Pandemic is leading to more school choice initiatives. That could lead to long-term changes for Catholic education.
"Our Catholic schools must strive to make lifetime Christians who follow Jesus as their way in the world."
Mark Sapp:
The NAC thinks the Church should retool schools where needed toward Christian catechetical formation. And also follow best practices on funding, to make Catholic schools available to Latinos, support homeschooling, and religious education.
The NAC thinks the Church should retool schools where needed toward Christian catechetical formation. And also follow best practices on funding, to make Catholic schools available to Latinos, support homeschooling, and religious education.
Mark Sapp:
Institutional management, accountability, formation in the faith -- members of the NAC think those are issues to work on for Catholic schools.
Institutional management, accountability, formation in the faith -- members of the NAC think those are issues to work on for Catholic schools.
Mark Sapp:
On the Eucharistic document, the NAC had the chance to give feedback on Oct. 15.
The NAC members are united in their belief of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, also "united that Eucharist can not be a tool for division," or partisan.
On the Eucharistic document, the NAC had the chance to give feedback on Oct. 15.
The NAC members are united in their belief of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, also "united that Eucharist can not be a tool for division," or partisan.
NAC members understand practical challenges among yourselves in fomulating a statement of faith and doctrine: We are cheering you on to create in unity, a document that teaches with clarity and love the beauty of the Eucharist, to those who wish to hear it, and those who don't.
NAC members say they are
-unclear who the audience is: not short or accessible.
- document aims to reach everyone, but it could be used to "validate the positions" of ppl who disagree.
-opening grafs evoke compelling images about PF, but the Eucharistic crisis is long-standing.
-unclear who the audience is: not short or accessible.
- document aims to reach everyone, but it could be used to "validate the positions" of ppl who disagree.
-opening grafs evoke compelling images about PF, but the Eucharistic crisis is long-standing.
NAC members think:
-document fails to address why people don't believe in real presence.
-one member says bishops are "side-stepping their responsibility," with regard to "open scandal" concerning the Eucharist.
-document fails to address why people don't believe in real presence.
-one member says bishops are "side-stepping their responsibility," with regard to "open scandal" concerning the Eucharist.
This man's name is Mark Sadd. I wrote Mark Sapp. Sorry Mr. Sadd, and readers!
Mark Sadd: Thanks for listening. Also, please pray for my predecessor as NAC chair, who is recovering from illness. And thank you for your priestly ministry and episcopal service: they are needed now more than ever.
Ok. Now it is time to elect the USCCB's general secretary. Candidates are Fr. Michael Fuller, now interim general secretary, and Fr. Dan Hanley.
Election takes place by secret paper ballot. Bps will vote, then break for lunch. Executive committee of USCCB was search committee.
Election takes place by secret paper ballot. Bps will vote, then break for lunch. Executive committee of USCCB was search committee.
Fuller and Hanley are staffers at the conference. Fuller interim general secretary, and Hanley works in the office of clergy, consecrated life, and vocations.
Bishops filling out ballots. Ballots will be counted during lunch and announced this afternoon.
#USCCB21
Bishops filling out ballots. Ballots will be counted during lunch and announced this afternoon.
#USCCB21
Now it is lunch time, until 2pm. +Vigneron will lead the Angelus.
I'll be back to livestream the afternoon session of #USCCB21, IF you twitter people continue subscribing to The Pillar.
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