USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - Current News Releases

Current News Releases

July 2008

U.S. To Send Largest International Pilgrim Group To World Youth Day In Sydney
(08-099)
July 2, 2008
WASHINGTON---The United States will send 15,000 young people to World Youth Day, the international event convened by Pope Benedict XVI, scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, from July 15 through 20. According to U.S. organizers, this will be the largest delegation representing any country outside of Australia. The young pilgrims will be joined by 50 U.S. bishops, including Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Nearly $4 Million Awarded To Support The Pastoral Needs Of The Church In Latin America
(08-098)
July 2, 2008
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America approved in June an additional $1.57 million in grants to 105 pastoral projects in 21 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean for a total of $4 million in the first half of this year.

June 2008

Bishops Praise Archbishop Burke’s Appointment To Church’s Highest Court
(08-097)
June 30, 2008
WASHINGTON---Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), praised the recent appointment of Archbishop Raymond L. Burke by Pope Benedict XVI as Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, a court that serves as the highest tribunal of appeal of the Catholic Church. Cardinal George assured Archbishop Burke of the prayers and best wishes of his brother bishops.
Bishops Launch Pauline Year Website
(08-096)
June 27, 2008
WASHINGTON---In time for the Year of St. Paul, beginning June 28, the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a website dedicated to the Pauline year honoring the 2000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul. The site is designed to provide resources and related materials to those interested in participating in and learning more about the year-long celebration.
Social Justice, Family Life And Respect Life Leaders To Gather As “Partners In The New Evangelization”
(08-095)
June 24, 2008
WASHINGTON— This July, an historic convocation will gather family life, social justice, and respect life leaders together with physicians and ethicists to discuss new ways to promote human life and dignity. Entitled “Life, Justice & Family: Partners in the New Evangelization,” the convocation will take up John Paul II’s call for creativity and deeper unity in crafting a “new evangelization—new in ardor, methods and expression.” Open to the public, the three-day convocation begins on Friday, July 25, 2008, the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI’s encyclical on the openness of spouses to new life.
U.S. Bishops Agree With Pew Study Finding That Faith Is Important To Americans, Stress Importance Of Ongoing Religious Education
(08-094)
June 23, 2008
WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reacted to the findings of a report on religious beliefs and practices by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life made public today.
Bishops’ Book On Music In The Liturgy Available July 8
(08-093)
June 20, 2008
WASHINGTON—Sing to the Lord, a statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on the role of music in the liturgy, will be available for purchase as a book on July 8. The statement was approved by the bishops and posted on the USCCB Web site in November 2007.
National Migration Conference To Stress The Plight Of Refugees
(08-092)
June 19, 2008
WASHINGTON—The plight of refugee and asylum seekers from throughout the world will be a prevalent theme of the National Migration Conference to be held at the Hilton Washington Hotel in the District of Columbia, July 28-31.
Bishops Of G8 Nations Urge Their Leaders To Address Global Poverty And Climate Change At July G8 Summit
(08-091)
June 19, 2008
WASHINGTON – In a letter to leaders participating in the G8 Summit in Japan on July 7-9, the presidents of all the Catholic bishops’ conferences of the G8 nations urged Summit leaders to “deepen your commitments and actions to reduce global poverty and address global climate change.” The bishops wrote: “Our religious and moral commitment to protect human life and promote human dignity moves us to be particularly concerned for the poorest and most vulnerable members of the human family, especially those in developing countries.” The G8 leaders include President Bush and the heads of state of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, signed the letter.
Bishops' Communications Committee Praises Russert's Witness To Catholicism
(08-090)
June 17, 2008
WASHINGTON-NBC newsman and political commentator Tim Russert, who was slated for burial June 18 after a funeral Mass in Washington, unabashedly witnessed to his Catholic faith, said Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Communications Committee.
West Coast Muslim-Catholic Dialogue Explores Stories Of Abraham
(08-089)
June 16, 2008
WASHINGTON—Understanding the story of Abraham in the Bible and in the Qur’an was the key topic at the West Coast Dialogue of Catholics and Muslims, May 27-28, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Christ Our Hope Theme Of 2008 Peter’s Pence Collection
(08-088)
June 16, 2008
WASHINGTON—Christ Our Hope is the theme for this year’s Peter’s Pence Collection, which will be held in most parishes of the United States on the weekend of June 28-29, on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Pope Accepts Resignation Of Auxiliary Bishop Quinn Of Cleveland
(08-085E)
June 14, 2008
WASHINGTON-Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Alexander James Quinn, 76, from the office of Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland.
ADVISORY
(08-087)
June 10, 2008
The spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be held June 12 through June 14 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Bishops To Vote On Embryonic Stem Cell Research Statement At Spring Meeting
(08-086)
June 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—U.S. Catholic bishops, convening June 12-14 in Orlando, Florida at their semi-annual spring meeting, will vote on a proposed statement concerning embryonic stem cell research. If approved, this statement will be the first formal statement issued by the bishops devoted exclusively to this issue.
Catholics, Orthodox Examine Means of Expressing Authority, Sacramental Nature of The Church
(08-084)
June 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation examined how the two church bodies understand ecclesial authority and the sacramental nature of the Church at their 74th meeting at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, from June 2 to 4. Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh chaired the meeting.
Pope Names Hospital Ministry Leader Auxiliary Bishop Of Newark (08-083)
June 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Manuel A. Cruz, 54, Newark Archdiocesan Director for Hospital Apostolate, as auxiliary bishop of Newark.

The appointment was announced in Washington, June 9, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Michigan Woman Named Associate Director For Child, Youth Protection Office (08-082)
June 3, 2008
WASHINGTON—Mary Jane Doerr, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been named associate director of the U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection (SCYP).

May 2008

Polish National, Roman Catholic Churches Address Doctrinal Issues At Spring Meeting (08-081)
May 28, 2008
WASHINGTON—Doctrinal issues led agenda items at the spring session of the Polish National Catholic (PNCC) – Roman Catholic Dialogue, May 19 and 20, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The meeting was held at the PNCC’s National Church Center and hosted by Bishop Robert Nemkovich, the PNCC Prime Bishop. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo and Bishop Anthony Mikovsky of the PNCC Central Diocese co-chaired the meeting.
Cardinal Mahony, Rwandan Genocide Survivor, Government Officials, To Speak At National Migration Conference (08-080)
May 27, 2008
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles; Edwidge Danticat, Haitian immigrant and author; U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate for global human rights and assistance to victims of human trafficking; Immaculee Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor and author; Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, renowned migration expert and university professor on globalization; and representatives of the U.S Departments of State, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security are all part of this year’s program of the National Migration Conference.
Bishop Murphy Welcomes Labor Agreement Reached Between Burger King And Coalition Of Immokalee Workers (08-079)
May 23, 2008
WASHINGTON – The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)-supported organization of migrant farm workers, and the Burger King Corporation reached a groundbreaking agreement that will increase the price paid to farm laborers and establishes a code of conduct related to working conditions. The Immokalee, Florida-based coalition comprises more than 3,300 members throughout rural South Florida, primarily Latino, Haitian, and Mayan Indian immigrants working in low-wage jobs.
Educators, Psychologists, Judges, Civic Association Leader Named To National Review Board (08-078)
May 22, 2008
WASHINGTON—Two educators, a psychologist, a district court judge and a civic association leader have been named to the National Review Board for three-year terms beginning June 1. Another psychologist and judge have been tapped for three-year terms beginning June 1, 2009.
Bishop Wenski Calls For Priority For The Poor In Senate Climate Change Debate (08-077)
May 21, 2008
WASHINGTON – The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace declared “a central moral measure of climate change legislation is how it touches the poor and vulnerable.” Speaking at a press briefing that included the sponsors of Senate climate change legislation (S. 2191) and interreligious leaders, Bishop Thomas Wenski said, “The real ‘inconvenient truth’ is that those who contribute least to climate change will be affected the most and have the least capacity to cope or escape.
Visible Unity In Faith And Eucharistic Fellowship Stressed At Faith And Order Commission Meeting In Atlanta (08-076)
May 20, 2008
WASHINGTON—The need for visible unity in faith and Eucharistic fellowship was stressed at the April 3-5 meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches (NCC). The commission, which met at Morehouse College in Atlanta, inaugurated its 2008-2011 quadrennium at the meeting.
‘Choosing To Forgive’ An Interfaith Religion Special To Air Sunday, June 8, On The Cbs Network (08-075)
May 16, 2008
WASHINGTON – Choosing to Forgive, an interfaith religion special on the meaning and practice of forgiveness, will be broadcast Sunday, June 8 on the CBS Television Network. For exact airing time check your local station.
Religious Groups Can Better Public Discourse, Speakers Tell Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Group (08-074)
May 15, 2008
WASHINGTON—Religious groups can better public discourse, John Carr and Mark Silk, Ph.D., said at the spring meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the National Council of Synagogues of America, May 12, in New York.
Reformed-Catholic Dialogue Opens Discussion On Eucharist (08-073)
May 14, 2008
WASHINGTON—The Seventh Round of the Reformed-Catholic Dialogue opened discussion on the Eucharist during its May 4-7 meeting in Washington. The dialogue also included review of an 80-page report on baptism based on five years of research.
Reports On Cara, Pew Research Part Of June Bishops’ Meeting (08-072)
May 13, 2008
WASHINGTON—Reports on research on the Catholic Church from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life will be presented at the June meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Orlando, Florida.
Bishops To Vote In June On English Translation Of ‘Proper Of Seasons’ Prayers From The Roman Missal (08-071)
May 12, 2008
WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote at their June general meeting on the English translation of the Proper of Seasons portion of the Roman Missal. The Proper of Seasons contains the proper prayers (the opening Collect, the Prayer over the Offerings, and the Prayer after Communion) for the Masses of the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter as well as the Sundays of Ordinary Time and the Solemnities and holy days of obligation.
Catholic-Muslim Dialogue Looks At U.S. Interreligious Education (08-070)
May 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—A new round of the Mid-Atlantic Muslim Catholic Dialogue, April 23-24, in Washington, looked at interreligious education in the United States.
Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Says Ten Commandments Can Provide Basis For Secular Arguments On Contemporary Issues (08-069)
May 7, 2008
WASHINGTON—The Ten Commandments can provide the basis for secular arguments on contemporary moral issues, members of the Catholic-Jewish Consultation noted at an April 30 meeting in New York.
Road to Priesthood as Varied as Priests; For Some Through Trials, Others Through Careers, Others Right From College (08-068)
May 6, 2008
WASHINGTON—For some, such as Hai Duc Din, 46, of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, who spent a year in a Vietnamese labor camp, the road to the priesthood was marked by soul-searing ordeal.
Many Foreign-Born, Men in Thirties Among 2008 New Priests (08-067)
May 6, 2008
WASHINGTON—Many men in their thirties and many foreign-born are among the U.S. priests slated for ordination in 2008. This continues the trend of recent years. The average age is 36 for newly ordained diocesan priests and 39 for newly ordained men in religious orders, such as the Jesuits and Dominicans. About 30 percent of new priests are between 25 and 29 years of age. About 39 percent are in their thirties.
Catholic Communication Campaign Collection To Help Fund Multimedia Programs That Spread Gospel Values (08-066)
May 5, 2008
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic bishops have designated the third Sunday of May as the national date for the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign to coincide with World Communications Day. The collection will take place in parishes across the country the weekend of May 17-18.
USCCB Official Testifies That U.S. ‘Should And Must’ Do More To Address Iraqi Refugee Crisis (08-065)
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON—Testifying before Congress on behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, Anastasia K. Brown, director of Refugee Programs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said May 1 that the United States is “not doing everything in its power” to avert a looming refugee crisis in the Middle East. Currently, there are an estimated two million Iraqi refugees, mostly in Jordan and Syria, and two and a half million displaced in Iraq.
Pope Accepts Resignation Of Archbishop Flynn, Co-Adjutor Archbishop John Nienstedt Succeeds Him (08-064e)
May 2, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, 61, who has been co-adjutor archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis since April 24, 2007, succeeds him. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, made the announcement in Washington.
Advisory (08-063)
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON—Credential applications for media who wish to cover the spring meeting of the U.S. bishops, June 12-14, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida, are now being accepted.

April 2008

Cardinal Rigali Welcomes Proposed Human/Animal Hybrid Ban (08-062)
April 30, 2008
WASHINGTON—Commenting on the introduction in Congress of a “Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act,” Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, today welcomed the legislation as “an opportunity to rein in an egregious and disturbing misuse of technology to undermine human dignity.”
SAVANNAH BISHOP APPOINTED HEAD OF THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA (08-061)
April 29, 2008
WASHINGTON— Bishop J. Kevin Boland of the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, has been appointed National Bishop Promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) by Cardinal Francis George, president of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As Bishop Promoter, Bishop Boland is responsible for fostering the work of the maritime apostolate among the U.S. bishops and overseeing the work of the AOS national director. The appointment was effective February 28.
POPE ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF BISHOP PELOTTE OF GALLUP (08-060e)
April 30, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Donald E. Pelotte, SSS, 63, from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, in accordance with Canon 401.2 of the Code of Canon Law.
MINNESOTA SEMINARY RECTOR NAMED USCCB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR CLERGY, CONSECRATED LIFE, VOCATIONS (08-059)
April 29, 2008
WASHINGTON—Father James P. Steffes, rector of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota, has been named executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.
National Migration Conference To Focus On Challenges, Abuses Faced By Refugees, Migrants, Human Trafficking Victims (08-058)
April 25, 2008
WASHINGTON – Registration for this year’s National Migration Conference is already under way. The Conference is scheduled for July 28-31 in Washington and it is co-sponsored by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS).
USCCB Official Praises Senate Passage Of ‘Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act’ (08-057)
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate voted 95 to 0 to pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA,” H.R. 493), which bars employers and health insurers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their own or their family members’ genetic information, on April 24.
USCCB To Stream Papal Visit Events Live On The Web (08-056)
April 14, 2008
WASHINGTON—The special Web site (uspapalvisit.org) created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for Pope Benedict XVI’s April 15-20 visit to the United States will live stream the events. From the pope’s arrival at Andrews AFB to his departure from New York, uspapalvisit.org will have the events live.
Pope, Bishops Get High Marks for Leadership, Cara Poll Finds Millennials Resemble Pre-Vatican II Catholics in Attitudes, Practices (08-053)
April 13, 2008
WASHINGTON—More than eight of out of ten Catholics are satisfied with the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI, according to a poll of Catholic adults in the United States. More than seven out of ten are equally satisfied with the leadership of the U.S. bishops, a14-point jump, from 58 to 72 percent, since 2004.
Pope to Pray at Ground Zero (08-052)
April 10, 2008
WASHINGTON—During his visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI will pray at Ground Zero, which has become the national civic shrine memorializing those who died in 2001 on 9/11.
Public Popemobile Routes Announced for Pope’s Visit (08-051)
April 10, 2008
WASHINGTON—Popemobile routes for Pope Benedict XVI, April 16 and 17 in Washington, will include travels along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and Fourth Street, NE. These routes, especially the motorcade west on Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, present the best way for the public to see Pope Benedict. The pope’s schedule during his three-day visit to Washington includes events that require tickets.
Pope Names Bishops For Des Moines, Little Rock Dioceses, Auxiliaries For San Antonio, Denver, San Francisco Archdioceses (08-050)
April 10, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Auxiliary Bishop Richard E. Pates as Bishop of Des Moines, Iowa; and Father Anthony B. Taylor as Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas. He also named Father Oscar Cantú as auxiliary bishop of San Antonio, Msgr. James D. Conley as auxiliary bishop of Denver, and Father William J. Justice as auxiliary bishop of San Francisco.
Catholic Home Missions Appeal Strengthens Church At Home (08-055)
April 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—The Catholic Home Missions Appeal is scheduled to occur at Catholic parishes throughout the country the weekend of April 26- 27. The theme for the collection is Strengthening the Church at Home.
Pope Benedict XVI To Meet With Educators At CUA (08-054)
April 9, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI will address educators from more that 200 Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S. and representatives from all 195 Catholic dioceses in the nation in a speech at The Catholic University of America, April 17. The speech is part of the pope’s three-day Washington visit during his six-day trip to the U.S. The pope will spend April 18 – 20 in New York before returning to Rome.
BISHOPS PRAISE HOUSE PASSAGE OF HEALTH BILL TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA (08-049)
April 2, 2008
WASHINGTON—On April 2, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (HR 5501). The reauthorization act strengthens HIV/AIDS programs by increasing nutrition resources needed for effective treatment, by improving the health care capacity of host governments, and by expanding HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
POPE TO INCLUDE TWO BRIEF VISITS WITH JEWISH LEADERS IN U.S. TRIP (08-048)
April 3, 2008
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced today that Pope Benedict XVI will be including two additional brief visits with members of the Jewish community during his time in the United States April 15-20. The details of the two visits are in acknowledgement of the Jewish feast of Passover, which begins on April 19th during his visit.
MISAS PAPALES EN LOS ESTADIOS DE LOS NACIONALES Y LOS YANKEES REFLEJARÁN DIVERSIDAD Y CELEBRARÁN VARIOS BICENTENARIOS (08-047sp)
1 de abril de, 2008
WASHINGTON—El Papa Benedicto XVI celebrará misa con miles de personas en Washington y Nueva York durante su visita apostólica a los Estados Unidos los días 15 al 20 de abril.
PAPAL MASSES AT NATIONAL AND YANKEE STADIUMS TO REFLECT DIVERSITY OF U.S. POPULATION, CELEBRATE SEVERAL BI-CENTENNIALS (08-047)
April 1, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass with tens of thousands of people in Washington and New York during his apostolic visit to the United States, April 15-20.
POPE ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF MOBILE ARCHBISHOP OSCAR LIPSCOMB, NAMES BILOXI BISHOP THOMAS RODI TO SUCCEED HIM (08-044)
April 2, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, and transferred Bishop Thomas J. Rodi, 59, up to now Bishop of Biloxi, Mississippi, to succeed him.
POPE NAMES TEXAS SEMINARY RECTOR BISHOP OF SHREVEPORT (08-043)
April 1, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Michael G. Duca, 55, rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, as bishop of Shreveport, Louisiana.

March 2008

HHS SECRETARY LEAVITT PRAISED FOR DEFENDING PHYSICIANS’ CONSCIENCE RIGHTS (08-038)
March 19, 2008
WASHINGTON—Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt was praised for defending physicians’ conscience rights by Deirdre McQuade, spokesperson on pro-life issues for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. She made her comments on March 19 following a public attack on Secretary Leavitt by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
PUBLIC INVITED TO GREET POPE AS HE TRAVELS THROUGH WASHINGTON (08-036)
March 19, 2008
WASHINGTON—Washingtonians and visitors to our nation's capital will have opportunities to greet Pope Benedict XVI during his three-day visit to Washington, D.C. when he arrives April 15. An important part of the pope's demanding itinerary includes opportunities for the public to see the pope as he travels to some events.
Pope to Lead Ecumenical Prayer Service at Manhattan Parish (08-046)
March 31, 2008
WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI will lead an ecumenical prayer service April 18, at St. Joseph’s Church in the Yorkville area of Manhattan.
Catholic Dioceses Promoting Child Abuse Awareness Month (08-045)
March 31, 2008
WASHINGTON—Catholic dioceses nationwide will promote Child Abuse Awareness Month in April. Plans call for raising awareness through special prayers during Sunday Masses, diocesan and parish lectures, and other educational activities.
Bishops Approve $470,000 For Catholic Home Missions In Special Funding Cycle (08-042)
March 27, 2008
WASHINGTON —The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions has approved $470,000 to be allocated to 22 dioceses that were not funded in the regular 2007 funding cycle. These funds will assist mission dioceses to meet urgent pastoral needs of local Catholics. Funding is being provided for Hispanic ministry, seminarian education, youth ministry, evangelization, lay ministry, diaconate training, and communications.
Pope Benedict Xvi, President Bush To Meet At White House (08-040)
March 24, 2008
WASHINGTON (March 24, 2008)—Pope Benedict XVI will visit the White House, April 16, as part of his visit to Washington and New York.
President Bush To Greet Pope Benedict Upon Arrival At Andrews (08-037)
March 19, 2008
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), expressed “profound shock and sorrow” on behalf of the U.S. bishops following the death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho at the hands of his kidnappers earlier today.
Bishops Express Sorrow At Death Of Iraqi Archbishop (08-035)
March 13, 2008
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), expressed “profound shock and sorrow” on behalf of the U.S. bishops following the death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho at the hands of his kidnappers earlier today.
Catholic Campaign For Human Development Honors Florida’s Coalition Of Immokalee Workers (08-034)
March 12, 2008
WASHINGTON–The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) recently awarded its Sister Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) for being an example of empowerment in action.
USCCB Migration Committee Meets With Top Enforcement Official To Discuss Immigration Raids, Concern For Children (08-033)
March 12, 2008
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration hosted a meeting on March 10 with Assistant Secretary Julie Myers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss the impact of immigration enforcement raids around the country.
Thousands Of Every Age And Background Will Enter The Catholic Church On Holy Saturday (08-032)
March 11, 2008
WASHINGTON—Tens of thousands of people from around the country will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday, on March 22, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
USCCB LAUNCHES PAPAL VISIT BLOG (08-031)
March 10, 2008
WASHINGTON—An inside view of papal visit preparations, views from the pew, and reflections on the meaning of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States, April 15-20, can be found on the papal visit blog at www.uspapalvisit.org
Dioceses Compliant With Charter; Outreach Extensive (08-030)
March 7, 2008
WASHINGTON—Virtually all U.S. dioceses and eparchies are compliant with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” according to audits of dioceses and eparchies in 2007.
MEDIA ADVISORY (08-029)
March 5, 2008
WASHINGTON—A briefing on the Thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI with Q&A follow-up in preparation for the pope’s visit to the United States, April 15-20, will be held Thursday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Leaders To Meet With Pope Benedict XVI In Washington (08-028)
March 4, 2008
WASHINGTON—Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain and Hindu communities will meet with Pope Benedict XVI April 17, at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center during the April 15-20 papal visit to the United States.
U.S. Bishops’ National Advisory Council Adds New Members (08-027)
March 3, 2008
WASHINGTON–Fifteen new members have been added to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council, a 56-member body which meets twice a year to review and offer recommendations about matters before the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Catholic Bishops Welcome New Bill For Global HIV/aids Relief (08-026)
March 3, 2008
WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomes the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ February 27 approval of a new, bipartisan bill to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. House debate is expected in March.