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The U.S. bishops concluded the second day of public sessions at their annual fall assembly in Baltimore, focusing on migration, human dignity, and environmental care within the context of the church's evangelizing mission.
Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, urged fellow bishops to unite in addressing migration issues, especially considering recent public rhetoric. He emphasized the "real hunger" among lay faithful for leadership from clergy on this matter, as revealed by USCCB focus groups.
"The clergy continues to have a strong moral voice to which the laity listens," Bishop Seitz stated. "It is thus imperative that we bishops speak in one voice on this issue consistently and intentionally."
The bishops reviewed a presentation by several committees regarding the implementation of the Vatican declaration on human dignity, "Dignitas Infinita." Bishop Robert E. Barron highlighted the need to incorporate its teachings into resources aimed at American society.
Additionally, discussions were held about caring for creation ahead of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'" anniversary. Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak suggested integrating the encyclical into evangelization efforts and proposed reintroducing traditional fasting practices.
Mission priorities were also addressed, including a new directive for 2025-2028 aimed at engaging young adults and those unaffiliated with the Church. The proposal received overwhelming support with a 225-7 vote.
Bishop Barron introduced a plan to draft an updated document on lay ecclesial ministry in response to evolving parish and diocesan environments.
Archbishop Charles C. Thompson updated his peers on plans to implement Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Antiquum Ministerium," focusing on developing lay catechists.
Other votes included approval for "The Order of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary" and Spanish texts for the Liturgy of the Hours. The revised New American Bible was also approved for liturgical use.
In financial matters, Bishop Timothy C. Senior announced that 93 grants totaling nearly $2.3 million were approved by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development after resolving financial challenges earlier this year.
Bishop James F. Checcio presented a reduced budget proposal for 2025 amidst high inflation rates, which was approved with minimal opposition.
Outside the conference venue, Bishop Joseph Strickland criticized Pope Francis and other bishops during a press conference but did not participate in assembly activities inside.
During an internal discussion with reporters about synodality, Archbishop William E. Lori and Bishop Daniel E. Flores shared insights from their experience in Rome and emphasized cultural change over structural changes within the Church in America.
The fall assembly commenced on November 11 and concluded with an executive session closed to the public on November 14.
Peter Jesserer Smith contributed as national news editor for OSV News along with Gretchen R. Crowe and Lauretta Brown.
