Given the low level of participation by American Catholics in the process leading up to the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the leader of the U.S. bishops says that efforts to involve a greater share of the laity in the next stage — dubbed the “implementation phase” — will be crucial to success or failure.
With more than two decades of youth and young adult ministry experience under his belt, Dr. Ansel Augustine considers his new role with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on African American Affairs one of bridge building between not just clergy and laity, but between older and younger generations of Catholics.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-life Activities took some time before the march got underway to speak with OSV about the continued importance of the March for Life a year and a half out from the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health which overturned Roe v. Wade and sent abortion policy back to the states.
Before thousands of faithful gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, offered a reminder that much work remains to be done in advocating against abortion and to serve families in need.
Catholics across the country are encouraged to pray “9 Days for Life,” an annual Respect Life novena starting Jan. 16.
When it came time for a much-anticipated debate among the American bishops over a voting guide ahead of the 2024 election, the surprise may be that there wasn’t actually any contention. They simply voted to approve the agreed-upon materials in a 225 to 11 vote, with seven abstentions.
In response to concerns about the cost and length of next summer’s National Eucharistic Congress, the event will now offer new single-day and weekend pass options and scholarship funds for participants.
Come next fall, two Brooklyn bishops will lead prominent committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. On Nov. 14, Bishop Robert Brennan and Auxiliary Bishop James Massa were elected to lead the USCCB Committees on Cultural Diversity in the Church and Doctrine, respectively.
The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, located in the heart of downtown Dallas, has long been known as a landmark in the Diocese of Dallas for its enduring cultural and faith-filled significance, drawing pilgrims from across north Texas and beyond.
The Biden administration’s announcement that it is increasing the number of refugees to the U.S. from Latin America and the Caribbean while decreasing the number allotted from Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the new fiscal year, received a mixed reaction from the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee.
