Washington D.C., Nov 7, 2013 / 02:24 am
When bishops from across the country gather in Baltimore next week, they will consider issuing a formal statement on pornography and discuss a Spanish translation of Mass prayers, among other issues.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will hold its annual fall General Assembly Nov. 11-14.
The nation's bishops will elect a new conference president, as Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York concludes his current presidency. They will also hear an address from Cardinal Dolan, as well as from Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
In addition, the bishops will hear a presentation for a proposal to create a formal statement on pornography, as studies continue to confirm concerns about its devastating social and spiritual effects.
Liturgical items up for discussion include the Spanish translation of the book of Mass prayers and draft translations for the Order of Confirmation and the Order of Celebrating Marriage.
Life, marriage and religious liberty will also be discussed at the meeting, and Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, who heads the conference's Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, will deliver a presentation on the state of marriage in the United States.
A consultation on the sainthood cause of Servant of God Mary Teresa Tallon is also on the agenda, along with a presentation from the chairman and president of Catholic Relief Services, giving an update on the organization's work and strategic priorities.
The bishops will hear a report on their current strategic/pastoral plan, The New Evangelization: Faith, Worship, Witness.
They will also choose new chairmen for Conference Committees on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Evangelization and Catechesis, International Justice and Peace, Child and Youth Protection, and Catholic Education.
In addition, they will elect new board members for Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.
Other topics of discussion at the meeting will include the 2014 conference budget and proposed revisions to the conference handbook.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA