WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 4, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will meet in November in Baltimore for their annual Fall General Assembly. The bishops will hear addresses by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the USCCB, and Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The bishops will also hear reports from Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of Dallas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on National Collections, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona, chairman of Catholic Relief Services, on rebuilding efforts for the Church in Haiti. Auxiliary Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha of Newark, New Jersey will give an informational presentation on World Youth Day 2013, and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, will give an update on the promotion and defense of marriage, particularly a Spanish-language video.
Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, head of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, will give a status update on the activities of the ordinariate, which was established in January to assist Anglican communities in the United States wishing to join the Catholic Church. The bishops will also hear presentations from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese of Military Services, chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship.
The bishops will vote on several action items, including their strategic plan and documents on preaching, the Sacrament of Penance, the economy and possibilities and challenges to the teaching ministry of a bishop. The bishops will also vote for the treasurer-elect of USCCB, the chairmen-elect of five committees, and the creation of three USCCB staff positions.
