INFORMATION INFORMATION REPORTS FOR THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNITED ...

INFORMATION

INFORMATION REPORTS FOR THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

November 16-18, 2015 Baltimore, MD

UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS GENERAL MEETING (Where no page number is listed or supplementary document noted, an oral report will be given and/or documentation will be distributed later.)

Priorities and Plans ..................................................................................................1 Budget and Finance .................................................................................................3 Protection of Children and Young People .............................................................7 National Review Board/Protection of Children and Young People ....................9 Canonical Affairs and Church Governance ..........................................................11 Catholic Education...................................................................................................14 Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations ...............................................................23 Communications ......................................................................................................35 Cultural Diversity in the Church............................................................................38 Divine Worship.........................................................................................................49 Doctrine.....................................................................................................................62 Domestic Justice and Human Development ..........................................................64 Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs ...................................................................83 Evangelization and Catechesis ................................................................................93 International Justice and Peace ..............................................................................100 Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth ...............................................................110 Migration ..................................................................................................................126 National Collections .................................................................................................135 Pro-Life Activities ....................................................................................................170

Task Forces and Related Organizations North American College in Rome .................................................................195 Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) ...................................206 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) .....................................................................210 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. (CCD) ...........................................216

INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON PRIORITIES AND PLANS Members: Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, Chairman; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, Chairman-elect; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell; Bishop Robert P. Deeley (Region I); Bishop Robert J. Cunningham (Region II); Bishop Joseph C. Bambera (Region III); Bishop W. Francis Malooly (Region IV); Bishop Michael G. Duca (Region V); Bishop Paul J. Bradley (Region VI); Bishop David J. Malloy (Region VII); Bishop John T. Folda (Region VIII); Bishop John R. Gaydos (Region IX); Bishop James A. Tamayo (Region X); Bishop Robert W. McElroy (Region XI); Bishop Michael W. Warfel (Region XII); Bishop James S. Wall (Region XIII); Bishop Frank J. Dewane (Region XIV); Bishop John Michael Botean (Region XV) Consultants: Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins Staff: Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield; Ms. Linda Hunt; Mrs. Joyce Jones; Mr. Anthony R. Picarello, Jr., Esq.; Ms. Helen Osman; Mr. James Rogers; Mr. Robert Yates 2013-2016 USCCB Strategic Plan Implementation: USCCB Strategic Planning Update In the June meeting Mr. Yates, USCCB director of Strategic Planning, provided the committee with a strategic planning update, during which he focused in on the Conference’s 2017-20 USCCB Strategic Plan Development activities that will yield a draft strategic plan by the end of January 2016. The draft plan will be reviewed by executive level committees from that point and presented to the General Assembly for approval at the November 2016 meeting. Mr. Yates also gave the committee an update on the progress of the USCCB Strategic Plan Annual Progress Report (APR). He noted that, in April, the Conference staff was trained on the use of the new planning database and APR Assessment Tool. Following the training, the staff was asked to complete an assessment of the effectiveness of planned activities completed in calendar year 2014 for their respective committees, subcommittees, and departments, by June 30, 2015. The first USCCB Strategic Plan APR will be completed following input of activity assessment information by all committees, subcommittees and departments. The APR results will then serve as the foundation for the committee’s annual strategic planning update to the General Assembly, which takes place each November. Plan Development for the USCCB 2017-2020 Strategic Plan Proposed Strategic Priorities. The Committee presented “Proposed Strategic Priorities for the 2017-20 USCCB Strategic Plan” to the General Assembly during the June Meeting. The proposed strategic priorities and emphasis areas were developed based on inputs from two questions on strategic priorities for the 2017-20 Strategic Plan considered during the November 2014 regional meetings and the results of the January 2015 Bishops Only Online Strategic Priorities Survey. This June presentation thus constituted the third consultation with the body of bishops on the priorities for the 2017-20 strategic plan. The June consultation resulted in

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several interventions from Bishops regarding further refinements to the proposed wording of the proposed strategic priority statements and priority emphasis areas. The General Assembly voted to approve the proposed strategic priorities as ‘working draft priorities’ to be used in development of the proposed 2017-20 Strategic Plan’ in the coming months. The exact language of the CPP action item voted upon was: “Do the members approve the working draft of the Conference Strategic Priorities for the 2017-2020 USCCB Strategic Plan?” The vote carried, with 91% in support, 8% opposed, and 1% abstaining. Finally, there was consensus that the working draft priorities should be refined by the committee, based on Bishops’ interventions, and re-presented for approval at the November meeting. The refinement effort is currently in progress and the Committee will present the revised draft to the Administrative Committee in September for inclusion on the November General Assembly agenda. The committee refinement continued through the summer months in consultation with chairmen. The committee sought the input of the relevant committee chairmen and staff to adapt the wording of the emphasis areas so as to capture the interventions from the June 2015 plenary. The committee considered the results of this refinement during its September 2015 meeting and unanimously agreed that the Administrative Committee place consideration of the 2017-20 USCCB Strategic Plan priorities on the agenda of the November 2015 General Assembly. The Administrative Committee, during its September 2015 meeting, unanimously supported this request. Plan Development Training. Mr. Yates led four, two hour Strategic Plan Development training sessions for Conference staff, two on July 14th and 15th, 2015 respectively. In all, 36 USCCB Staff members attended the training. The intent of the training was to prepare staff to assist committees, subcommittees, and departments in development of the 2017-20 USCCB Strategic Plan. The training consisted of four modules, including: 1) Planning Terminology and Process; 2) Pre- Planning Analysis; 3) The Operational Plan Development Worksheet; and 4) The Planning Database and Assessment Tool. The training provided the foundation needed to formally launch the development of the 2017-20 USCCB Strategic Plan. Nominations According to the Conference Bylaws (VII, 2, a, 1; and USCCB Committee Handbook I, B, 1) the committee oversees the work of nominations for Conferences offices. The committee engaged in this work during its June 2015 meeting, identifying candidates to stand for nomination for election in November 2015 to the positions of Treasurer-elect, and chairmen-elect for the Committees on Catholic Education; Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; Divine Worship; Domestic Justice and Human Development; Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Migration. The chairman is overseeing the process of notifying the proposed nominees of their nomination and securing their consent to stand for election. Further information will be forwarded to the body of bishops in advance of the November 2015 Plenary Assembly.

Archbishop J. Peter Sartain Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE

Members: Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Chairman; Archbishop José H. Gomez; Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr; Bishop Michael J. Bransfield; Bishop Robert J. Cunningham; Bishop John M. LeVoir; Bishop George V. Murry, SJ Consultant: Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins Staff: Ms. Karen Acton; Ms. Joyce Jones Ms. Rosalyn Unalivia The Committee on Budget and Finance met on July 9, 2015. In addition to this Information Report, the body of bishops has received Action items for: 1) the 2016 Consolidated Proposed Budget; and 2) the 2017 Diocesan Assessment. Other items presented in July were:     

Report of the General Secretary APCO Worldwide Investment Portfolio Performance 2014 & 2015 2014 Audited Financial Statements Villa Stritch Security Enhancements

Report of the General Secretary The General Secretary, Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, gave an update on various items impacting directly or indirectly the financial affairs of the USCCB. He noted that the offices were receiving accurate monthly reports on a timely basis and that there was overall improvement in the interaction between departments. The staff within the Office of Finance & Accounting was further enhanced by the hiring of a seasoned Director, Budget and Financial Analysis, Karen Acton. He also offered his gratitude to the Finance & Accounting staff for their perseverance during the many changes and challenges over the past few years. In giving an update on the costs associated with the Papal Visit Msgr. Jenkins said the costs incurred were in line with the guidelines. He noted that, as anticipated, transportation costs would constitute a significant portion of the expenses. APCO Worldwide APCO Worldwide, a well-known international firm who specializes in communications, was engaged to conduct an intensive study of the USCCB Communications Department. The study has been completed and a report with recommendations to improve the department’s

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financial sustainability was shared with the Committee on Budget & Finance. Investment Portfolio Performance 2014 & 2015 The Committee received a thorough report from the investment consulting firm of Aon Hewitt (formerly Ennis Knupp) via Mr. Dan Pawlisch on the investment performance as of December 31, 2014 and an update as of May 31, 2015 (the latest numbers available as of the July meeting). The Long-Term Pool assets totaled $287.5 million as of December 31, 2014 compared to $297.4 million on May 31, 2015. The year-to-date rate of return as of May was 3.3%. However, the year-to-date return as of August 31, 2015 was a negative 1.8% compared to a 2014 ending rate of return of 7.4%. The Committee on Budget & Finance along with its Investment Working Group and the USCCB investment advisor continue to closely follow the market and market trends and action will be taken if deemed necessary. The Pension Fund assets totaled $61.2 million on May 31, 2015 compared to $60.9 million as of December 31, 2014. The rate of return for the Pension Fund was consistent with the Long Term Pool. The December 2014 rate of return was 7.4%; the May 2015 rate of return was 3.2%; and the rate as of August 31, 2015 was -1.7%. A comparison of the market value for both the Long-Term Pool and Pension Fund for the past five years follows. SUMMARY OF ASSET VALUES Long Term Pool 2011 through 2015 (In Thousands) 12/31/2011 1 1

ICM common stock Champlain Mid Cap SSgA S&P 500 Index

40,221

12/31/2012

12/31/2013

12/31/2014

8/31/2015

44,519 46,437

47,004

37,958

76,504

82,672

108,575

96,570

93,720

116,725

127,191

155,012

143,574

131,678

15,589

18,654

22,850

21,772

21,188

19,693

21,495

20,767

19,146

28,575

38,347

44,345

42,539

40,334

TCW/Met West

45,029

44,728

47,746

50,919

43,708

SSGaA Barclays

33,594

40,994

48,144

50,512

43,200

Total fixed

78,623

85,722

95,890

101,431

86,908

223,923

251,260

295,247

287,544

258,920

Common stock CUIT Internat’l Equity 2

Aberdeen EAFE Plus Portfolio

2

SSgA MSCI EAFE Index Total international

Total long term

12,986

1 -- Champlain Mid Cap replaced the ICM Common Stock 2 -- Aberdeen EAFE Plus Portfolio replaced the SSgA MSCI EAFE Index

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SUMMARY OF ASSET VALUES Pension Plan 2011 through 2015 (In Thousands)

12/31/2011 1 1

ICM common stock Champlain Mid Cap SSgA S&P 500 Index

12/31/2012

7,219

12/31/2013

12/31/2014

8/31/2015

7,985 9,528

9,168

8,386

15,522

15,906

21,815

21,973

19,310

22,741

23,891

31,343

31,141

27,696

3,346

4,004

4,904

4,673

4,547

3,404

3,715

3,589

4,948

6,386

7,408

8,619

8,262

9,495

TCW/Met West

8,162

8,945

8,543

10,674

10,580

SSgA Barclays Agg Bond Index

8,032

9,111

9,011

10,826

10,874

Total fixed

16,194

18,056

17,554

21,500

21,454

Total pension plan

45,321

49,355

57,516

60,903

58,645

Common stock CUIT Internat’l Equity 2

Aberdeen EAFE Plus Portfolio

2

SSgA MSCI EAFE Index Total international

3,040

1 -- Champlain Mid Cap replaced the ICM Common Stock 2 -- Aberdeen EAFE Plus Portfolio replaced the SSgA MSCI EAFE Index

2014 Audited Financial Statements The 2014 financial statements and the OMB A-133 audit report were issued in June 2015. The financial statements are posted on the USCCB website. Both audits received an unmodified or “clean” opinion. The “Total assets” for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $386.7 million. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the 2013 year end amount of $392.5 million. That decrease was largely the result of draws from the long term investment portfolio netted by investment income. The Conference’s unrestricted net assets are still relatively large at $182.2 million as of December 31, 2014 compared to $193.2 million at the close of 2013. Efforts continue to spend down those unrestricted net assets. Restricted assets also decreased by $14.6 million from $88.5 million at the close of 2013 to $73.8 million at December 31, 2014. The largest increase in operating expenses was attributable to a $29 million increase in National collections grants and donations. The majority of which ($28 million) was associated with grants to the Philippines to aid in recovery from the typhoon. In addition there were significant year-over-year changes in the nonoperating activities – unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and the pension related changes. In 2014 the nonoperating results detracted from revenue by $19.1 million contrasted to a $50.6 million

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increase in 2013. These changes are by-and-large due to the difference in the market performance between the years – rate of return of 7.4% versus 17.9% respectively. There was a decrease in net assets from operations of $6.5 million. The change in operating net assets was driven largely by the positive desire to spend down the reserves/net assets of the national collections. Villa Stritch Security Enhancements The Villa Stritch curator submitted a request of approximately $68k for security enhancements and additional funding of $800k for maintenance that had not been included in their five year plan. The Committee approved the security enhancements; however, the curator has been instructed to have an expert examine the facility and provide an independent assessment of the need. After which, the committee members will be in a position to make an informed funding decision.

Bishop Kevin J. Farrell Treasurer November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Members: Bishop Edward J. Burns, Chairman; Bishop Joseph R. Binzer; Bishop Edward K. Braxton; Bishop Liam S. Cary; Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius; Bishop Carl A. Kemme; Bishop Barry C. Knestout; Bishop Terry R. LaValley; Bishop John M. LeVoir; Bishop William F. Medley; Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares; Bishop David P. Talley; Bishop Peter Uglietto; Bishop David A. Zubik; Bishop Patrick J. Zurek  

Consultants: Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield; Rev. James J. Greenfield OSFS; Rev. Ralph O’Donnell; Rev. John Pavlik, OFM Cap; Honorable Michael Merz; Ms. Rita Flaherty; Ms. Beth Heidt-Kosizek; Mr. Jeffrey Hunter Moon; Mr. James Rogers; Ms. Siobhan Verbeek  

Staff: Ms. Mary Jane Doerr; Deacon Bernie Nojadera

2015 Anglophone This year’s Anglophone, hosted by the USCCB in collaboration with the Pontifical Gregorian University was a success. The theme of the conference, Child Protection: A Spiritual and Theological Approach was a new approach to the child sexual abuse issue. The speakers brought a perspective, based on our theological teachings, to how we deal with child sexual abuse. It is expected that such a perspective will assist the church in solidifying its response to the abuse crisis. Charter Implementation Training The fourth annual webinar/live training was offered at the USCCB, on Monday, October 5, 2015. Speakers Bishop Edward Burns, Bishop Joseph Binzer, Fr. Mel Blanchette, Sr. Katarina Schuth, Dr. Paul Ashton and Mr. Mark Chopko gave excellent presentations and were appreciated greatly by those attending. Two hundred twenty registered and attended via webinar and nine individuals attended in person. Next year’s training will be Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Audit Overview During the June Plenary Assembly, a meeting of a Workgroup made up of the chairs and staff of CPCYP, CCLV, CACG and the Director of Legal Affairs met to address the questions pertaining to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Annual Audit assigned by the President of the USCCB, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz. The recommended review of the audit process was presented to the Administrative Committee in September. Time was given for a discussion of the audit at the November regionals. Charter Review The 2015 review of the Charter nears completion. After hearing comments and suggestions from the NRB, the CPCYP did a final review at their June meeting. A Workgroup made up of the chairs of CPCYP, CCLV and CACG also met in June to discuss the questions put

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forward by the President of the USCCB, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz. That discussion led to the decision to ask that the approval of the revised Charter be postponed until further questions could be answered.

SECRETARIAT OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION 2015 Audit The 2015 audit began July 1. There are 71 onsite visits scheduled and 25 dioceses will have parishes audited by StoneBridge Business Partners. Workshops were held in April in preparation for the current audit cycle. The 2014 evaluation of auditors by dioceses show that of the 124 respondents:  88% found the auditors extremely or very professional.  80% found the auditors extremely or very knowledgeable of the Charter  81% found the auditors extremely or very thorough  75% found the auditors’ responses extremely or very timely  42% found the auditors’ recommendations extremely or very helpful. High Reliability Organizations At the National Conference of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Coordinators in June, there was a daylong workshop on how to develop a high reliability culture in our parishes and schools. Thirty dioceses and one religious province were a part of this training. A Steering Committee of diocesan safe environment coordinators was created to help move the process forward. Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the U.S. The SCYP participated in the regional workshops that were held in conjunction with the release of the Guidelines. Statement on Pornography SCYP continues to collaborate with the Secretariat on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth on the writing of the bishops’ statement on pornography.

Bishop Edward J. Burns Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

NATIONAL REVIEW BOARD Members: Dr. Francesco Cesareo, Chairman; Ms. Kathleen Asdorian; Dr. Michael de Arellano; Mr. Howard Healy; Honorable Mary Katherine Huffman; Mr. Michael Montelongo; Ms. Nelle Moriarty; Ms. Jean Ortega-Piron; Dr. Fernando Ortiz; Ms. Laura Rogers; Mr. Donald Schmid; Mr. Scott Wasserman; Mr. Donald Wheeler Staff: Ms. Mary Jane Doerr; Deacon Bernie Nojadera 2015 Audit The 2015 Audit began July 1, 2015 with 71 onsite visits scheduled, 25 dioceses will have parishes audited as well. Prior to July, three audit workshops were held attended by 200 people. Workshops reviewed the audit instructions, instrument, and charts the dioceses/eparchies will be completing. A Parish audit survey will be made available to all dioceses this year as a supplementary tool if the bishop decides he would like to utilize such an instrument. High Reliability Cultures In June, at the National Conference of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Coordinators, there was a daylong workshop on how to develop a highly reliable culture in our parishes and schools. Thirty dioceses and one religious province participated in this training. Related to this training, the Research and Trends Committee continues its efforts to study the effectiveness of safe environment programs as a step toward framing a study of all safe environment programs. The NRB will work with the Steering Committee of diocesan safe environment coordinators. Audit Committee Audit Committee chair, Ms. Laura Rogers reported that the committee analyzed four published reports from three dioceses and one religious congregation where problems arose in protecting children. The analysis found common systemic problems. The committee will create an electronic toolbox to share lessons learned from these reports and others as they emerge. A steering committee, made up of safe environment coordinators, will be established to develop case studies from published reports in order to present lessons learned to all dioceses/eparchies.  Nominations Nominations have been received from the bishops to fill three vacancies that will occur in June 2016. The Nominations Commmittee has done an initial screening of the nominees. The next step in the process will be a review of the nominees by a workgroup composed of bishops of the CPCYP and NRB Nominations committee to review the nominees and recommend a slate of candidates to be interviewed for approval by the CPCYP. That slate will be sent to the President of the USCCB for final approval. Interviews will take place in April 2016.

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“Spotlight” Movie Release At their September meeting, the NRB discussed the upcoming release of the movie “Spotlight” which recounts the Boston Globe’s investigation into the sexual abuse crisis in the Archdiocese of Boston. The NRB concluded that the bishops need to be proactive in advance of the movie’s release, using this as an opportunity to share what the Church has done to respond to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and what is currently being done to prevent this from happening. It was the feeling of the NRB that bishops should have a prepared statement that acknowledges the crisis, expresses genuine sorrow for the abuse, and educates people on the Church’s response and on-going commitment. A list of suggestions was generated that might be helpful to bishops. The NRB is willing to assist the bishops in any way they can if called upon to do so. Election of Vice Chair and Secretary In accordance with NRB guidelines that call for the annual election of a Vice Chair and Secretary, the NRB elected Dr. Fernando Ortiz as Vice Chair and Ms. Kathleen Asdorian as Secretary. Charter Implementation Training The fourth annual webinar/live training took place on Monday, October 5, 2015. The NRB supports the continued use of this format to help dioceses/eparchies understand the requirements of the Charter and the importance of its complete implementation. The presentations were well received by the 220 webinar participants and 9 individuals who attended in person.

Dr. Francesco Cesareo Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON CANONICAL AFFAIRS AND CHURCH GOVERNANCE Members: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, Chairman; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; Archbishop John J. Myers; Bishop Mark L. Bartchak; Bishop Kurt R. Burnette; Bishop Robert P. Deeley; Bishop Thomas John Paprocki; Bishop Steven J. Raica; Bishop Kevin W. Vann Consultants: Dr. Kurt Martens Staff: Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins; Ms. Jeannine Marino; Ms. Siobhan M. Verbeek

Work Group to Address Questions Pertaining to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Annual Audit During the March 2015 Administrative Committee meeting, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, President, appointed the Chairmen of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, and the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People to form a work group to formulate concrete proposals for the Administrative Committee’s consideration pertaining to four questions that had been submitted to the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance for consultation. The four questions pertained to: (1) The competent USCCB entity to provide authoritative interpretations of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People; (2) The extent of the Administrative Committee’s mandated responsibility regarding the “method, scope, and cost” of the annual Charter audit; (3) The level of approval that is needed to make changes to the audit instrument; and (4) The precise role of the National Review Board (NRB) in the audit process. The work group met in conjunction with the June Plenary Assembly in St. Louis, MO. The members made significant progress toward formulating a concrete proposal to respond to the first question. The work group is inclined to recommend that authoritative interpretations of the Charter remain at the level of the body of bishops, rather than being further delegated to another entity within the episcopal conference. In addition, the work group is studying acceptable definitions for the method and scope of a compliance audit for insertion into article 9 of the revised Charter. The work group likewise considered at length questions that had been raised by Dr. Francesco Cesareo, Chair of the NRB, during his June 2015 address to the Plenary Assembly. These included: “Is there a need to change the audit instrument? Is the audit effectively serving the purpose for which it was intended? How can the audit more effectively ensure the Charter is being implemented and children are being protected? What more can we learn from the audits?” The work group concluded that it is timely to initiate a renewed discussion among the bishops of the current audit process. Based on the result of that

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consultation, the work group will formulate additional concrete proposals to bring to the Administrative Committee for its future consideration. Review of the Revised Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People In November 2014 and June 2015, at the request of the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance reviewed proposed revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for canonical accuracy. On both occasions, the Committee members expressed concern about the prescriptive nature of some of the changes that are being proposed for approval. Because the Charter is a non-legislative text, it was noted that the proper place to legislate is not within the Charter, but within the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. In addition, some of the proposed revisions to the Charter would, in the Committee’s opinion, effectively modify what is prescribed in the Essential Norms. Mandated Review of the USCCB Guidelines for the Provision of Sustenance to Bishops Emeriti Section 5 of the USCCB Guidelines for the Provision of Sustenance to Bishops Emeriti, which were approved by the body of bishops at the November 2010 Plenary Assembly, stipulate that “The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will review these Guidelines again in 2015 to ascertain their continued efficacy.” Since 2010, the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the periodic review of the guidelines. In anticipation of the 2015 review, the Committee initiated a survey of the bishops emeriti to assess their level of satisfaction with the current provisions. Eighty-three bishops emeriti responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 88% indicated that they were satisfied with the current guidelines. In addition to the survey, the Committee also received input from the Committee on Budget and Finance, and that Committee’s Accounting Practices Committee. Both entities provided helpful observations and recommendations for a future revision of the guidelines, particularly in regard to bishops who have served in more than one diocese. The Committee discussed the observations and recommendations at its June 2015 meeting. As a result of the discussion, the Committee determined not to propose changes to the national guidelines at the present time. Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy At its June 2015 meeting, the Committee reflected on the forthcoming Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and Pope Francis’ April 11, 2015 Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae vultus. Jubilee years are privileged moments in the life of the Church that offer to the faithful renewed occasions to respond to the Lord’s call to conversion, and to experience personally His promise of grace. The Committee noted that one aspect of the forthcoming celebration that has generated special interest among the faithful is the Holy Father’s announcement of the sending forth of

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Missionaries of Mercy, who will be granted apostolic authority to pardon “sins reserved to the Holy See.” Protocol for Seeking the Votum of the USCCB for Causes of Canonization The 1983 norms of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints require the diocesan bishop to consult the episcopal conference on the appropriateness of initiating a cause of canonization (article 11 a). The Congregation’s 2007 Instruction, Sanctorum Mater, further specifies this obligation by stipulating that, “In order better to express collegiality this opinion is to be sought during a meeting of the same bishops” (articles 41, §1 and 42, §1). As the number of requests for the USCCB’s votum increases, a previous membership of the Committee determined to outline a consistent process for submitting such requests to the USCCB President. The current Committee will consider the first draft of a recommended protocol at its meeting in November 2015. Provision of Canonical Expertise The Committee continues to provide canonical expertise to the Conference’s leadership and to other USCCB standing Committees. In addition to the above, activities being undertaken by the Committee include:    

Collaboration with the Committee on Divine Worship on a review of the National Statutes for the Catechumenate Collaboration with the Committee on Divine Worship on the revision of the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities Collaboration with the Committee on Doctrine on the revision of Part Six of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services Collaboration with the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs on a review of the Statement on the Implementation of the Apostolic Letter on Mixed Marriages.

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON CATHOLIC EDUCATION Members: Archbishop George J. Lucas, Chairman; Bishop Arturo Cepeda; Bishop Peter Christensen; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas; Bishop George V. Murry, SJ; Bishop David O’Connell, CM; Bishop John Quinn; Bishop Edward Rice; Bishop Kevin Vann Consultants: Rev. Luke Clark, OP; Rev. Joe Corpora, CSC; Br. Robert Bimonte, FSC; Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, OP; Dr. Michael Galligan-Stierle; Dr. Tim Gray; Ms. Jennifer Kraska; Ms. Annette Parsons; Mr. Mike Scherschligt Staff: Dr. Harry J. Dudley; Sr. John Mary Fleming, OP; Ms. Katharine M. Knight; Ms. Barbara Humphrey McCrabb TASK: The Committee is charged with oversight of the educational mission of the Church in the United States in all its institutional settings. The Committee on Catholic Education guides, directs, and coordinates this important task, working closely with the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. The scope of the Committee on Catholic Education’s work includes Catholic elementary and secondary schools, Catholic colleges and universities, college campus ministry, federal public policy involving education, and issues pertaining to parental rights and responsibilities regarding their children’s education. SUBCOMMITTEE ON CERTIFICATION FOR ECCLESIAL MINISTRY AND SERVICE Members: Bishop John M. Quinn, Chairman; Bishop Earl A. Boyea; Bishop Arturo Cepeda; Bishop Christopher J. Coyne; Bishop George Rassas Staff: Dr. Harry J. Dudley TASK: The subcommittee assists the bishops in reviewing and approving certification standards and procedures to be used on a voluntary basis by arch/dioceses and national organizations in the certification of specialized ecclesial ministers. It also offers consultative services aimed at improving the quality of lay ministry formation programs that are sponsored by arch/dioceses and by academic institutions.

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Committee on Catholic Education Report 1. World Congress for Catholic Education: Educating for Today and Tomorrow: A Renewing Passion The World Congress for Catholic Education will be held in Rome in November 2015. The Congress is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Gravissimum educationis and the 25th anniversary of Ex corde Ecclesiae. In preparation for the World Congress on Catholic Education, the Secretariat of Catholic Education prepared a report responding to questions from the Instrumentum Laboris: Educating Today and Tomorrow: A Renewing Passion. The report was sent to the Congregation for Catholic Education in December 2014 on behalf of the Committee on Catholic Education. A delegation of approximately 80 educators representing presidents of Catholic colleges and universities, diocesan superintendents, National Catholic Education Association and the Secretariat for Catholic Education from the USCCB will be attending the World Congress in Rome. The Secretariat for Catholic Education is preparing a working document for the delegates with statistics, reports, and information regarding Catholic education in the United States. 2. Meeting with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization Members of the Committee on Catholic Education joined members of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and the Subcommittee on the Catechism in a meeting with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization this past June in St. Louis. The two day meeting was prior to the General Assembly. The discussion was robust, engaging and informative for all who attended. Representatives from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization expressed gratitude to the bishops present for a lively, honest and engaging discussion which will assist their work in the future. The members of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization explained that they have been meeting with Committees of the various Episcopal Conferences around the world to gain input and insight into the challenges and opportunities which the Church is facing in evangelization, education and catechesis. 3. Collaboration between the Committees on Evangelization and Catechesis and Catholic Education The Committee on Catholic Education and the Committee for Evangelization and Catechesis participated in a joint luncheon this past March to discuss ways in which the committees could collaborate on behalf of Catholic Education in the United States. Topics such as text books, teacher formation, teacher resource materials, and a doctrinal framework for elementary education were discussed as potential areas of collaboration. The discussions are in the very early and preliminary stages in preparation for the USCCB new strategic planning cycle.

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4. Working Group for Formation of Leaders and Teachers The Committee on Catholic Education continued a discussion about the idea of developing guidelines for faculty and staff faith formation at the diocesan level. Archbishop Lucas reminded the Committee that the topic and discussion is much more about supporting the good work of leaders and teachers than it is about criticizing them. It is important to recognize that leaders and teachers in religious education and Catholic schools introduce, teach, and form young people to the person of Jesus Christ as part of their overall education. It makes sense that bishops, pastors, and parents would provide them with ongoing faith formation and development to accomplish this awesome task. It was agreed that developing guidelines was a good idea and that gathering information about existing programs at the diocesan level would be a good first step. The Committee agreed that a working group for the formation of leaders and teachers should be formed to begin a study of what is presently being done at the diocesan level. 5. National Catholic Education Association The National Catholic Education Association announced that Bishop George Murry, SJ, Bishop of Youngstown and a member of the Committee on Catholic Education, has agreed to be the new chair of the Board for NCEA. Over the last year, NCEA held a series of listening sessions around the country and conducted interviews and surveys to determine the health of the organization and the best way forward for the Association. NCEA learned through the interviews, surveys, and listening sessions that a focus on Catholic Schools would be of greater service to the membership than the present structure. NCEA announced it will change its organizational structure. NCEA’s new tagline is to “Lead/Learn/Proclaim.” NCEA will concentrate on three areas: 1) Leadership 2) Professional development 3) Voice of Catholic Schools – public relations – on behalf of Catholic schools. The Committee on Catholic Education congratulated Bishop Murry in his new position as chair of the board and complimented NCEA for its willingness to undertake a new direction and to adjust to meet the needs of the membership of the Association. 6. Follow up to the January 2015 Workshop for Bishops: Our Greatest and Best Inheritance: Strategy and Perspective on Transforming Catholic Schools In mid-January a workshop on Catholic schools was held at the USCCB and sponsored by the ACE Institute of Notre Dame. The workshop provided a robust platform for discussion among 28 Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops who attended the two day meeting. The bishops discussed and shared current opportunities and challenges facing Catholic education in the United States. Topics of discussion included: publicly funded educational choice, Latino

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families in Catholic schools, Catholic school leadership, and Catholic school governance. This was the second such meeting held at the USCCB. At the request of Archbishop Kurtz, the Secretariat for Catholic Education and the University of Notre Dame will host a follow up conference for diocesan personnel in an attempt to support bishops who wish to address publicly funded educational choice, Latino families in Catholic schools, Catholic school leadership, and Catholic school governance at the local level. The meeting is scheduled for February 2016. Information about the meeting will be mailed to the bishops. 7. Vaccines and Schools Due to the public debate and concern about vaccinations, the Secretariat for Catholic sent the document “Conscience Exemption for Vaccines based on Fetal Tissue from Abortions” to the superintendents of Catholic schools. Sister John Mary reached out to the USCCB’s Pro-Life Office for an updated version of the document which was published in 2007 and updated it in 2014. In addition to sending it directly to the superintendents, the document is also posted on the Catholic Education Website. 8. Contract Discussion The Committee on Catholic Education discussed the different approaches to employee contracts and morality clauses at the diocesan level. A variety of factors come into play in deciding on the type of language in contracts, including state and local laws, as well as factors at the diocesan level. Some dioceses have been able to make changes to teacher contracts without a great deal of fanfare and media attention, while others have not been so fortunate. Hence, there is no “one size fits all” solution. The Office of General Counsel prepared a memorandum on this subject that was disseminated to the diocesan attorneys back in September 2014. During the discussion the bishops, diocesan staff, including school superintendents, were encouraged to consult with their diocesan counsel on these issues. 9. Catholic Higher Education and Campus Ministry a. Higher Education Working Group In March 2015 the Higher Education Working Group had a robust discussion about Catholic identity, Trustee formation, hiring for mission and LGBT questions/concerns. Father Garanzini, Chair of the ACCU Board, shared information about an ACCU initiative to address awards and speaker policies. Fr. Garanzini promised, on behalf of ACCU, to share a draft of the material after their Board had a chance to review it. The Higher Education Working Group held a conference call in August, 2015. A question emerged regarding the purpose of the Working Group. Members agreed to seek clarification regarding the mission of the Working Group with Archbishop Lucas, Chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, during an October conference call.

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b. Higher Education Office Barbara McCrabb is in the process of securing funds for the 2016 Frank J Lewis Institute for Campus Minister Orientation. Maggie Riggins from DeSales University will continue as the Director. The Campus Ministry Leadership Institute has a new director, Sal Melendrez from St. Albert the Great Newman Center at New Mexico State University. He has served on the directing team the last 3 years. The next Campus Ministry Leadership Institute will held at St. Xavier University in Chicago, IL June 7 to 12, 2016. In May 2015, Barbara McCrabb participated in a Young Adult Ministry Summit sponsored by the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association in cooperation with the Knights of Columbus. The summit discussed the challenges of young adult ministry and explored more collaborative means of reaching out to and engaging young adults. The Catholic Campus Ministry Association gathered representatives from Campus Ministry programs from around the country. The Board of CCMA, which has been struggling, felt it was time for new vision and new leadership. This gathering, referred to as the Director’s Circle, brought 26 campus ministries and related organizations together. They provided financial support and made recommendations to the CCMA board to revision the organization. Recommendations addressed: organizational structure, resources, use of funding, engagement of the USCCB, and communications. Barbara McCrabb attended the International Federation of Catholic Universities meeting in Melbourne, Australia in July 2015. The triennial event is a forum for Rectors, Presidents, and University representatives to share the hopes and concerns they have about their joint mission of service to the Church at the heart of societies. It is also the occasion to collectively think and identify the challenges and opportunities that we face in a constantly changing world. Archbishop Zani, Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, reflected on Pope Francis’ interest in the social dynamic and interfaith dialogue within university life. He asserted that educators cannot live resigned, like the despairing disciples on the road to Emmaus; rather educators must seek ways of hope. The university as a place of discernment, without fear or catastrophizing, offers an idea of progress that nourishes dreams. A Catholic university cultivates an experience of closeness and encounter as a privileged place of dialogue for constructive confrontation. The university is a place of training for solidarity. We must grow in solidarity in different spheres of public life. If times change and crises increase, we collaborate in union with ourselves to be conversant about new discoveries. He closed his remarks with an invitation to all the delegate to attend the World Congress on Catholic Education in Rome, November 2015. Catholic education will continue collaboration with the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering through the Young Leaders Initiative. We hope to engage campus ministry programs in cultivation of advocates. Campus Ministry participated in several national conversations. Kelly Adamson, Campus Minister from the University of Dayton, represented Campus Ministry at the June 2015 summit on Lay Ecclesial Ministry in St. Louis. Angelle Hall, Campus Minister at the St. Thomas More

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Newman Center / University of Missouri, and Dee Bernhardt, Campus Minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center / Purdue University, represented Campus Ministry at a Round Table Discussion on Vocation this September in St. Louis.

10. Public Policy Kathy Knight, Associate Director for Public Policy for Catholic Education, and Lucas Swanepoel, Associate Director for Government Relations reported on three topics: ESEA Reauthorization, DC-Opportunity Scholarship Program and Parental Choice. Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was first passed in 1965 based on the principle that all students were entitled to an equitable share of services and benefits generated by the program. The present name of the program is No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This program generates approximately 1 billion dollars in benefits and services for students in private schools in the United States. Following the 2001 passage of No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB) the principle of equitable participation began to erode, due to funding decisions made by local educational agencies prior to calculating the private school equitable share. The bill has not been reauthorized since 2001. With new leadership in the House and Senate, it is hoped that a new bill would be passed this Congress. USCCB staff have obtained new language that would help the Catholic schools receive a more equitable share of services and benefits which have been successfully included in both the House and the Senate bills. In July, 2015, both the House and the Senate passed comprehensive bills reauthorizing ESEA and replacing NCLB. Both bills contain the new language that greatly improves the conditions for provision of equitable share of services and benefits to Catholic and other private schools. Prior to bill passage, there were many amendments considered—some of them problematic. Catholic Education collaborated extensively with other USCCB offices to successfully resolve these issues. Congress is expected to conference these bills after August recess, with the hope that a final bill will be approved by both chambers and presented to the President for signature by December, 2015. USCCB staff will continue its work to protect and improve the private school provisions during the conferencing process. In an effort to keep superintendents, principals, Catholic conference directors, and parents informed, Catholic Education has sent regular editions of CE News--its policy newsletter. This has proved helpful in keeping the local communities in contact with their representatives and senators dealing with ESEA/NCLB reauthorization. This communication has helped to address confusion related particularly to the House bill. Recently, special editions of CE News were issued to update the Catholic community on bill votes and action alerts. DC-Opportunity Scholarship Program is a critically important program at the local but also the national level. It is the only federal voucher program of its kind. There are a great many people who do not want to see this program succeed. The Department of Education has been particularly problematic in creating regulations that have caused difficulty in implementing the program. These regulations create roadblocks for parents, siblings, and administrators in accessing and implementing the original intent and purpose of the program. President Obama has consistently attempted to zero out the program. On the positive side, the decision was made

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to pursue early reauthorization; the DC-OSP working group was formed to advocate on the Hill, and an RFP has been issued for a new administrator for the program which would be a step to fixing the difficulties in administering the program.

Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service Report 1. CARA Report on State of Lay Ecclesial Ministry   The Subcommittee contracted the Center for Applied Research on the Apostolate (CARA) to develop a white paper on the State of Lay Ecclesial Ministry in preparation for a Summit on Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) scheduled for June, 2015 in St. Louis. The white paper was requested to help provide a clearer picture of lay ecclesial ministry since the writing of Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord in November 2005. 2. Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit A number of the members of the Subcommittee and consultants participated as speakers at the Summit in June. This was a joint initiative of four committees: the standing Committees on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; on Cultural Diversity in the Church; and on Doctrine; and the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry & Service. 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of our pastoral document on lay ecclesial ministry, CoWorkers in the Vineyard of the Lord. Co-Workers was approved by the body of bishops as “A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.” In recognition of this anniversary the collaborating committees gathered 37 bishops including Archbishop Kurtz and Cardinal DiNardo, the Conference President and Vice President, together with 20 representatives of national ministry organizations and 30 academic leaders and lay ministry experts, along with staff from the Conference. Three reasons for this gathering were:   

To assess the experience of the past ten years since Co-Workers was released. To identify best practices and emerging trends in lay ecclesial ministry. To recommend potential future directions.

Bishop Malone reported at the June meeting that “the Summit yielded fruitful conversations between the bishops and the pastoral and academic leaders” and that the goals were achieved. The opening keynote speaker, Cardinal DiNardo emphasized the foundational importance of mission, citing Pope Francis that the Church is called to be “permanently in a state of mission.” The Cardinal also highlighted some of the new or growing realities which need further attention, including the rich cultural diversity that exists among the faithful; the influx of ecclesial movements, lay associations and new communities and their paths of formation; and the young adults and younger generations in lay ecclesial ministry who hunger for further spiritual formation and a “contemplative dimension of discipleship.”

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This was followed by presentations from a variety of experts and pastoral leaders, including Archbishop Wester who shared his experience of the development of Co-Workers. These presentations helped us engage the various dimensions of Co-Workers in a renewed way. A special moment of the Summit was a tribute to Francis Cardinal George, who was scheduled to speak at the Summit before his recent passing. He was a leader in the development of the theology and practical applications of lay ecclesial ministry, so time was taken to honor his legacy and explore his understanding of this emerging field of church leadership. Bishop Malone shared a few of the Cardinal's insights and reflections that witness to both the theological depth and pastoral commitment he brought to this reality. In concluding the Summit, Bishop Flores (chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church), Bishop Quinn (chairman of the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service), and Bishop Malone addressed the participants by exploring possible next steps that our committees will consider in light of the Summit conversations. Archbishop Kurtz’s closing remarks and prayer concluded the meeting. In his brief update report at the June meeting Bishop Malone affirmed that, as the committees move forward, there are plans to ensure that more brother bishops are heard. The Summit sessions were recorded and they will be made available to all bishops shortly. All are welcomed to share their feedback once they have had an opportunity to view them. Each of the committees involved remains committed will look at all the feedback from the Summit discussions and any additional input provided from interested bishops, and consider how the Conference might assist in advancing the conversation on and development of lay ecclesial ministry over the next several years. The Summit was made possible by the support of the Catholic Apostolate Center and The Raskob Foundation. At the end of Bishop Malone’s update, he asked for questions. Archbishop Vigneron requested that typed copies of the materials be made available in addition to the videos. A commitment was made to do so and they will be posted as soon as they are available on the bishop’s only website. 3. The Work of the Subcommittee and Room for Growth The office has four priorities: 1) Embody Priorities of Bishops, 2) Review and approve standards and procedures for certification 3) Promote development and application of voluntary certification standards in alignment with the four areas of formation outlined in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, namely human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral 4) Offer consultation, upon request, to lay ministry formation programs in arch/dioceses and academic institutions for the purpose of improving the quality and effectiveness of them. These priorities promote the vision and guidance of Co-Workers in the Vineyard and other major Church documents of the Conference and Magisterium. The Office has a public website, a membership website and a new on-line Prezi to train how to navigate our process, sites and handbooks.

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The Subcommittee has recently granted re-approvals to such groups as the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC), The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and more recently, the Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catechesis and Youth ministry. Two national organizations and three dioceses are scheduled for review and reapproval in 2016. The Office promotes certification among the bishops, within the Conference and to the general public and offers consultation with diocesan and academic programs. Organizations and dioceses involved have expressed appreciation for the ongoing dialogue with the subcommittee each year in response to their annual reports to the subcommittee. Responses given offer both ongoing encouragement and recommendations for improvement. Each diocese and organization is also asked to share challenges, lessons learned and any questions they may have for consideration by the Subcommittee. According to the CARA White Paper there are currently more than 39,600 Lay Ecclesial Ministers (LEM’s) in the U.S. but the annual reports received by the subcommittee for 2014 from the diocesan offices and organizations track only 14,334 LEM’s of which only 1,451 are currently certified. Of these, 51 were newly certified in 2014. There is much room for growth.

Archbishop George J. Lucas Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON CLERGY, CONSECRATED LIFE AND VOCATIONS Members: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Chairman; Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila; Bishop Earl A. Boyea; Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv; Bishop Arturo Cepeda; Bishop Thomas A. Daly; Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, SVD; Bishop John G. Noonan; Bishop Daniel E. Thomas Consultants: Msgr. Richard Henning; Msgr. Christopher Schreck; Deacon Gerald DuPont; Sr. Rose McDermott, SSJ; Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan Staff: Rev. Ralph O’Donnell

CONFERENCE PRIORITIES 2013 – 2016 International Pastoral Ministers The third and final draft of the Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States, 3rd Edition (Guidelines) was reviewed and approved for submission to the Administrative Committee by the Chairmen of the Committees on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV), Cultural Diversity in the Church (CDC), Protection of Children and Young People (CPCYP), and Canonical Affairs and Church Governance (CACG). The Chairman of the Committee on Doctrine and the USCCB General Counsel also reviewed the Guidelines and gave their consent. The Commission on Religious Life and Ministry, along with a wide variety of experts and consultants, participated in the extensive process to draft and review the document. In September 2014 the Administrative Committee granted authorization for the revised Guidelines, which were subsequently published in the following November. The CCLV Secretariat, in concert with the staff of the previously mentioned collaborating Committees and Office, has developed several regional workshops to implement the revised Guidelines in 2015. The implementation workshops assisted a wide variety of Church personnel (both diocesan and religious) who pertain to the screening, orientation and supervision of international pastoral ministers; such as, vicars general, vicars for clergy, judicial vicars, vicars for religious, vocation directors, diaconate directors, chancellors, diocesan attorneys, youth protection personnel, and seminary rectors, admissions officers, and academic deans. The first implementation workshop was held this past January at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA with sixty-two registrants in attendance from a wide variety of backgrounds. The second workshop took place in University of Dallas, Irvine, TX with fortythree registered. Survey responses following the workshops indicate that they proved to be successful. Staff and presenters of the workshops met to review the survey responses and agreed

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to slightly adjust the schedule and presentations to meet better the needs of the participants at the remaining workshops in Chicago, IL, and the greater Washington, DC / Baltimore, MD. CLERGY Statement of Episcopal Commitment The Statement of Episcopal Commitment (Statement) to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter) was originally developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on Bishops’ Life and Ministry of the USCCB and approved by the body of bishops at the November 2002 Plenary Assembly, and subsequently revised and approved at the November 2005 Assembly, and again at the June 2011 Plenary Assembly. The Statement mandates the CCLV Committee to review the Statement “upon the next review of the Charter.” The Charter is currently undergoing revision, and the CPCYP anticipates that a draft will be available for consideration by the body of bishops at the November 2015 Plenary Assembly. As a method of reviewing the Statement, the CCLV Committee sought and was granted time during the regional meetings of the November 2014 Plenary Assembly for all the bishops to review the Statement and offer their suggestions. In January 2015 the CCLV Chairman convoked a meeting with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, CACG Chairman, Bishop Edward J. Burns, CPCYP Chairman, and the pertinent staff from the USCCB to examine the regional meeting responses. In general the Chairmen did not find an overwhelming desire among the bishops to alter the Statement, even though many offered language to improve its clarity and focus. During the March 2015 Administrative Committee meeting, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, as President, appointed the Chairmen of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, and the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People to form a work group to formulate concrete proposals for the Administrative Committee’s further consideration related to four questions that had been submitted to the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance for consultation. The questions pertained to: (1) The competent USCCB entity to provide authoritative interpretations of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People; (2) The extent of the Administrative Committee’s mandated responsibility regarding the “method, scope, and cost” of the annual Charter audit; (3) The level of approval that is needed to make changes to the audit instrument; and (4) The precise role of the National Review Board in the audit process. The work group met in conjunction with the June Plenary Assembly in St. Louis. During the meeting, the members made significant progress formulating a concrete proposal to respond to the first question. The work group recommend that authoritative interpretations of the Charter remain at the level of the body of bishops, rather than being further delegated to another entity within the episcopal conference. In addition, the work group is studying acceptable definitions for the method and scope of a compliance audit to be inserted into a revision of article 9 of the Charter.

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Inspired by the progress report on the implementation of the Charter that was delivered to the body of bishops at the June 2015 Plenary Assembly by the Chair of the National Review Board, Dr. Francesco Cesareo, the work group likewise considered at length questions posed by the Chair for reflection. These included: “Is there a need to change the audit instrument? Is the audit effectively serving the purpose for which it was intended? How can the audit more effectively ensure the Charter is being implemented and children are being protected? What more can we learn from the audits?” The work group concluded that it is timely to initiate a renewed discussion among the bishops of the current audit process. As a result, it was further recommended that the process of revising the Charter be held in abeyance, until the body of bishops has had the opportunity to reflect upon the effectiveness of the annual audit in meeting their current needs. Priestly Life & Ministry The National Organization for the Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy (NOCERCC) held their national convention outside Atlanta, GA, in February 2015. The theme was: “Embracing a Spirit of Mission: The Vision of Pope Francis and the Shape of Ongoing Formation.” Keynote speakers included Fr. John O’Malley, SJ, Bishop Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, Dr. Eileen C. Burke-Sullivan, and Fr. Lou Cameli. CCLV Staff reported on the work of the Committee, with special emphasis on the newly revised guidelines on international pastoral ministers, the initiative to increase Hispanic vocations in the U.S., and concerns regarding the future of care and ongoing formation of priests. Last summer the CCLV Chairman designated Bishop Daniel Thomas, CCLV Committee member, to invite leaders from a wide variety of national organizations for clergy to a special meeting at the USCCB offices to continue a discussion on the needs and available resources for bishops’ delegates responsible for the care and ongoing formation of priests in the U.S. Participants at the meeting recommended the creation of a common database of contact information for Vicars for Clergy and Directors of Ongoing Formation for Priests. Furthermore, the participants encouraged the CCLV Committee to explore the possibility of developing new national resources for Vicars for Clergy and Directors of Ongoing Formation. In light of these recommendations, the CCLV Committee asked the CCLV Secretariat to search for possible planning grant opportunities to assist with the development of further related activities. Unfortunately the plans with the Lilly Endowment Inc. for a grant was not possible at this time. The CCLV Secretariat will continue to develop ties for potential application in the future. The National Federation of Priest Councils (NFPC) met for its annual Convention in April of 2015, in Louisville, Kentucky. The theme was: “Father, Brother, and Son: The Priest in the Family of God.” Keynote speakers included Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Fr. Louis Cameli, and Mr. Joseph Ollier. CCLV Staff reported on the work of the Committee, with special emphasis on the newly revised guidelines on international pastoral ministers, the initiative to increase Hispanic vocations in the U.S., and concerns regarding the future of care and ongoing formation of priests. The International Conference of Consulting & Residential Centers (ICCRC) held their annual conference September 10 – 12, 2015, in New Market, Ontario. Presentations focused on

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the theme, “Moving Forward with Hope.” The speakers included: Susan Roncadin, RN., CPMHN, Kathryn Belicki, Ph.D., Reverend Stephan Kappler, Psy.D. and Benjamin R. Williams, Ph.D., C. Psych. The Asociacion Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos (ANSH) held their 26th Annual Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, August 31 – September 3, 2015, with the theme: “The Family; Strength of the Priest.” Presenters included Dr. Fernando A Ortiz, Ph. D, MBA, and Reverend Rafael Capo, Sch.P. National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States By a joint decree dated October 12, 2009 (Prot. N. 78/2000) and signed by His Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect, and His Eminence Claudio Cardinal Hummes, Prefect, the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Congregation for Clergy granted the USCCB’s request to renew the recognitio to the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (National Directory) for an additional five-year period. The National Directory fulfills the prescriptions of canon 236 of the Code of Canon Law and n. 15 of the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium to ensure unity, earnestness and completeness in the formation, life and ministry of permanent deacons in the United States. In the apostolic letter Ministrorum Institutio, issued motu proprio and dated January 16, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI modified the apostolic constitution Pastor Bonus, transferring responsibility for the initial formation of permanent deacons from the Congregation for Catholic Education to the Congregation for the Clergy. Any revision of the National Directory or request for the further renewal of the recognitio, therefore, will now be submitted solely to the Congregation for the Clergy, preferably at least eight months in advance of the expiration date. With the expiration of the 2009 recognitio quickly approaching, the CCLV Committee asked the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance and the National Association of Diaconate Directors to review the current norms and provisions in the National Directory in order to give their recommendations for changes to the text. Following CCLV’s review of these proposals, the Committee sought the consultation of the body of bishops at the November 2013 regional meetings on whether or not to seek a simple renewal of the recognitio to the National Directory for another five years. In January 2014 CCLV reviewed the responses from the regional meetings and concluded that the prudent recommendation to the body of bishops would be to request a simple renewal of the recognitio for another five-year period, during which a careful revision of the National Directory could take place. Additionally, the National Advisory Council overwhelmingly supported the proposal to seek a simple renewal of the recognitio to the National Directory at this time. In light of all the comments received, CCLV recommended that the body of bishops seek the simple renewal of the recognitio previously granted to the National Directory without any

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changes for another five years. At the June 2014 Plenary Assembly, the body of bishops voted unanimously to accept the Committee’s recommendation. In a Decree from the Congregation for the Clergy dated September 10, 2014 (Prot. N. 20143000) and signed by His Eminence Beniamino Cardinal Stella, Prefect, and His Excellency Jorge Patrón Wong, Archbishop Secretary for Seminaries, the National Directory was granted a renewal of recognitio for another five-year period. Beginning next year the CCLV Committee will carry out a process, in collaboration with other appropriate USCCB Committees and outside consulting organizations (such as the National Association of Diaconate Directors), to develop a draft of the 2nd edition of the National Directory for approval by the body of bishops and subsequent recognitio by the Congregation for the Clergy. Marriage and the Pastoral Care of the Family 2015 In response to the USCCB’s call to further the implementation of the New Evangelization, CCLV tasked itself with developing annual themes for the ongoing formation of priests and deacons in the New Evangelization. For the year 2015, the CCLV Committee chose the theme: “Marriage and the Pastoral Care of the Family.” A number of CCLV’s consulting organizations responded to our special request to provide resources for priests regarding this theme: 

St. Luke’s Institute in Silver Spring, MD has on its Web site a free 30-minute video for clergy entitled: “Pastoral Care for Families: A Family Therapy Primer.” It is available at www.sliconnect.org.



The National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy (NOCERCC) held their annual convention last month near Atlanta, GA. During this convention, a talk was offered on: “Priests in Mission: Enriching Marriage and the Pastoral Care of Families.”



The Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) produced a webpage with a variety of resources for the ongoing formation of priests on the sacrament of marriage. A link to this material can be found at www.usccb.org/priesthood.

All bishops are encouraged to make the on-line resources widely known to their priests. PRIESTLY FORMATION Program of Priestly Formation, 5th edition By a letter dated December 3, 2010 and signed by His Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect (Prot. N. 1370/2003), the Congregation for Catholic Education granted the request of the USCCB to renew the recognitio previously granted ad quinquennium to the Program of Priestly Formation, 5th edition (PPF) for an additional five-year period. The PPF fulfills the obligation of the conference of bishops, as prescribed in canon 242 §1 of the Code of

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Canon Law, to define the main principles and general norms for the formation of priests in the United States, and in accord with the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis. With the approval of the Holy See, the PPF may be adapted to new circumstances in keeping with the pastoral needs of the Church or its approval may be extended. In the apostolic letter Ministrorum Institutio, issued motu proprio and dated January 16, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI modified the apostolic constitution Pastor Bonus, transferring responsibility for seminary formation from the Congregation for Catholic Education to the Congregation for the Clergy. Thus, any future revisions of the PPF or requests for simple renewal of the recognitio will now be submitted to the Congregation for the Clergy, preferably six months in advance of the approval’s expiration. With the expiration of the recognitio approaching, the CCLV Committee invited the CACG Committee, the National Association of College Seminaries, the National Association of Catholic Theological Schools, and the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors to review the current norms and provisions in the PPF and to give their recommendations for possible changes to the text. After reviewing these recommendations, CCLV sought the opportunity to consult the full membership of the Conference on the PPF at the June 2014 regional meetings. The results of the regional meeting responses showed strong support for a request for a simple renewal of the recognitio without any modifications at this time. In light of all the comments received, CCLV recommended that the Administrative Committee support the simple renewal of the recognitio previously granted to the PPF without any changes for another five years. Following the unanimous vote by the body of bishops at the June 2015 Plenary Assembly, a formal request was submitted to the Congregation for the Clergy for its consideration. During the five-year renewal period, CCLV will carry out a process to draft a 6th edition of the PPF. CCLV Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions In June 2011 Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, as CCLV Chairman, convoked a consultation of experts on the matter of the use of psychology in seminary admissions and formation. This special consultation was the outcome of CCLV’s consideration of the Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood from the Congregation for Catholic Education, as well as a survey commissioned by the NCEA Seminary Department and conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) on the screening of seminary candidates (Psychological Assessment: The Testing and Screening of Candidates for Admission to the Priesthood in the U.S. Catholic Church, National Catholic Education Association, 2010). The consultation group (which consisted of proven Catholic psychologists and psychiatrists, vocation directors, diocesan seminary administrators and faculty, religious seminary formation personnel, canonists and legal counsel) recommended that CCLV issue a statement to assist critical church personnel and clinical professionals in carrying out fully the norms already present in the Program of Priestly Formation, fifth edition, with regard to the use

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of psychology in seminary admissions. This proposal was presented to the Administrative Committee in September 2011 and received enthusiastic support. A number of experts and consultants were engaged in the drafting process of this document, including psychologists, canonists, USCCB legal counsel, and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. On January 15, 2014 the CCLV Committee approved a draft of the Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions (CCLV Statement), and, in accord with the Regulations Regarding United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Statements and Publications, submitted it for review to the CACG Committee and the Committee on Doctrine. In June 2014 the Committee on Doctrine conducted a doctrinal review of the text and gave their consent. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, then CACG Chairman, and the current CCLV Chairman designated a workgroup with responsibility for resolving the canonical concerns of the CACG Committee with the CCLV Statement. The workgroup consisted of Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of CACG, Bishop Earl A. Boyea of CCLV, and Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, General Secretary, with Ms. Siobhan Verbeek and Fr. Shawn McKnight providing staff support. The Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions was authorized for publication by the administration committee in March 2015 and published in April. A formal presentation by Fr. Shawn McKnight and Msgr. Stephen Rossetti to introduce the Guidelines was given at the Annual Conference of the National Association of College Seminaries in Columbus, OH in May of 2015. A Bishops workshop was offered on June 9 in St. Louis, MO, which included presentations by Bishop Mark Bartchak, Mr. Jeffrey Moon and Fr. David Songy O.F.M. Cap. A presentation was given for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) in September and to the National Association of Catholic Theological Schools (NACTS), in October of this year. Ordination Class of 2015 CCLV commissioned CARA to conduct the survey of ordinands to the priesthood in 2015, and the results of the survey were released to the public before celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, on Good Shepherd Sunday. The entire survey and press release can be found at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ordination-class/index.cfm. The survey pulled approximately 69 percent of the 595 potential ordinands reported to CARA. These 411 respondents include 317 ordinands to the diocesan priesthood, from 120 different dioceses and archdioceses, and 94 ordinands to the religious priesthood. Some of the major findings of the report are: 

The average age of ordinands for the Class of 2015 is 34. The median age is 31. Eight in ten responding ordinands are between 25 and 39. This distribution is slightly younger than in 2014, but follows a pattern of recent years of average age at ordination in the midthirties.

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   



Two-thirds of responding ordinands (69 percent) identify themselves as white, (14 percent) identify as Hispanic and (10 percent) identifies as Asian. One-quarter of the ordinands (25 percent) were born outside the United States, with the largest number coming from Columbia, Mexico, the Philippines, Nigeria, Poland, and Vietnam. More than half of ordinands completed college (60 percent) before entering seminary, among which one in seven (15 percent) entered the seminary with a graduate degree. Half of the responding ordinands (51 percent) attended Catholic elementary school, which is a rate higher than that of all Catholic adults in the United States. In addition, ordinands are somewhat more likely than other U.S. Catholic adults to have attended a Catholic high school and they are much more likely to have attended a Catholic college (45percent, compared to 7 percent among U.S. Catholic adults). Just over a quarter (26 percent) carried educational debt at the time they entered the seminary, averaging a little over 22,500 in educational debt at entrance into seminary. CONSECRATED LIFE

Year of Consecrated Life During the meeting of the Union of Superiors General in November 2013, Pope Francis declared his intention to proclaim 2015 a “Year of Consecrated Life.” In a press conference held in January 2014, the Prefect for the Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinal João Braz De Aviz, announced that the special year will be celebrated in association with the observance of the 50th anniversaries of Lumen Gentium and Perfectae Caritatis. The first objective of this special year, he said, is to “make a grateful remembrance of the recent past.” With this positive outlook on the past, he continued, “we want to ‘embrace the future with hope,’” the second objective. In collaboration with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, and the Leadership Council of Women Religious, the CCLV Committee approved a common strategy to promote the observance of the Year of Consecrated Life in the United States. The joint activities include:  On-line resources available from each of the four conferences. The USCCB has a dedicated webpage with a variety of resources available for parishes to promote the Year of Consecrated Life (see www.usccb.org/consecratedlife), with links to the resources available on the other conferences’ Web sites;  A schedule wherein each of the four conferences take responsibility on a weekly rotation to promote the Year for Consecrated Life through social media (#YCL15; #YCL2015; #Yearofconsecratedlife)  “Days with Religious” to provide families and young people with greater exposure to religious life. The dates and themes are as follows: Sunday, February 8: Religious Open Houses Summer 2015: Days of Service with Religious Sunday, September 13: Day of Prayer with Religious

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A joint press conference was held at the USCCB offices on October 1, 2014 to promote the “Days with Religious” in 2015. The remarks delivered at the press conference by Fr. James Greenfield, OSFS, President of CMSM, Sr. Marie Bernadette Thompson, OP, Council Coordinator of CMSWR, Sr. Marcia Allen, CSJ, President of LCWR, and the CCLV Chairman are available online at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ consecrated-life/year-of-consecrated-life/index.cfm. The Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) held their annual assembly, August 5 – 8, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first of the two keynote addresses at the assembly, the Most Rev. Joseph Tobin, CSsR, Archbishop of Indianapolis, delivered a presentation on behalf of Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Dr. Massimo Faggioli, was the second key note, presented “The Ecclesiology of Vatican II as a New Framework for Consecrated Life.” The Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, addressed the assembly concerning: the CCLV’s collaborative efforts with consulting organizations of Religious to promote vocation awareness during the Year of Consecrated Life, the findings from the CARA survey of the Profession Class of 2014 and an overview of the Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States. CCLV Staff attended the National Religious Brothers Conference in July, at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD. Keynotes were given by Fr. John Pavlik, OFM Cap., Br. Paul Michalenko, ST, and Br. Ignatius Perkins, OP. On October 17, 2015 a Day of Consecrated Life was held in the Great Upper Church in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Reflections were given by Sr. Lucille Cutraone, CFR and Reverend James Greenfiled, OSFS. The Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Carlo Maria Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Profession Class of 2014 CCLV commissioned CARA to conduct the survey of the religious profession class of 2014, and the results of the survey were released to the public before the annual celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. The entire survey and press release can be found at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/consecrated-life/professionclass/index.cfm. The survey polled women and men religious who professed perpetual vows in 2014 in a religious congregation, province, or monastery based in the U.S. CARA received a response from 454 of 799 major superiors, for an overall response rate of 57 percent among religious institutes. In all, 75 percent of LCWR superiors, 49 percent of CMSM superiors, 66 percent of CMSWR superiors, and 27 percent of superiors of contemplative communities provided contact information for 190 members who professed perpetual vows in 2014. Of these 190 women and men, a total of 77 sisters and nuns and 41 brothers responded to the survey. These brothers may include some men who will also study for the priesthood. This

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represents a response rate of 62 percent of the 190 potential members of the Profession Class of 2014 that were reported to CARA by major superiors. Some of the major findings of the report are: 

Most religious did not report that educational debt delayed their application for entrance to their institute. Among those who did report educational debt, however, they averaged one year of delay while they paid down an average of $15,750 in educational debt. Several of the women, but none of the men, reported receiving assistance in paying down their debt.



Half of the responders are age 34 or younger. The youngest is 24; the oldest is 64.



Two-thirds of responding religious (67 percent) identify as white, more than one in seven (15 percent) identifies as Hispanic, and more than one in seven (14 percent) identifies as Asian.



Most responding religious (76 percent) were born in the U.S. Of those born outside the United States, the most common countries of origin are the Philippines and Vietnam.



Among those identifying as Hispanic/Latino two-thirds (67 percent) are U.S. born and one-third (33 percent) are foreign born. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander/ Native Hawaiian (94 percent) are predominantly foreign born. Nearly all identifying as Caucasian/white (95 percent) are U.S. born.



About four in ten responders (42 percent) attended a Catholic elementary school, is the same as that for all Catholic adults in the United States (42 percent). These respondents are more likely than other U.S. Catholics to have attended a Catholic high school (31 percent of respondents, compared to 22 percent of U.S. adult Catholics) and much more likely to have attended a Catholic college (34 percent of responding religious, compared to just 7 percent of U.S. adult Catholics). Responding women religious are less likely than brothers to have attended a Catholic college (27 percent for women compared to 46 percent for men).

World Day for Consecrated Life The annual event of the World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated throughout the Church on February 2 and in parishes in the U.S. on the weekend of February 7-8. It provided the opportunity to highlight the contribution of men and women in consecrated life and to encourage others to consider this vocation, especially during this Year of Consecrated Life. A press release was issued, which summarized the results of CARA’s report on the profession class of 2014 and provided the link to the USCCB Web site for helpful materials, prayers of intercession, and bulletin posts.

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VOCATIONS NCDVD Subcommittee on Hispanic Vocations In September 2015 the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) held their 52nd annual convention in St. Louis, MO, with the theme “St. Joseph, Icon of Spiritual Fatherhood.” Featured speakers were Archbishop George Lucas, Bishop Robert Hermann, Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz, OP, Mr. Miguel Naranjo, Dr. Christina Lynch, Psy.D., Scott and Annie Powell. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti and Fr. Shawn McKnight gave a presentation on the guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions. Fr. Ralph O’Donnell conducted an orientation session to the Program of Priestly Formation, 5th edition, at the New Vocation Directors’ pre-convention workshop. A Round Table discussion was hosted by the CCLV Staff for leadership from a number of national organizations committed to Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry along with Vocations, to gather input on how they can continue to imrove communication with each other in promoting vocations. CCLV continues to implement strategies to achieve the goal set by the CCLV Committee in the strategic plan approved at the November 2012 Plenary Assembly to increase the number of Hispanic seminarians and new religious by 25% in 2016 over 2013 levels. The Committee developed a “Framework for Promotion of Hispanic Vocations in the United States,” which envisions a broad cooperative effort among many collaborative groups both within and outside the USCCB. On this point, the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) has been especially helpful by agreeing to conduct formation workshops on Hispanic vocations for vocation directors beginning with their 2015 regional workshops. The NCDVD Subcommittee on Hispanic Vocations met during the October 2014 NCDVD convention on Long Island, New York, at which Archbishop Jorge Patrón Wong, Archbishop Secretary for Seminaries of the Congregation for the Clergy, participated. The dates and locations have been set for the NCDVD Hispanic Workshops: New York, October 29-30, 2015; Texas, January 23-24, 2016; Florida, April, 20-21, 2016; and California, April 25-26, 2016. USA Council of Serra International At the Serra International Convention held in Sacramento, CA, last summer, it was happily reported that the legal dispute between Serra International and the USA Council of Serra International had been resolved, with the lawsuit dismissed in May 2014 without prejudice. Both the Serra International Board and the USA Council of Serra passed a “Resolution of Unity,” which included the consolidation of their administrative offices. A single Executive Director, Mr. John Liston, was hired with a single location for their offices in Chicago, IL. The CCLV Committee was heartened to hear of the resolution and invited the new president of the USA Council of Serra International, Mr. Bob Labat, to participate in the CCLV Consulting Organizations meeting in November 2014. His presence and that of Mr. Liston were welcomed by all.

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In January 2015 Fr. McKnight attended the Serra USA Rally held in Houston, TX, at which he delivered a keynote address on the importance of a culture of encouragement for vocations in parishes.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS Members: Archbishop John C. Wester, Chairman; Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, Chairman-elect; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; Bishop James D. Conley; Bishop Ronald P. Herzog; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas; Bishop Joseph J. Tyson; Bishop James S. Wall Consultants: Rev. Paul Soukup, SJ; Sr. Mary Johnson, SNDdeN; Sr. Julie Vieira, IHM; Mr. Phil Alongi; Mr. James Berlucchi; Mr. Rob DeFrancesco; Ms. Carolina Guevara; Mr. Dave Maluchnik; Ms. Amy Mitchell; Mrs. Maria Muñoz-Visoso; Ms. Sally Oberski; Mr. Dominic Perri; Mr. Bret Thomas; Dr. Daniella Zsupan-Jerome Staff: Mr. Don Clemmer; Mr. David Felber; Mr. Matthew Kilmurry; Mrs. Helen Osman; Mr. James Rogers; Mr. Anthony Spence

2015 Foci At its October 2014 meeting, the Committee approved these four elements, as defined, to be a priority for the USCCB Communications Department, through Sept. 30, 2015. Following is an update on progress since March 2015. I.

Engage Public in Potential Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to United States Helen Osman served as national communications coordinator on behalf of the Holy See and USCCB. The project created a robust, secure and transparent credentialing and logistical service for 8,000 media professionals and negotiated the pool television feed that secured rights for future Church use. The Communications Office launched a media effort that:       

Created more than 2,000 pieces of social media content, including 59 videos in real time Generated 18.5 million content impressions Saw 5.1 billion impressions for the campaign hashtags #PopeinUS and #PapaenUSA Hosted 1.25 million viewers for more than 300 hours of USCCB live streaming Published more than 300 full length stories and graphics through CNS, in addition to reaching nearly 9 million people on their Facebook page alone Earned $280,000 in Pope Francis related sales on the e-store Recorded more than 25,000 downloads of the Catholic Church mobile app

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II.

Positive Growth in Revenue Overall revenue has increased 10% in the first half of 2015 over the first half of 2014. Catholic News Service revenue is up 9% while the USCCB Store is up 1%. This has been accomplished through a variety of marketing tactics. USCCB Communications increased its email database from just over 100,000 to over 200,000 in the first half of 2015. This was done primarily through the daily readings email list as well as social promotions. Targeted email campaigns are sent out 3-4 times per week with varying messages highlighting resources in the online store, USCCB news and events as well as social promotions. The email list is segmented by the audiences Catholic Leaders (40%) and Catholic Living (60%). USCCB Communications has promoted four social media giveaways in the first half of 2015 including Lent Ashtag, Mystagogy Resources, Encyclical Giveaway and the Pope Francis Rosary Giveaway. Attached is an info graphic showing the increase in participation for the second annual Pope Francis Rosary Giveaway in May.

III.

Diversify Kinds of Content Worked collaboratively with the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis to create the Welcome Day campaign for parishes and dioceses. Below is a short description of the campaign. The visit of Pope Francis to the United States is a moment of evangelization for the Catholic Church in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraging dioceses and parishes to host a Welcome Day to build on the excitement. Show your community the love and fellowship that is present in your parish. Downloadable Welcome Day materials include: Simple Planning Materials for Leaders, Customizable Welcoming Emails and Bulletin Inserts, and Easy-to-Use Tools to Prepare Your Parish. Welcome Day Activities, Including a Tour of Your Church, A Walk Through the Mass, and a Prayer Service.

IV.

Define Technological Systems to Become a 24/7 Service USCCB Communications published 26 editions of This Week in Ministry for myUSCCB members in the first half of 2015. During the APCO Worldwide study of myUSCCB, it was determined that the majority of myUSCCB members find This Week in Ministry to be highly valuable. One member commented, "This Week in Ministry alone makes the cost of myUSCCB worth it." The popularity of This Week in Ministry, as well as the myUSCCB Live Events and downloadable resources contributed to 279 new memberships in the first half of 2015 for a total of $47,834 in revenue. USCCB Communications has also done 11 live demos for dioceses across the country to showcase features of myUSCCB and to let them know about Unlimited Access for all parishes in their diocese. The Diocese of

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Salt Lake City has signed up for two years of Unlimited Access for all parishes for just over $12,000 per year. The Catholic Church Mobile App solution made significant progress in the first half of 2015 with an estimated launch date of August 2015. myUSCCB membership will be free for one year after the launch of the mobile app to encourage adoption at the parish level. The membership will be free for the Gold Package only, which will result in additional revenue in late 2016. Public Affairs Since March, the media relations team has facilitated more than 2,600 media interviews or placements including major news events such as Laudato Si and the Supreme Court decision on marriage as well as staffed filing centers in three cities hosting 8,000 journalists for the Papal Visit. Collections Staff is working with Office of National Collections to prepare materials for the next CCC campaign. The CCC subcommittee met October 22, after the filing of the report.

Archbishop John C. Wester Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH Members: Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Chairman; Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Chairman-Elect; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.; Bishop Gerald R. Barnes; Bishop Randolph R. Calvo; Bishop Rutilio J. del Riego; Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Staff: Mr. Alejandro Aguilera-Titus; Ms. Donna Toliver Grimes; Mrs. Maria del Mar Muñoz-Visoso; Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ; Rev. Maurice Henry Sands; Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSCS Subcommittee on African American Affairs Members: Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Chairman; Bishop Herbert A. Bevard; Bishop Manuel A. Cruz; Bishop Dennis J. Madden; Bishop William F. Medley; Bishop Joseph N. Perry; Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ; Bishop George A. Sheltz; Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD Consultants: Deacon Jesse Watley; Sr. Gertrude Lilly Ihenacho, FHM; Ms. Andrea M. Auguster; Mr. Fredron DeKarlos Blackmon Staff: Ms. Donna Toliver Grimes Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs: Members: Bishop Randolph R. Calvo, Chairman; Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius; Bishop William J. Justice; Bishop Dominic M. Luong; Bishop Larry Silva; Bishop Oscar Azarcon Solis; Bishop F. Richard Spencer; Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan; Bishop Joseph J. Tyson Consultants: Rev. Linh Hoang; Ms. Carolyn Ng Staff: Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSCS Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs Members: Bishop Gerald R. Barnes, Chairman; Bishop Oscar Cantú; Bishop Arturo Cepeda; Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez; Bishop Martin D. Holley; Bishop Nelson J. Perez; Bishop Mark J. Seitz; Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Consultants: Archbishop J. Peter Sartain; Ms. Carmen Aguinaco; Mr. Andres Arango Staff: Mr. Alejandro Aguilera-Titus

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Subcommittee on Native American Affairs Members: Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap., Chairman; Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett; Archbishop Alexander K. Sample; Bishop Peter F. Christensen; Bishop Ronald P. Herzog; Bishop Donald J. Kettler; Bishop George L. Thomas; Bishop James S. Wall Consultants: Rev. Wayne C. Paysse; Sr. Kateri Mitchell, SSA; Mr. Juanatano Cano Staff: Rev. Maurice Henry Sands Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers (PCMRT) Members: Bishop Rutilio J. del Riego, Chairman; Bishop J. Kevin Boland; Bishop Michael J. Byrnes; Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, SDV; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop John R. Manz; Bishop Joseph N. Perry; Bishop Guy Sansaricq Consultants: Cardinal Adam Maida; Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki; Bishop Mar Barnaba Habash; Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki; Msgr. Anselm Nwaorgu; Rev. Jean Yvon Pierre; Deacon Michael Riggio; Ms. Heather Reynolds Staff: Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ; Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSCS

Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit The Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church co-sponsored a Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit in St. Louis, MO in June with the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, and the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service. Some thirty five bishops attended, as well as national leaders involved in lay ecclesial ministry. The central focus of the summit was to revisit the state of LEM in the Church on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the USCCB’s document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. There were some substantial presentations and discussions on a wide array of related topics including theological foundations, current statistical trends and generational shifts, authorization and certification, evolving pathways and even differing ethnic and cultural understandings of what constitutes Lay Ecclesial Ministry. One observation that emerged among the CDC Committee members who participated was that the discussion on lay ministry was mainly centered on the parish structure. The committee agreed that diocesan structures should also be considered. Are they prepared to deal with a diverse Church? The Committee also suggested that further theological development has to happen, with the assistance on the Committee on Doctrine, to answer to the question: How does the lay ecclesial minister—as we understand it in the United States—fit into the larger mission of the laity in light of what the Holy Father is saying about the mission of the whole Church to evangelize and to be missionaries? One other remarkable fact is that, according to the most recent CARA study, only 17 percent of those currently in Lay Ecclesial Ministry say they

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feel equipped to minister in a diverse Church environment. CDC committee members considered this an affirmation of the need for the BICM program and for including the intercultural competencies in LEM Formation programs to help reverse these statistics. Once the proceedings of the LEM Summit are compiled and distributed, the CDC Committee will study the outcomes and suggestions, and decide on possible next steps, working with the other committees that were involved in this initiative. V National Encuentro on Hispanic Ministry Update The CDC Committee was looking forward to the discussion of the diocesan and regional aspects of a Fifth Encuentro on Hispanic Ministry at the June meeting in St. Louis. The Committee on Cultural Diversity and Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs have received the notes with questions and comments that emerged from each episcopal region and will consider them in order to respond as needed and offer the information requested. For additional information on the preparations for a Fifth Encuentro, please see the extended Subcommittee report on this topic. Draft Statement on Pornography The CDC Committee provided the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY) feedback on the proposed draft Statement on Pornography. The CDC committee unanimously affirmed the need to have a statement on this issue that offers a positive path for a serious addiction that is running rampant among youth and adults, and breaking up families. Overall, the CDC Committee recommended to shorten the length of the statement and the development of pamphlets targeting different audiences such as young people, parents, educators, confirmation directors, catechists, etc. The committee also suggested that there could be versions directed to different cultural groups, highlighting the issues they deal with in their respective cultures. The CDC Committee affirmed its disposition to consult in the development of these. It was also suggested that a series of short, positive videos on the beauty of sexuality and respect for women as reflected in the teaching of the Church be produced. Young people are constantly using and sharing short YouTube videos, so this would be a very positive and accessible ‘antidote’ to pornographic images. Catholic Education Report The Committee expressed gratitude to the Secretariat of Catholic Education for compiling the notes of the regional discussions on Catholic Education, including discussion of outreach to Latino and other underserved populations. The CDC Committee reviewed the report and expressed a desire to disseminate the outcome of the regional discussions on education in part to broaden the discussion beyond the USCCB. The Secretariat of Catholic Education is working on a version that will combine highlights of the regional discussions and elements from the presentations made to the bishops during the General Assembly by Archbishop Lucas and Bishop Flores, as well as other speakers during the workshop preceding the meeting. It was noted that the NCEA is also very interested in disseminating the results of the bishops’ discussion on education. CARA Cultural Diversity Study-Phase II Update CARA provided a Preliminary Topline Report for In-pew Interviews in Culturally Diverse Catholic Parishes. This is a preliminary report for Phase Two of the study on Cultural

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Diversity in the Church commissioned by the CDC Committee. The main focus was interpreting the data gathered from the in-pew surveys to understand what the responses are revealing about diversity in Catholic parishes, how it affects parish life and how the different groups view it and deal with it. The discussion included an analysis of CARA’s survey design, remarkable trends, and notable differences and commonalities among the different ethnic groups, as well a number of questions for clarification to be included in the feedback to CARA. This preliminary report did not include a narrative but just tables and numbers. The final report is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2015. The CDC Committee intends to review it at its November meeting and will seek opportunities to share the results with the entire body of bishops shortly after. Subcommittee reports follow. The Subcommittee on African American Affairs The Subcommittee on African American Affairs met in June as part of the Bishops’ General meeting in St. Louis, MO. The following are activity highlights. Reports on the State of the Ministry Committee members and consultants shared highlights about African American Catholic ministry in the Archdioceses of Baltimore, New York and New Orleans, and through the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary. Proposed Pastoral Letter on Racism The Subcommittee will include this priority in the next planning cycle (2017-2020). Promoting Sacramental Marriage As part of the objectives of the Subcommittee for the current strategic planning cycle, a two-hour workshop on sacramental marriage was given to 200 teens at the July 2015 Convention of the Junior Knights and Daughters of Peter Claver in Orlando FL. Dr. Christopher and Mrs. Sonya Pichon facilitated an interactive session that defined sacramental marriage, highlighted qualities of a good marriage and family structure centered in Christ, and identified challenges to the nature and purpose of marriage. Bishop Shelton Fabre addressed the youth at the opening of the break-out session and was the homilist for the closing liturgy. Young Adult Summit African American Affairs hosted a Listening Session on May 29-31, 2015 at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in Maryland to exchange ideas about evangelizing and working with Black Catholic young adults. Diocesan staff, parish priests and national organizations nominated a group of 23 young adults from 18 dioceses. Exploring the theme, Transitions in the Life of Young Adults: Where is the Church in These Moments?, the sessions focused on the participants’ experience of faith, what Catholics believe, finding our (Black Catholic) story in the Catholic Church, the role of Black Catholic young adults in the Church and cultivating an evangelizing spirit. Highlights and recommendations will be reported to the Subcommittee, nominators, diocesan directors of African American Catholic ministry, and other stakeholders, as appropriate.

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The next meeting of the subcommittee is scheduled for November in Baltimore, MD, during the General Assembly. The Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs The Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs (SCAPA) met in June in St. Louis, MO in conjunction with the USCCB Spring Meeting. National Pastoral Plan for Asian Pacific Island Catholics A preliminary summary of findings from an online survey, part of the research phase to develop a national pastoral plan (API/NPP), was presented by Dr. Tricia Bruce at the SCAPA June meeting. Focus groups and interviews with key Asian and Pacific Island leaders are also currently underway. A full report was delivered by the social scientists in August 2015. In January 2016 a summit involving the API/NNP Steering Committee and the Advisory Board will be convened to develop an outline of the national pastoral plan, incorporating the findings of the research phase. CARA Preliminary Report for In-pew Interviews in Culturally Diverse Catholic Parishes A topline report for In-pew surveys with parishioners presents some findings on Asian and Pacific Islanders that seem to correlate with some of the findings of the research project for the national pastoral plan of Dr. Bruce and her team. The full report was released in September 2015. Progress report on the projects related to the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith A request to authorize the publication of two small books on Korean and Vietnamese Catholics in the US was submitted to the USCCB Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee authorized the publication of the two small books during its September meeting. The same protocol will be allowed for future publication of the small book series. A draft of the Primer will be submitted by the writer to the Subcommittee at the next meeting. Pope Francis’ Visit in September Asian and Pacific Island Catholic communities made preparations to participate in events during the Holy Father’s September visit. In conjunction with the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, Filipinos gathered at a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Luis Tagle in Our Lady of Hope Parish on September 24; Archbishop Paul Bui presided at a Mass in Vietnamese on September 26 at St. Helena Church; and Chinese Catholics organized a program at Holy Redeemer Church where three keynote speakers (including Carolyn Woo of Catholic Relief Services) addressed Chinese youth and adults. Highlights from National Networks Hmong American National Catholic Association (HANCA) The 2015 Biennial HANCA Conference was held on July 24-26, 2015 in Three Rivers, CA, in the Diocese of Fresno. The theme was “Dare You to Move – How beautiful are the feet of

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those who bring good news of good things” based on Romans 10:14-15. The Conference has become the most important biennial gathering of Hmong Catholic communities, both nationally and internationally. Asian Pacific Catholic Network (APCN) The Asian and Pacific Island Catholics for Mary 13th Annual Pilgrimage on May 2nd at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC drew around 2,000 people from Metro Washington DC, Maryland, Baltimore, Richmond, Arlington, Charlotte, New Jersey and New York. The day long program included confession, popular devotion to Mary and a concelebrated Mass presided over by Bishop Mario DorsonvilleRodriguez, auxiliary bishop of Washington. Korean American Priests’ Association (KAPA) KAPA held its annual conference on May 11-15, 2015 in Techny, IL. The Korean American Catholics (KAC) will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in the US in 2016 and preparations are underway for a big celebration. Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement On June 9-14, a Youth-Leader’s Training Camp was held in Germantown, MD. The Training Camp is a rigorous five-day training program designed to educate, promote, and prepare over 50 highly selected candidates around the country to be spiritual directors, trainers, educators and Youth-Leaders. The next subcommittee meeting will be held in November in conjunction with the USCCB General meeting in Baltimore, MD. The Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs Preparation for a proposed V National Encuentro for the next planning cycle The Subcommittee met in conjunction with the USCCB Spring Meeting in St. Louis, MO. Throughout the course of the meeting, the committee affirmed Episcopal Regional structures that have been set in place to prepare for the V Encuentro. Each Episcopal region includes a lead bishop, an anchoring institution, and a chairperson. The members also approved the text, “Called and Sent to Encuentro” prepared by Dr. Hoffsman Espino and presented to the Hispanic Ministry Network, to be used during the preparatory time for V Encuentro. In addition, the members decided that the V Encuentro is the way in which Hispanic Catholics can join in the efforts of a Continental Mission called forth by the bishops of Latin America as a result of the general meeting in Aparecida, Brazil. There was a unanimous agreement that V Encuentro will explicitly address the way in which the Hispanic/Latino community engages in the Church. Regarding the V Encuentro national event, the subcommittee has identified the weekend of September 27-30, 2018 as the likely date for the national gathering in Dallas, Texas. Bishop Kevin Farrell has expressed his openness for the national event of the V Encuentro to take place in his diocese. Fundraising efforts for the V Encuentro are already underway and commitments from sponsoring organizations and foundations have already surpassed the $500,000 mark. Pope Francis blessed the “Cross of the Encuentros” during his visit to Philadelphia.

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Participation in the VIII World Meeting of Families The Subcommittee hosted a one day Encuentro with Hispanic/Latino families from around the U.S. and families representing different Episcopal Conferences in Latin America. This gathering, titled Primer Encuentro Hispano-Latinoaméricano de Familias (PEHLAF) took place on September 21st in Philadelphia, PA in conjunction with the 2015 World Meeting of Families. The purpose of the gathering was to discuss family ministry among Hispanic/Latino families in the Continent. Bishop Gerald Barnes, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, and Bishop Oscar Cantú presented during the PEHLAF. This unprecedented event was organized in partnership with the Subcommittee for the Church in Latin America. A Hispanic Ministry Workshop for Diocesan Directors on Vocations The National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors has developed a two-day workshop on Hispanic ministry, designed to help diocesan directors for vocations to better understand and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life among Hispanic-Latino families. Four workshops have been scheduled over the next several months in different parts of the country. They will take place in Huntington, New York in October, in Corpus Christie, Texas in January, in Boynton Beach, Florida in April, and in Menlo Park, California in April. Hispanic Bishops will be asked to provide a key-note presentation during these workshops. This effort is the result of the increasing level of collaboration between the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs and the NCDVD (National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors), particularly their Subcommittee on Hispanic Ministry. Status of the third edition of the Roman Missal in Spanish for the dioceses of the United States The request for recognitio of the "Misal Romano para las diócesis de los Estados Unidos" (Tercera Edición) was sent to the Congregation for Divine Worship (CDW) almost two years ago, but no response has been received. Members of the Subcommittee and numerous other bishops have expressed serious concern about this delay, stressing the great pastoral need and the urgency of having adequate liturgical texts in Spanish. At the request of the Subcommittee, the Chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, Bishop Daniel Flores, and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, Bishop Gerald Barnes, wrote a joint letter to Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, President of USCCB, urging him to bring this matter to the attention of the CDW. Archbishop Kurtz plans to bring this matter up with the CDW as a major concern for the Conference during his annual visit with Vatican dicasteries this October. The Subcommittee will meet in November in conjunction with the USCCB general meeting in Baltimore, MD. The Subcommittee on Native American Affairs The Subcommittee met during the USCCB Spring General Assembly of June 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. Request for Feedback from the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs on the Development of Proper Prayers for the Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

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Archbishop Chaput was asked by the Committee on Divine Worship to canvass the members of the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs about reference being made to Native Americans in the revised Opening Prayer that is being developed for the Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The general consensus of the members of the Subcommittee was that the best term to be used in the prayer will be ‘Native peoples.’ Archbishop Chaput asked Fr. Henry Sands to forward the Subcommittee’s feedback on this matter to the Executive Director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship. Proposed 2016 Native American Ministry Orientation Workshop for Bishops This workshop had been proposed to be held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel in Burlingame, California in July 2016. Fr. Henry Sands informed the members of the Subcommittee about the following two challenging factors: the costs for holding the workshop at one of the hotels near the San Francisco Airport will be very high; and some bishops have declined the invitation to participate in the workshop because they will be attending World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. After some discussion, the members of the Subcommittee decided that they would like the date of the workshop to be moved to February or March of 2017 and that the location of the workshop be moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Upcoming Canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra The members of the Subcommittee discussed the objections to the upcoming canonization of Blessed Serra that have been expressed by some Native Americans and by others. Fr. Henry Sands indicated that a lot of misinformation about Blessed Serra and the California missions has been presented in the media and that this has provided impetus for a lot of the objections that have been expressed. The pushback by Native Americans is also connected to all of the serious wrongdoing and injustices that were committed by those who came and brutalized, murdered and vanquished the Native peoples as they ‘conquered’ and established dominion over the Americas. Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland asked if there will be a similar response in the future if Bishop Baraga is beatified and canonized. Fr. Henry Sands responded that he did not foresee the same kind of negative response because Bishop Baraga has been and is still revered and greatly respected by Native Americans. Archbishop Chaput asked Fr. Wayne Paysse, Executive Director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, to be prepared to receive requests from and administer grants to Native American Catholics for attendance of the canonization of Blessed Serra. Report from Sr. Kateri Mitchell on the Tekakwitha Conference Sr. Kateri Mitchell indicated that she continues to visit Native American Catholics across the United States to affirm them in the Catholic Faith and to help them to see how St. Kateri Tekakwitha can be a role model and inspiration for them. Sr. Kateri said that she has been in discussions with various Native American individuals and groups about the upcoming canonization of Blessed Serra. They have expressed to her that they feel hurt and offended that he is going to be canonized. Sr. Kateri said that she would like to see the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs or some other group of bishops issue some

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kind of conciliatory statement about the upcoming canonization of Blessed Serra or to organize some kind of reconciliation service. The members of the Subcommittee had a discussion about the positive influence of St. Kateri on the Catholic Church in the United States. Bishop Donald Kettler, Bishop of St. Cloud, said that many of the young ladies he has confirmed have chosen Kateri as their confirmation name. He suggested that it would be a worthwhile undertaking to develop material on the life of St. Kateri that could be sent to all of the dioceses in the United States. Report from Fr. Wayne Paysse, Executive Director, Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions Archbishop Chaput announced to the members of the Subcommittee that Fr. Paysse would be returning to the Archdiocese of New Orleans to begin serving as the pastor of a parish there on July 1, 2015. Archbishop Chaput and the other members of the Subcommittee thanked Fr. Paysse for his generous and dedicated service as Executive Director of the Black and Indian Mission Office for the past 8 ½ years. Fr. Paysse said that it was a blessing and honor to be at the service of the bishops and to be in a role of service to the Catholic Church in the United States that has continued to the present day since being established in 1874. Fr. Paysse informed the members of the Subcommittee that $200,000 in grants have been awarded to dioceses by the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions to assist those who wish to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Fr. Paysse indicated that he will continue to serve as one of the Vice-Postulators for a cause for the canonization of Native American and Franciscan missionaries who were martyred in Northern Florida in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fr. Paysse also shared something about his involvement with a project that is being initiated to assist Native Americans who are incarcerated in correctional facilities within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of New York. Fr. Paysse also shared information about recent meetings with the Conventual Franciscans who oversee the National Shrine dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York and with the Jesuits who oversee the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs in Auriesville, New York. Both religious congregations have announced their intention to discontinue their oversight of the two shrines. Fr. Paysse said that he is also communicating with Bishop Scharfenberger of Albany, NY about these impending changes. Fr. Paysse has been meeting with diocesan staff of the Archdiocese of Miami and the Diocese of Beaumont (Texas) to assist them with the establishment of Native American Ministry offices. Fr. Paysse has pledged to provide financial grants to Pastoral Maya to assist them with their efforts to provide pastoral care to Mayan Catholics in various places in the United States. At the conclusion of his presentation, Fr. Paysse distributed copies of the 2014 Annual Report for the Black and Indian Mission Office. UPDATE: Effective September 1, Rev. Maurice Henry Sands was appointed Executive Director of the Black and Indian Missions Office in Washington, DC, which includes the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions. USCCB is currently conducting a search to fill the position of CDCAssistant Director for Native American Affairs, left open by Fr. Sands’ departure.

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The Subcommittee on the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers (PCMRT) The Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers (PCMRT) met in June in St. Louis, MO in conjunction with the USCCB General Meeting. The highlights of the meeting are described below. Discussion on the National Advisers It was decided to have a smaller task force group to follow up on the National Advisers meeting of July 2014, in order to strengthen the outreach and development of the various apostolates to ethnic and people-on-the-move groups. There is a need to further examine the suggestions of the National Advisers for the purpose of implementation. Among other activities, there is the need to identify parishes that can do outreach to the people on the move and the ethnic communities where they are and to work with them so that they may provide resources and pastoral care. The newly launched USCCB Catholic Church Mobile Application can be used to serve these communities. It was suggested to make presentations at the different regional and national meetings to sensitize bishops and ministers on the pastoral needs of these groups. PCMRT Study A decision was made to carry out a study on ethnic groups and people-on-the-move communities. The study will help to increase the Church’s understanding of these populations in order to better serve them as well as to provide relevant pastoral care. The Holy Year of Mercy At the meeting, the Subcommittee offered comments on the PCMRT action plan of activities generated from the group discussion during the National Advisers Meeting: a) Christian witnessing on Charity and compassion to the vulnerable, especially the migrants, refugees and people on the move, b) empowering the various ethnic communities through seminars and workshops to engage in outreach ministry to the newly arrived members of the community to give them a sense of welcome and belonging, c) assisting couples and families in crisis. Third African National Eucharistic Congress The theme of the Third African National Eucharistic Congress is to reflect on “The African Catholic Family, a gift to the Church in America” at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in August, 2016. World Meeting of Families PCMRT is collaborating with the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious, the National Association of African Catholics in the United States, and the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugee office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to discuss the pastoral care needs for Africans Catholics, and the need for African families to be more active and engaged in the life and mission of the Church.

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Co-Sponsoring of ACCCRUS in Boston, MA from July 29-August 1, 2015 The theme of the convention was "Rediscovering the vision of family morals and values." There were presentations on “Recovering the Biblical Vision and Values of the Christian Family”, “Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers to the US” and “Sustaining the African Catholic Family in Today's Diverse American Culture”. Most Reverend Rutilio J. del Riego, Chairman, PCMRT Subcommittee, and Most Reverend John A. Dooher, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, participated in the event. Over 125 African Catholic Clergy and Religious were in attendance. The Apostleship of the Sea Bishop Kevin Boland participated in The North American Maritime Ministry Association conference (NAMMA) held in Montreal, Quebec, September 29 to October 2, 2015. Collaboration with Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network (CMFN) The PCMRT Subcommittee sponsored the Board meeting for the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network at the Theological College, Washington, DC, October 26-29, 2015. Eight CMFN board members participated. Most Rev. John Manz, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and Episcopal Liaison to the migrant farmworkers ministry, and Most Rev. Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson, participated in the pastoral visit to migrant workers in Jackson, Mississippi, October, 11-16, 2015. They visited farms in Vardaman, Bruce, Greenwood, families of Heartland Fishery in Itta Bena, MS, Tutwiler Clinic, and employees at La Cabaña, in Cleveland, MS. The Bishops shared in the life of the migrant farmworkers and celebrated sacraments.  It was suggested that PCMRT, through its Chairman, request dioceses to appoint or designate priest chaplains whose duty it would be to minister to itinerant people during their stay within the diocese. PCMRT continues to strengthen ministries with diverse ethnic groups of African, Caribbean, European and Brazilian communities as well as people-on-the-move groups, and provides support in ministry and leadership development through national conferences, conventions and gatherings. PCMRT is expanding pastoral outreach to more ethnic and peopleon-the-move communities, educating and training members to promote leadership capabilities, strengthening communion with local churches through pastoral visits, and creating national support groups and awareness on issues of social justice and community building. Bishop Daniel E. Flores Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION COMMITTEE ON DIVINE WORSHIP Members: Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, Chairman; Cardinal Justin F. Rigali; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond; Archbishop Leonard P. Blair; Bishop Edward K. Braxton; Bishop Octavio Cisneros; Bishop Paul R. Sanchez; Bishop Mark J. Seitz; Bishop Daniel E. Thomas Consultants: Right Rev. Gregory J. Polan, OSB; Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin; Rev. Jan Michael Joncas; Rev. Thomas C. Ranzino; Sr. Janet Baxendale, SC; Mrs. Rita A. Thiron Staff: Rev. Michael J. Flynn; Rev. Andrew V. Menke

SUBCOMMITTEE ON DIVINE WORSHIP IN SPANISH Members: Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Chairman; Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S.; Bishop Alberto Rojas; Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla, SJ; Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama Consultants: Rev. Heliodoro Lucatero; Rev. Jorge I. Perales; Ms. Carmen F. Aguinaco; Mr. Rogelio Zelada Staff: Rev. Andrew V. Menke

I. Meetings of the Committee on Divine Worship A. November 2014 Meeting The Committee on Divine Worship met in Baltimore, Maryland on November 9, 2014. After hearing reports from Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, Committee Chairman, and Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish, the Committee was given a presentation by Ms. Rita Thiron, Executive Director of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC). The centerpiece of her report to the Committee was the recent survey on the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), conducted on their behalf by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). The survey paints a rich picture of how the various rites and activities pertaining to the RCIA are implemented on the parish level across the country, and in particular, what areas of practice may call for further examination. Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition Aside from approving various modifications to the Committee’s action items for the November 2014 USCCB plenary meeting, the Committee devoted some time toward the ongoing development of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition. Following up from the Committee’s June 2013 meeting, in which they recommended the use of Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Canticles as translated by Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri,

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members reviewed a number of proposed modifications on the first draft of those texts. The proposed Canticle translations employ the same style and attention to meter as the Revised Grail Psalms. A revised translation was prepared for further modifications and approval of the body of Bishops at the June 2015 plenary meeting. The General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours makes reference to a two-year cycle of biblical readings for the Office of Readings, with a second cycle located in a “supplement for optional use” (see nos. 145-146). Unfortunately, no Latin typical edition of such a supplement was ever produced, although the Holy See did publish a list of proposed Scriptural pericopes for such a second cycle in 1976. These recommendations have already been put into use in several Conferences, such as Italy and Germany, as well as among some religious communities. The Committee directed the Secretariat to examine how other Conferences and religious communities have implemented a second cycle (both of Biblical and patristic/ecclesiastical readings) and to report its findings at the June 2015 Committee meeting. Other Matters Members of the Committee approved a proposal to consider an expanded Mass formulary for the Memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, celebrated on July 14. Because of her importance as the first Native American to be beatified and canonized, the celebration of her memorial would be appropriately enhanced by the addition of a Prayer over the Offerings and Prayer after Communion to the existing formulary. The Secretariat made appropriate consultations to arrive at proposed texts for eventual approval of the body of Bishops and the Holy See. Finally, the Committee approved a National Shrine petition, which was forwarded to the Administrative Committee for a final decision in March 2015. B. June 2015 Meeting The Committee on Divine Worship met in St. Louis, Missouri on June 8, 2015, prior to the USCCB plenary meeting. After hearing reports from the Chairmen of the Committee and the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish, and from the Secretariat of Divine Worship, the members discussed several questions and upcoming projects. Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition As part of the ongoing project of preparing a new English edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, the members reviewed proposed modifications to a translation of the Old and New Testament canticles prepared by the monks of Conception Abbey. That action item was later voted upon during the plenary meeting. As a follow-up to its November 2014 discussion on the possibility of introducing a second cycle of Scripture readings for the Office of Readings, the Committee discussed the possibility of introducing a second cycle of patristic and ecclesiastical readings for the Office of Readings. Like the second cycle of Scripture readings, this is another option permitted by the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (cf. nos. 145-146 and 161-162). There is no official schema for such a cycle, though the Holy See has published a draft list of readings, and several Conferences of Bishops and religious communities have produced their own versions of this supplement. The members of the Committee felt that, although this

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material might be advantageous for spiritual reading and would introduce greater variety in the Divine Office, the practical considerations involved in the selection and translation of texts would add considerable delay to the completion of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition. For this reason, the Committee decided to postpone the project indefinitely. Developments with Liturgical Books The Secretariat reported to the Committee that the new translation of the Order of Confirmation had received the recognitio of the Holy See and was in the process being prepared for publication. The Committee members noted the frequency with which they celebrate Confirmation (at least in part) in Spanish, and therefore determined that the production of a bilingual English-Spanish edition should take priority over an English-only edition. Members of the Committee also approved moving forward on two new liturgical books: a “Book of the Chair” to be used in conjunction with the Roman Missal, and a Supplement to the Lectionary for Mass. Since the 2011 publication of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, the Secretariat has received numerous comments on the unwieldiness of the book, particularly for younger altar servers, due to its substantial size and weight. To make it easier for priests to lead the appropriate parts of the Mass from the presidential chair, it has been suggested that a smaller version of the book would be useful. Two potential options were discussed by the Committee: a book with excerpts from the Roman Missal containing complete Mass texts, but only those texts needed for Sundays and Solemnities, or a book with excerpts containing only the texts that are spoken when the priest is at the presidential chair. After some discussion, including a review of the results of an informal survey conducted by the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC), the Committee endorsed the publication of the latter option, a Book of the Chair. It was noted that other Conferences of Bishops have likewise undertaken a similar project. Although no new texts would need to be formulated or translated for this book, the specific details of its contents will have to be approved by the Committee and the body of Bishops, and subsequently confirmed by the Holy See. The Lectionary for Mass Supplement will consolidate into one book the readings and psalms for the expanded Pentecost Vigil Mass (first suggested as an option in 1988 and formally inserted into the Missale Romanum in 2008), as well as the suggested readings for liturgical celebrations entered into the General Roman Calendar and the U.S. proper calendar since 2001. It will also include the many readings available for the Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life celebrated on January 22 in the dioceses of the United States of America. In view of the many additions to the calendar since the publication of the present Lectionary for Mass, and in light of the probability that it will be some years before a revision of the Lectionary, this supplement will be relatively easy to produce and should be pastorally useful. Proper Calendar Three matters concerning the U.S. Proper Calendar were brought before the Committee for its consideration. The Committee had received two formal requests for additions to the Proper Calendar for the U.S., namely requests for the inscription of Blessed John Henry Newman and of Blessed Oscar Romero. The Committee judged that since neither Blessed

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lived or ministered in the United States, and since their celebrations had not yet been inscribed in a sufficient number of diocesan proper calendars, the time was not yet appropriate to request their inscription into the national calendar. Moreover, in recent correspondence the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments had expressed a strong reluctance to inscribe additional Blesseds to the U.S. Proper Calendar. Committee members also considered the possibility of inscribing the Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest on the U.S. calendar. This proposed feast day, to be celebrated on the Thursday after Pentecost, was offered to the world’s Conferences of Bishops in 2012 by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments as a possible addition to local liturgical calendars. After some discussion, and after review of the recent Green Book text of translations issued by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), the members agreed that a national celebration was not warranted at this time. Bishops will still be given the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions on the translation, as ICEL continues to work toward a definitive English translation of the text for other interested countries. Other Matters Following a recommendation of the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, the Committee on Divine Worship also approved the drafting of an expanded Mass formulary for the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Presently, there is only a proper Collect for St. Kateri, with the other prayers coming from the Commons. In addition, the Committee approved sending to the body of Bishops a future action item requesting their permission to begin drafting a new edition of the National Statutes for the Catechumenate, and gave preliminary approval to a National Shrine application and authorized the requisite site visit. The next meeting of the Committee on Divine Worship is scheduled for November 15, 2015 in Baltimore. II. Meetings of the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish A. January 2015 Meeting The Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish met on January 27-28, 2015, in San Antonio, Texas. The major points of work and discussion were as follows: Misal Romano, Tercera Edición Subcommittee members discussed the longer-than-expected wait time for the confirmation of the U.S. edition of the Misal Romano and requested that Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Subcommittee Chairman, write to the Chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship with a suggestion that the USCCB President contact the Holy See on this matter. They received an update on progress in the advance preparation of the manuscript, as the base text is drawn from the confirmed Mexican edition of the Misal Romano. It is the USCCB’s goal to have a final manuscript ready to turn over to publishers as quickly as possible following confirmation of the text, thus facilitating a speedy implementation. In addition, Rev. Juan Sosa, President of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia, mentioned that he will bring to

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the September 2015 meeting some catechetical proposals to the Subcommittee, since that organization has been asked by the Subcommittee to assist in the catechesis for the new Misal Romano. Other Liturgical Books and Catechetical Efforts The state of the Leccionario was also discussed, and the Biblia de la Iglesia en América was once again discussed as a possible source for the Leccionario. However, since there is no date for the completion of the latter project, several alternatives were explored for resuming the Leccionario project and preparing it for publication. Discussion on the Bendicional (Book of Blessings) was continued from the last meeting, this time to address the U.S. proper blessings. Sylvia Sánchez, then-Multicultural Specialist, noted that the Spanish translations of the proper texts required additional improvements. In light of the recent USCCB approval of Exorcisms and Related Supplications in English, a possible Spanish text of the exorcism rite was discussed. To date, only one or two Spanishspeaking Conferences of Bishops have published that ritual book. The document “Frequently Asked Questions about Exorcism,” published in the Newsletter in November and December 2014 and subsequently posted on the USCCB website, was also discussed. Workshops for the Ritual del Matrimonio, Segunda Edición were considered, and two national Catholic organizations will be contacted in order to offer such workshops at their national conferences. Don y Promesa/Gift and Promise, a pastoral companion that explains the Hispanic elements in the Rite of Marriage, is being considered for publication in a new, revised edition. In addition, the recent report on the RCIA, prepared by the Center for Applied Research on the Apostolate, was presented and discussed. The question was raised as to why this study was not also done in Spanish. Subcommittee members also considered future publications, among those a new revised edition of El Misterio de Fe (The Mystery of Faith), published by the FDLC in conjunction with the Instituto. This publication in Spanish has been reviewed and updated, and it is anticipated to be available for the next FDLC meeting in October 2015. B. September 2015 Meeting The Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish met in Seattle, Washington on September 1-2, 2015 for its second meeting this year. Discussions took place concerning the Misal Romano, Tercera Edición, Leccionario de la Misa, Bendicional, and the Ritual de la Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos. Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Subcommittee Chairman, presented a detailed summary on the ongoing efforts on the part of the Hispanic bishops of the United States to publish the Misal Romano, Tercera Edición, still awaiting the confirmation of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. In addition, a proposal and budget for Misal Romano catechesis was discussed; this catechesis will include three video presentations.

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Members devoted attention toward the resumption of the Leccionario de la Misa project. Numerous difficulties discovered in the confirmed text – many of which involved the translation of the psalms – resulted in a halt to the implementation of the Leccionario. Three viable options to proceed with its publication were discussed: 1) continue attempts to obtain the latest version of the Psalter from the Spanish Episcopal Conference; 2) proceed with the psalms translation as found in the current Leccionario approved for Mexico; or 3) postpone the entire project until the completion of the Biblia de la Iglesia en América (BIA), at which time a definitive text of the Leccionario can be developed and approved. The Subcommittee also approved the contents for a new “Sexta Parte” (Part VI) to be added to the Bendicional, texto único. This section would include most of the proper blessings for the United States which are found in the current English-language Book of Blessings. It is hoped that the Subcommittee can recommend approval of the final text in January 2016, with final approval by the body of Bishops in November 2016. Ms. Sylvia Sánchez, Multicultural Specialist, announced that the fifth edition of El Misterio de Fe (The Mystery of Faith), was published by the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia, and will be available for purchase at the upcoming 2015 National Meeting of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions in Dallas, Texas. Finally, preliminary discussions began concerning the Spanish-language base text of a new edition of the Ritual de la Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos, since the English text will be revised in the next couple of years. The Subcommittee’s next scheduled meeting is January 27-28, 2016 in Miami, Florida. III. Plenary Meetings of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops A. November 2014 Meeting The November 2014 plenary meeting of the USCCB saw the approval by its Latin Church members of three “Gray Book” translations prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), and a set of modifications to the Revised Grail Psalter. The three ICEL Gray Books were sent to the Holy See for the requisite confirmation, and the Revised Grail Psalter modifications are scheduled for submission during summer 2015. In addition, the Committee on Divine Worship received permission to begin the process of drafting a revision to the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities. Among the ICEL Gray Books, the Order of Dedication of a Church and an Altar was approved 168-6 with two abstentions. The new translation will supersede the existing one, which received ad interim confirmation in September 1978. There are no changes to the ritual itself, although the texts will now reflect the translation principles introduced in Liturgiam authenticam. Exorcisms and Related Supplications was approved by the USCCB by a vote of 179-5 with two abstentions. This is the first English translation for this ritual book, the Latin editio typica of which was approved in 1999 and emended in 2004. Although the complete printed edition will only be available to bishops and exorcists, Appendix II of the text – a collection

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of prayers and supplications for the use of the faithful – will be made available to a wider audience. Finally, a supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours featuring liturgical texts for celebrations added to the General Roman Calendar since 1984 was approved by a vote of 210-2. This will be printed as a fascicle to be used with the existing Liturgy of the Hours. By a vote of 167-34 with two abstentions, the body of Bishops also approved certain modifications to the previously approved Revised Grail Psalter. While this psalter was confirmed by the Holy See in 2010, these changes to the text are intended to further improve the rhythm, correct a few inconsistencies, and bring out more clearly some of the imagery found in the original Hebrew. These changes also incorporate observations and recommendations by some communities, based on their experience in the four years since its original approval. The overall intention is to arrive at the best possible translation before incorporating this psalter into the Liturgy of the Hours and other ritual texts. Finally, the USCCB gave its approval for the drafting of a revised edition of Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities; the vote was 207-1 with one abstention. The first edition, published in 1995, has served the Church well. However, due to increased understanding and advancements in technology and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease, and any number of other physical or mental impairments, updated guidelines were deemed necessary. A revised text is expected to be presented to the Bishops for a vote in November 2016. B. June 2015 Meeting During the June 2015 plenary meeting in St. Louis, the Latin Church members of the USCCB voted 165-5 with 3 abstentions on a revised English translation of the Old and New Testament canticles prepared by the monks of Conception Abbey for inclusion in the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition (as well as for the future liturgical Bible). Because the affirmative vote of 165 was one short of the canonically required two-thirds majority of Latin Church members, the Bishops not in attendance at the June meeting received a mail ballot and were invited to vote on the action item. The final vote was 223-7 with four abstentions. IV. Liturgical Texts, Rites, and Books A. Misal Romano, Tercera Edición Adaptations for the United States were approved by the USCCB in June 2011 and in November 2013. The base text – based on the edition approved for Mexico – was approved by the USCCB in November 2013. The consolidated texts of the Misal Romano, Tercera Edición were sent to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, together with the required supporting documents, and accompanied by a letter from Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, USCCB President, to Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera, Prefect of the Congregation, on February 18, 2014. The Misal Romano is still awaiting recognitio by the Holy See.

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B. Ordo Lectionum Missæ 1. Lectionary for Masses with Children The revised edition of this text was approved by the USCCB in November 2005 and is still awaiting recognitio by the Holy See. In the meantime, publishers continue to make available the first edition of the Lectionary for Masses with Children. 2. Leccionario In July 2013, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, then USCCB President, received the recognitio and a copy of the approved text of the Leccionario. On February 2, 2014, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, USCCB President, issued a Decree of Publication. As the staff of the Secretariat reviewed the text to be submitted for publication, numerous problems and inconsistencies were discovered which have resulted in delays in finishing the text for publication. Two ongoing issues involve the Conference’s support of the Spanishlanguage Biblia de la Iglesia en América (BIA), as well as inconsistencies with the Psalter approved for the dioceses of Spain, which were meant to be incorporated into the U.S. Leccionario. In view of the many difficult issues, on September 3, 2014, Archbishop Kurtz issued a letter in which he revoked the Decree for Publication for the Leccionario until such time that the Committee on Divine Worship has found satisfactory solutions to the difficulties articulated there. The Committee continues to await clarification on the reported revision of the Psalter from Spain. C. Rituale Romanum 1. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, Second Edition In November 2013 the USCCB approved the ICEL “Gray Book” Order for Celebrating Matrimony with a few emendations. It was sent to the CDWDS for recognitio and will then be ready for publication in the U.S. A series of U.S. adaptations to the Order of Celebrating Matrimony was also approved by the USCCB in November 2013. These included an English translation of the blessing and exchange of coins immediately after the blessing and exchange of rings, and the blessing and imposition of the lazo or the veil before the nuptial blessing (intended for inclusion in an appendix); Form B of the words of consent; a rubric in English and in Spanish for the optional transfer of the Nuptial Blessing within Mass from after the Our Father to after the Universal Prayer; an optional Litany of Saints (in English and in Spanish) to begin the Celebration of Marriage. These were sent to the CDWDS along with the Order of Celebrating Matrimony in early 2014. In July 2015, the recognitio and the approved English text for the Order of Celebrating Matrimony was received from the Congregation. After previously receiving notification of concerns of the Congregation, the requests to add the option for a Litany of the Saints and for the option to relocate the Nuptial Blessing in a celebration with Mass were withdrawn from the requested adaptations for the dioceses of the United States, so these options will not be included in the new text. The Secretariat is presently working with ICEL and with the Congregation to resolve some typographical issues, as well as certain

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inconsistencies between this revised English version and the Spanish version already approved for use in the United States. Once these issues have been addressed, promulgation dates will be requested and announced. Unfortunately the resolution of these discrepancies has necessitated consultation with the CDWDS, and this will entail further delays in making the text available for publishers as we await the Congregation’s response. It was the decision of the Committee on Divine Worship that this text would be made available for publication by any interested publishers who can demonstrate that they are able to meet the Conference’s requirements. 2. Exorcisms and Related Supplications After the usual process of review and modification, Exorcisms and Related Supplications was approved by the USCCB at the November, 2014, General Assembly. This is the first official English translation for this ritual book, the Latin editio typica of which was approved in 1999 and emended in 2004. Although the complete printed edition will only be provided to bishops and duly appointed exorcists, Appendix II of the text – a collection of prayers and supplications for the use of the faithful – will be made available for wider distribution. The text was forwarded to the Holy See for their required confirmation in early 2015. 3. Bendicional On March 9, 2012, the Holy See declined to approve the text of the U.S. proper blessings for inclusion in the Spanish-language Bendicional, citing logistical concerns about the arrangement of the text and other unspecified errors. The letter from the then-Prefect, Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera, requested that the USCCB submit the entire Bendicional with the U.S. blessings in place. After a thorough examination of the issues at hand, the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish approved a plan in September 2014 to resubmit the Bendicional with a new “Sexta Parte” (Part VI) featuring the U.S. blessings. The Committee on Divine Worship is expected to discuss the plan and its proposed contents at its November 2015 meeting, at which time work should commence to finalize the submission to the Holy See. C. Pontificale Romanum 1. Order of Confirmation In November 2013 the USCCB approved the ICEL “Gray Book” Order of Confirmation with a few emendations. It was sent to the CDWDS in early 2014 for recognitio in preparation for subsequent publication in the U.S. The recognitio was received by the Conference in March 2015. The Secretariat then undertook the process of proofing the text and working with ICEL to resolve errata identified by both the Secretariat and by other English-speaking Conferences. The Committee on Divine Worship, at its June 2015 meeting, the members expressed a strong preference that the initial publication of this revised edition be published in a bilingual English-Spanish format. This text is nearing readiness for publication by USCCB Communications. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, as Conference President, has issued a

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decree for publication which indicates that the new English text may be used any time after publication, with mandatory usage by Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016. 2. Order of Dedication of a Church and an Altar After the usual cycle of review and modification by the Bishops, the Order of Dedication of a Church and an Altar was also approved at the November, 2014, General Assembly of the USCCB. The new translation will supersede the existing one, which received ad interim confirmation in September 1978. There are no changes to the ritual itself, although the texts will now reflect the translation principles introduced in Liturgiam authenticam. This text was also submitted to the Holy See for the requisite recognitio in early 2015. D. Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition The revision of the English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours is by its nature a large and complex project which will require several more years to complete. What follows is a brief summary of developments achieved so far. 1. Revised Grail Psalms In 2010 The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted recognitio for use of the Revised Grail Psalms as a Psalter for future liturgical books, including the Liturgy of the Hours, for the dioceses of the U.S. Some of the modifications called for by the Congregation were perceived to have damaged the metrical qualities (i.e. “sprung rhythm”) of the original RGP translation. Additionally, religious communities who have been using the RGP in daily prayer since 2010 had made certain recommendations to the monks of Conception Abbey on how the translations of a few passages could be improved. As a result, certain modifications to the Revised Grail Psalms were proposed to the Bishops. After the usual cycle of review by the Bishops, these modifications to the RGP were approved by the USCCB at the November 2014 plenary meeting. These modifications are presently being prepared for submission to the Holy See for the required recognitio. 2. The Old and New Testament Canticles The monks of Conception Abbey had also proposed revised English translations of the Old and New Testament Canticles used in Morning and Evening Prayer. The translations in the present breviary are primarily from the 1970 version of the NAB, and some of them have proven difficult to recite or chant in community, or even to set to music, since the NAB was not translated with a concern for the length of the lines or the rhythm. The proposed Canticles, on the other hand, seek to employ the same rhythmic principles as the RGP, without sacrificing the accuracy of the translation. After the usual cycle of review by the Bishops, the Latin Church Bishops of the USCCB voted in favor of approving these Old and New Testament Canticles for use in the future revision of the Liturgy of the Hours. However, the vote of the Bishops present at the meeting fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority required for canonical approval. The Bishops not present at the June meeting will be asked to vote on this matter via mail ballot. The results of this polling are still pending as of mid-July 2015.

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3. The Work of ICEL Since ICEL does not translate Scripture texts for member Conferences, their work is confined to the non-scriptural Latin texts of the Liturgy of the Hours, including the Latin hymnody which was largely omitted from the present English translation of the breviary. Because of the vast scope of this project, ICEL plans to divide its work into five fascicles. At present, the Conference has received and made initial comments on the Green Book fascicle containing materials for Advent and Christmas. ICEL anticipates delivering the Gray Book draft of this fascicle to member conferences in late 2015, at which time it will be further reviewed and eventually voted on by the USCCB. The second Green Book fascicle, containing materials for Lent and Easter, is anticipated in late 2015 as well. On their present timeline, ICEL will not submit the fifth and final Green Book fascicle before 2017. 4. Supplement to the Proper of Saints A supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours featuring liturgical texts for celebrations added to the General Roman Calendar since 1984 was approved by the USCCB at its November, 2014, General Assembly. Once approved by the Holy See, this Supplement can be printed as a fascicle to be used alongside the existing Liturgy of the Hours. Eventually, it will be incorporated into the revision of the Liturgy of the Hours. This text was submitted to the CDWDS for the requisite recognitio in early 2015. E. Weekday Celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word (English & Spanish) This text was approved by the USCCB in November 2007 and is still awaiting recognitio by the Holy See. F. Directory on Music and the Liturgy This text was approved by the USCCB in November 2006 and is still awaiting recognitio by the Holy See. V. Ecumenical and Interreligious Projects The Secretariat of Divine Worship participates in various ecumenical-liturgical projects and organizations, such as the North American Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), and the English Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC), an international ecumenical consultation established to revise the common liturgical texts originally prepared by the International Consultation on English Texts (ICET). Fr. Michael J. Flynn participated in the April 2015 CCT meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.

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VI. Relationships with Other Organizations A. International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is one of the eleven member conferences of ICEL, a joint commission of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences established to translate the liturgical books into English, prepare new texts at the request of the member conferences, and perform other tasks which relate to liturgical renewal for the member conferences. Bishop Arthur Serratelli serves as the representative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and is currently the Chair of the Episcopal Board of ICEL. The Secretariat provides support to the USCCB liaisons to ICEL, and communicates with the ICEL staff on behalf of the Committee on Divine Worship. B. Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions is a voluntary organization of diocesan liturgical commissions/offices of worship. The chairperson of the FDLC Board of Directors and the Executive Director serve ex officio as consultants to the Committee on Divine Worship. The Committee on Divine Worship, which established the FDLC, co-sponsors the annual National Meeting of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions along with the Federation. The Committee continues to review the position statements made by the FDLC at the annual meeting and takes action on them when possible and where appropriate. The Chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship presents a report on the Committee’s work to the annual meeting of the FDLC. The FDLC completed a restructuring of its organization in 2014, hired a new Executive Director (Mrs. Rita Thiron), and approved new by-laws reflecting and implementing the reorganization. Rev. Thomas C. Ranzino, a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, was elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. The Secretariat collaborated with the FDLC and the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis to fund CARA in carrying out a national survey of parishes on their implementation both of the rite itself and the National Statutes for the Catechumenate within their programs for the RCIA. Results of the survey were presented at the national FDLC meeting in October 2014, where a consultation was also held regarding any suggested revisions to the National Statutes. C. Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia The Instituto continues its work of promoting the liturgy in Hispanic communities throughout the country. Rev. Juan Sosa, the president of the Instituto, serves ex officio as a consultant to the Committee on Divine Worship, presenting an annual report to the Committee at its November meeting. D. Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff As part of the preparations for the anticipated visit to the United States in September 2015, the Secretariat of Divine Worship is tasked with serving as lead contact on behalf of the USCCB to the Directors of the Offices of Worship at the Archdioceses which will host the Holy Father. This has already called for extensive communication with the Offices of

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Worship, and they conveying of directives and modifications from the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff to the host Archdioceses. On June 24, 2015, a meeting was held in the offices of Msgr. Guido Marini, the Papal Master of Ceremonies, at which Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, USCCB General Secretary, and Fr. Flynn together with other senior staff from the USCCB and Msgr. Marini’s staff. This meeting in the Vatican included a detailed review of the liturgies proposed by the host Archdioceses for the papal visit. The corrections and clarifications requested by Msgr. Marini have now been communicated to the Offices of Worship at the host Archdioceses. An on-site visit by Msgr. Marini to the liturgical venues in Washington DC, New York, and Philadelphia is anticipated in late August. VII. Other Organizations The Secretariat of Divine Worship maintains close relationships with the following voluntary associations, organizations, and centers of pastoral liturgy:  Society for Catholic Liturgy – Fr. Michael J. Flynn is scheduled to address the Society at their annual meeting in October, 2015.  North American Academy of Liturgy and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy – In January 2015, Fr. Flynn attended the national meeting in Minneapolis.  Liturgical Institute at Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL  Notre Dame Center for Pastoral Liturgy  Georgetown Center for Liturgy, Spirituality, and the Arts  Societas Liturgica  National Association of Pastoral Musicians – In July 2015, Fr. Flynn offered two workshops at the National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  National Association of Cathedral Musicians  Southwest Liturgical Conference – In January 2014, Ms. Sylvia Sánchez offered two workshops at the Conference in Beaumont, TX.

Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON DOCTRINE Members: Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, Chairman; Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl; Archbishop Leonard P. Blair; Bishop Oscar Cantú; Bishop Salvatore R. Matano; Bishop Robert J. McManus; Bishop Anthony B. Taylor Consultants: Archbishop William E. Lori; Bishop Timothy L. Doherty; Fr. Louis Cameli; Sr. Sara Butler, M.S.B.T.; Dr. Peter Casarella; Dr. John Cavadini; Dr. Daniel Keating Staff: Dr. James Le Grys; Rev. Peter Ryan, S.J.; Ms. Siobhan Verbeek The Committee on Doctrine is fulfilling its mandate of supporting the priorities of the USCCB through its work of promoting, affirming, and defending the faith and morals of the Church. In response to a request from the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, the Committee on Doctrine reviewed another draft text of the pastoral statement on pornography and offered comments. The Committee is working on a revision of Part Six of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services in order to incorporate some guidance that the USCCB has received from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in reply to a dubium regarding collaboration with non-Catholic entities in the provision of health care services. In order to encourage more discussion among bishops and theologians from various scholarly societies in the United States, the Committee invited the Catholic Theological Society of America, the Academy of Catholic Theology, the College Theology Society, the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the U.S., the Black Catholic Theological Symposium, and the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars to send representatives to a workshop on the New Evangelization that was held on 13 March 2015 at the USCCB offices in Washington, D.C. Similar meetings were held in March 2014 and 2013. The Committee plans to make this a biennial event. As part of an effort to promote the authentic ecclesial vocation of theologians, the Committee, with the generous financial support of the Knights of Columbus, will be hosting a symposium on "The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization" for non-tenured theologians at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine on 10-12 March 2016. This will be the third such conference for non-tenured theologians. The first two were held in 2011 and 2013. The Committee continues to undertake studies on issues as requested by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE TRANSLATION OF SCRIPTURE TEXT Members: Bishop Anthony Taylor, Chairman; Cardinal Justin Rigali; Bishop Michael S. Barber, S.J., Bishop Michael J. Byrnes; Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens; Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli Consultants: Rev. Pablo Gadenz; Rev. Paul Mankowski, S.J. Staff: Dr. James Le Grys; Rev. Peter Ryan, S.J. The Subcommittee continues to be represented on the Task Force on the Spanish Language Bible, a project being undertaken in collaboration with the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) to develop a Spanish language Bible for the Church in America. In September 2012, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., approved a proposed plan for the creation of a revised New Testament for the New American Bible (NAB) for eventual inclusion in a single text of the NAB that will be suitable for personal prayer and study, catechesis, and proclamation within the Sacred Liturgy. As part of its contribution to this project, the Subcommittee has compiled a list of scholars, some of whom have been invited to serve as revisers, and another list of scholars, some of whom will be invited to serve as censors. The Subcommittee is currently revising its internal procedures to reflect its mandate as a subcommittee of the Committee on Doctrine. SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE Members: Bishop Robert J. McManus, Chairman; Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, OFM Cap; Archbishop Henry J. Mansell; Bishop Stephen E. Blaire; Bishop James D. Conley; Bishop Timothy L. Doherty; Bishop Kevin W. Vann; Bishop Robert F. Vasa Consultants: Rev. J. Daniel Mindling, O.F.M., Cap.; Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk; Sr. Carol Keehan, D.C.; Ms. Janice L. Benton; Mr. William Cox; Dr. John Haas; Dr. Thomas Pitre; Dr. Daniel Sulmasy Staff: Mr. Richard Doerflinger; Mr. Thomas Grenchik; Dr. James Le Grys; Mr. Jonathan Reyes; Rev. Peter Ryan, S.J.; Mr. Mark Rohlena; Ms. Siobhan Verbeek At its meeting in June, the Subcommittee discussed the role of public juridic persons established by the Holy See in the provision of health care in the United States, as well as the upcoming revision of Part Six of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC JUSTICE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Members: Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Chairman; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap; Bishop Stephen E. Blaire; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio; Bishop Robert W. McElroy; Bishop Jaime Soto; Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan Consultants: Bishop Oscar Cantú; Rev. John A. Pavlik, OFM Cap; Sr. Carol Keehan, DC; Sr. Donna Markham, OP., Ph.D; Sr. Joan Marie Steadman, CSC; Sr. Marie Bernadette Thompson, OP; Mr. Ray Boshara; Mr. James Ennis; Mr. John Garvey, Esq.; Dr. Joseph P. Kaboski; Ms. Jennifer Kraska; Dr. Michael P. Naughton; Dr. W. Bradford Wilcox Staff: Ms. Cecilia Calvo; Mr. Anthony Granado; Mr. Thomas Mulloy; Dr. Jonathan Reyes; Mr. Mark Rohlena; Education and Outreach: Mr. Ian Mitchell; Ms. Genevieve Mougey; Ms. Jill Rauh; Ms. Susan Stevenot Sullivan Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Members: Bishop Jaime Soto, Chairman; Bishop Shelton J. Fabre; Bishop Donald F. Hanchon; Bishop Howard J. Hubbard; Bishop John J. Jenik; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas; Bishop Robert N. Lynch; Bishop Joseph N. Perry; Bishop Nelson J. Perez; Bishop David P. Talley Consultants: Rev. J. Daniel Mindling, OFM Cap; Mr. Tom Chapman; Mr. Tom Espinoza; Dr. Linda Plitt-Donaldson; Dr. Richard Wood Staff: Ms. Kathryn Dorsett; Ms. Lydia Jiles; Mr. Randy Keesler; Ms. Sandy Mattingly-Paulen; Mr. Ralph McCloud; Dr. Jonathan Reyes; Mr. Mark Rohlena; Ms. Susan Stevenot-Sullivan; Mr. Sean Wendlinder Report from Meeting of Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development The Standing Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development met on December 2, 2014 and May 13, 2015 to discuss the following topics:  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Subcommittee Reports  Family Stability, Poverty, and Economic Security: Next Phase (In December and May)  Preliminary Review of Domestic Policy Agenda and Priorities  Restorative Justice (In December and May)  Mental Health (In December and May)  Payday Lending Update  Catholic Social Teaching Research  Home Visitation  Collaborations and Coalitions Update  The Policy Agenda for the Committee  Summary Compendium  Aging – the Challenge Before Us 64

CCHD Subcommittee Report In both December and May’s meetings, Bishop Jaime Soto, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, reported on recent activity of CCHD and the National Strategic Grants. Root causes work of CCHD-funded groups in areas like Ferguson, Missouri were discussed, and Ralph McCloud provided information about visits made to Ferguson and the work of the Church in the community to provide space for conversations around race and healing. Recent National Strategic grants to the California Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice, Direct Action Research Training (“DART”), National Community Land Trust, and St. Vincent de Paul were cited as examples. A video from the California Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice was viewed. Work of CCHD-funded groups to assist in recruitment of low income Hispanic and Latino students was discussed, and appreciation of the bishops expressed. Ralph McCloud provided information about diocesan director trainings, including the hope to train 30-40 more in Baltimore. He highlighted two groups working on civil rights and discrimination, one active in Baltimore organized individuals in peaceful activity during the period of recent unrest. The Committee discussed the work of CCHD groups around the Papal visit. Msgr. Ronny Jenkins discussed USCCB preparatory activities around the visit, and shared that central themes of the Conference include poverty, dignity and communities living in harmony. (For more details on the Subcommittee on CCHD, please see the Subcommittee’s report that follows this report.) Family Stability, Poverty, and Economic Security In December 2014, Archbishop Vigneron initiationed a conversation with Archbishop Wenski expressing support for efforts to advance social justice by making health of families a key focal point. Archbishop Wenski’s response affirmed Archbishop Vigneron’s concerns and ideas, and proposed two action items, which were discussed at the December meeting. Included was a desire to begin outlining the possibilities for a 2015 gathering to discuss the relationship between poverty and family formation, family stability and economic success. In its May 2015 meeting, the Committee discussed family stability, poverty and economic security in two parts: CCHD June 2015 Meeting The Committee heard more detail concerning a special session of CCHD’s upcoming meeting at the June General Assembly. CCHD planned to host a special gathering of faith leaders and academics for an in-depth conversation on poverty and its profound impact on American families. With the 50th anniversary of the Moynihan Report this year, the Committee discussed the resurgent interest in the report, particularly as it brought to the light the challenges from the 65

decline of marriage and its connection with poverty. Dr. Jonathan Reyes detailed CCHD’s plans to collaborate with the Catholic University of America and African American Evangelical leaders (Church of God in Christ initially) in co-sponsoring a conversation titled “From Moynihan to Ferguson: Family and Poverty in the City.” The aim of the meeting is to assist the bishops’ committees in developing their strategy for strengthening of family, the diminution of poverty, and fostering of peace and healing in our cities in collaboration with other faith leaders. Other relevant offices at the USCCB (Cultural Diversity and Marriage and Family Life) would participate as well. Dr. Reyes shared thoughts about the current space in many circles for sophisticated conversations about race, class, and poverty. The work of Orlando Patterson, professor of sociology at Harvard, and Harvard professor Robert Putman who recently wrote Our Kids, has helped to concentrate thought around key cultural and structural themes. There is clearly a reciprocal relationship between family formation and poverty, one influencing the other, oftentimes in signficiant and negative ways. Discussion among Committee members centered on many issues, including marriage rates among non-college educated people, geographic segregation, and declines in parish registration in urban centers. Family Stability, Poverty, and Economic Security Presentation To advance the ongoing discussion of the enduring struggles of American families, the Committee heard a presentation from Committee Consultant Mr. Ray Boshara, Senior Advisor and Community Development Policy Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Mr. Boshara detailed the implications of poverty on family stability. When young children have adequate educational, financial, family and social supports, they thrive earlier, stabilize more quickly, and are less reliant on public support later in life. Mr. Boshara focused intensely on family wealth (distinct from income), which is an oft-ignored piece of the poverty puzzle. Those in poverty can save and build wealth. Wealth helps build stability, and is used as a springboard to positive developments for families. Factors that make wealth-building more difficult were discussed: 1. Age (younger families have less wealth, historically); 2. Lack of education; 3. Minority status (race-based wealth gap between blacks and whites has not changed in 20 years despite progress in other areas); 4. Broken families. Mr. Boshara zeroed in on the importance of early investments in family and child stability. Flexible unrestricted emergency savings are necessary for families ($3000-5000 per year), allow for weathering unexpected events, and can make possible small investments that matter (e.g., a community college course) without interruption. Mr. Boshara extolled the virtue of child development accounts, which are given at birth or kindergarten. This savings helps children adopt a college-bound mentality, fostering a mindset that allows the individual to change approaches to choices and achieve social advancement. There are states testing these concepts currently, and bipartisan legislation to adopt early savings accounts has been proposed at the national level. Committee discussion centered on differences in minority communities where immigrants were present in great numbers, a revival of the concept of thrift, the need to infuse bare economic discussions with principles of faith, community, and the common good, and the 66

importance of belonging to faith communities for family and social cohesion. It was suggested that the Committee revisit the 1992 Bishops Statement, “Putting Children and Families First.” Committee members saw the opportunity in the historical moment to be a strong and positive voice for families and integral human development. Preliminary Review of Domestic Policy Agenda and Priorities The Committee reviewed the mandates for the Domestic Justice and Human Development Committee and the Subcommittee on Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The Committee reviewed the guidelines used to address policy issues and reviewed, in a preliminary way, the Domestic policy priorities in preparation for the Joint Committee agenda item on the same topic. (Please see report in the documentation of the Joint Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace for more information.) Restorative Justice In its December 2014 meeting, the Committee considered the topic of criminal and restorative justice in three parts. First, Domestic Social Development staff provided a presentation to the Committee on bipartisan, ecumenical, and Catholic activities related to restorative justice, gun violence, sentencing reform, and related issues, as well as a brief update of the legislative/policy landscape in Congress. Staff described its participation in and support of a conference on restorative justice hosted with Catholic partners at Catholic University of America on November 20, 2014. The Committee took up suggestions offered by Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, Bishop Emeritus of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Bishop Richard Garcia, Bishop of Monterey, California, that the Bishops’ pastoral statement from 2000, Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration (R3), be updated in some fashion in light of developments in the area of criminal and restorative justice, the opportunity for real bi-partisan progress at the federal level, and Pope Francis’ recent focus on criminal justice. Staff presented the spectrum of options and related processes for update of R3, from light edits to a full re-write, and the Committee discussed the merits of each approach. Consensus was reached that the Committee and staff should begin the process for a new statement while also producing a brief document that can be shared in the shorter term, perhaps a letter. Next, the Committee considered the topic of the death penalty. Staff briefed the Committee on the possibility of a message on the tenth anniversary of the Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty, which would be a timely effort given the Holy See’s focus on the issue in recent days. The Committee supported the creation of a brief message in collaboration with the Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Finally, the Committee discussed the possibility of a statement on solitary confinement. Staff provided a draft statement and presented background on the issue of pervasive use of 67

solitary confinement in prison, and the attendant negative impacts on those incarcerated. Discussion centered on the need for the statement to be persuasive. Members of the Committee suggested that the Committee and staff develop resources for use in opinion editorials, and statelevel use. Development of a white paper was also suggested. The Committee favored the statement and development of additional resources. In May 2015, the Committee considered the topic of criminal and restorative justice in two parts. First, staff from the Office of Domestic Social Development provided a presentation to the Committee on a possible timeline for a revision of the Bishops’ pastoral statement from 2000, Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration, following on the December 2014 Committee meeting. Staff presented a sense of timing in light of the new strategic planning process which is underway. In short, the Committee will be proceeding on a two year timeline. Second, representatives from the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of Death Penalty (“CMN”) presented to the Committee, given the tenth anniversary of the Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty. Mary Novak, chair of CMN, introduced staff members Megan Ward and Lydia Cocom to present an overview of the opportunites in the area of the death penalty (significant progress over 10 years) and restorative justice, as well as the work of CMN in these areas. Staff from the Office of Domestic Social Development called attention to the work and statements of individual bishops and state Catholic Conferences, and also reviewed the work of the USCCB in these areas. Staff provided an update on the planned statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty that the Committee requested in December. Archbishop Wenski and Cardinal O’Malley will co-author the letter. Mental Health In December 2014, Archbishop Wenski presented information about the National Advisory Council’s (“NAC”) formal adoption of two mental health related recommendations to the USCCB Administrative Committee, which were adopted by the Administrative Committee during its September 2014 meeting. To further the goals of these recommendations, the Committee heard a presentation by Deacon Tom Lambert of the Archdiocese of Chicago on the prevalence of mental illness in the United States, the challenges that arise in treating and ministering to people who suffer with mental illness as well as their families. Deacon Tom is a pastoral expert in the area of mental health, and a veteran of much coalition work around this topic. After the presentation, the Committee discussed the importance of the work in this area as well as collaborating with Catholic partners, including Catholic Charities USA, the Catholic Health Association, and other existing Catholic networks. Development of training programs for parish priests and robust referral networks was also suggested, as was the importance of prayer and discernment when seeking solutions for individuals and families. Sensitivity to differences in cultural views toward mental illness was highlighted.

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In May 2015, continuing the process of gathering information on this critical topic, Dr. Scot Adams, who was most recently the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska, and, prior to that, the Executive Director for Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Omaha, presented on the challenges of mental health funding, awareness, and coordination across the many providers and funding priorities. Staff then presented on current conversations with other organizations on mental health. The Committee confirmed the importance of collaborating with Catholic partners, including the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, Catholic Charities USA, and other existing Catholic networks. Government Relations staff provided a summary of current mental health legislation. Committee members and consultants stressed the importance of law enforcement/mental health professional partnerships, homiletic aids on mental health, and the use of technology, while highlighting challenges relating to the intersection of mental health with substance abuse, and the need for resources and help in rural communities. Payday Lending Update The Committee was updated by staff on payday lending, as a follow-up to a presentation during May 2014’s Committee meeting. The strong nature of the ecumenical work in this area, as well as collaborations with state Catholic conferences, CCHD groups, CCUSA and St. Vincent DePaul was detailed. The Committee discussed the exploitative nature of many predatory payday lending practices, particularly toward the most vulnerable families. The Committee discussed the importance of alternatives to payday loans, including micro-lending, particularly in credit union and not-for-profit programs, like those funded by CCHD. Education of the consumer and legislative fixes at the state and federal level were also explored by the Committee. Catholic Social Teaching Research Prof. Andreas Widmer, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the Catholic University of America, presented the Committee with research on Catholics’ understanding of key terms in Catholic social teaching. Utilizing “mental models” research, Prof. Widmer presented startling findings that, while respondents generally had positive feelings around familiar terms like “social justice,” “common good,” “human dignity,” etc., a large percentage of Catholics were unable to correctly identify the definitions of these terms. The research posited a significant gap between perceived and actual knowledge of these foundational ideas. The Committee discussed possible solutions to this problem, which included messaging, education, awareness and homiletic training, and strategic approaches to increase awareness of select notions. Caution was given to avoid “over-simplifying” rich concepts. Members of the Committee suggested use of some different approaches to both catch interest and bring individuals into deeper levels of understanding. The Committee expressed strong sentiment that it should continue exploring this research.

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Home Visitation Staff presented information on the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (“MIECHV”) Program to the Committee. The MIECHV Program was established by the Affordable Care Act to provide services to mothers in a home visitation format. This program aims to improve the relationship between mothers and their children, particularly helping single mothers. MIECHV helps to fund programs at the state level from a menu of select eligible programs. Many groups are eligible to apply for funding and must use a particular approved model. Some states provide explicit prohibitions on funds from the program being used for referrals that would conflict with Catholic teaching, like abortion. Many states do not have such safeguards, though there is no current requirement that approved programs affirmatively provide such referrals. The Committee reached consensus that staff could work to support MIECHV at the federal level and state efforts related to it. The Committee agreed that funding used by Catholic groups through the program for activities compatible with the tenets of the faith would mean fewer dollars are available for groups with contrary agendas. So long as programming contrary to teaching was not mandated, support was morally acceptable. Collaborations and Coalitions Update The Committee discussed the current list of coalitions of which USCCB is a member in the Domestic policy arena, their purpose and general activities. Summary Compendium The Committee discussed a request from a representative of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (PCJP) to Archbishop Wenski. At the last two General Assemblies of the PCJP, the wish was expressed for a more accessible version of the Compendium along the lines of Pope John Paul II’s desire for a Compendium with the Catechism. An Italian version had just been completed. The English version will be published under the auspices of the PCJP and there was a strong desire to make it available before the Holy Father’s visit to the United States in September as interest in Catholic social teaching in general, and of his statements on the economy specifically, has increased. PCJP wished to coordinate this work with the USCCB. Specifically, the representative inquired whether: 1. The USCCB could read and approve of the contents: (the contents are reported to be faithful summaries of the Compendium, other sources of Magisterium, and texts from the USCCB’s own web sources); 2. An official endorsement was possible; 3. USCCB could recommend a publisher. Archbishop Wenski asked for comments from Msgr. Ronny Jenkins who was present. Msgr. Jenkins indicated that USCCB publishing would need to examine the feasibility of this request initially and that it would be premature for the Committee to take up the issue at this time. The Committee concluded this topic by noting the possibility of conversations with PCJP during their next standing meeting, and examining the opportunity for digital resources. Members also suggested gauging if there was an appropriate market for the materials in the United States, while accounting for the press of other business with the Holy Father’s visit this year.

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Aging – the Challenge Before Us To consider the challenges that an aging population brings to policy and the bishops’ priorities, the Committee heard a presentation by Ellen Nissenbaum and Dr. Paul Van de Water from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The presentation focused on budgetary issues that touch on areas of long-standing advocacy for the bishops and that also concern aging. The federal debt is projected to take off again in the early to mid part of the next decade, causing growing deficits. Since 2010, deficit reduction has come from spending cuts as opposed to tax increases, primarily non-defense discretionary spending. This level of spending has fallen sharply. Spending on low income programs such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, etc. are projected to continue to fall. Spending and revenues will need to grow due to a variety of factors such as aging of the population, rising health care costs, rising interest costs, and growing income inequality. Ms. Nussbaum emphasized the importance of avoiding increases in poverty or hardship and reductions in access to health care, and balancing revenue increases and spending cuts while reducing projected long-run deficits. Members of the Committee discussed Medicare and Medicaid, minimum wage, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Social Security, and Social Security Disability Insurance with the presenters. Staff Report Agriculture, Hunger and Nutrition USCCB continues to work with Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Rural Life, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other collaborating groups to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from harmful reductions and program changes during Congress’s budget reconciliation process. Staff from the Office of Domestic Social Development are also working together with: USCCB Department of Catholic Education, the National Catholic Education Association, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Rural Life and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to address child nutrition. Together, they are advocating in favor of important hunger and nutrition programs that help low-income children and pregnant and breast feeding mothers, and addressing programs and regulations that impact Catholic schools as part of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act which, is set to expire on September 30. On March 19, 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham OP, President of Catholic Charities USA, sent a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations urging protection of programs that serve hungry and vulnerable people. The letter was sent in anticipation of Congressional action on FY 2016 agriculture appropriations legislation. On April 24, 2015, USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development with Catholic Charities USA, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Rural Life, offered testimony for the record, to the House Committee on Agriculture for the hearing, “The Past, Present, and Future of SNAP: The World of Nutrition and the Role of the Charitable Sector.” 71

The testimony outlined the efforts of the Church in the United States to serve hungry people in local communities while urging Congress to oppose cuts or structural changes to SNAP which will harm hungry and poor people still struggling to make ends meet. While highlighting the imperative role of the faith and non-profit communities in caring for people in need, they reminded the Committee of the public sector’s necessary role in providing for the common good of hungry people. (Please see report in the documentation of the Joint Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace.) Budget/Appropriations The Committee, through Archbishop Wenski, continues its work on federal budget and deficit issues with the Circle of Protection, an ecumenical group of over 60 leaders, and Catholic partners. The Circle met with Congressional leaders as Budget and Appropriations negotiations intensified at the end of the Fiscal Year (September 30), which coincided with Pope Francis’ address to Congress. In July 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham wrote to the Senate Committee on Finance and House Committee on Ways and Means, supporting the expansion and extension of the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Staff have been conducting meetings with the appropriate Congressional leaders in conjunction with CCUSA staff to advocate inclusion of these antipoverty programs in any year-end legislative deal. Criminal Justice Staff from the Office of Domestic Social Development with the Office of Government Relations are working with Catholic Charities USA, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and diverse faith and non-governmental organizations, to advance meaningful criminal justice and sentencing reform during the 114th Congress. On April 14, 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham sent letters to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary expressing support for the CORRECTIONS Act of 2015 and the Smarter Sentencing Act of 2015. In addressing harsh sentencing and unduly lengthy sentences, they stated, “Rigid sentencing policies for non-violent offenses are costly, ineffective and can be detrimental to the good of persons, families and communities.” On July 8, 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham sent a letter to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary calling for the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act (S. 1513). In their letter, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna noted that over 650,000 persons leave incarceration annually, facing significant challenges and depend on assistance upon returning to their communities. The Second Chance Act authorizes funding for programs that include: assistance for finding housing and stable employment, substance abuse and mental health counseling and other reentry services. Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna stated, that, “Without necessary critical support services these persons have an increased chance of re-offending causing harm to society and increasing our nation’s prison costs.” On July 14, 2015, testimony was submitted for the record to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for the hearing on “Criminal Justice Reform,” on behalf of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Catholic Charities USA 72

and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In their joint testimony, the Catholic partners offered principles and priorities reflecting the Church’s social teaching stating, “The time for serious reform is now. We call on Congress to act and support smart and effective sentencing and criminal justice reform legislation that protects human life and dignity, ensures safe and peaceful communities, and promotes the common good.” On September 11, 2015, USCCB Office of Domestic Social Development co-sponsored a press conference with the Archdiocese of Washington and Catholic Charities DC, along with diverse Christian partners, in anticipation of Pope Francis' visit to the United States. The press conference, including the participation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, highlighted the Holy Father's visit to a correctional facility outside of Philadelphia, the Walk With Francis Campaign of the Archdiocese of Washington and the need for Congress to advance effective criminal justice reform legislation. On October 1, 2015, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, a bill that addresses several aspects of criminal justice reform together – sentencing reform, juvenile incarceration issues, and training and support to reduce recidivism. Staff will continue to engage appropriately regarding the Act. Death Penalty Pope Francis, like his predecessors, highlights the various moral concerns regarding contemporary use of capital punishment throughout the world. USCCB continues to work with the Catholic Mobilizing Network, state Catholic conferences, and other partners, to strategize and support efforts to end the use of the death penalty in the United States. On July 16, 2015, to commemorate the ten year anniversary of the Bishops’ Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty, Archbishop Wenski and Cardinal Sean O’Malley released a message recommitting the USCCB to efforts opposing the use of the death penalty in the United States. The message was released in anticipation of Pope Francis’ September visit to the United States and addresses the themes of life, mercy and redemption as related, and in light of, the forthcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy beginning in December. During his address to the Joint Session of Congress during his recent Papal visit to the United States, Pope Francis stated: “This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.” Environmental Justice and Climate Change At its May 2015 Joint Committee meeting, Mr. Mark Rohlena and Ms. Cecilia Calvo provided an update on JPHD’s engagement strategy, including education and advocacy efforts, to amplify Pope Francis’ teaching on the environment and to convey messages from the 73

encyclical to Catholic and broader audiences. The Pope’s encyclical represents an unprecedented opportunity to lift up the bishops’ voice in the public square on care for the environment and climate change. In April 2015, USCCB signed on to a coalition statement expressing support for the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act (S. 600) that will help non-profits, including our parishes, schools and hospitals make needed energy efficient improvements and reduce their carbon footprint. In May 2015, Archbishop Wenski participated in Congressional briefings with key members of Congress to share the Pope’s teaching on ecology and anticipated message in the encyclical. In June 2015, concurrent with the release of the encyclical, Archbishop Kurtz, President of the USCCB and Cardinal Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington participated in a press briefing on the encyclical at the National Press Club. Congressional briefings for the House and Senate on the encyclical and the bishops’ environmental and climate change policy priorities were also held on the day of the release of the encyclical. At the end of June, Archbishop Wenski sent a letter to the House and Senate urging members to oppose legislation or appropriations riders designed to reverse efforts to implement a national carbon standard. Staff from the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development have participated (and continue to participate) in numerous events in dioceses and parishes, academic institutions and other venues relating to Laudato Si’ throughout the country. In September 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Bishop Cantú, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, participated in a press briefing on Laudato Si’ in anticipation of the papal visit. Bishop Cantú and JPHD staff also participated in a briefing at the Environmental Protection Agency on the practical and environmental justice policy implications of the encyclical held prior to the papal visit. USCCB continues it outreach and meetings with key Congressional offices to share Pope Francis’ encyclical message and the bishops’ policy priorities.

(For further information about the efforts of the USCCB Environmental Justice Program, please see the report in the documentation of the Joint Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace.) Housing and Homelessness Affordable housing and homelessness remain under-addressed issues. In November, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it would begin funding the National Housing Trust Fund in 2016. This would finance the construction of affordable housing for America’s poorest households, and staff is monitoring the status of the Fund.

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In March 2015, Archbishop Wenski wrote two letters calling attention to the housing crisis in this country. The first, to the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, expressed opposition to blocking funding for the National Housing Trust Fund. The second, with Sr. Donna Markham, urged adequate funding for programs that support housing for poor families and vulernable populations. Human Trafficking The Office of Domestic Social Development is exploring ways it can partner with the Office of Migration and Refugee Services on the topic of human trafficking. From July 9-10, the Office of Domestic Social Development cosponsored with the Catholic University of America’s School of Social Work, USCCB Office of Migration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities USA, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, a conference on the theme of human trafficking. The conference was titled, “Answering Pope Francis’s Call: An American Catholic Response to Modern-Day Slavery.” The two-day gathering brought diocesan staff, immigration attorneys, social workers, priests and religious, to consider the Church’s response to this human tragedy. Close to 300 participants attended workshops designed both for those who are expert practitioners in the field of assisting trafficking victims, to those who were just beginning to learn more about this serious problem. Labor and Employment In January 2015, Archbishop Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham sent a letter to Congress regarding Catholic teaching on wages and encouraging support for policies that support workers’ ability to earn a just wage. In August 2015, Archbishop Wenski released the annual Labor Day statement, focusing on the theme of work and wages as critical to the health and stability of domestic families, as well as the human family. Mexico Staff from the Office of Domestic Social Development in cooperation with the Office of International Justice and Peace, have been working together to help establish a collaborative relationship with the Conferencia Episcopado de Mexico (CEM) (Mexican Bishops’ Conference). Following two successful visits to Mexico City in April and June, which included meetings with several Mexican bishops and conference staff, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico as well as key community and lay leaders representing diverse interests and communities in Mexico, USCCB will assess next steps in fostering further collaboration with CEM. Several themes were discussed during the recent meetings that touching upon interests and concerns of both the U.S. and Mexican church including: criminality, corruption, violence, human and arms and drug trafficking, the root causes of migration, the role of the Church in society and other themes. It is anticipated that USCCB will host a visit in December by several Mexican bishops and their staff in order to continue the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two episcopal conferences. Poverty and Social Welfare In June 2015, the USCCB endorsed the principles and joined the steering committee for Faith for Just Lending, a coalition of Christian groups committed to raising awareness of and improving advocacy around the issue of payday lending. The Coalition includes the National 75

Association of Evangelicals, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Center for Public Justice, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, among others. Report of the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) The Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development met June 8-9 2015 in St. Louis , MO and will meet November 14-15 in Baltimore , MD. Report on Strategic National Grants The Subcommittee was briefed on the progress of the Strategic National Grants and voted to continue the current grants and to explore further a proposal by the Industrial Areas Foundation. The approved grants were to:  Birthchoice of California aka Obria  California Catholic Conference Restorative Justice  Direct Action Research Training  Democracy at Work and St. Vincent de, Paul Society  Border Network  National Community Land Trust  Catholic Community Services of Western Washington  PICO Parish Immigration Project The Subcommittee also approved 191 local Community Development grants and 61 Economic Development grants for a total of $13, 840,230. National Collection Office The 2013 CCHD collection is higher than the 2012 collection by almost 1%. 78 dioceses showed increases in their 2013 collection and 87 dioceses showed decreases in their 2013 collection. The national date for this year’s CCHD collection is the weekend of November 21-22, 2015. Special Meeting with Subcommittee Members and Black Evangelical Leaders CCHD, along with the Catholic University of America hosted a gathering of faith leaders for in-depth conversation of poverty and its profound impact on American families. Academic leaders led discussions and helped the bishops’ understand the social landscape and need of a strategy for strengthening African American families and the diminution of poverty. The meeting encouraged future convening and collaboration between the Black evangelical leadership and the Bishops. Joint Meeting and Activities of the Committee on International Justice and Peace and the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development The two Committees met jointly on May 12, 2015, to discuss the following agenda topics that have both domestic and international dimensions or affect the entire Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development (JPHD), including:  Education and Outreach Director’s Report 76

    

Test Ban Treaty Federal Budget Update on Ecology Encyclical Mexico Trip Strategic Plan

Education and Outreach Director’s Report Susan Stevenot Sullivan, Director of Education and Outreach, reported on various projects, including the success of the 2015 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) held in Washington, D.C., with 524 attendees and a total of 93 dioceses present. The new JPHD blog togoforth.org has generated over 35,000 views with 111 blog posts (as of September, 2015). The new JPHD website wearesaltandlight.org was introduced to the committees by staff members Jill Rauh and Ian Mitchell, who highlighted several unique features, such as the responsive design, breadth of resources, self-assessment quiz, and 50+ discipleship-in-action stories. Test Ban Treaty Rose E. Gottemoeller, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, attended the meeting to share some of the history of the Test Ban Treaty (TBT) and verification developments, as well as challenges with education and awareness going forward. Discussion included suggestions for cultivating support of politicians and the public as another ratification attempt is reconsidered for the Senate. Concern for those at risk “downwind” of tests, international efforts to promote non-proliferation and the continued engagement by the Holy See, as well as that of the current and previous chairs of the Committee on International Justice and Peace were also raised by the committees. Federal Budget Archbishop Wenski reviewed the moral criteria established to guide decisions on the federal budget and spending that the committee chairmen use for correspondence with Congress. JPHD staff updated the committees about concerns around the 2016 Federal Budget, including mandatory cuts that would take critical resources from programs for poor and vulnerable persons, disproportionate and excessive military and defense spending, and the need to protect essential, life-saving foreign assistance and programs that meet human needs at home. Committee members responded to the presentation and also discussed how Catholic institutions’ ability to provide services could be compromised by failure to include conscience protections and religious liberty exemptions in policies and legislation. Update on Ecology Encyclical Mark Rohlena, Director of Domestic Human Development, and Environmental Justice staff person Cecilia Calvo reviewed themes likely to be addressed in Pope Francis’ ecology encyclical and summarized work being done across the department to prepare for its release. This included developing messaging documents, a social media plan, and educational materials, and planning several events, including a briefing for Congress by the committee chairmen, a workshop for bishops at the June meeting, and a scholars’ conference. Mexico Trip JPHD policy staff Richard Coll and Anthony Granado outlined their meetings with Mexican bishops and colleagues in April, 2015. Highlights of issues discussed included a 77

pervasive culture of violence, threats to the safety of clergy and the public, corruption, problematic U.S. trade policy, abuses by multinational corporations, militarization, U.S. demand for illegal drugs, and trafficking by cartels. Next steps, in the effort to provide opportunities for mutual expressions of solidarity, and resourcing of DJHD and IJP committees to advocate on behalf of the Church and bishops of Mexico, include follow up by the chairs of the Joint committees. Bishop Cantú and Archbishop Wenski will be accompanied by Coll and Granado to a second meeting in Mexico in June, 2015. Strategic Plan Dr. Jonathan Reyes, Executive Director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, explained that preparations have begun for the 2017-2020 USCCB planning cycle. A request has been received from Bishop Daniel Flores, Chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, for support from the IJP and DJHD committees in planning of a 5th national Encuentro meeting in September, 2018. Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, of the Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church, outlined the three year grass-roots planning process now underway. Bishop Flores has asked the IJP and DJHD committees to become involved in the Encuentro process to ensure the proper inclusion of the Church’s social justice mission. Reyes encouraged the committees to think creatively about engaging various communities of the Church in this effort, including the ecclesial movements.

Staff updates for the Joint Committees Under the USCCB Thematic Framework for the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan there are three categories: Conference-wide Priority Initiatives, Committee Responsibilities and Annual Mandated Responsibilities. These are to be accomplished using four strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, and Calling and Forming Leaders. These will be noted after each topic in the staff report.

Education and Outreach Staff Report Major Education and Outreach Initiatives Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG): Staff collaborated with eight USCCB offices and 16 external organizations to present the CSMG 2015 in Washington, D.C., from February 7-10. The theme for this year’s Gathering was To Go Forth: Encountering Christ in the Heart of the World. Speakers included Fr. Daniel Groody, CSC, of the University of Notre Dame, Martina Liebsch, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Caritas Internationalis, Sylvester Brown, Jr., of the St. Louis community organization the Sweet Potato Project, Dr. Richard Wood of the University of New Mexico, and David Brooks and Mark Shields of PBS Newshour. Masses were offered by Archbishop Kurtz, Archbishop Wenski, and Bishop Cantú. The Young Leaders Initiative, which encourages universities and colleges to send Catholic campus leaders to experience CSMG, drew 78 students and 18 staff from 30 institutions. Of the 524 participants in total, 48% were first timers. Gathering participants completed 217 visits with members of Congress or representatives from their offices. The Capitol Hill reception featured bi-partisan comments from two Senators. The 2016 CSMG will be January 23-26, in Washington, D.C. Archbishop Kurtz will celebrate the

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opening Mass. Registration for CSMG 2016, “Called to Live Mercy in Our Common Home,” launched Sept. 14. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) Life and Dignity of the Human Person JPHD continues its collaboration with other offices to plan and oversee the implementation of a project for the USCCB Priority on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. The project is concluding the quantitative research phase which will lead to communications efforts and a 2017 national convening. There was an announcement about the 2017 convening preparations and suggestions for diocesan delegations at the bishops’ June meeting. Conversations with other USCCB offices are in progress. (Category: Conference-wide Priority Initiative; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) Catholics Confront Global Poverty Staff works jointly with Catholic Relief Services to engage Catholics in praying, learning and advocating to protect the lives and dignity of the “least of these” around the world. Since 2009, JPHD and CRS staff has jointly offered 70 webcasts to maintain and develop Catholic engagement in the CCGP initiative. The staffs continue to collaborate to send out regular communications and updates to engage Catholics in CCGP’s work. (Category: Committee Responsibility; Strategies: Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively) Catholic Campaign for Human Development Education Programs The following initiatives focus on the CCHD mandate to educate about poverty and the Church’s commitment to empower low-income people, as well as provide resources and training for CCHD Diocesan Directors.

CCHD Review and Renewal The 2014 Diocesan Director training opportunity was a series of webinars that enabled diocesan directors to access important information during each event, or by viewing the posted webinars later at their convenience. An in-person, multiple-day training for CCHD diocesan directors is planned for October 25 to 28, 2015. Sessions will include information on the mission and work of CCHD, building relationships, community and economic development, the annual CCHD collection, and related matters. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders)

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PovertyUSA / PobrezaUSA PovertyUSA, including its Spanish language mirror site, is one of the principal resources utilized to educate Catholics and the general public about the realities of poverty in the United States (structural causes, poverty data, Church teaching, stories of hope featuring CCHD grantees and more). The site has been updated with the new poverty statistics and refreshed branding. In the past year PovertyUSA, the English language site, has received 646,000 views with 239,000 unique visitors. (Category: Committee Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Communicating Effectively) Multi-Media Youth Arts Contest The 2015 national grand prize winners are from Laconia, New Hampshire. Robert Bouldc and Tristan MacDonald worked on their canvas mural painting “CCHD Community Garden” together. The fact that this year’s grand prize goes to students in the 7-9th grade is a testimony to both the ability of the students and the skill of their teacher in helping students understand poverty and our faith response. Their $500 grand prize will be awarded on November 20, 2015, at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The Multi-Media Youth Contest is sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and cosponsored by RCL Benziger. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively) Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award The winner of the 2015 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award is Edith Avila Olea, a former CCHD intern for the Diocese of Joliet, currently employed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet. Bishop Jaime Soto, chair of the CCHD subcommittee, presented the award at a reception following the opening Mass at the bishops’ June meeting in St. Louis. The award is given annually by CCHD to a young person who exemplifies the leadership, diverse skills and faith young adults bring to anti-poverty work that empowers low-income people and transforms communities, including Catholic parishes. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) CCHD Internship Program In 2015-2016, 32 individuals are serving as interns in dioceses across the country to expand diocesan capacity to address poverty, while also receiving valuable training as emerging leaders in the Church. The annual, national intern training was held in late May in Washington, D.C. We continue to engage the 360 alumni of the intern program through regular communications and a new program to incentivize their continued involvement in diocesan social ministry. So far, dioceses around the United States have received small grants of up to $2,000 each to engage 21 intern alumni in projects around social media, youth and young adult engagement, campus outreach, parish education, Hispanic outreach, legislative advocacy, clergy engagement, and local diocesan committee work. 80

(Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) Collaboration with JustFaith Ministries Staff continues to collaborate with JustFaith Ministries to provide opportunities for Catholics to better understand Christ’s call to care for all our neighbors, especially those who live in poverty. Staff worked to integrate updated materials on CCHD’s history into the JustFaith curriculum. JPHD’s ongoing collaboration with JustFaith offers many opportunities to share the committees’ commitment to human life and dignity with a wide audience of Catholics. (Category: Committee Responsibility; Strategies: Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) Other Education and Outreach initiatives Pope Francis: Staff highlights Pope Francis’ prolific works about poverty, economic justice, care for creation, human rights, and other issues through a compilation of quotes from speeches, messages, homilies, and audiences. Just over 150 pages in length, this document is updated periodically and posted online in both English and Spanish in order to point inspire Catholics to live and act as disciples. Staff prepared scripture, liturgy, prayer, homily, bulletin insert, discussion guide and other resources, posted at www.usccb.org/environment, for the new encyclical Laudato Si’ and continues to disseminate the resources with help from other offices, including the Communications Secretariat. (Category: Committee Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders) WeAreSaltAndLight.org: In response to a request by USCCB Communications, staff shared success stories and images from WeAreSaltAndLight.org for possible use on social media during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. The content was drawn from over 60 stories currently featured on WeAreSaltAndLight.org. Four new videos are also available on the site. In August and September, staff presented three training webinars on WeAreSaltAndLight.org for collaborators at organizations, dioceses, and in other ministry settings around the United States. Following the webinars, participants received a customizable PowerPoint training that can be adapted for local use. Staff continues to cultivate participation in WeAreSaltAndLight.org Facebook and Twitter. (Category: Committee Responsibility; Strategies: Engaging Culturally-Diverse Communities, Communicating Effectively, Collaborating Together, Calling and Forming Leaders) The New Evangelization and Social Mission: Staff continues to collaborate with staff of the USCCB Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis to assist with content for the New Evangelization web page on the Evangelization and Catechesis website. Staff wrote and submitted several articles for Catechist magazine and for Catechetical Sunday. Staff prepared a handout on “Living Mercy in the Jubilee Year of Mercy” for the USCCB Year of Mercy webpage. 81

(Category: Conference-wide Priority Initiative; Strategies: Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively) Social Media: JPHD capitalizes on the USCCB Facebook community of 146,615 persons and the USCCB Twitter followers of about 80,400 persons as well as particular communities for Poverty USA (more than 4,429 fans for Facebook and almost 2,652 Twitter followers). Poverty USA social media platforms offer a focused way of distributing educational material for economic justice and poverty awareness and represent a tangible expression of the unity of the various offices of JPHD in domestic advocacy and anti-poverty efforts. Staff Twitter accounts add an additional more than 4,250 points of contact. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategy: Communicating Effectively) JPHD’s blog, www.togoforth.org, is an educational resource to complement and leverage existing education and outreach efforts. To Go Forth takes its title from Pope Francis’ words in Evangelii Gaudium, orienting the Church’s mission towards the peripheries, accentuating engagement and witness to the social Gospel. To Go Forth makes the work of JPHD, such as advocacy efforts, community building and educational opportunities, broadly accessible to Catholics and the general public as an expression of Catholic social teaching. The blog features posts by bishops, staff and guest writers, with 111 posts to date and more than 35,000 views in its first year. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategy: Communicating Effectively) Website and Database: Periodic updates and action alerts are sent to email subscribers, 13,354 for Domestic Social Development and 12,874 for International Justice and Peace. “Notes for Neighbors,” a sampling of education and action opportunities reaching over 2,648 subscribers every three weeks, continues to be well received by busy diocesan directors and an increasing number of parish subscribers. A cycle of email communications (now more than 2,018 recipients) maintains closer contact with CCHD diocesan directors and CCHD funded organizations, and promotes the good news and work of CCHD. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategy: Communicating Effectively) Social Action Summer Institute (SASI): SASI is a collaborative effort of the Roundtable of Social Action Directors, USCCB/JPHD, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, and JustFaith Ministries. JPHD staff helps with planning, content, promotion and presence. The 2015 SASI tool place in Portland, July 19-23. The theme was: Care for God’s Creation: Life, Earth and the Common Good. (Category: Annual Mandated Responsibility; Strategies: Collaborating Together, Communicating Effectively, Calling and Forming Leaders)

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS Members: Bishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski, Chairman; Bishop Stephen E. Blaire; Bishop David R. Choby; Bishop John R. Gaydos; Bishop Donald F. Hanchon; Bishop Denis J. Madden; Bishop Robert W. McElroy; Thomas J. Olmsted; Bishop David P. Talley; Bishop Michael W. Warfel Consultants: Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan; Cardinal William Keeler; Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap; Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR; Bishop Joseph C. Bambera; Bishop Tod D. Brown; Bishop Ronald F. Herzog; Bishop Barry C. Knestout; Bishop Gregory J. Mansour; Bishop Plácido Rodríguez, CMF; Bishop Richard J. Sklba; Bishop William S. Skylstad Staff: Dr. Anthony T. Cirelli; Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS; Rev. Ronald G. Roberson, CSP Representatives: Rev. Dennis McManus; Rev. Joseph Mueller, SJ  

The Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (CEIA) met on March 19, 2015 in Chicago and will meet again on October 13, 2015. The March meeting began with a presentation by Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American and Bishop Denis Madden on the work of the Committee for a Declaration on the Way (DOTW). The Bishops presented the Committee’s current Introduction and 41 LutheranCatholic agreed statements and discussed the work remaining for the Committee. The Bishops affirmed the work done thus far and supported bringing the work to completion. Bishops Madden will present the final version of the DOTW to the Bishops Committee for reception in October. Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chair of the Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, presented a paper to the Bishops Committee entitled “Ecumenical dialogue and important developments within Orthodoxy With special emphasis on the planned Pan-Orthodox Council.” The Bishops discussed the Council and other matters with Bishop Demetrios. Fr. Crossin presented the draft document offered by the SEIA Task Force revising the 1971 statement “On the Implementation of the Apostolic Letter on Mixed Marriages” The Bishops offered some suggestions for revision. In May, Bishop Rozanski approved the final draft and sent it to the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance for their consideration after the Task Force included these revisions and the comments from the Secretariats for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; Divine Worship; and Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. Fr. Rooney, president of the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers (CADEIO), presented a proposal from the CADEIO Working Group on Interchurch/Interreligious Families. This report was well received.

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Fr. Crossin noted he will propose that interchurch/interreligious families be a focus of the CEIA for the 2017-20 planning cycle. The Secretariat continues to pursue its strategic plan. Bishop Denis J. Madden reviewed progress on the plan with the directors and staff of the Secretariat on November 7, 2014. Fr. Crossin and Nancy Robinson completed the written two-year report on the plan; the staff of SEIA met twice to discuss future objectives; and Bishop Rozanski reviewed the SEIA recommendations in preparation for the initial discussion of the 2016-20 plan at the meeting of the CEIA in October 2015. The CEIA will review the recent visit of Pope Francis and its ecumenical and interreligious implications with the help of a distinguished Jewish colleague at its October meeting. A Symposium commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate was held at The Catholic University of America (CUA) from 19 to 21 May, 2015. The public event, which was co-sponsored by CUA’s School of Theology and Religious Studies and the SEIA, featured keynote addresses by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, who presented on the international dialogue with Muslims, by Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, who spoke on the international dialogue with the Jews, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who spoke on JewishCatholic relations in the United States—past, present, and future. Honored speakers included Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, CUA President John Garvey, Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, Prof. Sayyed Hossein Nasr, Fr. Thomas Stransky, and numerous other religious leaders and scholars. Over 220 people were in attendance. The conference also served as the location for plenary meetings of the SEIA’s Muslim and Jewish dialogues, which were closed to the public (see below for details). Videos of all the presentations of the Conference can be found on the Catholic University website https://vimeo.com/cuavideo/videos/sort:date/format:detail. The texts will also appear in a book on Nostra Aetate, co-edited by Dr. Cirelli, which is scheduled to be released by CUA Press in 2016. At the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Secretariat of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (SEIA) coordinated official visits by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran with Hindus (May 23) and Jains (May 24) --each for one day-- following the Nostra Aetate symposium at CUA. Cardinal Tauran delivered keynote addresses at both events. The meeting with the Hindu community occurred at the Durga Temple in Fairfax, Virginia, and featured additional addresses by Prof. Frank Clooney, S.J. of Harvard University and Prof. Anantanand Rambachan of St. Olaf College. In attendance were Cardinal McCarrick and Bishops Paul Loverde, Denis Madden, and Mitchell Rozanski. Numerous Hindu leaders were present in the crowd of over 160 people. The meeting with the Jain community took place at The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington in Silver Spring, MD. Additional addresses were given by Prof. Clooney and Prof. Dipak Jain. Jain and Catholic leaders from the United States and Canada were present and about 100 people were in attendance.

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Ecumenical Affairs Christian Churches Together in the USA “Christian Churches’ Together in the USA,” (CCT) held its 2015 plenary meeting in early February in Houston, Texas. As Chairman, Bishop Rozanski attended the day-long preliminary meeting of leaders of churches. The USCCB delegation to the meeting included Bishops Brown, Vásquez, Madden and Rozanski. The theme was “Immigrant Faith Communities: the Future of the Church in the USA.” SEIA continues to be very active in CCT. As CCT has continued to grow the Secretariat has been active in supporting subsequent work of the CCT in areas of social justice such as racism, incarceration, and immigration in concert with other USCCB staff. At its May meeting, the Steering Committee of CCT came to the consensus that CCT should be working for racial reconciliation. This racism initiative is very much in continuity with the social justice orientation of CCT since its initiation. The Steering Committee will meet again on September 28 and 29th, 2015. National Council of Churches Fr. Crossin, Fr. Mueller and Dr. Barbara Sain attended the spring annual meeting of the NCC May 7-9 which took place in Herndon, VA near Dulles International Airport. At the conclusion of the meeting, Fr. Crossin met at length with Dr. Sain and Fr. Mueller. Both Fr. Mueller and Dr. Sain expressed appreciation for their work in systematic theology on the Faith and Order Commission over the years. After attending the newly restructured ‘Faith and Order Table’ for the last two years, they agree with Fr. Crossin that a moral theologian would best serve the Bishops Committee on this reconstituted body. They agreed that they would continue to serve through the calendar year 2015 and then be replaced. This change reflects the restructuring that took place in the NCC two years ago. Methodist Dialogue The first meeting of Round 8 of the Methodist Catholic Dialogue took place at Alma Mathew’s House in New York City March 25-27, 2015, Bishop William Skylstad serves as Catholic Co-Chair of the Dialogue; Bishop Michael Watson of the Northern Georgia Methodist Conference serves as the Methodist Co-Chair. The teams each include four scholars/pastors. The dialogue will seek to summarize agreements, convergences and divergences of the dialogue over the last 50 years and indicate some of the pastoral implications of this work. At the first meeting, the members spent time getting to know one another, heard presentations on the previous work of the international and national dialogues, and discussed the direction and work of this round of the dialogue. Numerous suggestions surfaced as to possible presentations and projects. The background, the breadth of knowledge and experience, and the creativity of the group gathered indicated that this will be a most productive round. The dialogue will meet again December 15-17 at St. Paul’s College in Washington, DC.

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Other Conversations Fr. Crossin continues to have less formal conversation with other churches/religious groups. He attended the Marriage Summit at the USCCB in March and saw representatives of a number of ecumenical partners. As mentioned above, he attended the plenary of the National Council of Churches and attended the meeting of the Faith and Order Table. Since Fr. Crossin is a moral theologian, his background was quite suited to the meeting of the Table. At this meeting he also saw many representatives of ecumenical partners. He also encountered many ecumenical and Interreligious partners at A Witness for Peace: A Multi-Religious Gathering with Pope Francis at the 9/11 Memorial.  

Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue The dialogue met at the headquarters of the PNCC in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on May 19 and 20. This was the first meeting co-chaired by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera who took the place of Bishop Rozanski in that role after his election as CEIA chairman. Bishop Bambera has named two new Catholic members of the dialogue: Bishop Joseph Kopacz of Jackson and Msgr. Vincent Grimalia, ecumenical officer for the Scranton Diocese. The bulk of the May meeting was spent re-examining earlier proposals regarding “incremental steps” towards unity, focusing in particular on proposed guidelines that would clarify the circumstances under which the Catholic faithful could receive the sacraments in the PNCC. The next meeting has been scheduled for May 2016 in Washington, DC, where the members hope to meet with relevant USCCB staff. Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue The Lutheran Catholic Dialogue celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, May 27th at USCCB. The celebration began with an Ecumenical Prayer Service in the Chapel with Bishop Denis Madden presiding and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America preaching. The ninety-nine people who served on the Dialogue over the fifty years were mentioned by name in the Prayers of Intercession. A major address on the history and influence of the Dialogue followed. Msgr. John Radano of Seton Hall University, who served for twenty five years at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, spoke in detail about the significance of this national dialogue. Kathryn Lohre, ELCA Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations offered insightful observations in response. A Reception in the Atrium of the Conference followed the address and response. The following day the next session of the Dialogue commenced at St. Paul’s College in Washington, DC. Rev. Lowell Almen of the ELCA and Bishop Lee Anthony Piché of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota serve as the Co-chairmen of Round XII, the topic of which is, "Ministries of Teaching: Sources, Shapes, and Essential Contents." This sixth meeting saw the presentation of scholarly papers and some extended consideration of the first outline of a Joint Statement. All agreed that there still is much work to be done. The seventh meeting of the

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Dialogue will take place April 6-9, 2016 at St. Paul’s College in Washington. Bishop Denis Madden has agreed to serve as Co-Chairman beginning with this meeting. Oriental Orthodox Dialogue    

Our national dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox has not met since the last report. However, two events in our relationship should be mentioned. First, April 24, 2015, marked the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. On that day in Armenia, with Cardinal Kurt Koch in attendance, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a Eucharist during which he canonized all 1,500,000 victims of the genocide. This was the first time that the Armenian Church had recognized any new saints in 400 years. A few days later, in early May, Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram of the Great House of Cilicia (the second ranking Armenian Catholicosate, based in Antelias, Lebanon), led commemorations of the genocide in the United States. On May 7 they were both present at the national commemoration of the genocide at the National Cathedral in Washington in the presence of Vice President Joseph Biden, Samantha Power (the American Ambassador to the United Nations), and Serzh Sargsyan (the President of Armenia). Invitations to the event had been co-signed by James E. Winkler, the General Secretary/President of the National Council of Churches and, on behalf of the USCCB, by Archbishop Kurtz who also was in attendance along with the Apostolic Nuncio and Cardinal McCarrick. On May 9 the two Catholicoses presided over an Armenian Eucharist in a completely filled Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Cardinal Wuerl offered words of welcome at the beginning of the service, and the Armenians reported afterwards that they were very pleased with the hospitality and flexibility offered to them by the Shrine staff. On June 19 Pope Francis received in audience His Holiness Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of Antioch and All the East. For many years before his election as patriarch in March 2014 he had resided in the United States and had only recently been named the Oriental Orthodox co-chairman of our national dialogue. In his speech, the Patriarch said to the Pope that "We express our desire and readiness to look for new ways that will bring our churches even closer to each other, paving the way for Antioch and Rome, the only two apostolic sees where St. Peter preached, to establish full communion." He also said that his church was ready to come to an agreement on the date of Easter; already in 1981 the Syrian Holy Synod had stated that it supported the celebration of Easter on a fixed Sunday in April. The celebration of Easter "on two different dates is a source of great discomfort and weakens the common witness of the church in the world," he said, thanking Pope Francis for recently "considering to take the initiative to lead the efforts on this matter." North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation The Consultation met in early June at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Westchester County, New York. The session was almost entirely devoted to discussing the details of a new proposed agreed statement on the role of the laity in the two churches. After much discussion it was agreed that it would be most useful to treat the role of the laity in the broader context of the community of the baptized. A drafting committee was set up to provide

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a new text for consideration at the next meeting. The fall 2015 meeting is due to take place in October in Worcester, Massachusetts. This city was chosen because it was there that the first meeting of the Catholic-Orthodox dialogue took place 50 years ago. Much of the Worcester meeting will be devoted to commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the dialogue with public events including lectures and joint worship services. On the international level, the strong support given by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Laudato Si’, the new encyclical by Pope Francis, should be noted. One of the main speakers at the press conference when the encyclical was released was Metropolitan John [Zizioulas] of Pergamon, the Orthodox co-chairman of the international dialogue and close advisor of the Patriarch. The encyclical harmonizes the official teaching of the two churches on this increasingly important topic. Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue As was mentioned in the last report, plans are being laid for a new round of ARC-USA that will deal with the theme of reconciliation. Both sides are still in the process of putting together an appropriate team of experts, and we hope that the first meeting of the new round will take place this fall or perhaps early in the new year. Fr Ronald Roberson, CSP, an Associate Director of SEIA, represented Bishop Rozanski as an ecumenical guest at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church which took place in Salt Lake City from June 25 to July 3. In view of the fact that Presiding Bishop Kathryn Jefferts Schori decided not to run for a second nine-year term, the election of her successor was a major agenda item. In current practice, the Presiding Bishop is elected by the House of Bishops, and then the election must be confirmed by the House of Deputies. Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina was elected on the first ballot by a lop-sided majority in the House of Bishops (with 121 votes out of 174 cast) and then was confirmed by an even bigger majority (800 to 12) by the House of Deputies. Bishop Curry, who will be installed at the National Cathedral in Washington on November 1, is the first African American to head the Episcopal Church. Born and baptized an Episcopalian, Curry has proven skills as an administrator, and will bring a more evangelical style to the office. The June 26 Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage was announced just an hour and a half before the daily liturgy was celebrated at the Convention. By sheer coincidence, Suffragan Bishop Mary Glaspool of Los Angeles, the only lesbian bishop in the Anglican Communion, presided that morning. When the decision was mentioned during the liturgy, there were cheers in the congregation. There appears to be a growing consensus on this matter within the Episcopal Church, and there was much less rancor than in the past between those with opposing views. This was reflected in the fact that both houses approved measures that call for the creation of new liturgies for the blessing of same sex unions, and also to revise the wording of the church’s canons on marriage so as to make them gender neutral. Moreover, a process was set in motion to create a new revision of the Book of Common Prayer that would reflect these changes. Provision was also made for those who oppose these measures, allowing them to opt out from blessing same sex unions as they see fit.

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A group of 20 bishops signed a statement dissenting from the change in the church’s understanding of Christian marriage that underlies these provisions. The first bishop on the list of signatories was John Bauerschmidt of Tennessee, the Episcopal Co-Chairman of ARC-USA. On June 30, Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the decision to change the definition of marriage in the canons of the Episcopal Church. He said that the decision “will cause distress for some and have ramifications for the Anglican Communion as a whole, as well as for its ecumenical and interfaith relationships.” Reformed-Catholic The dialogue is co-chaired by Bishop Tod Brown (Ret.) of the diocese of Orange, CA. and Rev. Dr. Cynthia Campbell (PCUSA). The fifth meeting of the current round on ecclesiology met from 8-10 March 2015 at the ELCA headquarters in Chicago. The group began its discussion of the fourth topic for the round, i.e., ordination and ministry. To date, papers have been presented on the topics of mission and identity (Sept. 2013), unity and diversity (Mar. 2014), and the nature of authority (episkopé) and the historical and theological development of the episcopacy (Sept. 2014). In addition to beginning discussion of the fourth and final topic (ordination and ministry), the March meeting also included time for caucus sessions to reflect on the convergences and divergences reached in the current round, as well as plenary sessions to hear presentations from members of the last (7th) round on Baptism and Eucharist in order to discern convergences on sacrament and ecclesiology that addressed the questions: ‘What is the church?’ and ‘Who/What is a bishop?’ in our respective traditions. The next meeting will focus on the final topic for the round and will take place 4-6 October 2015 in New Jersey at New Brunswick Seminary. Jewish Relations NCS/USCCB Consultation The National Council of Synagogues (NCS) -USCCB Consultation took during a one hour luncheon meeting at the May Nostra Aetate Symposium at The Catholic University of America. It was agreed the topic for the next meeting would be the structures of the Catholic Church and the Jewish communities. The next meeting of the Dialogue will take place on Monday, December 14, 2015 in New York City. USCCB/OU Consultation A consultation of the BCEIA and the Orthodox Union (OU) took place in March 2015. The consultation has been reconstituted. Bishop Frank Caggiano and Rabbi David Berger met along with other members of the dialogue to discuss future directions of the dialogue.

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Interreligious Relations General Muslim-Catholic Update: On 21 May 2015, the co-chairs from all regional dialogues met in plenary session at CUA to discuss the proposal to restructure the dialogues so that, from the perspective of the SEIA, they would align with all ecumenical and interreligious dialogues as national rather than regional projects. It was unanimously adopted to move forward with a national dialogue, which will be named the Catholic-Muslim National Dialogue. The convener for the first meeting will be Bishop Robert McElroy and the location will be in San Diego, CA with date and place TBD. The national dialogue will be composed of all regional co-chairs (6), Catholic and Muslim scholars (between 2-3 each), and, in an attempt to stay connected with the current regional dialogues, (up to 12 members—for the Catholic side, these will be preferably from CADEIO— with 4 (2 Catholics/2 Muslims) from each region. These “local” representatives will serves as bridges between the national dialogue and the regional dialogues. The SEIA will now fund only the national dialogue. Support for the regional dialogues will be discussed in the coming months, but it is likely that the archdioceses will need to provide funding for the Catholic representatives at the regional meetings—if not next year, certainly in the coming years. An exact constitution for the structure of the national dialogue is being drawn up by the SEIA and the Bishop Co-Chairs in consultation with the Muslims leaders. Mid-Atlantic Catholic-Muslim The dialogue, co-chaired by Bishop Barry Knestout of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. and Imam Khurshid Khan (new as of May, 2015), convened in Somerset, NJ at the Why Islam Center on April 2-3, 2014. The general topic for this meeting was secularism and its impact on the family. Papers were delivered on the effects of neo-atheism, the experience of Muslim youth, general challenges in religious education, and pastoral reflections on the spiritual consequences of secularism. The group also provided updates on the status of the completed project (2013) on education, i.e., “The principles and guidelines of education,” for Catholic and Muslim educators tasked with teaching the rudiments of one another’s faith traditions to secondary level students. The last official meeting took place at the 2nd national plenary of our regional dialogues, which coincided with the commemorative celebration of Nostra Aetate at CUA in May of 2015. With the establishment of the national dialogue, the regional groups will likely be in hiatus for 2016 as new membership is introduced and an agenda is generated. Midwest Catholic-Muslim The dialogue, co-chaired by Bishop Francis Reiss of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Dr. Sayyid Syeed of ISNA met October 27-29, 2014 on the campus of John Carroll University in Columbus, Ohio. The topics for this meeting were: “From Mutual Esteem to Mutual Collaboration: Poverty and Privilege among Catholics and Muslims,” and “Mission and Dawah in the United States.” Papers were presented. Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald was present as an invited observer. The last official meeting took place at the 2nd national plenary of our regional dialogues, which coincided with the commemorative celebration of Nostra Aetate at CUA in

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May of 2015. With the establishment of the national dialogue, the regional groups will likely be in hiatus for 2016 as new membership is introduced and an agenda is generated. West Coast Catholic-Muslim The dialogue, co-chaired by Bishop Robert McElroy of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi and Imam Moustafa al-Qazwini, met on May 20-21, 2014 in Orange County, California. The topic for this meeting was extremism in our respective traditions. Papers were presented on jihad in Islam and just war theory in Catholicism. On May 20th, the group was hosted by the Sunni members of the dialogue at the Islamic Society of Orange County, Conference Center and Garden Grove Mosque. On the 21st, the group met at the Shia members’ site, the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County. The last official meeting took place at the 2nd national plenary of our regional dialogues, which coincided with the commemorative celebration of Nostra Aetate at CUA in May of 2015. With the establishment of the national dialogue, the regional groups will likely be in hiatus for 2016 as new membership is introduced and an agenda is generated. Catholic-Buddhist Encounter At the request of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and in observance of the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Dr. Anthony Cirelli (SEIA) and Dr. Donald Mitchell of Purdue University coordinated a meeting of U.S. Catholic and Buddhist leaders at the Focolare community’s Centro Mariapolis in Castel Gandolfo from June 22-28, 2015. The topic for the week-long encounter was “Suffering, Liberation, and Fraternity.” The multi-day event featured a keynote address by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, a private audience with Pope Francis, and presentations by a number of Buddhist and Catholic scholars and community leaders. The dialogue, which will begin work at the local level on practical and mutual concerns around issues of justice and peace, will be led by leaders from the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington, DC regions. These leaders will consist of staff and members from local archdioceses and Buddhist temple communities, as well as members from the St. Vincent de Paul society and, where applicable, Catholic Charities. Due to budget limitations of the SEIA, the regional dialogues will be supported by the archdioceses and Dr. Cirelli will attend as an observer on behalf of the CEIA. Catholic-Hindu Encounter At the request of Cardinal Tauran, following the May Hindu – Catholic Dialogue at Durga Temple, the SEIA has organized three meetings with Hindu leaders to discuss possible avenues for collaboration at the local level and the potential for a national dialogue in the future. Conclusion This has been a most productive time for the ecumenical and interreligious work of the Bishops Committee. The Committee is setting new directions in our work with the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Jain and Buddhist Communities. SEIA completed a very successful Nostra Aetate Conference in collaboration with Catholic University that many CEIA bishops were

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able to attend. The 50 years of dialogue with the Lutherans (ELCA) has been celebrated appropriately and a Study Guide, prepared by Lutherans and Catholics in western Pennsylvania, has been approved for use across the country in preparation for 2017. Documents summarizing the results of our 50 years of work together with the Lutherans and with the Methodists are in the process of being developed. SEIA will sponsor a Conference with Catholic University’s School of Theology and Religious Studies in the spring of 2017 to commemorate the Reformation. Thus we are already laying the groundwork for our new Strategic Plan. The staff of SEIA collaborated with Bishop James Massa and other colleagues in the New York metropolitan area in preparing for the Multi-Religious Gathering with Pope Francis at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. I was present at this quite moving event. As SEIA seeks to absorb the implications of the visit of Pope Francis, all of us continue walking with our brothers and sisters as Jesus did. Bishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION COMMITTEE ON EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS Members: Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, Chairman; Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl; Bishop John O. Barres; Bishop Frank J. Caggiano; Bishop Christopher J. Coyne; Bishop Richard J. Malone; Bishop John M. Quinn; Bishop David L. Ricken; Bishop Nicholas Samra Consultants: Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes; Rev. Frank Donio, S.A.C.; Sr. Madge Karecki, SSJ-TOSF; Sr. M. Johanna Paruch, FSGM; Mr. Jose Amaya; Ms. Julianne DonlonStanz Staff: Ms. Jeannine Marino; Dr. Peter Murphy; Dr. Michael Steier; Mr. Carlos Taja SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CATECHISM Members: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Chairman; Archbishop Michael O. Jackels; Archbishop Alexander K. Sample; Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron; Bishop Michael J. Byrnes; Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli Consultant: Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes Staff: Mr. Carlos Taja Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis Priority Initiatives The Committee has dedicated extensive time and staff resources to the preparation for and implementation of the priority activities under the auspices of Journey with Christ: Faith, Worship, Witness. Priority Activities in Development With his Bull of Indiction on April 11, 2015, Misericordiae vultus, Pope Francis declared a Jubilee of Mercy beginning on December 8, 2015 and concluding on November 20, 2016. In Misericordiae vultus, the Holy Father invites “us to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives” (3). The Jubilee of Mercy is a time of reflection on the mercy of our Father and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The opening of the Jubilee of Mercy on December 8, 2015 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. The Jubilee of Mercy is an opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of how all of us can be, as the motto for the year states, “merciful like the Father” (MV, 13; Lk 6:36). In today’s world, “as the Church is charged with the task of the new evangelization, the theme of

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mercy needs to be proposed again and again with new enthusiasm and renewed pastoral action” (MV, 12). Flowing from this call to mercy, Pope Francis encourages each diocese to put these themes into action in the local community. Each diocese is encouraged to have parish and diocesan programs and events that foster a lived expression of God’s mercy. One such event is to invite all the faithful to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, the Door of Mercy, in one’s own diocese (MV, 3). With these events, and the efforts of the Conference, the Jubilee of Mercy can be celebrated more fully in daily lives of Catholics. The Committee plans to work in collaboration with other Conference Committees as well as outside agencies to promote the Jubilee year and develop helpful resources for dioceses. Given that the Jubilee of Mercy will be launched in December 2015, the collaborating Committees are requesting time at the upcoming Plenary Assembly in November 2015 to present a brief overview of recommendations and potential resources. Another activity of the Committee is the development of the Planning Guide for the New Evangelization and the supporting website resources. The Committees on Evangelization and Catechesis and Priorities and Plans undertook this initiative with the direct assistance of the Committees on Divine Worship; Justice, Peace and Human Development; Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Pro-Life. Evangelii Gaudium and the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis’ document Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/disciples-calledto-witness/) provide a guiding vision and foundation for the printed Planning Guide. The New Evangelization resources will be available on a website and will include activities approved in the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan. The Planning Guide and the website presently consist of print and online resources on: what the New Evangelization is; how to plan strategically for the New Evangelization; and USCCB resources that can assist parishes in the New Evangelization. The previous Committee chairman and Secretariat staff, working in partnership with the USCCB Communications office, hosted a very successful Live Event webinar with over 200 registrants on MyUSCCB.org on the Planning Guide for the New Evangelization. Presentations on the resource have been made by staff at the Mid-Atlantic Congress and the annual NCCL Conference. Marketing and publicizing for the Planning Guide and NET website will continue with future webinars, MyUSCCB promotions and other means. The Committee has also developed a pocket size parish welcome card that provides dioceses and parishes with a practical tool to help parishioners share the faith with others. The parish welcome cards can be customized, allowing a parish to include their contact information, parish website, Mass and Confession schedules and other useful information. The faith cards are available through MyUSCCB using the print on demand feature and are an integral resource for the parish “Welcome Day” materials. At the November 2012 Plenary Assembly, the body of bishops overwhelmingly approved the text entitled, Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation (http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/index.cfm). The Holy See and the Committee have urged dioceses to catechize and encourage participation in the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation, particularly during Lent 2016 as part of the

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Jubilee of Mercy. To assist dioceses with this goal, the Committee has developed a website based on the program called The Light is On For You. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl and Bishop Paul S. Loverde have generously allowed the contents of the program to be used by any diocese that might wish to participate in a similar program. A template of The Light Is On For You brochure and media kit are reproduced on the USCCB website for dioceses to access and tailor as desired for their unique location (http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacramentsand-sacramentals/penance/index.cfm). Campaign to Increase Mass Attendance: Welcome Day Resources Another key initiative in the USCCB Strategic Plan is the development of the Campaign to Increase Mass Attendance. Over the years various survey estimate that roughly 23-24% of Catholics attend Mass every Sunday. In order to assist (arch)dioceses and parishes to increase that percentage, the Committee’s approved plans include several activities for that purpose. The Committee is preparing a set of resources to assist dioceses and parishes in inviting people within local neighborhoods and regions to a Welcome Day. Possible activities include: a tour of the Church, an explanation of the Mass, a prayer service, as well as electronic and digital resources to assist in inviting people to attend using email and social media, bulletin inserts, etc. The goal is to provide resources that will assist a parish from start to finish in inviting people to the parish to learn more about the Mass. A timely feature of the resources will be an invitation to come to the parish to participate in some of the Papal Visit activities. People will be able to gather and watch the Holy Father, perhaps during one of his presentations and/or prayer opportunities, to see and discuss the words and actions of the Holy Father. The present plan is for these resources to be made available to all MyUSCCB members for free. Any member would be able to digitally retrieve and download any of the resources for their adaptation and use. At present, the Committee has also completed or will continue to work on: promoting Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization and Sacramental Catechesis: An Online Resource; development of a parish resource guide (Planning Guide for the New Evangelization); and the development of a parish welcoming faith card. The remaining activities in the plan include: creating catechetical aids explaining the theological significance and meaning of Mass using traditional and web based methods to foster participation in the Mass; evangelization and catechetical homily resources to assist the clergy. In order to accomplish the remaining activities, the Committee, in conjunction with the Committee on Divine Worship, has begun assessing and revising already existing resources contained on the USCCB website. In early spring 2014, the Divine Worship section of www.usccb.org was redesigned. Existing resources are being categorized as catechetical resources for the faithful, or for ministers, with the goal of creating separate webpages for the faithful and ministers similar to the “Rediscover Penance” website (http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments/penance/sacrament-of-penance-resourcesfor-individuals.cfm). Additionally, work has begun with the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations to determine what homily resources already exist on their new homiletics website and what further resources the Committee staff can assist in developing.

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World Mission The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has been collaborating with the United States Catholic Mission Association, Catholic Volunteer Network and Pontifical Mission Societies, along with several other mission organizations in preparatory meetings for the 2015 United States Mission Congress. The Congress will be October 1- 4, 2015 in Houston, TX at the Hilton Houston North Hotel. Catechetical Sunday Catechetical Sunday is held annually on the third Sunday of September. Materials from past years have been archived by theme and are now available on the Catechetical Sunday homepage (2009: Word of God; 2010: Marriage; 2011: Eucharist; 2012: New Evangelization; 2013: Year of Faith; 2014: Teaching about God’s Gift of Forgiveness). The Catechetical Sunday website is http://www.usccb.org/believes-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catecheticalsunday/index.cfm. The 2015 Catechetical Sunday materials will serve to support the Conference priority activity on religious liberty, the theme being “Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Being.” Resource materials are available in English and Spanish. Leadership Institute The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis is happy to collaborate with the Committee on Catholic Education, the Departments of Chief Administrators of Catholic Education and Religious Education (NCEA), and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in the online Educational/Catechetical Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is designed to provide professional development for new and veteran diocesan educational and catechetical leaders. Statistical reviews of the Leadership Institute website show that the use of the webinars continues to grow. Webinars addressing the 2015 Leadership Institute theme “Engaging Christian Disciples in the New Evangelization” have been recorded and uploaded to the www.usccb.org/leadership website for public access. Each presentation consists of three 20-minute segments with a set of questions for each segment. Another set of webinars focus on the theme of Prayer. The webinars are based on the fourth pillar of the Catechism, nos. 2558-2865 and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, chapters 35-36. Eight presenters have been confirmed for both English and Spanish presentations. Each presenter will focus on : 1) the webinar sources; 2) target audiences (parish catechetical leaders, parish catechists, Catholic school teachers, and homeschooling parents); 3) resources to support possible use of the series for catechist certification including 1-3 minute video recordings on diverse aspects of prayer and articles from the 2016 Catechetical Sunday materials; 4) course components which include three 20-min presentations, each with its own set of PowerPoint slides and 2-3 discussion questions; 5) a pre- and post-session test that indicates

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actual learning achieved during each session; and 6) coverage of diverse learners with relevant examples to assist learners by age (children, youth, adults), setting (Catholic school, parish religious education, youth ministry, RCIA, etc.), cultural and ethnic groups. Recording of the individual segments is projected to be completed during 2015 so that the series is ready to use with a set of learning groups around the country. The ensuing program is set to be posted for general use in 2016. Additional Collaborative Efforts The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, the Committee on Catholic Education, and the Subcommittee on the Catechism met with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in June 2015. The dicastery requested to meet with the committees to discuss catechesis. Oversight for catechesis was transferred from the Congregation for Clergy to the Pontifical Council in January 2013. The Bishops’ Working Group on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person (LDHP) has been meeting since 2012 to coordinate the Conference-wide Priority Initiative on LDHP. For the past two years, the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis Chairman and Executive Director have been invited to participate in these meetings. The Working Group has been analyzing the data from the Right Brain Research as well as preparing for a USCCB Convocation gathering of Catholic leaders. Initially, the Convocation was envisioned to focus solely on matters pertaining to human life and dignity, and to engage respect life and social ministry leaders. However, the vision has been broadened to incorporate the New Evangelization and the Catholic vision of the human person and to engage a broader spectrum of Catholic leaders, including leaders in evangelization, catechesis, marriage and family, youth and young adult ministry, and ecclesial movements. The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis is presently engaged in collaboration with a variety of offices on several projects. Some of the collaborative projects include working with the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth on several projects related to the development of youth and young adult resources, a statement on pornography, and preparation for World Youth Day. The Secretariat has also collaborated with the Office of Communications by developing print and digital resources for the New Evangelization and Evangelii Gaudium as well as assisting with the promotion and launch of MyUSCCB.org. The Committee has also collaborated with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and the National Catholic Education Association Department for Religious Education on various projects including a survey of catechetical leaders on catechist formation.

The Committee continues its collaboration with the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations on the development of a new homiletics webpage resource and on a seminary survey. This survey, which is now complete, determined how seminarians are introduced to the important documents, skills and practices needed for evangelization, catechesis, world mission, and stewardship. The Committee collaborated with the staff from the Secretariat of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs to present the data at the National Catholic Education Association Seminary Rectors gathering. The presentation explored ways (such as webinars, print

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resources/lesson plans, etc.) seminaries can, with assistance of the USCCB, bolster the efforts in these vital areas of formation. The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis is a collaborator and cosponsor with the Committee on Doctrine various seminars and dialogues between bishops and tenured as well as untenured theologians. The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization seminar provides for excellent dialogue and collaboration between over 40 untenured faculty and the bishops in attendance. On March 13, 2015 the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, along with the Committee on Doctrine, hosted a dialogue with tenured faculty and members of academic societies. There are plans to host the Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization seminar later in 2015. Both these initiatives are greatly appreciated by the bishop and academic participants, and it is planned to continue to host these events bi-annually. Completion of Priority Initiatives In 2012, the Committee developed two documents to foster the New Evangelization and the Year of Faith: Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/disciples-calledto-witness/) and Sacramental Catechesis: An Online Resource for Dioceses and Eparchies (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/sacramentalcatechesis.cfm). Both serve as foundational texts for the Committee throughout the 2013-2016 Strategic Planning cycle and for the New Evangelization Toolkit. The Committee has developed a series of pamphlets that encourage Catholics to participate in the New Evangelization. The New Evangelization pamphlet series is published, and addresses themes on the family, the parish, the Church and society. The Committee developed a Year of Faith website (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/) to house all the various Committee and USCCB projects in support of the Year of Faith. The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and the Subcommittee on the Catechism developed the Handbook on the Conformity Review Process. This document presents the history, processes and procedures of the conformity review process and is available for download at http://www.usccb.org/about/evangelization-and-catechesis/subcommittee-oncatechism/conformity-review/handbook-on-the-conformity-review-process.cfm. The Committee has prepared a Prayer for the New Evangelization, as well as intercessions that can be used throughout the country. The Committee is continuing to share the faith through social media via Facebook and Twitter, posting regularly on the Lives of the Saints and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Subcommittee on the Catechism The primary work of the Subcommittee on the Catechism is the review of catechetical texts to assure their conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A cumulative listing of currently available catechetical texts and materials which have been found to be in conformity with

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the Catechism of the Catholic Church can be found on the Conference website (www.usccb.org/catechism/document/Currentlist.pdf). The listing is updated on a regular basis. As of July 2015, the Conformity listing includes the following:     599 texts, series or programs summing to a total of 1,422 texts  25 pre-school programs or texts  498 English texts or series  101 Spanish or bi-lingual texts  1Vietnamese text or series for use with elementary-aged students  1 bi-lingual English-Polish text  93 texts and 3 series for high school students  141 texts or programs designed for sacramental preparation, 31 of which also appear in a Spanish or bi-lingual edition, and one which has been translated into Vietnamese  17 supplemental texts or programs for elementary-age children  1 RCIA program for adults             The number and type of materials submitted for conformity review fluctuates from year to year. The Subcommittee holds five yearly review meetings. From their February 4, 2014 meeting through the present, they have conducted fifty one reviews, with the overwhelming majority of texts receiving declarations of conformity. There are ten conformity reviews and four translation verifications still in process. The Subcommittee is also responsible for the consistency review of publications that use five thousand or more words from the Catechism, either in print or electronic format. The Patrimony of the Holy See recently increased the word count required for a consistency review from one thousand words. The consistency review process ensures that the Catechism is not being misused and is a necessary part in granting copyright permission, as required by the Holy See. Staff to the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis collaborates with the USCCB Office of Permissions by reviewing manuscripts for doctrinal content, while the Permissions’ Office review ensures that quotations from the Catechism are accurate. The Subcommittee also routinely reviews issues and requests associated with publications that are related to the Catechism, including the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.  

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND PEACE Members: Bishop Oscar Cantú, Chairman; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop Robert W. McElroy; Bishop William F. Murphy; Bishop George V. Murry, S.J.; Bishop Michael F. Olson; Bishop Richard E. Pates; Bishop Jaime Soto; Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan, MLM Consultants: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley; Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, MSpS; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Msgr. John E. Kozar; Rev. John A. Pavlik, OFM Cap.; Sr. Janet Mock, CSJ; Sr. Marie Bernadette Thompson, OP; Major Gen. William F. Burns; Dr. Charles Clark; Dr. Thomas F. Farr; Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon; Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love; Dr. Carolyn Woo Staff: Dr. Stephen Colecchi; Mr. Richard Coll; Ms. Virginia Farris; Mr. Stephen Hilbert; Dr. Jonathan Reyes; Education and Outreach: Mr. Ian Mitchell; Ms. Genevieve Mougey; Ms. Jill Rauh; Ms. Susan Stevenot Sullivan

At its meetings on December 3, 2014, and May 12, 2015 the Committee on International Justice and Peace addressed the following international issues and situations:            

International Religious Freedom with a focus on vulnerable Christian minorities; Crises in Syria, Iraq, and Egypt with a focus on plight of Christians; Revised Policy Framework on Armed Drones and Targeted Killings; U.S. and Holy See Policies on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; Report on Bishops’ Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land; Shifts in U.S. Policy toward Cuba (with Roberta S. Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs), and results of a hearing on human rights implications of extractives before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights; Root Causes of Migration, especially in light of U.S. immigration/border issues Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and South Sudan; Review of Holy See’s position on the Sustainable Development Goals; Update on Iran Negotiations and Dialogue project/grants; Review of situations in Afghanistan and Pakistan; and Upcoming visit of the Chairman to Japan for the 70th Anniversary of bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

For information on the Joint Meeting and Activities of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and the Committee on International Justice and Peace please see the report of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

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Africa Ebola In the aftermath of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Bishop Richard E. Pates, former Chair, and Dr. Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), wrote to Congressional leadership in November 2014 to affirm a strong U.S. response to the humanitarian tragedy, and to urge them to exercise prudential judgment regarding visa and travel regulations for aid workers going to impacted countries. Sudan - South Sudan In September 2015, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice to urge them to resist the imposition of sanctions on leaders in South Sudan and instead employ positive actions like increasing humanitarian assistance and offering aid to help implement the newly signed compromise peace agreement. The local Church feared sanctions would embolden the hardline elements that oppose the agreement and lead them to sabotage the only opportunity for peace. In late September, Committee staff welcomed the visit of a delegation from the South Sudan Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation. Committee and CRS staff learned of their concerns and needs for additional funding. Staff also organized meetings for the delegation with State Department and USAID officials and with members of Congress. In July 2015, Bishop Oscar Cantú and staff made a solidarity visit to South Sudan. They met with Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, Episcopal Church Primate Archbishop Daniel Deng, Presbyterian Moderator Rev. Peter Gai, and other leaders of the Catholic Church and the South Sudan Council of Churches regarding the acute internal violent conflict in that young nation. They also met with civil society leaders and U.S. Embassy staff. CRS helped host the visit. During the visit, the young nation marked its fourth anniversary with a ceremony that included a prophetic prayer by Archbishop Lukudu Loro decrying the crisis tearing the new nation apart. In April, Bishop Cantú wrote a solidarity letter to Archbishop Lukudu Loro, President of the South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, in response to their statement on the political crisis in the country and as a follow-up to a statement issued by the South Sudan Council of Churches. Bishop Cantú offered Archbishop Lukudu Loro support for the Church’s planned efforts to promote the peace process and to renew international advocacy efforts. Bishop Cantú also solicited the Archbishop’s thoughts on a possible Congressional resolution that proposes U.S. sanctions and an arms embargo on South Sudan. Central African Republic (CAR) In November 2014, the CAR Religious Leaders Platform members (Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archdiocese of Bangui; Pastor Nicolas Guerekoyamé, President of the Alliance of Evangelicals; and Imam Omar Kobine Layama, Chief Imam) traveled to the United States for an advocacy visit. USCCB and CRS staff organized a series of meetings with the White House Office for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, State Department, USAID and Congress that allowed the leaders to call on the U.S. Government to increase its assistance to

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CAR for peacekeeping efforts, promotion of democracy, social cohesion, and humanitarian aid. USAID committed an additional $7 million for peacebuilding efforts operated by faith-based groups with support from NGOs like CRS. The delegation also met with Bishop Cantú and with Cardinal McCarrick, Chair of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the Church in Africa. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) In September 2015, Committee staff met with Bishop Nicolas Djomo, President of the Bishops’ Conference of the Congo. Bishop Djomo shared information on the state of the Church in DRC and the worsening political situation as the President Kabila continues to try to amend the Constitution in order to run for a third term in office. Committee staff gave Bishop Djomo an update on the legal battles involving the implementation of the Congo Conflict Minerals Act. Burundi In April 2015, Bishop Cantú sent a solidarity letter to the Burundi Catholic Bishops’ Conference in response to their statement urging the current President of Burundi not to change the Constitution to allow him to run for a third term. Bishop Cantú transmitted the Burundian Bishops’ statement to the National Security Council, State Department and U.S. Mission to the United Nations, urging the United States to work with the international community and the Church to promote dialogue to avoid a crisis that could threaten peace in Burundi and the Great Lakes Region. But the Constitution was amended and an election held amidst rising tensions. Eritrea In September 2015, Committee staff met with Archbishop Tesfamariam from the Archdiocese of Asmara and learned of concerns and needs related to the Church in Eritrea and the country more generally. Ethiopia In September 2015, at the request of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, Committee staff attended a conference on “Justice for Ethiopia Regarding Fascist War Crimes during 1935-41” that included sessions on alleged Vatican complicity. A report was sent to Archbishop Tomasi. Subcommittee for the Church in Africa The Chairman of the International Committee participates in the work of the USCCB Subcommittee on Africa in making pastoral grants. Committee staff assists with reviewing grants and supports the work of the Subcommittee by studying diocesan contributions and promotional plans. The Subcommittee approved a number of grant proposals. The latest round of project reviews was held in June 2015. Asia Afghanistan/Pakistan Promoting religious freedom, notably by opposition to blasphemy laws used to target religious minorities in these countries, remains an ongoing priority. In March 2015, Committee consultant, Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, visited Pakistan in her capacity as a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. She reported on her trip at the May 2015 Committee meeting. The Committee sent solidarity letters in November and December 2014 to the President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference following the

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brutal killing of a Christian couple based on unjust blasphemy charges and an attack by the Taliban on a school in Peshawar that resulted in the death of over 140 people, mostly students. Japan Bishop Cantú participated in the 70th anniversary commemorations of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He spoke about “Activities in the United States to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” at the Cathedral in Hiroshima on August 6 and gave the homily at the Mass for Peace in Nagasaki on August 9. He met with atomic bomb survivors, Catholic clergy and other religious leaders, and many others dedicated to promoting a world without nuclear weapons. In Nagasaki, he joined Archbishop Takami in a meeting with Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Rose Gottemoeller, to discuss nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. Malaysia and Indonesia Bishop Cantú joined with Bishop Elizondo, Chair of the Committee on Migration, and MRS staff in visits to these two countries that focused on the migration/refugee crisis and on human rights concerns. In Kuala Lumpur, the delegation met with Rohingya, other ethnic groups from Myanmar, Arab and Afghan women from the Middle East and South Asia, and unaccompanied minors – all of whom face an uncertain future as their status is not recognized. Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees. The Church in Malaysia expressed great concern about the shrinking social and political space for them to operate as the Malaysian government implemented policies that discriminated against non-Muslims. Indonesia is also not a signatory to the UN Convention on Refugees but appears to take a more benign approach to migrants and refugees. It also has a tradition of pluralism and tolerance toward those of other faiths, although some hardliners still hinder construction of, and in some places attack, non-Muslim places of worship. Latin America Central America At the November 2014 Bishops’ General Meeting, Committee staff led a collaboration with other Conference offices and national Catholic agencies to sponsor a “Bishops’ Briefing on Border Issues: Root Causes, Humane Responses.” The briefing explored tough questions and addressed pastoral challenges by gaining a better understanding of what drives immigration, the challenges migrants face, and how the Church serves migrants. On September 17, 2015, Committee staff participated in a hearing on religious freedom in the Americas before the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. Conditions relating to religious freedom in Central America, as well as in Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Mexico, were explored. Cuba In February 2015, Bishop Cantú wrote a letter to Congressional leaders on U.S. policy toward Cuba. On December 17, 2014, Bishop Cantú had issued a statement expressing support for the changes in Cuba policy announced by President Obama that lift certain restrictions on trade, travel, and diplomatic relations with Cuba. USCCB continues to seek ways to stand in solidarity with the Church in Cuba as it pursues improved religious freedom and other human rights, and a complete lifting of the U.S. embargo of Cuba. Committee staff will continue to monitor developments closely to prevent legislative actions that may undermine the changes in

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U.S. policy toward Cuba, and to support initiatives that will lift completely the U.S. trade and travel embargo. Mexico In January 2015, Committee staff held conversations with representatives of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference and of CRS in Mexico to plan a solidarity visit to that country. This solidarity visit was also discussed at a conference held April 21-23 in Mexico City that was attended by Committee staff. The visit took place June 15-19, 2015 and was led by Bishop Cantú and Archbishop Thomas Wenski, with staff of the International and Domestic committees accompanying. It dealt with the “root causes” of migration and possible policy responses. Both events were sponsored by the Mexican Bishops’ Conference and focused on pastoral responses to the problems of violence and crime in the region. Peru Committee staff continues to monitor concerns over the operation of extractive industries in Peru. Bishop Cantú and staff continue to deepen collaboration with the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) in the areas of extractives and human rights. Committee staff attended a working session at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in November 2014, with Archbishop Pedro Barreto, S.J., of Huancayo, Peru and staff from CELAM, as well as a hearing held before this Commission on March 19, 2015, at which Archbishop Timothy Broglio represented the Committee. Bishop Cantú wrote a letter of support to CELAM concerning this hearing. Middle East/North Africa Holy Land/Israel-Palestine In September 2015, Bishop Cantú wrote the Ambassador of Israel regarding challenges confronting Christian schools in Israel that have been on strike in response to policies of the Israeli government that threaten their future. He also wrote Secretary of State Kerry in August 2015 to protest again the confiscation of land in the Cremisan Valley near Bethlehem. In January 2015, Bishop Cantú and Dr. Stephen Colecchi, Director of the Office of International Justice and Peace, made a solidarity visit to the Holy Land with the Coordination of Bishops’ Conferences in Support of the Holy Land, which also includes representatives from Europe, Canada and South Africa. A communiqué was issued noting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the challenges this desperation creates for Israeli security, and the unjust Israeli confiscation of lands in the Cremisan Valley. A Church-affiliated NGO brought suit that the route of the security barrier in that valley would confiscate Palestinian agricultural lands of over 50 Christian families, and separate a Salesian monastery from a nearby convent, isolating both from critical resources and contacts with the local population and their ministries. Bishop Cantú brought this injustice to the attention of Congressional leaders in January. During Holy Week, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem informed Bishop Cantú that the Supreme Court of Israel ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, a major victory for the Church that unfortunately was substantially reversed in a subsequent ruling in July.

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Supporting a 2-state solution to the conflict (a secure Israel living in peace with a viable Palestinian State) and preserving humanitarian funding for Palestinians were key requests for Congressional visits during the February 2015 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering. In January 2015, Bishop Cantú and Cardinal McCarrick signed a letter from the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (NILI) to President Obama affirming strong U.S. leadership for peace and urging our nation to work with the international community to present a fair and balanced framework to the parties before time runs out on a two-state solution. In November 2014, Bishop Cantú sent a letter of solidarity to the Israeli Ambassador in response to tragic murders in an attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem. Iran The Committee has repeatedly reviewed the confrontation between the international community and Iran over its nuclear program. The Committee has always viewed talk of military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities to be counterproductive and sought ways to dialogue with Iranian religious leaders to help defuse the situation. As a follow-up to the March 2015 visit to Iran and with the support of outside grants, the Conference and the Arms Control Association cosponsored a panel discussion on “U.S.-Iranian Religious Leaders’ Dialogue: The Relevance of Moral Questions Related to Nuclear Weapons” in October 2014, at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. Bishop Pates and Dr. Colecchi participated on the panel. Given challenges for an Iranian delegation to obtain visas to come to the United States, alternative plans are now being made, with grant support, possibly to meet in a third country to continue the dialogue. The Holy See has frequently called for a negotiated solution. In January 2015, Bishop Cantú wrote Congressional leaders, urging them “not to take any action that could undermine the negotiation process or make a responsible multi-party agreement more difficult to achieve.” Welcoming the framework that the P5 + 1 and Iran adopted in April 2015, Bishop Cantú reiterated the same concern to Congress. Finally, in July 2015, Bishop Cantú urged Congress to endorse the result of the intense negotiations because the alternative leads toward armed conflict, an outcome of profound concern to the Church. In August 2015 Bishop Cantú shared resources and background information with all bishops, including a compilation of statements by the Holy See. Similar materials were sent to diocesan leaders along with an action alert. In September, enough members of Congress indicated support for the deal, blocking a disapproval resolution. Iraq/Syria In January 2015, Bishop Cantú visited the Kurdish region of Iraq to meet with Iraqi bishops, displaced families, and CRS and Caritas Iraq staff. In Erbil and Dohuk, Bishop Cantú witnessed the relief efforts of CRS, including Child Friendly Spaces to help children deal with trauma, and winterization programs to help shelter displaced families, many of whom are Christian and Yezidi. Bishop Cantú was present for the joyous ordination of three deacons and one subdeacon, and used many occasions to assure the local Church of the prayerful support and concern of the Church in the United States. USCCB hosted visits by Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda and Bishop Rabban al-Qas in August and September. They spoke movingly about the dire situation for Christians in Iraq. In

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September 2015, Bishop Cantu sent a letter to Representatives Jeff Fortenberry and Anna Eshoo commending them for their “genocide” resolution that calls attention to the plight of Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Middle East. General Issues Debt Relief for Poor Countries USCCB is working with Jubilee USA to support reintroduction of legislation to promote responsible lending to insure that debt relief savings and future loans are used to reduce poverty and serve the common good. The Conference is collaborating with Jubilee USA, the ONE Campaign and CRS to review the level of debt relief being provided in the U.S. international assistance budget for FY 2016 through the World Bank’s International Development Association. A further meeting on this concern was held October 20-21, 2015 in Grenada. Global Poverty On April 28, 2015, USCCB, other Catholic organizations and USAID cosponsored a conference on “End Extreme Poverty Now: Working Together with the Poor” at The Catholic University of America. Keynotes were given by Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; and Mr. Alex Thier, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning, U.S. Agency for International Development. Military Attack Drones and Targeted Killings For over two years, the Committee studied the use of drones and targeted killings in light of international human rights law and moral norms, including just war principles. The Committee consulted experts and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In December 2014, the Committee discussed and refined a policy framework, raising moral questions about the use of drones for targeted killings, and calling for greater transparency in policies governing armed drones and for leadership in advancing international norms on their use. Bishop Pates and Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, a consultant to the Committee, participated in a January 2015 interfaith conference on drone warfare at Princeton Theological Seminary. In May 2015, on learning that an American and an Italian aid worker, both hostages of extremists, had been inadvertently killed by a U.S. drone strike, Bishop Cantú sent a letter to the National Security Advisor offering the updated policy framework for the use of armed drones. The Committee will continue to be involved in advocacy to regulate the use of drones in targeted killings internationally. The Holy See has raised similar concerns. Nuclear Weapons Given longstanding concerns of the Holy See and USCCB to reduce nuclear weapons and secure nuclear materials, in April 2015, Bishop Cantú spoke on a panel on “Nuclear Weapons and the Moral Compass” sponsored by The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See and The Global Security Institute at the UN Headquarters in New York. That same month, Archbishop Bernardito Auza and Dr. Colecchi gave a Congressional briefing on the Church’s teaching and engagement on nuclear disarmament. In November 2014, Bishop Pates spoke at a seminar on “Less Nuclear Stockpiles and More Development” sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Rome. In recent months, Dr. Colecchi represented the Holy See at

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meetings of the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification in Washington, DC and New York. In August 2015, Bishop Cantú gave a speech in Hiroshima on “Activities in the United States to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” and gave a homily on peace and nuclear disarmament in Nagasaki, both of which were covered by Catholic News Service. On September 17, 2015, Bishop Cantú joined with former Senator Sam Nunn and Dr. Mary Ann Cusimano Love, in a program on “The Pope and the Bomb: New Nuclear Dangers and Moral Dilemmas.” International Assistance In September 2015, Bishop Cantú and Dr. Woo wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and all members of the House and Senate to urge them to increase emergency funding to cope with the continuing crisis of refugees from Syria and Iraq. The letter also recommended that the United States increase the number of resettlements from the Middle East. Emergency funding would be used to provide for the needs of those who are living in settlement camps in the Middle East and to resettle refugees in the United States. Congress is working to reduce future unsustainable deficits and to avoid the negative impacts of sequestration. USCCB supports fiscal responsibility and accomplishing this goal in morally responsible ways. Budget cuts should not place disproportionate burdens on the poorest and most vulnerable persons at home and abroad. Instead, serious deficit reduction requires bipartisan action to examine revenue, unnecessary military and other spending, and just entitlement reforms that protect the most vulnerable people. Preserving poverty-focused international assistance, while reducing unnecessary military spending, was a key issue for Congressional visits during the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in February 2015. In March 2015, Bishop Cantú submitted testimony to the House Subcommittee on Appropriations for State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies (SFOps) in support of FY 2016 international assistance programs that promote poverty reduction, support faith-based groups and civil society, and build peace. Bishop Cantú urged Congress to redirect resources from unnecessary military expenditures toward diplomatic efforts and international development and humanitarian assistance to promote peace. He submitted similar testimony to the Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations. In addition to testimony, in early March, Bishop Cantú and Dr. Woo wrote to the members of House Subcommittee on Appropriations for SFOps to urge them to support povertyreducing development and humanitarian assistance, in particular programs that respond to the humanitarian and refugee crisis in Syria and Iraq and to civil conflict in South Sudan and CAR. They also recommended that the United States provide robust funding for development and food aid programs that help people climb out of poverty. In November 2014, as Congress was preparing to pass an omnibus appropriations bill for FY 2015, Bishop Pates and Archbishop Wenski wrote to Congressional leaders, urging them to protect robust funding for international assistance programs that save lives and build peaceful and prosperous countries overseas. In November, Bishop Pates and Woo wrote to Congressional leadership to thank them for their strong support to efforts to fight the Ebola outbreak and to use prudence regarding the travel of American health workers to and from Ebola-affected areas.

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International Religious Freedom The Administrative Committee issued a Statement on Religious Persecution on March 10, 2015, and Bishop Cantú testified about this issue, focusing on Christians in the Middle East, before a Senate subcommittee on March 11, 2015. In February, Archbishop Kurtz and Bishop Cantú jointly signed a letter to President Obama and to Congressional leaders decrying the brutality that has claimed the lives of religious minorities in the Middle East and asking that more be done to protect them, to provide humanitarian assistance, and to deal with the underlying causes of the conflicts. In September 2015, Bishop Cantú wrote Representatives Jeff Fortenberry and Anna Eshoo, commending them for sponsoring a resolution calling the atrocities committed against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities a “genocide,” and asking for more protection for those fleeing violence in the Middle East. Religious freedom, especially safeguarding the rights of Christians, continues to be a major priority of the International Committee. USCCB works actively with other organizations to make religious freedom a greater priority for Congress and the Administration. In December 2014 Rabbi David Saperstein, someone with whom USCCB has worked on the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East, was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. Four Catholics, Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon (a consultant to the Committee), Prof. Robert George, Fr. Thomas Reese, S.J., and Dr. James Zogby, serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). USCCB supported legislation that would amend the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act and reauthorize USCIRF until 2019 since its mandate was due to expire September 30, 2015. Bishop Cantú wrote Congress in April, August and September urging bipartisan support for its reauthorization. An Action Alert was sent out in early September for the same purpose. While USCCB continues to raise concerns about religious freedom all around the world, there was a special focus on the Middle East (Holy Land, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Egypt). Bishop Cantú and Dr. Colecchi made a solidarity visit to the Holy Land and Iraq in January 2015 to support Christians, learn about the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons, and meet with local Church leaders. The Committee is hopeful the renewed USCCB priority on religious freedom/liberty will give greater visibility to our ongoing and sustained efforts on this issue. Committee staff contributed stories of those suffering from religious persecution around the world to the Fortnight for Freedom initiative in June 2015. Staff regularly engages with State Department and White House officials focused on religious freedom issues. Natural Resource Development/Extractive Industries Final regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding legislation that requires companies to report mineral sources relating to mining in the DRC, as well as payments to local governments concerning natural resource extraction, have faced legal challenges and review in the federal courts. Committee staff is closely monitoring these developments. Torture/Indefinite Detention In June 2015, Bishop Cantú sent a letter to all Senators asking that they support a

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bipartisan amendment that would prohibit all U.S. government agencies from using torture as an interrogation technique. The efforts of USCCB and others resulted in the Senate passing this amendment by a vote of 78-21. Following the release and transfer of several detainees from Guantanamo, Bishop Cantú sent a letter in December 2014 to the U.S. Special Envoy on the Closure of Guantanamo commending him for his efforts. Trade Committee staff will continue to monitor closely developments in this area. In January 2015, responding to prospects for trade-related legislation being introduced in Congress, Archbishop Wenski and Bishop Cantú wrote to key leaders in Congress urging that future trade agreements respect concerns and principles adopted by the Conference earlier, including labor protections, environmental standards, and assistance for displaced workers. Legislation concerning trade promotion authority, granting the President authority to submit a final version of proposed trade agreements for expedited Congressional review, was recently enacted into law. Negotiations continue on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreements. Committee staff will continue to assess the merits of these proposed trade agreements, based on the principles adopted by the Committee, in the context of potential legislative action. Dr. Colecchi spoke at a conference at Cambridge University on “Patents on Life: Through the Lenses of Law, Religious Faith, and Social Justice” in which the Holy See also participated. The incorporation of excessive patent protections in trade agreements has implications for the common good, including access to medical care and food.

Bishop Oscar Cantú Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON LAITY, MARRIAGE, FAMILY LIFE AND YOUTH Members: Bishop Richard J. Malone, Chairman; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; Bishop Frank J. Caggiano; Bishop Martin D. Holley; Bishop John J. McIntyre; Bishop George J. Rassas; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades Consultants: Mrs. Christine A. Codden; Dr. Theresa Farnan; Dr. Paul L. Gondreau; Dr. John Grabowski; Mr. Curtis Martin Staff: Rev. Joseph Cazenavette; Mr. Paul Jarzembowski; Dr. Andrew Lichtenwalner; Mrs. Bethany Meola; Dr. Theresa Notare; Ms. Sara Perla; Mr. Timothy Roder SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE Members: Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Chairman; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio; Archbishop William E. Lori; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop Daniel E. Flores; Bishop John M. LeVoir; Bishop Joseph N. Perry Consultants: Rev. Bernard A. Healey; Mr. Carl A. Anderson; Dr. Ryan T. Anderson; Mrs. Maggie Gallagher Staff: Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield; Mrs. Hillary Byrnes; Rev. Joseph Cazenavette; Mr. Jayd Henricks; Dr. Andrew Lichtenwalner; Ms. Deirdre McQuade; Mrs. Bethany Meola; Ms. Sara Perla; Mr. Anthony Picarello; Mr. Timothy Roder Below is the report concerning updates and activities related to the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth and, subsequently, to the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. Committee Meetings The Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY) met in March and September of 2015 to discuss and advance various aspects of planning and ongoing work as noted below related to the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan. It has also begun planning for 2017-2020. The next meeting of the Committee is in March 2016. Laity Ecclesial Movements A meeting of the Catholic Ecclesial Movements and New Communities in the U.S. in Conversation took place in June 2015 in Louisiana. Due to schedule conflicts and other responsibilities, staff was unable to attend but remains in contact with movement leaders. The

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significance of ecclesial movements was a topic of repeated discussion during the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit (see below) Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit In June 2015, the LMFLY Committee, in close collaboration with the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, the Committee on Doctrine, and the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service, hosted a special workshop for bishops and key pastoral leaders on lay ecclesial ministry, with the support of the Catholic Apostolate Center and the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities (and several additional collaborating organizations who generously sponsored portions of the event). The USCCB Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit was held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the bishops’ document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. Thirty-seven (37) bishops, along with forty-eight (48) pastoral leaders and eighteen (18) staff representing several USCCB Committees, attended the two-day event. The Summit helped participants understand the background of Co-Workers and the development of lay ecclesial ministry. Through a series of short presentations, the Summit explored the following key themes: the theological foundations of lay ecclesial ministry; the relationship of the lay apostolate and lay ecclesial ministry; the changing and emerging pathways to ministry, especially for generationally and culturally diverse populations; the formation and authorization of lay ministers; and the state of church workplaces, all in the context of the coresponsibility of the laity and the ordained for the work of the New Evangelization. These ideas were introduced by a team of presenters which included bishops, priests, lay pastoral ministers, and academic leaders. A report on the latest research on lay ecclesial ministry was offered by staff from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). The Summit participants also spent time in table discussions and facilitated large group conversations. In the weeks following the Summit, the presentations were shared digitally with the bishops for their input and feedback. The sponsoring committees have also begun to discuss next steps, inspired by the conversations and input from the Summit, for their respective areas. At its September 2015 meeting, the LMFLY Committee affirmed several next steps (both immediate and long-term) related to its ongoing work in lay ecclesial ministry. National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) The annual conference of the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) was held in May 2015 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. The gathering focused on gaining a tenyear perspective of Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. Archbishop John Wester gave a keynote address and several USCCB staff were in attendance. The feedback from NALM participants on realities of and next steps for Co-Workers was sent to USCCB staff for their review in light of the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit.

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Dignity and Vocation of Women In January 2015, staff had the opportunity to welcome to the USCCB offices the board of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW). In the spring, staff participated and presented at two distinct symposia-events on women in the Church. A report on women in the Church and society (in the United States context) was also developed for the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Due to schedule conflicts, staff was not able to attend this September’s NCCW annual national convention, but the LMFLY chairman sent a letter of greeting and gratitude as it was the occasion of NCCW’s 95th national convention. The theme of this year’s convention was “Be the Voice of Catholic Women: Sowers of Hope.” In September 2015, the LMFLY Committee had an opportunity to consider further this area of its mandate in view of the development of the 2017-2020 plans. Staff has also remained connected to Catholic for Family Peace, a leading organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and promoting peace among persons and in families. Marriage and Family Life For Your Marriage Website The For Your Marriage website (www.ForYourMarriage.org) continues to provide valuable resources to engaged and married couples and those who serve them. The number of people reached by the For Your Marriage initiative continues to grow. In the first half of 2015, there were over 1 million visits to the site, about 5,700 visits per day. Over 11,200 people are fans of the For Your Marriage Facebook page, and the Marriage Monthly e-newsletter is sent to over 14,800 people. All of these numbers are improvements over 2014. Notable recent additions to the site include a series of reflections by staff on the World Meeting of Families preparatory catechesis, originally published on the Marriage: Unique for a Reason website. For Your Marriage also continues to provide fresh content through the Pope Francis Corner, Marriage in the News column, Book of the Month, and blogs written by engaged and married couples. Regarding future development of the site, analysis is underway to identify the needed resources to make For Your Marriage mobile responsive, given the increasing numbers of visitors who access the site via a mobile device. Staff also worked with the Marketing office to develop For Your Marriage-themed merchandise, as well as non-branded marriage-related products. These products were first available for sale during the World Meeting of Families, and now are available online through the USCCB Store. Statement on Pornography At its March 2015 meeting, the LMFLY Committee reviewed and approved the draft of the proposed USCCB formal statement on pornography to be shared with collaborating committees and others. During Spring and Summer 2015, collaborating committees, USCCB staff and external experts reviewed the draft and offered their feedback. In August 2015, the revised draft statement was submitted to the National Advisory Council (NAC) and the Administrative Committee for review at their September meetings. In September 2015, the

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LMFLY Committee, in addition to other committees, also had an opportunity to review the latest draft. The NAC gave positive feedback on the statement, and the Administrative Committee approved the statement to be presented to the bishops at the November 2015 General Assembly for their review. Pending approval by the bishops, the statement would be prepared for publication following the November meeting. Staff is working with USCCB Communications to develop a strategic marketing plan for the statement’s release should it be approved. Media and Marriage Promotion Staff participated in several media interviews in 2015 about the priorities of the Committee and the work of the bishops to promote and strengthen marriage. These include radio and print interviews about National Marriage Week (Feb 2015), a speaking engagement about young Catholic women at St. Mary’s College, IN (April 2015), a short video for a USCCB video series “Journey to the Heart of the Family” (May 2015), and an interview with the French Catholic journal La Croix (June 2015). Staff also played a role in assisting with media resources and inquiries related to the papal visit and World Meeting of Families, as well as proactive social media engagement during the papal visit. National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) The Committee and staff continue to be connected and involved with NACFLM, and staff participates in the monthly NACFLM board calls. NACFLM postponed its annual meeting in Summer 2015 in order to participate in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, during which NACFLM convened a business meeting and reception with staff in attendance. NACFLM also elected new leadership during Summer 2015, and is beginning preparations for a 2016 conference on the theme of mercy. Orientation for New Marriage and Family Life Directors At its September 2014 meeting, the LMFLY Committee approved exploration by staff into the possibility of hosting a second orientation for new diocesan marriage and family life directors. After discussion with the staff of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute (Washington, DC), it was decided that second orientation would be planned for November 2016 to coincide with an academic conference at the Institute on marriage. World Meeting of Families 2015, Philadelphia LMFLY staff collaborated with the staff of the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) 2015 to help promote the WMOF, for example through a blog series on the websites Marriage: Unique for a Reason and For Your Marriage that offered reflections on the WMOF preparatory catechesis. Staff attended the WMOF, gave a talk on the Holy Family and the holiness of the family during a breakout session, and had a table in the exhibit hall to showcase marriage-related products and network with WMOF attendees. Staff also assisted with other aspects of the papal visit.

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Natural Family Planning Program National NFP Awareness Week The theme for the 2015 celebration of National NFP Awareness Week (July 19-25) was: All Natural! Natural Family Planning. Good for the body. Great for the soul! The poster and supportive resources, including homily notes, were sent to the dioceses and are available at: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/awarenessweek/index.cfm. Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry Diocesan NFP coordinators continue to make use of the Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry to build and/or strengthen their NFP programs. The Standards are posted on the USCCB website at: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-familyplanning/diocesan-ministry/standards.cfm. The process for implementation has been refined to include a mentoring component between a member of a Board of Review and the diocesan NFP coordinator. This process also includes forms for self-study and reporting. The forms are posted on the website as well. Website NFP Program staff continues to develop the NFP section of the USCCB website. In the section for Catholic healthcare providers (see: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriageand-family/natural-family-planning/what-is-nfp/science/nfp-education-for-healthcareprofessionals.cfm), a new link to an hour-long NFP e-learn has been added. This NFP e-learn represents a collaboration between the USCCB’s NFP staff and FACTS (see following paragraph for more info). Staff Consultation and Collaboration Staff continues to provide consultation to diocesan NFP coordinators and national NFP providers, providing talks, articles, and taking part in program development meetings. Staff also continues to work with a group of physicians and NFP educators whose goal is to educate their peers on the science and ethics of NFP. The group is called: Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science (FACTS). It is led by a Catholic physician, Marguerite Duane, MD. Dr. Duane, a Catholic family practice physician, is a wife, mother and adjunct faculty member of the medical school at Georgetown University. Dr. Duane and staff completed work on an hour-long introduction to the science and methodology of NFP e-learn for healthcare providers. The e-learn, which is housed on the FACTS website (www.factsaboutfertility.org), offers continuing education units for nurses and continuing medical education edits for physicians. In a special arrangement with the NFP Program staff, FACTS granted unlimited license to the USCCB NFP staff to share the individual chapters of the e-learn with diocesan NFP educators. Staff uploaded the e-learn chapters in MP4 files on the closed social network of diocesan NFP coordinators (USCCB’s YourMembership).

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In April 2015, Dr. Notare took part in a symposium for Catholic women. The symposium was sponsored by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington, DC. Dr. Notare presented a paper entitled: Ecclesial Ministry: The “Image of God” and the Necessary Presence of Women. The paper was part of a panel on accompanying others through the work of the institutional Church. Upon completion of the symposium, the papers were sent to the staff of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (PCL). In addition, Dr. Notare presented two papers at the World Congress on NFP in June (Milano, Italy). Youth and Young Adults Youth to Young Adult Pastoral Resource In March 2015, the LMFLY Committee approved an extended outline for the “Youth to Young Adult Pastoral Resource,” a multi-dimensional committee resource scheduled for completion in 2016 and focused on the transition from youth to young adulthood in light of evangelization concerns and cultural realities. Staff is currently working to expand the outline, in concert with strategic internal collaborators and external experts in the fields of youth and young adult ministries, for a first draft for the Committee to review. National Week for Youth and Young Adults After eighteen months of research and focus groups, in March 2015, the LMFLY Committee approved a recommendation to move forward in exploring a proposal to change the annual celebration of young people from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time to the first week of August, to more intentionally connect to the international World Youth Day pilgrimage and to coincide with the feast days of several youth, young adult, and WYD-related saints and to the Feast of the Transfiguration. The LMFLY Committee also suggested the development of a pastoral resource to accompany such an annual celebration and to more intentionally integrate young people into Lent and Palm Sunday, a time when many youth and young adults reconnect with the practice of the Catholic faith. Additional input is being sought before a proposal would be brought before the Administrative Committee for formal consideration. World Youth Day In anticipation of the international and stateside celebrations of World Youth Day (WYD) from July 26 to 31, 2016, under the theme of “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7), the LMFLY Secretariat continues to assist bishops, pastoral leaders, and pilgrims (and past WYD participants) across the United States, in an initiative called WYDUSA. In March 2015, staff traveled to Kraków, Poland, to meet with Cardinal Stanislaus Dziwisz, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kraków, on behalf of the Committee, as well as with staff from the WYD 2016 Local Organizing Committee, the United States Consulate in Kraków, and the Kraków Convention and Tourism Bureau. Staff had the opportunity to visit anticipated site venues and attend the Palm Sunday WYD liturgy at the Saint John Paul II Shrine in Kraków.

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Pilgrim Year of Preparation: On July 7, 2015, USCCB Episcopal Liaison Bishop Frank J. Caggiano inaugurated the WYDUSA Pilgrim Year of Preparation with the “Kraków Kickoff” at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. Over forty (40+) people attended in person, and an additional 250+ people participated via live-stream video and social media. At the event, Bishop Caggiano encouraged pilgrims and leaders to begin their journey well in advance of the July 2016 events, and also encouraged local parishes and dioceses to consider hosting a stateside event concurrent with WYD for those young people unable to go to Poland. The Knights of Columbus, in particular the leadership and staff of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and the Knights’ College and Young Adult Outreach, generously assisted in the development of the Kraków Kickoff. Several media outlets covered the event, and USCCB Communications assisted LMFLY staff with the social media coverage. Video footage of the program is now available for on-demand viewing at the www.wydusa.org website. In late September 2015, the Holy Father released the official message for World Youth Day 2016, tying it closely to the Jubilee of Mercy and to the examples of St. John Paul II, St. Faustina Kowalska, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. International Collaboration: Throughout the year, LMFLY staff has been in regular communication with the WYD Krakow Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Youth Section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity (PCL), WYD organizers from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales (CBCEW), the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), as well as Ireland, Scotland, and India. Staff has also been in communication with the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Polish-American Apostolate in the United States. In early 2015, the USCCB was asked by the LOC to develop the English translation of the official 2016 World Youth day hymn; from April to July 2015, LMFLY staff worked with representatives from the ACBC and CBCEW to record the English version of the song, which was submitted to the LOC and released to the general public in late July 2015. Preparation Materials: In July 2015, LMFLY staff released a number of web resources for the spiritual and logistical preparation of WYD pilgrims at www.wydusa.org. These include a preparation calendar; prayers; locations of American Catholic pilgrimage sites; tips for travelers; WYDUSA patron saints; the official English version of the WYD hymn; and more. Additional resources are being added to the site each month, including leader guides prepared by LMFLY staff and external collaborators. The World Youth Day USA Pilgrim Guide is anticipated to be released later this year, in both Spanish and English. In July 2015, the first phase of WYDUSA pilgrim products were also made available through the USCCB Store including: prayer cards and promotional posters; summer and winter clothing items; blankets; and water bottles. Plans are underway for a second phase of product development, with an anticipated release in late 2015, in collaboration with staff from Communications, Marketing, and Creative Services. Leadership Training and Communications: In addition to the leader guides, LMFLY staff will be offering online training seminars (webinars) for Kraków-bound pilgrimage leaders throughout the year, as well as a few seminars for stateside leaders in planning local celebrations.

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LMFLY staff keeps in regular communication with pilgrim leaders via email, social media, and the www.wydusa.org website. A World Youth Day USA Advisory Team was established in 2015 to assist the LMFLY Secretariat with planning efforts and to serve as a liaison to ministry leaders across the country. LMFLY staff continues to maintain and communicate to pilgrims via the World Youth Day USA social media sites: www.facebook.com/wydusa/, www.twitter.com/wydusa/, and the WYDUSA accounts on Periscope and WordPress. International Registration: World Youth Day registration for U.S. bishops opened (through the USCCB) in June 2015. By October, over sixty (60+) bishops had already registered. Follow-up invitations to bishops will be made in early autumn 2015. This information will be sent to the Pontifical Council for the Laity soon thereafter. Hotel payment is expected to be collected from the bishops starting in November or December 2015. Registration for all Krakówbound pilgrims opened in late July 2015 (through www.Kraków2016.com). As of October, over 10,000 U.S. pilgrims have already registered for the international gathering. USCCB Presence in Kraków: At the direction of the LMFLY Committee, LMFLY staff is working in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus to host a major U.S. pilgrim gathering (specifically a concelebrated Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) during the international World Youth Day, scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the English language venue in Kraków. The exact timing and framework for the event are still in development. Staff is also developing vocation programming (for priesthood, religious life, and marriage) in collaboration with Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations staff and other vocations organizations including, but not limited to: the National Religious Vocations Conference (NRVC); the National Conference on Diocesan Vocations Directors (NCDVD); and Serra International, among others. Stateside Celebrations: Realizing that many young people in the United States cannot attend the international WYD event due to finances, circumstance, or documentation, and in an effort to reach out to more youth and young adults, the LMFLY Secretariat, in collaboration with the WYDUSA Advisory Team and NCDVD, has been encouraging local pastoral leaders to develop stateside activities and events in conjunction with WYD 2016 with a particular emphasis on the discernment of vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage. A special stateside leaders’ guide will be available online this fall at www.wydusa.org. Alumni Network: With the understanding that over one-half-million people in the United States have attended at least one World Youth Day event over the past thirty (30) years, the LMFLY Secretariat has launched a WYDUSA Alumni Network. This network is open to any bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and laity who have participated in one or more international or stateside WYDs, as well as Palm Sunday celebrations at the Vatican, from 1984 to the present. Registration for the network can be done online through www.wydusa.org or by contacting the LMFLY Secretariat. In collaboration with the WYDUSA Advisory Team, plans are underway to develop alumni events in conjunction with WYD in Krakow in July 2016.

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New Diocesan Directors Institute As part of its mission to educate, train, and support diocesan leadership, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) sponsored its annual institute for new diocesan directors of youth and young adult ministry in April 2015. The NDDI includes an introduction of national Catholic resources and training in management skills, visioning, and pastoral planning. LMFLY staff served as part of the planning team for the event and cofacilitated a session on understanding the USCCB documents on youth and young adult ministries, and pastoral juvenil Hispana. As part of NDDI, the USCCB hosted the 35 new diocesan directors for a daylong program that helped orient the participants to the work of the Conference and to the collaboration that is possible across ministerial and organizational boundaries. LMFLY staff facilitated the orientation with collaborative participation from the Secretariats of: Catholic Education; Child and Youth Protection; Communications and Marketing; Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations; Cultural Diversity in the Church; Evangelization and Catechesis; Justice, Peace, and Human Development; Migration and Refugee Services; Pro Life Activities, as well as representatives from the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA; Catholic Apostolate Center; Catholic Relief Services (CRS); Catholic Volunteer Network; National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA); National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (La RED); National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA); and National Conference on Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). National Conversation on Pastoral Ministry with Young Catholics As part of a larger strategic direction process across the youth and young adult ministry spectrum, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), with the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA) and the National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (La RED) have sought input from the USCCB, in particular the Committees on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Cultural Diversity in the Church, and Evangelization and Catechesis, on a National Conversation on Pastoral Ministry with Young Catholics, a multi-year grant-funded initiative of the three aforementioned organizations. This effort is a way “to genuinely gauge the pulse of young people’s encounter with the Church.” As this National Conversation initiative seeks to be “in partnership with the USCCB,” the LMFLY Committee has reviewed the proposal and will be offering recommendations on how the USCCB can move forward. In addition to the National Dialogue, LMFLY staff was invited by NFCYM to participate in a four-day strategic planning meeting in June 2015 near Baltimore. At this gathering, NFCYM leaders reviewed survey results from a multi-year organizational review and made recommendations to the NFCYM Board of Directors with regards to proposed changes in the Federation’s mission, vision, services, and structure. The NFCYM Board will discuss and vote on these recommendations at their autumn 2015 meeting.

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National Young Adult Ministry Leadership Summit A National Young Adult Ministry Leadership Summit was held in May 2015 at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., which brought together forty (40) young adult ministry leaders from around the United States. This gathering was convened by the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA) with The Catholic University of America, the Knights of Columbus, and the Archdiocese of Washington, with the support of the LMFLY Secretariat. During the gathering, leaders discussed the major issues facing the field of young adult ministry including: integrating young adults in parish life; forming young adult communities; the evangelization of inactive young adult Catholics; using social media; developing leaders; navigating the various stages of young adult life; vocational discernment; and advocacy and support for the ministry with Church leadership on the parish, diocesan, and national levels. Recommendations were developed and will be shared with NCYAMA and LMFLY staff for future consideration for the advancement of young adult ministry in the United States. Other Collaboration LMFLY staff continues to collaborate internally with other USCCB offices on matters related to youth and young adult ministries, including Evangelization and Catechesis (catechesis and formation, World Youth Day); Cultural Diversity in the Church (preparation for V Encuentro, youth and young adult initiatives of various subcommittees); Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (participation in the annual J.S. Paluch Vocations Awareness Seminar, collaborative discussions and workshops related to vocations and young people, vocations programming with World Youth Day efforts in Kraków and stateside); Justice, Peace, and Human Development (2015 Multimedia Youth Contest, 2015 Cardinal Bernardin Young Leaders Award, outreach to youth and young adults); and Pro Life Activities (initiatives that connect with youth and young adults, in particular the Respect Life program). LMFLY and Catholic Education staff have jointly planned a series of conversations among USCCB staff members whose work connects to youth and/or young adults (including, but not limited to, those offices listed above, as well as Migration and Refugee Services, Communications, Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and Child and Youth Protection); these gatherings take place monthly at the Conference offices as a means to help raise awareness of issues affecting young people in the Church, and to build a greater culture of collaboration among staff. In addition, LMFLY and Catholic Education staff continue to work collaboratively on projects including World Youth Day, the National Catholic Collegiate Conference (NCCC), the Youth to Young Adult Pastoral Resource, the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit (and lay ecclesial ministry in general), their dialogue with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, among other initiatives. Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis: LMFLY staff continues to work alongside staff from the Secretariats of Evangelization and Catechesis and Cultural Diversity in the Church on the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis (PAC), a collaborative project with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), the National Catholic Educational

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Association (NCEA), and the National Conference on Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). The PAC has received feedback from their first draft of the document, The Joy of Adolescent Catechesis, from the leadership of the three national collaborators (NFCYM, NCEA, and NCCL), and is currently making adjustments in light of the input. National Youth and Young Adult Organizations: LMFLY staff also continues to serve as a liaison to the leadership of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA), and the National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (LaRED). LMFLY staff has also worked in collaboration with the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA) and their leadership training initiatives. Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage The Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage met in November 2014 and June 2015. Members and consultants discussed the anticipated Supreme Court decision and reviewed the ongoing work on the catechetical initiative Marriage: Unique for a Reason, policy issues and the current legal landscape. The next meeting of the Subcommittee is scheduled for November 2015. Catechesis Videos: Production on the two remaining videos on marriage and religious freedom and marriage and the common good is in process. Interviews with various experts and witnesses were completed in the middle of July. The footage is currently being edited and reviewed by the design team and staff, respectively. Website: Staff continues to maintain, monitor, and advance the website www.marriageuniqueforareason.org. The website blog has continued to produce fresh content, including reflections on the catechesis for the World Meeting of Families and the application of Evangelii Gaudium to marriage and family life. Bishops’ responses to the Supreme Court’s marriage decision were compiled and made available on this site as well. Facebook and Twitter have expanded the audience for the website. Policy & Legal Staff continues to monitor the policy and legal landscape of marriage protection and erosion at the federal and state levels. Federal Judicial Branch On June 26, the United States Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges ruled that it is unconstitutional for states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman and for states to not recognize lawful out-of-state same-sex “marriages.” Consequently, marriage has been legally redefined throughout the United States to include two adults of the same-sex. In response to the Court’s decision, the President of the Conference issued a statement that was published in a media release (http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-103.cfm). Prior to the

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decision of the Court, OGC, in collaboration with staff and on behalf of the USCCB, filed an amicus brief with the Court in defense of marriage (http://www.usccb.org/about/generalcounsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Obergefell-v-Hodges.pdf). The President of the Conference also made comments through a media release after the Court heard oral arguments on April 28 (http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-069.cfm). The ramifications of the Obergefell decision will continue to unfold and will undoubtedly be detrimental to the life of the Church in the United States, particularly her relationship with governments requiring recognition of same-sex “marriages.” Additionally, there will be a significant multiplication of cases in which the Church will have to address the phenomenon of same-sex “marriage” in pastoral settings. Persons who for religious reasons do not want to associate themselves with marriage redefinition may find their religious liberty in jeopardy. Federal Legislative Branch The 114th Congress began in January, and staff has actively been collaborating with allied public policy organizations and Congressional staff in efforts to introduce legislation to promote and defend the civil rights of those who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Additionally, given the composition of the present Congress, these collaborative efforts will seek to have hearings and a vote on at least one of the following pieces of legislation. First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) – Under FADA, which is a modification of the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act (MARFA) that was introduced in the last Congress, the federal government would be prohibited from discriminating against individuals and organizations (including non-profit and for-profit entities, regardless of whether religiously affiliated) based upon their religious beliefs that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and that sexual relations are properly reserved to such marriages. On June 17, FADA was introduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 2802) by Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) and in the Senate (S. 1598) by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT). For the media release with a link to the letters of support to the sponsors and to the backgrounder, see http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15096.cfm. The letters of support were signed by the Subcommittee Chairman and Archbishop William E. Lori as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. FADA presently has 140 cosponsors in the House and 36 cosponsors in the Senate. FADA is being viewed by marriage supporters in Congress as the principal federal legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage. On September 14, the sponsors of FADA published a modified version of the bill, which includes more enumerated protections with the removal of a “catchall” provision and a clear statement that no one as a result of FADA will be denied any federal benefit or service to which he/she is entitled. Additionally, this modified version does not cover publicly traded for-profits, federal employees acting within the scope of their employment, or federal for-profit contractors acting within the scope of their employment. Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act (Inclusion Act) – The Inclusion Act would prohibit the federal government and any state that receives certain federal funding from discriminating against child welfare service providers (e.g., adoption and foster care providers) on the basis that the provider declines to provide, facilitate, or refer for a child welfare service that conflicts with the provider’s sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. Thus, for instance, religious organizations would be able to provide adoption and foster care services while maintaining a

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practice of placing children in households headed by a married man and woman. On March 4, the Inclusion Act was introduced in the House (H.R. 1299) by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and in the Senate (S. 667) by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY). For the media release with links to the letters of support to the sponsors and the backgrounder, see http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15039.cfm. The letters of support were signed by the Subcommittee Chairman and Archbishop Lori as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty and Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski as Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The Inclusion Act presently has 83 cosponsors in the House and 10 cosponsors in the Senate. State Marriage Defense Act (SMDA) – Consistent with the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in U.S. v. Windsor striking down the federal definition of marriage in the Defense of Marriage Act, the SMDA would require the federal government to look to the state law where a person is living to determine whether the person is married for purposes of federal law (requiring a “place of domicile” rule rather than a “place of celebration” rule, i.e., looking to where the marriage occurred, which is the objectionable rule presently being employed). The SMDA would, therefore, prevent the federal government from circumventing state law where persons reside, which was particularly relevant in those instances where persons were living in a state that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Given the Obergefell decision, however, the SMDA is now irrelevant. On February 10, the SMDA was introduced in the House (H.R. 824) by Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) and in the Senate (S. 435) by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). For the media release with links to the letters of support by the Subcommittee Chairman to the sponsors, see http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-027.cfm. Additionally, in collaboration with allied public policy organizations, staff will be considering the possibility of other pro-marriage and family legislation being introduced in the new Congress. Staff will also continue to monitor various Congressional activities, particularly in areas where legislative language could undermine marriage and the family. Of particular concern are bills that would inject into various areas of federal law the classifications of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” which are objectionable given they arise out of a fundamentally flawed anthropology and include morally objectionable behavior. Notably, staff, in collaboration with other USCCB staff, has been monitoring two bills – the reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act by the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2015 (RHYTPA) and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – that may be amended to include the classifications of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” (SO/GI). To date, USCCB efforts have been successful, as the Senate has voted to reject SO/GI amendments for both bills. (Although a majority of senators voted in favor of the amendments, in each instance the Senate rule required 60 votes, which was not reached). Executive On March 30, 2015, USCCB OGC, in collaboration with Subcommittee staff, filed a comment with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs objecting to proposed regulations that would, in part, forbid federal contractors and subcontractors to subject an employee to “[a]dverse treatment … because he or she does not conform to sex-role expectations by being in a relationship with a person of the same sex” and forbid employment discrimination

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on the basis of actual or perceived “gender identity” or “transgender status.” Objections were based upon the fact that these requirements are irreconcilable with federal law. The comment is here http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/Comments-DiscriminationBasis-of-Sex-March-2015.pdf. On February 20, 2015, USCCB OGC, in collaboration with Subcommittee staff, filed a joint comment with CRS, the National Association of Evangelicals, World Vision, and World Relief addressed to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) objecting to an interim final rule on standards to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and sexual harassment involving unaccompanied children because, as the comment indicates, the “rule falls short of adequately protecting existing and prospective grantees, contractors, subgrantees and subcontractors with religious or moral objections to providing, facilitating the provision of, providing information about, or referring or arranging for, items or procedures to which such organizations have a religious or moral objection”, including contraception and abortion. Additionally, the interim final rule has references to human sexuality that are objectionable, including “gender identity,” “sexual orientation,” “transgender,” “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” “questioning,” “intersex,” and “LGBTQI.” Furthermore, the rule has certain requirements in the area of human sexuality that are problematic, such as “[t]he care provider facility must not base housing assignment decisions of transgender or intersex UCs [unaccompanied children] solely on the identity documents or physical anatomy of the UC . . .” Consequently, the joint comment, referencing the problematic sections regarding human sexuality, also requested that “ORR ensure that grantees, subgrantees, contractors, and subcontractors remain free to act in accord with their religious beliefs and moral convictions, including in the training of, and instructions to, staff and care providers and in caring for minors. Faith-based organizations excel in caring for all people, and the right of those organizations to do so consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions must be respected.” The comment is here http://www.usccb.org/about/generalcounsel/rulemaking/upload/02-20-15-comments-UM.pdf. States & the District of Columbia Oregon – On May 18, the governor signed into law a “conversion therapy” ban. The state joins California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, which have enacted similar bans. The Oregon law says “‘Conversion therapy’ means providing professional services for the purpose of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including attempting to change behaviors or expressions of self or to reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.” The law prohibits “conversion therapy” by any “mental health care or social health professional” if the recipient of the therapy is “under 18 years of age.” Violating the ban can result in the professional being disciplined by his/her licensing board. (The California and New Jersey bans were challenged in federal court and upheld by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, respectively.) District of Columbia – On December 22, 2014, the mayor signed the “conversion therapy” ban that was approved by the city council earlier that month, and the ban became law on March 11.

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Illinois – On May 29, the state senate passed a bill banning “conversion therapy.” Previously, on May 19, the bill passed the state house without debate. The bill now awaits action by the governor who has not indicated his position. North Carolina – On May 28, the governor vetoed a bill that would allow magistrates to recuse themselves from performing “all lawful marriages” based upon any sincerely held religious objection. In June, both houses of the state legislature overrode the governor’s veto, and the bill became law. Under the law, if a magistrate has a religious objection to performing same-sex “marriages,” he can recuse himself from performing all marriages. Such recusals will last for at least six months, with a magistrate being able thereafter to rescind the recusal in writing. Similarly, the law allows assistant registers of deeds and deputy registers of deeds to recuse themselves from issuing all lawful marriage licenses. Louisiana – On May 19, the governor issued an executive order directing all state agencies and political subdivisions of the state to take no adverse action against any “person” (to include individuals and non-profit and for-profit corporations, regardless of religious affiliation) based upon the person’s belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Among the prohibited adverse actions are the denial or revoking of tax exempt status and the denial of state grants, contracts, professional licensing, certification, accreditation, and employment. The executive order was issued hours after a bill designed to do the same failed to advance in the state legislature. This bill was modeled after the federal Marriage and Religious Freedom Act introduced in the last Congress. District of Columbia – On December 2, 2014, the city council voted to repeal the Nation’s Capital Religious Liberty and Academic Freedom Act (also known as the “Armstrong Amendment” after Senator William Armstrong [R-CO, retired]) passed by Congress in 1989 and made part of the District of Columbia code. On January 25, the mayor signed the repeal, known as the Human Rights Amendment Act of 2014 (HRAA). The Armstrong Amendment states that it is not unlawful discrimination for any educational institution affiliated with a religious organization to deny the use of funds or facilities or to deny endorsing or recognizing any persons organized for or engaged in promoting/condoning “any homosexual act, lifestyle, orientation, or belief.” A letter signed by the Subcommittee chairmen, the Archbishop of Washington, DC, and four other chairmen (LMFLY, Religious Liberty, Catholic Education, and Pro-Life) and sent to all members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate requested Congressional action to rescind HRAA as well as the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act enacted by the District of Columbia. Regarding HRAA’s repeal of the Armstrong Amendment, the letter said, “Importantly, the Armstrong Amendment ensures that the D.C. Human Rights Act cannot be construed to require religiously affiliated schools to officially endorse, fund, or provide other assistance for the promotion of human sexuality or sexual conduct contrary to the schools’ faith and moral beliefs. . . . [R]eligiously-affiliated educational institutions ought not be forced under penalty of law to support beliefs contrary to their teachings.” Unfortunately, Congress is not expected to vote to rescind HRAA.

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Ecumenical and Interreligious Collaboration The Subcommittee hosted an ecumenical and interreligious summit on marriage and religious liberty in March 2015. The meeting provided an opportunity for sharing, landscape updates, and strategic discussion, and participants expressed gratitude and appreciation for it. An open letter entitled “The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness” was published in April 2015 which summarized the main points of agreement and encouraged continuing efforts to witness to the truth of marriage and the right of religious freedom (http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-anddefense-of-marriage/upload/Open-Letter-on-Marriage-and-Religious-Freedom-April-2015.pdf). A follow up teleconference was held in August 2015 to discuss the implications of the Court’s decision and to discuss support for the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). A joint letter of support is being pursued. The next in-person gathering will be held in November. Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty Staff completed a redesign of the Call to Prayer website in order to make it more clear, attractive and visible. The Call to Prayer website, in English (www.usccb.org/pray) and Spanish (http://www.usccb.org/reza), contains many resources and ways to participate, including a signup for weekly reminders and intentions. Dioceses and parishes throughout the country are strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the Call to Prayer and to promote it in their websites, social media, diocesan newspapers, and parish bulletins. This initiative was included in the resources provided in view of the Supreme Court decision. *** The Committee and Subcommittee extend their gratitude toward the continuing efforts of brother bishops in their promotion and defense of marriage, the family, and the inviolable dignity of every human person, as well as efforts to advance the vocation and mission of the laity and especially of young people.

Bishop Richard J. Malone Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON MIGRATION

Members: Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, M.Sp.S., Chairman; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Archbishop John C. Wester; Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio; Bishop Daniel E. Flores; Bishop John R. Manz; Bishop Anthony B. Taylor; Bishop Kevin W. Vann; Bishop Luis R. Zarama Consultants: Cardinal Roger M. Mahony; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.; Archbishop José H. Gomez; Bishop Richard J. Garcia; Bishop Martin D. Holley; Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B.; Bishop James A. Tamayo; Rev. Daniel Groody, C.S.C.; Sr. RayMonda DuVall, C.H.S.; R.S.M.; Sr. Donna Markham, O.P.; Ms. Jeanne Atkinson; Mr. Allen Sanchez; Ms. Heather Reynolds; Dr. Carolyn Woo Staff: Mr. Kevin Appleby; Mr. William Canny

MRS Assessment Trip to Asia From August 2-20, 2015, a delegation from MRS/USCCB, led by Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the Committee on Migration, traveled to Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia to look at refugee and trafficking issues in the region. The delegation met with the bishops in each country, as well as government officials, NGOs, refugees, and the United Nations. Of paramount importance was the treatment of Rohingya refugees fleeing Burma, but the delegation also learned about other refugee groups, including Pakistani Christians, Syrians, and other Burmese refugees. The issue of human trafficking in the region has grown, with jungle prisons revealed in Thailand and Malaysia. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the delegation was joined by Bishop Oscar Cantu, chairman of the International Policy Committee, and Virginia Farris, policy advisor on Asia. MRS/USCCB will soon issue a report on the trip with policy recommendations. Family Detention MRS/USCCB continues to advocate for the release from detention of immigrant families fleeing violence in Central America. A federal court judge in California ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release families with children, but the Administration has chosen to appeal the decision. They have however, begun releasing families who express a credible fear of returning home within 20 days. Bishop Elizondo and Bishop Martin Holley of the CLINIC board met with DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on this issue on September 17th. They also raised the issue of Syrian refugees and unaccompanied children fleeing violence in Central America.

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Immigration Reform While the visit of the Holy Father and his remarks on immigration have helped improve the tone on Capitol Hill, it remains unlikely that the 114th Congress will address the issue—it would have to wait for the elections and the next Congress. MRS/USCCB will continue to advocate for its passage and oppose enforcement-only legislation. The Administration’s executive actions legalizing over 4 million persons continues to be considered in the courts and may be appealed to the Supreme Court later this year. Syrian refugees in Europe In light of the number of Syrian refugees entering Europe, MRS/USCCB has advocated for the resettlement of 100,000 Syrians to the United States over the next fiscal year. The Administration has indicated it will ask for 85,000 refugees in FY 2016 and 100,000 in FY 2017, but that includes all refugee populations from around the world, not just Syrians. MRS/USCCB will advocate for additional funding for Syrian refugees overseas and for expediting security processes, which delays resettlement for up to two years. Some of those to be resettled would include vulnerable Christians. Human Trafficking MRS/USCCB has supported legislation which would require companies with profits of $100 million or more to make efforts to ensure that their supply chains do not use slave labor. MRS 50th Anniversary 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Migration and Refugee Services as a department of the USCCB. The capstone event of this yearlong observance is a symposium, Mass, and celebration to be held on November 19, 2015 at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Washington, DC following the bishops meeting in Baltimore earlier that week. The symposium will focus on the MRS mission from three perspectives: 1) a reflection on MRS’ history and accomplishments over the last fifty years and a consideration of how MRS is living this mission at present; 2) a spotlight on contemporary issues facing MRS, its partners, and the vulnerable populations it serves; and 3) an assessment of the future of MRS and a discussion of ways to increase its service capacity now to address changes and challenges on the horizon. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, a former MRS executive director, will deliver the opening remarks followed by a series of panels including another former MRS executive director, allied federal funder and partner organizations, journalists, and other experts in the field of migration. Cardinal Donald Wuerl has graciously accepted the invitation of Committee on Migration Chairman Bishop Eusebio Elizondo to be the principal celebrant at the special Mass following the symposium and serve as the Honorary Chairman of the evening celebration. Bishop Mario Dorsonville has played a key and welcome role as well in providing leadership to the planning of this event.

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MRS will use the occasion to honor the achievements of several persons who exemplify the MRS mission. The confirmed awardees are Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Diocese of Brownsville, for her heroic leadership in caring for the stream of unaccompanied migrants crossing the Southwest border and Mr. Joseph Cao, a practicing attorney and former candidate for Attorney General of the State of Louisiana and the first Vietnamese-American member of Congress. Anti-Human Trafficking Initiatives     In July, USCCB/MRS staff and partners from other USCCB offices, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington DC and Catholic University hosted a two day human trafficking conference: “Answering the Pope’s Call: An American Catholic Response to Modern Day Slavery.” Over 300 people from all over the U.S., representing Catholic charitable, educational, religious organizations and agencies, as well as parish and diocesan representatives attended. USCCB/MRS has been actively expanding its ‘train the trainer’ community outreach program, the Amistad Movement. We have added training modules on child trafficking for parents and for youth audiences, so as to equip community leaders and trainers with the ability to adequately help these victims of trafficking. Amistad returned to Newark, New Jersey, the weekend of September 11-13, to provide trafficking prevention education to recent immigrants among Hispanic groups, English-speaking West African immigrants, Brazilian parishioners, and Haitian-Creole speaking parishioners. Building on its success at the Houston Co-Cathedral educational sessions in January 2015, Amistad plans to return to Houston in October 2015, and provide human trafficking prevention training sessions to over 200 recent immigrants and refugees. Through its community partnership with the Co-Cathedral, Amistad will access the recent immigrants through the Missionaries of Charity and Casa Juan Diego (operated by the Houston Catholic Worker), both of which serve the most marginalized and at-risk immigrants. Additionally, we will provide the Amistad material for youth to 500 students at the Christo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory school and refugee leaders organized through the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program. Alongside the Amistad Movement is the SHEPHERD program, which provides human trafficking educational resources from a Catholic perspective for parishes, schools, and other religious or faith-based social networks. Through its toolkit and supplemental materials, people can deliver workshops on human trafficking, lead prayer sessions, plan human trafficking moviewatching discussions, and pray a human trafficking themed Stations of the Cross. USCCB/MRS submitted a proposal to HHS/ORR to again provide case management services to foreign national victims of trafficking. USCCB/MRS worked with several other Offices in the Conference to ensure that our proposed activities are in keeping with our Catholic beliefs and values and meet the solicitation requirements. We believe that we will be a strong competitor; the week of September 7th, minor budget changes were requested, along with some questions related to our proposed activities which may be a positive indication that we are being considered for funding. This would be a three-year cooperative agreement providing case management services through sub-recipients (i.e. local Catholic Charities) on a per capita basis.

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USCCB/MRS submitted two proposals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in May and June. If funded, MRS/Anti-Trafficking staff would conduct program evaluations of the DOJ grantees providing services to victims of trafficking, measuring client and program outcomes and making recommendations for quality improvement. The second project, if funded would provide employment and job readiness services, similar to the recently concluded model designed for the Dignity of Work program. USCCB/MRS was asked to update the proposed project dates for the unsolicited proposal submitted to the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. The new dates reflect a project start date of October 1, 2015. If awarded, this will be a two-year cooperative agreement to build global capacity of the Catholic Church and partners to respond to maritime trafficking. Children’s Services The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR), the federal agency responsible for custody and care of unaccompanied children, indicated in a conference call with its grantees in September that FY 15 (October 1, 2014— September 30, 2015) will be the second highest arrival year for unaccompanied children after FY 14. HHS/ORR stated that 4,300 children arrived in August 2015, making it the heaviest month for arrivals. MRS remains concerned about the welfare of children in Central America. Catholic partners in Central America, as well other NGOs working with children and families in Central America, report increased interdictions in Mexico of Central American children and families heading to the United States, significant safety risks for children and families returned to Central America, and that the root causes prompting the 2014 surge are still present. Family Reunification In the first three quarters of FY 2015, Children’s Services provided family reunification services to 830 mixed status families through its national network of more than 225 communitybased service providers. This included 149 Home Studies for children in federal custody being considered for release to families, and post-release services to 681 children and families following their reunification. Children served by the family reunification program were primarily from countries in the Northern Triangle of Central America [El Salvador (34%), Honduras (20%), and Guatemala (38%)]. Of the case referrals accepted, 34% were for children ages 14 or under and 46% were girls. Children’s Services noted that children referred for family reunification services continue to have increasingly complex trauma histories and high-level needs, to include medical needs, trafficking concerns, trauma and abuse histories, pregnancy, and teenage parents. In August, HHS/ORR requested USCCB/MRS submit its continuation proposal for family reunification services for the last year in the three year grant cycle. HHS/ORR requested that its grantees, including USCCB/MRS, propose to double the number of home study and postrelease services they provide. If funded, USCCB/MRS would hire four additional staff and add

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four new budgeted sites in high-release areas (Arlington, VA; entire state of Maryland; entire state of Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia). If HHS/ORR funds the increase for all of its grantees, USCCB/MRS estimates that approximately 30 percent of unaccompanied children released from federal custody would receive home studies and/or post-release services. This would be a welcome step in ensuring the safety and protection of children released from HHS/ORR custody to their families in local communities, however, still falls short of the need—that all children be referred to post-release services upon their reunification to families. Foster Care Children’s Services placed 165 new arrivals in the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program in the first nine months of FY 2015. This includes 112 unaccompanied minors who arrived with refugee status, and 53 unaccompanied minors who arrived without immigration status and who received immigration status while in the United States. In the first nine months of FY 2015, the Children’s Services network provided shelter and transitional foster care to 127 unaccompanied children and long-term foster care for 109 unaccompanied children who were in federal custody due to their lack of immigration status. Increasing the capacity of the URM network is a high priority of Children’s Services. The referral numbers to the program have increased in recent years and have outpaced funded capacity growth. The result is that Children’s Services has not been able to place all children referred into the URM program and projects that the number of eligible children we are unable to place will continue to increase throughout FY16. Children’s Services expects to receive almost twice as many referrals of children arriving as unaccompanied refugee minors to the URM program in FY 16 as it receives in FY 15. MRS leadership met with HHS/ORR leadership in June 2015 to express the dire need to increase capacity of the network to allow for acceptance of all referred unaccompanied children who are eligible. As a follow up, Children’s Services submitted an unsolicited proposal to HHS/ORR in September 2015 for a more streamlined and cost-effective mechanism for administering the URM program within two pilot locations in FY 2016. It is awaiting a decision from HHS/ORR on that proposal. Children’s Services also continues its efforts to encourage its current URM programs to expand by launching sub-offices, developing agency homes, and sub-contracting with existing child placement agencies. Legal Service and Child Advocate Program Children’s Services provided direct legal representation to 850 children released from HHS/ORR custody to their sponsors in the first nine months of FY15. It provided a Child Advocate for 168 of those children. The funding opportunity announcements for the FY 16 legal and child advocate programs were released by HHS/ORR in June 2015, and unfortunately, both were contract mechanisms. To comply, applicants were required to indicate their plan to comply with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), and ensure compliance of the FAR with its sub-recipients. This required review of the FAR by multiple USCCB offices. Due to the tight turnaround time, and time needed for internal review on how USCCB/MRS would comply with the FAR, Children’s Services was unable to submit proposals to continue its legal service and child advocacy work.

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Children’s Services is working on a close-out plan for the HHS/ORR-funded Child Advocate Program. The new HHS/ORR contract design for Child Advocate services limits the service to children in federal custody (the current program USCCB/MRS administers provides for a Child Advocate for children who have been released to communities). USCCB/MRS is concerned about the loss of Child Advocates for children in communities who are in immigration proceedings. USCCB/MRS has engaged the Department of Justice’s Executive Office of Immigration Review (DOJ/EOIR), which has had an ongoing interest in ensuring the best interest of the child principle is incorporated in immigration court processes, to assess their interest in funding the Child Advocate program. DOJ/EOIR asked for further information about the program administered by USCCB/MRS and USCCB/MRS has submitted a concept paper describing the program design and funding required to administer the program. In-country Processing DOS/PRM launched its in-country processing program in the first quarter of FY 2015 and USCCB/MRS heard feedback about the first circuit ride which occurred in August 2015— less than 17 percent of child applicants were approved for refugee status. USCCB/MRS contributed to a paper written by the Vulnerable Minors Working Group (VMWG) of Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) which highlights the concerns with access and protection inherent in the program design. The recommendations in the paper will be shared by the RCUSA Advocacy Committee with the Administration as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The paper will also be shared by Bishop Elizondo with Secretary Johnson of the Department of Homeland Security. In response to one of the concerns that the VMWG identified with regards to outreach and education about the program to populations that might be eligible Children’s Services partnered with the Maya Heritage Foundation to develop informational and promotional videos in six Mayan languages to ensure outreach to children speaking Mayan languages (mostly, in Guatemala). The videos will be released on September 30, 2015. U.S. Refugee Youth Consultations MRS, as the chair of the RCUSA’s VMWG, is taking a lead role in planning and coordinating the U.S. Consultation of refugee youth which will occur at USCCB in February, 2016. A Steering Committee of the VMWG, in consultation with a Youth Advisory board, is scheduling and planning the event which will engage approximately 25 refugee, asylum, and asylum-seeking youth as leaders and advocates by seeking their feedback and recommendations which will be shared with stakeholders to include UNHCR, the Department of State, and HHS/ORR. The outcomes of the U.S. consultation will be shared at the 2016 Geneva Consultations by a youth delegate. The U.S. Consultation is part of the Global Consultations which are being held by the UNHCR in four regions of the world (Africa, MENA, Asia-Pacific and Americas), as well as parallel consultations in Australia, N. America and Europe with resettled and asylum-seeking youth. The consultations will start in October 2015 and culminate

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with the annual UNHCR – NGO Consultations in June 2016, the over-arching theme of which will be Youth and Adolescents.   Alternatives to Detention   USCCB/MRS conducted a pilot Alternative to Detention project, providing community based services to individuals and families, who would otherwise be detained in DHS custody while their cases proceeded through the immigration court process. It was anticipated that the provision of comprehensive case management services would mitigate the types of risk that DHS cites when detaining individuals, such as flight or abscondment, non-compliance with DHS reporting requirements, or criminal activity in the community MRS and the two Catholic Charities’ agency partners served a total of 39 clients across the two project sites. Among the 14 clients who received Employment Authorization (EAD) during the project period, 28% were able to find employment, while enrolled in the program. Several other individuals were discharged from the program soon after receiving their EAD, to join family in other states and use those personal networks for employment. Other success included the expansion of the project during the final three months, to include families. The expansion was the result of advocacy by USCCB to provide an alternative to detention for migrant families. During the spring and summer of 2014, tens of thousands of migrant families arrived in the U.S., primarily fleeing the endemic community violence in Central America. USCCB and others advocated for an alternative to detention for these vulnerable families, and offered to modify the MOU to include the most vulnerable families. DHS/ICE was limited by an Administrative decision related specifically to the families arriving from Central America across the U.S. border in the Rio Grande Valley, but expanded the MOU to include families seeking asylum arriving at other Ports of Entry (such as airports). Four families were approved for release and were enrolled in the Boston program. Some of the most vulnerable clients remain enrolled in the program in Boston, but most clients are moving to self-sufficiency or have successfully discharged from the program. The UNHCR funded program evaluation is still in process; a first draft was received the week of September 1, 2015. Revisions and recommendations were provided to UNHCR; a second draft is expected mid-September. Communications We are receiving many media requests on the Syrian refugee crisis, the papal visit, and immigration reform. From the Washington Post and USA Today to The New York Times and international media, MRS staff is being interviewed everywhere on these important topics. We’ve also received great media attention around events. NBC Washington and the Arlington Catholic Herald, among others, covered the First International Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking, which 1000 people attended. We also worked on numerous papal visit backgrounders so that media covering the event (7800 outlets) are fully apprised of our mission, what we do, and the Catholic teaching that drives it.

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We have set up a dedicated Tumblr site for the MRS 50th Anniversary. It features quotes and memories from our network partners, videos from our Committee on Migration members, and more. We are also creating a short video to show at the 50th Anniversary celebration on November 19th. Earlier this year, we also created a video that was shown at the European bishops’ meeting regarding our role in refugee resettlement and how we assist in migration crises. Refugee Resettlement The arrival patterns for FY 2015 have proven to create one of the most challenging years. Arrivals were high in the first quarter and then significantly slower in the second and third quarters. The last month of the fiscal year has resulted in over 3,300 individuals arriving in one month alone; which is 17% of our annual projection and includes a projected 187 attached refugee minors. Additionally, in order to assist refugee arrivals, populations that were not facing challenges with security clearances and exit permissions arrived in significant numbers adding even more strain to programs already with high arrivals. USCCB/MRS is grateful that efforts to increase refugee arrivals across the board has resulted in a final program quarter bulge in arrivals and are proud of how the local diocesan programs have served these clients in such large numbers in such a short time period. By the end of the fourth quarter of FY 2015, the U.S. expects to have admitted 70,000 refugees and over 7,000 Special Immigrant Visa holders. Of that total, USCCB/MRS expects to resettle 19,721 about 26% of all refugee and SIV arrivals into the United States. Processing of Syrian refugees for resettlement has faced numerous challenges overseas given the long processing time and intense security screenings. USCCB/MRS has only received 268 Syrian clients this fiscal year. In fact, the U.S. has only admitted around 1,600 for FY2015. Based on new reports concerning the massive numbers of refugees trekking into Europe, offers to provide resettlement services have been received from at least 5 Catholic Charities not currently providing such resettlement. A handful of offers have also been received from private groups and some parishes. Similarly, there has been a significant upswing in the number of media contacts from around the country and even organizations based in Europe and Asia. Parish Organized to Welcome Refugees Program During the first nine months of program operations (January-September 2015), diocesan resettlement sites participating in the USCCB/MRS-funded Parishes Organized to Welcome Refugees (POWR) have made significant progress in the areas of volunteer recruitment, parish outreach and in-kind funding generation. The first three issues of the POWR Post E-Newsletter published during this period reflect on the successes of this year's program. The reporting shows that the program is on track with one key goal that all project funds received by diocesan resettlement sites are leveraged at 3:1 in money, in-kind donations, and parish volunteer manpower. Having received a $50,000 grant from the Raskob Foundation, the USCCB/MRS was able to make four additional grants to diocesan resettlement sites in Des Moines, Dayton, Phoenix and Jacksonville, increasing the total number of current POWR program participants from 10 to 14.

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Cuban/Haitian Entrant Program The CHEP program runs on a calendar year and for CY15 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigned 1,950 client slots to our agency with a budget of $5.3MM. During the first half of 2015, the program fully processed 1,098 clients of which 635 were family reunification cases and 463 were free cases. These numbers include 524 border crossers, 338 Cuban Medical Personnel Parolees, 150 boat arrivals (balseros), and 86 other cases. The Parole Orientation Program, POP (a subcomponent of CHEP) provided orientation and referral services to 2,562 clients. During the third quarter of CY15, the POP subcomponent will start serving an additional group of clients under the newly-created Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP). We expect that POP numbers will increase by about 20%. The Department of State (DOS) confirmed that despite the opening of the American and Cuban embassies, the U.S. Government will continue implementing the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, plus all other official and administrative immigration policies for Cuba, which serve as legal frame for the CHEP program. The remote client intake and expedited EAD process allowed for the remote intake of almost 60 clients; and for half of those individuals to obtain a rushed work permit at their resettlement sites. The two remaining CHEP programs, Catholic Charities of Albuquerque and Catholic Family Center of Rochester, were included in this joint venture with USCIS, and their addition closed the loop around the sites intended to participate in this initiative.

Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, MSpS Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL COLLECTIONS Members: Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Chairman; Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Chairman-elect; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Archbishop Blase J. Cupich; Bishop Peter F. Christensen; Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, M.Sp.S.; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell; Bishop Jaime Soto; Bishop Joseph J. Tyson Consultants: Sr. Janice B. Bader, C.P.P.S.; Mr. Patrick Markey Staff: Ms. Bevin Kennedy; Mrs. Gina Laurent; Ms. Mary Mencarini Campbell; Rev. Juan Molina, O.SS.T.; Dr. Declan Murphy; Ms. Jessi Poré

Subcommittee on the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Members: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, Chairman; Bishop John R. Gaydos; Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer O.F.M. Conv.; Bishop Howard J. Hubbard; Bishop Jeffrey Monforton; Bishop Mikaël Mouradian; Bishop Richard F. Stika; Bishop Patrick J. Zurek Consultants: Cardinal Adam Maida; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Cardinal Justin Rigali; Rev. Robert Taft, S.J. Staff: Mr. Vincent Bus; Ms. Mary Mencarini Campbell; Dr. Declan Murphy

Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America Members: Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, M.Sp.S., Chairman; Archbishop Robert J. Carlson; Archbishop José H. Gomez; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Bishop Octavio Cisneros; Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha; Bishop John R. Manz, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Consultant: Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Staff: Mr. Kevin Day; Mr. Jacques Liautaud; Ms. Mary Mencarini Campbell; Rev. Juan Molina, O.SS.T. Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions Members: Bishop Peter F. Christensen, Chairman; Archbishop Stefan Soroka; Bishop Edward J. Burns; Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone; Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, S.V.D.; Bishop Alberto Rojas; Bishop Paul D. Sirba; Bishop James S. Wall Staff: Ms. Mary Mencarini Campbell; Mr. Kenneth Ong; Ms. Jessi Poré

135

Subcommittee on the Church in Africa Members: Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Chairman; Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.; Archbishop Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R.; Archbishop John C. Wester; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas; Bishop George V. Murry, S.J.; Bishop Richard E. Pates; Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J. Consultants: Archbishop Paul S. Coakley; Rev. Andrew Small, O.M.I.; Mr. Patrick Markey; Mr. Donald J. Rogers; Mr. Fritz Zuger Staff: Ms. Mary Mencarini Campbell; Ms. Jessi Poré 2014 National Collection Results Overall, diocesan collection remittances for a majority of the collections are lower in 2014 than in 2013. Below is a table showing collection results from 2013 compared to 2014. AEE CCC CCHD* CHMA CLA 2013 $7,659,003.09 $3,711,410.88 $9,747,575.40 $9,657,433.74 $6,813,084.07 2014 $7,568,325.95 $3,680,322.59 $9,489,697.35 $9,159,861.14 $6,956,269.09 -1.2% -.9% -2.6% -5% 2.1% CRSC SFCA 2013 $16,387,959.35 $2,422,277.18 2014 $16,220,903.79 $2,193,388.45 -1% -9.5%

2015 data cannot yet be provided as approximately 550 remittances still remain from more than 300 dioceses and several collections have yet to occur on the national calendar. Collection funds should continue to be remitted within five months of a collection date as requested in One Church, One Mission: Guidelines for Administering USCCB National Collections in Dioceses. Individual and organization donations are expected to remain stable to the end of 2015. Approximately $1,324,168.00 million was donated to all of the collections in 2014 and as of September 15, 2015 individual and organization donations stand at about $637,000. A full report of 2014 collection results for the USCCB-administered national collections follows. Information shown for the Peter’s Pence Collection and the Canon 1271 remittance is based on transmittal forms received by the National Collections office.

136

 

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

Alabama Birmingham

$90,289.10

$5,000.00

$91,341.23

$10,000.00

$63,547.12

$10,000.00

$1,000.00

$30,000.00

$0.00

Mobile

$53,640.29

$20,394.89

$42,686.99

$15,044.96

$39,328.44

$21,910.26

$21,910.25

$51,165.81

$41,862.40

Anchorage

$8,414.23

$23,143.76

$8,354.24

$13,572.68

$28,474.82

$15,097.34

$8,379.24

$8,347.27

$4,000.00

Fairbanks

$6,270.01

$2,903.25

$0.00

$0.00

$8,655.48

$0.00

$0.00

$3,159.00

$0.00

Juneau

$11,465.35

$4,515.75

$6,068.22

$0.00

$7,499.38

$2,661.43

$0.00

$8,660.44

$100.00

Phoenix

$163,616.50

$101,669.17

$33,724.83

$40,700.98

$104,656.96

$33,724.82

$33,724.83

$136,449.26

$142,000.00

Tucson

$74,947.77

$38,245.92

$0.00

$16,092.36

$48,412.92

$0.00

$0.00

$59,536.45

$0.00

Little Rock

$92,527.73

$54,896.97

$64,154.17

$28,533.27

$78,605.50

$66,311.89

$0.00

$96,474.22

$43,798.00

Fresno

$70,060.38

$37,314.57

$42,940.23

$2,000.00

$24,714.35

$0.00

$0.00

$120,146.99

$0.00

$181,363.19

$265,393.43

$181,363.18

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$464,441.95

$418,944.88

$22,075.23

$32,145.02

$31,259.15

$8,824.94

$24,866.33

$904.00

$0.00

$48,965.51

$5,000.00

$0.00

$0.00

$5,356.65

$28,475.15

$70,472.44

$20,245.45

$0.00

$147,945.78

$0.00

Orange

$109,345.10

$79,394.73

$139,594.27

$25,067.59

$187,992.19

$46,531.42

$0.00

$60,445.43

$106,190.00

Sacramento

$125,052.00

$87,570.00

$104,863.00

$45,841.00

$49,430.00

$31,263.00

$25,000.00

$156,570.00

$68,000.00

San Bernardino

$104,808.91

$29,431.08

$30,550.75

$19,576.95

$79,771.80

$0.00

$42,231.25

$52,225.40

$97,807.00

San Diego

$120,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$32,000.00

$25,000.00

$0.00

$50,000.00

$200,000.00

$109,230.00

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Los Angeles Monterey Oakland

137

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

San Francisco

$145,965.05

San Jose

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

$73,680.30

$25,000.00

$48,712.44

$52,683.29

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $0.00

$125,969.34

$113,258.35

$46,455.98

$39,452.84

$94,002.28

Santa Rosa

$21,327.34

$31,486.48

$52,238.76

$20,967.03

Stockton

$87,486.62

$49,822.08

$61,854.16

Colorado Springs Denver

$39,216.54

$20,790.20

$247,693.38

Pueblo

Bridgeport

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$126,679.70

$68,305.00

$101,543.82

$0.00

$104,363.19

$0.00

$44,026.53

$36,956.11

$0.00

$54,066.69

$7,000.00

$27,008.19

$40,090.93

$0.00

$0.00

$69,292.79

$5,000.00

$34,156.57

$16,143.01

$40,099.86

$37,450.47

$5,000.00

$39,867.17

$24,344.00

$21,655.30

$61,606.71

$27,438.48

$79,462.06

$100,576.48

$29,919.29

$71,494.18

$103,360.00

$20,665.37

$26,373.94

$24,572.36

$0.00

$11,167.93

$0.00

$16,302.52

$23,699.77

$0.00

$65,006.68

$87,814.02

$9,805.50

$47,915.16

$55,160.86

$65,006.69

$0.00

$136,147.64

$36,198.50

Hartford

$273,180.09

$234,518.81

$0.00

$98,100.50

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$337,507.05

$144,882.00

Norwich

$55,269.99

$32,506.11

$34,898.82

$18,830.85

$24,277.43

$36,846.66

$0.00

$42,885.98

$33,149.68

Wilmington

$44,184.20

$51,801.93

$44,184.20

$32,794.06

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$107,449.82

$0.00

Washington, DC

$215,000.00

$70,000.00

$80,000.00

$35,002.00

$65,000.00

$65,000.00

$65,000.00

$215,000.00

$100,000.00

Miami

$113,874.39

$69,790.81

$110,133.15

$35,407.68

$100,783.18

$83,538.21

$0.00

$121,255.47

$73,334.00

$40,366.38

$0.00

$37,301.20

$43,176.69

$31,264.89

$58,439.17

$0.00

$48,614.46

$55,000.00

Palm Beach

$112,442.60

$97,560.84

$49,104.30

$23,557.76

$48,991.11

$0.00

$49,104.30

$184,852.09

$67,000.00

PensacolaTallahassee St Augustine

$55,408.88

$24,374.31

$42,706.20

$17,632.95

$40,169.56

$0.00

$10,000.00

$51,999.16

$2,500.00

$96,431.39

$38,323.91

$25,000.00

$2,916.60

$59,722.71

$64,282.84

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Orlando

138

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

St Petersburg

$149,550.02

$69,925.53

$71,158.00

$32,586.00

$30,000.00

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $0.00

Venice

$125,042.00

$50,535.00

$79,212.00

$22,895.00

$84,778.00

Atlanta

$267,423.26

$146,666.90

$11,798.84

$28,070.16

Savannah

$75,017.03

$70,743.00

$44,155.22

Honolulu

$91,155.22

$43,174.94

Boise

$22,175.95

Belleville

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$144,905.43

$50,000.00

$169,167.00

$0.00

$61,289.00

$138,000.00

$145,093.49

$11,136.87

$0.00

$183,469.36

$156,255.00

$22,763.92

$48,330.51

$60,199.00

$42,234.61

$59,904.20

$33,000.00

$34,249.41

$14,237.25

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$62,545.29

$36,038.00

$12,029.62

$0.00

$1,456.50

$14,531.70

$0.00

$0.00

$14,580.00

$20,521.00

$39,973.24

$23,198.25

$0.00

$12,893.43

$27,357.84

$0.00

$0.00

$42,035.19

$8,000.00

Chicago

$640,000.00

$231,281.09

$325,282.20

$0.00

$0.00

$357,229.75

$0.00

$553,290.26

$400,000.00

Joliet

$286,270.12

$191,733.65

$208,577.25

$0.00

$250,661.57

$111,354.55

$0.00

$263,256.38

$138,000.00

Peoria

$108,707.00

$135,519.50

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$90,700.50

$0.00

$177,582.73

$0.00

Rockford

$79,367.54

$21,274.11

$5,000.00

$20,144.02

$38,174.34

$21,179.92

$10,000.00

$167,909.48

$70,872.00

Springfield (IL)

$84,000.00

$0.00

$59,200.00

$20,000.00

$59,214.11

$64,000.00

$0.00

$61,305.00

$0.00

Evansville

$29,092.62

$12,572.41

$13,512.69

$4,300.22

$13,443.13

$30,382.48

$0.00

$12,785.85

$22,395.99

Ft Wayne-South Bend Gary

$62,944.23

$46,124.76

$38,298.50

$22,466.76

$52,495.23

$42,360.78

$0.00

$76,964.08

$40,000.00

$86,003.65

$55,089.16

$38,996.90

$12,000.00

$30,000.00

$63,548.34

$20,000.00

$76,000.00

$40,436.50

$127,504.97

$61,234.62

$0.00

$0.00

$86,980.42

$70,874.23

$0.00

$143,548.99

$75,000.00

$73,887.21

$46,065.20

$16,500.00

$13,500.00

$20,000.00

$90,351.12

$58,710.75

$41,000.00

$33,600.00

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Indianapolis Lafayette (IN) Iowa

139

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Davenport

$51,081.32

$23,899.31

$11,770.67

$6,000.58

$9,583.53

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $28,502.34

Des Moines

$39,232.21

$15,255.75

$0.00

$7,395.08

$6,437.15

Dubuque

$69,492.02

$36,282.66

$0.00

$17,768.13

Sioux City

$58,103.81

$27,242.02

$10,110.04

Dodge City

$3,750.00

$6,000.00

Kansas City

$59,670.67

Salina

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$22,308.24

$23,016.00

$0.00

$0.00

$23,065.51

$0.00

$16,299.80

$0.00

$0.00

$44,968.98

$37,753.00

$10,005.89

$15,419.34

$10,110.03

$10,110.04

$34,217.37

$15,256.00

$500.00

$1,000.00

$3,750.00

$5,000.00

$0.00

$5,000.00

$7,500.00

$36,337.47

$45,538.89

$17,240.00

$30,682.00

$46,803.24

$0.00

$55,140.00

$45,310.00

$42,070.65

$20,887.42

$10,500.00

$7,500.00

$26,238.15

$0.00

$0.00

$41,042.01

$4,853.25

Wichita

$27,800.00

$0.00

$21,600.00

$4,550.00

$61,800.00

$21,600.00

$0.00

$173,200.00

$33,376.00

Covington

$27,283.54

$10,255.25

$15,475.37

$5,246.49

$8,518.96

$6,115.45

$0.00

$63,750.29

$25,000.00

Lexington

$41,249.87

$23,259.36

$0.00

$9,723.44

$27,697.91

$27,075.87

$0.00

$25,192.68

$15,775.00

Louisville

$105,853.72

$42,808.72

$10,000.00

$0.00

$50,000.00

$10,000.00

$2,500.00

$107,096.63

$0.00

Owensboro

$41,499.16

$13,951.37

$5,000.00

$4,521.91

$21,468.84

$0.00

$0.00

$21,475.06

$18,000.00

Alexandria

$18,456.41

$7,327.82

$10,563.21

$5,251.73

$11,264.84

$16,103.41

$11,480.26

$14,939.31

$5,000.00

Baton Rouge

$58,990.49

$36,906.02

$39,900.76

$20,492.09

$44,934.41

$41,461.82

$0.00

$67,126.74

$59,000.00

HoumaThibodaux Lafayette (LA)

$44,685.23

$24,984.18

$32,941.19

$13,570.38

$31,448.98

$0.00

$0.00

$36,828.52

$22,849.00

$71,500.30

$36,935.46

$55,785.65

$25,036.93

$48,947.46

$22,522.39

$22,522.39

$71,926.23

$60,000.00

Lake Charles

$28,707.08

$18,721.42

$24,422.36

$14,433.40

$27,705.61

$25,525.66

$27,119.30

$0.00

$18,000.00

New Orleans

$182,836.70

$102,945.87

$10,000.00

$58,164.91

$133,821.26

$142,709.69

$10,000.00

$155,022.98

$0.00

$33,977.56

$38,064.30

$0.00

$8,904.64

$23,140.00

$0.00

$0.00

$31,187.59

$15,071.00

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Shreveport Maine

140

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Portland (ME)

$82,073.81

Baltimore

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

$59,392.94

$46,935.68

$16,012.48

$73,289.18

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $31,069.33

$88,000.28

$133,590.00

$88,000.28

$55,000.00

$50,000.00

Boston

$434,313.84

$292,210.38

$391,401.22

$131,493.14

Fall River

$108,784.54

$87,780.00

$84,220.72

Springfield (MA) Worcester

$42,497.36

$44,052.98

$69,512.61

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$31,069.33

$74,397.04

$22,202.39

$170,376.65

$0.00

$202,094.38

$120,000.00

$134,013.43

$156,256.96

$156,256.97

$425,919.25

$0.00

$47,347.58

$51,596.86

$33,325.27

$2,500.00

$152,493.62

$50,000.00

$44,363.07

$16,884.98

$46,457.43

$26,724.57

$0.00

$57,606.09

$41,956.00

$47,186.33

$10,023.58

$0.00

$27,793.16

$46,227.68

$2,084.49

$51,671.78

$40,000.00

$0.00

$146,934.83

$24,377.00

$18,765.00

$81,500.00

$185,764.00

$0.00

$335,036.00

$218,949.00

$47,330.00

$0.00

$11,914.00

$11,126.00

$11,746.00

$6,045.00

$0.00

$27,114.00

$22,929.00

$187,452.89

$85,746.32

$10,933.00

$10,933.00

$10,933.00

$2,144.00

$0.00

$103,674.00

$67,523.00

$61,561.03

$39,372.00

$16,245.73

$20,000.00

$18,000.00

$16,245.72

$16,245.73

$66,416.90

$22,000.00

$117,903.52

$41,214.02

$32,562.59

$11,406.82

$0.00

$16,281.30

$16,281.30

$0.00

$50,000.00

$34,839.00

$17,275.28

$2,000.00

$12,000.00

$23,712.00

$0.00

$10,302.00

$0.00

$20,000.00

$135,294.39

$73,249.93

$12,500.00

$4,250.00

$8,500.00

$0.00

$3,800.00

$35,000.00

$30,000.00

$32,547.63

$19,471.50

$16,168.34

$3,883.48

$20,283.97

$6,789.31

$17,858.62

$34,375.76

$0.00

$143,037.82

$25,484.67

$37,257.00

$4,000.00

$28,731.86

$0.00

$0.00

$54,428.28

$0.00

New Ulm

$25,411.68

$14,973.52

$0.00

$3,877.73

$14,552.49

$5,132.78

$0.00

$20,021.66

$13,000.00

St Cloud

$56,576.35

$31,496.96

$5,000.00

$4,000.00

$27,643.99

$3,735.85

$0.00

$46,146.02

$31,000.00

$131,891.78

$65,793.95

$22,202.45

$13,393.00

$107,693.26

$22,652.46

$22,202.44

$52,478.17

$0.00

$62,242.54

$71,061.12

$20,403.01

$8,190.07

$29,178.96

$44,112.29

$0.00

$66,398.94

$31,717.00

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan Detroit Gaylord Grand Rapids Kalamazoo Lansing Marquette Saginaw Minnesota Crookston Duluth

St PaulMinneapolis Winona

141

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

Mississippi Biloxi

$18,655.65

$13,184.87

$0.00

$6,628.68

$18,135.80

$18,283.50

$14,279.27

$25,803.94

$14,196.00

Jackson

$38,325.31

$0.00

$0.00

$11,610.41

$41,260.00

$0.00

$0.00

$36,128.53

$12,000.00

Jefferson City

$68,357.64

$69,145.57

$0.00

$13,684.94

$74,222.52

$20,000.00

$20,000.00

$34,266.53

$20,000.00

Kansas City-St. Joseph SpringfieldCape Girardeau, MO St Louis

$70,509.08

$2,711.85

$0.00

$20,151.77

$56,123.30

$0.00

$0.00

$49,335.62

$23,000.00

$64,698.37

$5,072.00

$41,234.36

$15,837.31

$48,553.05

$42,369.03

$0.00

$49,389.29

$6,000.00

$216,093.00

$99,904.00

$0.00

$44,840.00

$140,151.00

$97,150.00

$0.00

$157,760.00

$120,414.00

Great FallsBillings Helena

$10,879.45

$8,595.75

$6,796.25

$2,379.00

$5,155.31

$5,817.00

$6,776.43

$0.00

$0.00

$37,601.69

$15,750.36

$0.00

$0.00

$16,655.00

$0.00

$0.00

$21,288.82

$9,250.00

Grand Island

$29,104.15

$14,745.80

$12,993.32

$7,416.41

$16,271.16

$29,305.68

$10,000.00

$21,161.65

$13,000.00

Lincoln

$30,783.01

$362.60

$716.30

$6,419.95

$15,787.50

$4,322.18

$0.00

$78,449.80

$2,500.00

Omaha

$122,799.26

$61,513.00

$27,590.31

$38,817.00

$27,590.31

$0.00

$0.00

$112,275.17

$50,000.00

Las Vegas

$90,747.34

$57,292.31

$36,709.69

$24,896.10

$36,990.22

$36,709.69

$0.00

$75,501.38

$46,000.00

Reno

$47,902.54

$24,317.28

$33,501.51

$14,618.96

$39,526.61

$45,304.98

$0.00

$42,468.25

$16,973.99

Manchester

$87,686.46

$62,003.92

$0.00

$40,880.02

$21,921.61

$93,582.75

$7,500.00

$82,451.68

$45,000.00

$116,041.50

$66,843.67

$0.00

$35,903.68

$83,908.98

$91,483.04

$84,202.61

$112,263.58

$50,000.00

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire New Jersey Camden

142

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

$108,027.47

$25,017.20

$30,690.08

$51,383.33

$30,690.08

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $92,051.83

Newark

$80,163.53

$68,995.81

$65,985.91

$32,992.96

$313,804.24

Paterson

$82,187.00

$86,546.27

$20,546.76

$22,013.54

Trenton

$162,895.55

$109,589.75

$117,194.01

Gallup

$17,757.67

$0.00

Las Cruces

$30,962.02

Santa Fe

Metuchen

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$194,819.68

$65,000.00

$268,301.24

$0.00

$350,167.65

$154,300.00

$102,632.15

$106,047.26

$0.00

$120,898.85

$20,000.00

$57,259.16

$126,085.14

$99,378.94

$0.00

$100,000.00

$100,000.00

$12,952.65

$7,062.30

$14,840.54

$0.00

$0.00

$23,127.30

$0.00

$14,854.62

$27,152.45

$9,201.10

$23,624.10

$0.00

$0.00

$26,132.63

$0.00

$106,577.47

$53,964.32

$8,500.00

$8,400.00

$7,581.56

$6,628.20

$0.00

$98,009.07

$40,000.00

Albany

$136,561.69

$101,065.00

$20,000.00

$43,120.00

$110,981.91

$99,949.31

$5,000.00

$127,479.47

$73,132.00

Brooklyn

$174,032.00

$154,129.00

$53,528.00

$74,661.00

$172,255.00

$53,528.00

$53,528.00

$0.00

$0.00

Buffalo

$127,465.29

$58,007.17

$89,000.00

$41,906.21

$100,000.00

$60,900.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

New York

$431,035.53

$258,559.15

$183,600.21

$67,245.45

$183,686.25

$362,955.64

$353,456.11

$0.00

$350,000.00

$36,417.24

$25,134.08

$5,000.00

$14,714.52

$59,935.34

$46,529.40

$5,000.00

$28,613.55

$24,300.00

Rochester

$127,516.13

$66,764.00

$0.00

$34,995.00

$55,958.27

$32,601.30

$0.00

$107,904.60

$65,600.00

Rockville Centre Syracuse

$345,000.00

$146,489.00

$93,000.00

$110,734.00

$28,575.00

$93,000.00

$93,000.00

$300,000.00

$200,000.00

$69,493.59

$52,420.00

$7,000.00

$25,477.89

$61,260.95

$64,917.74

$0.00

$72,049.59

$25,000.00

Charlotte

$49,904.57

$107,740.72

$46,464.13

$20,793.57

$63,131.14

$46,464.13

$46,465.13

$74,856.84

$12,000.00

Raleigh

$99,371.24

$61,848.41

$82,103.58

$32,855.41

$99,492.86

$77,168.90

$0.00

$100,555.92

$66,660.00

$7,000.00

$7,146.70

$5,000.00

$1,600.00

$21,587.19

$17,000.00

$5,000.00

$35,429.23

$12,500.00

New Mexico

New York

Ogdensburg

North Carolina

North Dakota Bismarck

143

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

$20,362.00

$10,445.00

$0.00

$5,433.00

$27,108.93

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $184.00

Cincinnati

$192,934.23

$226,613.12

$10,000.00

$10,000.00

$25,000.00

Cleveland

$123,744.95

$43,764.21

$20,000.00

$26,500.00

Columbus

$105,383.99

$49,528.10

$62,480.03

Steubenville

$0.00

$0.00

Toledo

$0.00

Youngstown

Fargo

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$35,940.63

$17,400.00

$214,511.74

$0.00

$266,700.23

$10,000.00

$81,738.84

$62,847.31

$0.00

$111,227.37

$146,549.00

$23,058.07

$0.00

$101,291.32

$0.00

$69,005.20

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$9,653.00

$32,248.30

$15,843.89

$9,454.82

$38,011.42

$22,297.99

$0.00

$41,322.52

$0.00

$56,249.95

$33,872.72

$12,914.54

$13,259.88

$23,547.23

$14,062.47

$2,500.00

$51,658.12

$45,000.00

Oklahoma City

$66,616.72

$71,897.72

$0.00

$20,286.90

$33,585.06

$0.00

$0.00

$68,859.77

$41,032.00

Tulsa

$27,828.58

$18,021.84

$45,953.35

$23,210.65

$25,778.73

$24,271.52

$43,998.29

$34,870.99

$0.00

Baker

$10,550.00

$0.00

$2,450.00

$1,500.00

$12,500.00

$3,000.00

$0.00

$7,250.00

$3,500.00

$111,427.04

$85,989.68

$7,500.00

$34,278.36

$69,662.24

$26,236.20

$0.00

$143,570.53

$64,000.00

Allentown

$95,466.91

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$24,890.35

$74,953.57

$0.00

$97,538.70

$54,160.00

AltoonaJohnstown Erie

$43,985.12

$0.00

$109.00

$8,358.76

$34,403.75

$246.00

$0.00

$0.00

$20,000.00

$33,153.00

$45,160.00

$23,407.00

$10,000.00

$33,067.00

$33,153.00

$7,367.00

$95,000.00

$37,000.00

Greensburg

$70,256.11

$0.00

$5,000.00

$17,240.98

$14,000.00

$49,246.66

$0.00

$29,422.97

$24,922.17

Harrisburg

$136,484.32

$0.00

$40,641.40

$43,403.50

$108,618.46

$40,641.40

$44,347.95

$164,284.41

$60,000.00

Philadelphia

$378,889.28

$228,882.26

$247,069.17

$0.00

$308,042.22

$0.00

$2,528.88

$448,076.19

$251,551.99

Pittsburgh

$100,000.00

$70,000.00

$30,000.00

$10,000.00

$37,000.00

$30,000.00

$30,000.00

$225,000.00

$130,000.00

Scranton

$89,837.46

$55,180.46

$10,000.00

$29,479.30

$76,882.84

$34,295.96

$5,000.00

$96,943.16

$74,421.00

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Portland (OR) Pennsylvania

144

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

Rhode Island Providence

$95,882.94

$118,814.80

$61,429.12

$59,228.59

$1,981.00

$2,672.00

$3,000.00

$175,517.57

$80,000.00

Charleston

$102,365.71

$50,874.08

$75,007.57

$36,265.61

$77,231.66

$76,498.69

$73,513.81

$90,110.53

$59,000.00

Rapid City

$19,344.15

$6,262.20

$2,649.38

$1,936.41

$8,248.57

$4,097.27

$5,342.02

$14,939.30

$8,796.00

Sioux Falls

$8,000.00

$0.00

$0.00

$4,000.00

$32,698.07

$3,600.00

$0.00

$54,466.07

$22,920.66

Knoxville

$38,866.50

$22,353.18

$25,975.51

$12,544.65

$28,388.42

$30,477.63

$30,073.61

$50,984.12

$19,000.00

Memphis

$30,071.56

$23,440.80

$24,976.66

$11,101.10

$19,940.87

$31,240.37

$0.00

$35,902.70

$24,194.00

Nashville

$44,038.25

$33,772.83

$35,418.49

$11,228.67

$37,262.18

$50,858.50

$18,588.74

$47,640.40

$29,554.00

Amarillo

$19,680.49

$11,994.18

$19,001.02

$10,040.47

$16,213.09

$18,697.82

$16,147.51

$0.00

$11,107.50

$132,180.16

$117,722.45

$39,683.09

$7,500.00

$59,524.63

$39,683.09

$0.00

$183,425.27

$84,392.00

Beaumont

$54,857.04

$41,462.69

$45,816.60

$24,131.65

$47,406.38

$0.00

$0.00

$55,927.72

$24,057.32

Brownsville

$48,013.55

$25,601.07

$39,008.72

$16,789.14

$41,352.08

$0.00

$0.00

$44,205.53

$40,000.00

Corpus Christi

$37,458.89

$9,254.28

$26,184.67

$9,611.90

$31,645.38

$34,695.98

$32,675.49

$32,641.12

$30,000.00

Dallas

$139,340.55

$108,942.76

$111,126.10

$45,899.58

$101,987.21

$100,820.02

$109,010.64

$127,186.02

$104,529.00

El Paso

$31,601.20

$24,235.00

$29,598.71

$13,718.75

$26,904.89

$34,374.21

$30,562.18

$32,626.80

$0.00

Fort Worth

$118,720.71

$68,574.02

$95,981.10

$42,095.13

$103,397.00

$135,029.48

$0.00

$123,327.26

$64,508.00

GalvestonHouston Laredo

$488,841.70

$296,811.00

$357,396.56

$89,773.42

$383,760.23

$0.00

$0.00

$414,915.97

$207,692.00

$18,797.84

$13,501.84

$17,592.98

$7,638.72

$16,755.25

$16,583.56

$0.00

$20,417.31

$22,000.00

$16,071.68

$5,501.87

$15,263.31

$5,549.14

$14,359.17

$0.00

$0.00

$12,216.73

$10,995.00

South Carolina South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Austin

Lubbock

145

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

San Angelo

$49,507.28

$22,107.75

$38,220.54

$22,441.06

$42,071.40

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $52,761.83

San Antonio

$157,086.12

$91,031.41

$139,702.64

$25,000.00

$123,821.72

Tyler

$24,550.10

$18,080.70

$22,189.39

$10,949.18

Victoria

$35,426.22

$28,851.04

$32,364.57

Salt Lake City

$49,954.92

$25,132.28

Burlington

$53,524.86

Arlington

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$600.00

$45,917.26

$22,975.00

$191,648.37

$0.00

$157,470.11

$90,000.00

$22,448.39

$19,355.94

$0.00

$34,030.42

$12,000.00

$4,021.79

$26,242.41

$50,782.67

$0.00

$44,710.48

$0.00

$38,302.82

$14,052.12

$35,321.65

$40,363.48

$30,238.36

$38,412.79

$19,916.32

$0.00

$35,461.09

$18,772.37

$17,838.03

$34,914.88

$0.00

$42,360.61

$15,000.00

$339,941.65

$168,798.20

$244,363.36

$82,882.15

$231,104.53

$237,541.52

$111,192.31

$306,470.42

$125,000.00

Richmond

$159,017.66

$95,674.07

$172.00

$51.50

$39,122.38

$473.44

$0.00

$156,846.13

$40,000.00

Seattle

$176,824.01

$85,121.36

$10,507.49

$23,989.86

$0.00

$10,507.49

$10,507.49

$311,117.95

$46,500.00

Spokane

$14,500.00

$41,250.00

$0.00

$3,000.00

$17,000.00

$11,000.00

$6,500.00

$9,500.00

$4,500.00

Yakima

$4,000.00

$14,225.12

$4,000.00

$7,304.37

$15,838.51

$14,053.70

$0.00

$29,438.52

$7,500.00

WheelingCharleston

$52,337.84

$29,889.78

$11,902.00

$11,689.52

$0.00

$29,580.92

$0.00

$48,807.58

$40,000.00

Green Bay

$98,348.86

$73,528.00

$67,059.38

$10,085.26

$50,817.91

$62,385.20

$0.00

$84,870.61

$69,270.50

La Crosse

$67,900.00

$43,250.00

$6,900.00

$19,200.00

$27,200.00

$40,000.00

$0.00

$603.00

$54,600.00

Madison

$54,735.41

$0.00

$8,368.58

$10,699.95

$8,985.03

$16,222.13

$0.00

$11,016.84

$56,000.00

$242,555.11

$122,136.64

$0.00

$72,205.60

$231,686.86

$144,544.27

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$17,243.95

$8,958.66

$10,440.32

$4,851.18

$35,943.28

$8,669.16

$10,508.95

$0.00

$0.00

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Milwaukee Superior Wyoming

146

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Cheyenne

Catholic Relief Services Collection

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

$53,785.13

$27,290.85

$2,750.00

$10,000.00

$42,027.00

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $2,500.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$5,691.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$10,000.00

$56,287.82

$17,303.00

$0.00

$0.00

$6,123.00

$0.00

$6,806.00

$0.00

$0.00

$8,653.98

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$6,157.25

$5,800.26

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$7,298.00

$9,955.00

$0.00

$14,630.00

$10,000.00

$0.00

$1,000.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$8,100.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$1,250.40

$4,085.88

$985.00

$0.00

$1,563.64

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$628.00

$2,520.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$2,640.78

$0.00

$2,640.78

$4,484.45

$10,954.60

$2,640.78

$0.00

$10,787.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$2,922.00

$0.00

Eastern Rite Holy Protection of Mary (Van Nuys) Newton for Melkites Our Lady of Deliverance Newark Syriacs Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles Our Lady of Nareg, NY Armenian Parma for Byzantines Passaic for Byzantines Philadelphia for Ukrainians Pittsburgh for Byzantines St George's in Canton for Romanians St Josaphat of Parma for Ukrainians St Maron of Brooklyn for Maronites St Nicholas of Chicago for Ukrainians

147

2014 Diocesan Collection Receipts remittances as September 15, 2015

*CCHD data is for 2013 State

(Arch)Diocese

Catholic Relief Services Collection

St Peter the Apostle for Chaldean St Thomas Apostle SyroMalabar St Thomas the Apostle, MI Stamford for Ukrainians

$0.00

Catholic Campaign for Human Development*

Collection for the Church in Latin America

Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign

Catholic Home Mission Appeal

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $0.00

$1,515.00

$486.00

$355.00

$420.00

$6,678.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Arecibo

$0.00

$9,579.00

Caguas

$0.00

FajardoHumacao Mayaguez

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Peter Pence Collection

Canon 1271

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$415.00

$460.00

$612.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$19,806.00

$0.00

$0.00

$2,800.00

$5,000.00

$0.00

$5,000.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$18,888.63

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$8,447.36

$0.00

$0.00

$14,062.41

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Nassau Bahamas Ponce

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$10,640.06

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

San Juan

$0.00

$41,944.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$6,663.97

$3,918.00

$0.00

$4,329.50

$6,208.54

$0.00

$3,667.76

$6,822.80

$1,588.00

Military Services, USA

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$17,119.05

$5,000.00

Agana

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Caroline Islands

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

Chalan Kanoa

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$16,220,903.79

$9,747,575.40

$6,956,269.09

$3,680,322.59

$9,159,861.14

$7,568,325.95

$2,193,388.45

$15,970,997.14

$8,312,073.04

Caribbean

St Thomas Military Services

Pacific Islands

Total

148

Emergency Collections The National Collections Office is managing two emergency collections at this time – one for the Middle East and the other for Typhoon Haiyan. Special Collection for the Middle East This collection was called for by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, USCCB President in August 2014 to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for the affected people in the Middle East. The Executive Committee approved a division of funds of 75% to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and 25% to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. To date, over $8 million has been received for this special collection from 122 dioceses. The funds collected are being used by CRS and CNEWA to meet the most urgent needs facing the people in Iraq, Gaza, Syria and surrounding countries where refugees have fled. CRS and CNEWA have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to victims in some of the hardest to reach areas. A detailed report of remittances follows. Special Collection for the Middle East remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese

Amount

Allentown

80,889.06

Altoona-Johnstown

34,139.51

Arlington

125,363.21

Atlanta

123,101.90

Austin

171,821.05

Baltimore

4,315.00

Beaumont

5,000.00

Biloxi

13,740.07

Birmingham

66,387.06

Bismarck

52,059.39

Boston

296,593.04

Bridgeport

83,134.14

Brooklyn

110,000.00

Brownsville

29,226.35

Buffalo

37,391.38

Burlington

17,382.11

Chalan Kanoa

4,689.19

Charlotte

92,658.38

Cheyenne

37,514.00

Cincinnati

1,518.00

Cleveland

154,755.59

149

Special Collection for the Middle East remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese Colorado Springs

Amount 49,177.54

Columbus

199,373.20

Corpus Christi

41,971.28

Covington

56,230.86

Crookston

19,596.61

Dallas

146,510.24

Davenport

42,551.54

Duluth

51,469.63

Erie

38,572.32

Evansville

42,000.08

Fall River

82,800.97

Fargo

55,628.83

Fort Worth

78,451.27

Ft Wayne-South Bend

179,798.35

Galveston-Houston

226,014.78

Gary

40,789.51

Grand Island

16,357.58

Grand Rapids

179,588.30

Great Falls-Billings

8,274.00

Green Bay

77,851.17

Harrisburg

137,327.59

Hartford

155,800.19

Houma-Thibodaux

40,720.87

Indianapolis

111,421.74

Jefferson City

77,276.47

Joliet

131,711.89

Juneau

3,461.07

Kansas City

99,159.57

Kansas City-St. Joseph

48,126.03

Knoxville

51,015.69

Lake Charles

37,040.97

Laredo

13,173.14

Las Cruces

13,660.37

Las Vegas

35,406.97

Lexington

33,116.59

Little Rock

68,066.33

Louisville

71,481.51

150

Special Collection for the Middle East remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese

Amount

Madison

19,635.98

Manchester

63,471.48

Marquette

59,950.00

Memphis

12,079.06

Metuchen

119,508.02

Military Services, USA

36,140.88

Milwaukee

35,809.29

Monterey

25,104.64

Nashville

58,112.48

New Orleans

10,000.00

Newark

44,057.70

Norwich

9,679.68

Ogdensburg

35,007.06

Oklahoma City

62,324.69

Omaha

15,168.37

Orange

221,904.61

Orlando

146,254.05

Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

25,000.00

Owensboro

27,802.74

Palm Beach

90,611.28

Philadelphia

112,195.86

Phoenix

69,445.24

Pittsburgh

125,000.00

Portland (ME)

83,022.93

Portland (OR)

82,282.82

Pueblo

8,973.69

Raleigh

100,346.21

Rapid City

10,939.11

Reno

38,028.37

Richmond

152,640.02

Rochester

100,566.68

Rockford

195,008.65

Saginaw

58,804.60

Salina

12,203.66

Salt Lake City

50,631.43

San Angelo

28,433.35

San Bernardino

85,793.86

151

Special Collection for the Middle East remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese San Diego

Amount 160,466.22

San Jose

74,030.33

Santa Fe

64,044.72

Savannah

61,842.91

Scranton

78,140.63

Seattle

14,437.38

Shreveport

31,361.21

Sioux City

33,652.57

Sioux Falls

111,497.61

Springfield (IL)

95,515.41

Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO

35,776.20

St Augustine

35,630.94

St Cloud

89,377.18

St George's in Canton for Romanians

926.00

St Maron of Brooklyn for Maronites

40,673.28

St Paul-Minneapolis

139,171.01

St Thomas

4,987.23

Superior

20,243.79

Syracuse

3,688.60

Tyler

33,460.70

Venice

61,702.63

Washington, DC

250,000.00

Wheeling-Charleston

64,177.97

Wichita

10,000.00

Wilmington

62,624.89

Winona

59,582.75

Worcester

34,786.52

Total

8,406,390.65

Funds have been distributed to the two recipient agencies and communication on use of funds has been provided. In summary, CNEWA has used special collection funds in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria in support of emergency relief, health care initiatives and educational and pastoral outreach. CRS has used special collection funds to support their humanitarian outreach in the region. In Iraq, internal armed conflict has displaced more than two million people. CRS and Caritas Iraq are providing displaced families with comprehensive relief, including living supplies, shelter support and child-friendly spaces. Syrian refugees continue to flee the devastating civil war that has left their country in ruins. CRS is providing support to

152

more than 500,000 people, including making a major investment in children’s care and education. Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan In November 2013 the President the of USCCB called for a national collection for the humanitarian and institutional needs of the Catholic Church in the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. To date, $30 million has arrived from 164 dioceses. Of that, $7.3 million is earmarked for humanitarian use only has been sent to CRS. The shared portion of the collection is being split evenly between USCCB and CRS. The USCCB share has been sent to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for church rebuilding efforts. Following is a detailed report of remittances: Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese Alexandria

Church & Humanitarian Use $17,536.54

Humanitarian Use Only $0.00

$171,926.90

$64,329.04

$81,341.83

$0.00

Amarillo

$2,479.90

$44,532.45

Anchorage

$1,560.00

$117,827.52

Arlington

$731,926.37

$0.00

Atlanta

$371,342.90

$0.00

Austin

$221,738.53

$1,124.20

Baker

$0.00

$59,064.85

Baltimore

$111,365.27

$2,694.50

Baton Rouge

$220,056.13

$0.00

Beaumont

$105,907.81

$29,004.01

Belleville

$7,003.50

$0.00

$76,955.04

$1,962.50

$181,714.31

$0.00

Allentown Altoona-Johnstown

Biloxi Birmingham Bismarck

$95,989.82

$2,650.83

Boston

$941,780.35

$0.00

Bridgeport

$146,892.68

$0.00

Brownsville

$107,254.75

$0.00

Buffalo

$32,424.26

$115,000.00

Burlington

$76,515.15

$0.00

Camden

$259,799.33

$0.00

Charleston

$246,215.20

$0.00

Charlotte

$46,411.14

$0.00

Cheyenne

$0.00

$121,083.31

153

Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese Chicago

Church & Humanitarian Use $0.00

Humanitarian Use Only $591,831.36

Cincinnati

$373,915.60

$0.00

Cleveland

$159,167.51

$185,353.34

Colorado Springs

$84,922.02

$0.00

Columbus

$39,170.99

$0.00

$0.00

$148,796.82

Covington

$98,071.35

$0.00

Crookston

$15,401.90

$0.00

Dallas

$345,684.19

$0.00

Davenport

$105,128.43

$0.00

Denver

$185,784.81

$0.00

Des Moines

$118,579.58

$0.00

Detroit

$188,840.08

$0.00

$25,620.04

$0.00

$228,192.88

$0.00

$74,751.74

$0.00

$140,406.17

$0.00

Corpus Christi

Dodge City Dubuque El Paso Erie Evansville

$938.15

$0.00

Fairbanks

$11,644.52

$0.00

Fall River

$208,336.30

$0.00

Fargo

$159,555.42

$0.00

Fort Worth

$242,021.61

$0.00

$0.00

$305,883.19

Ft Wayne-South Bend

$112,932.58

$0.00

Galveston-Houston

$851,545.73

$0.00

Fresno

Gary

$88,159.43

$0.00

$102,212.51

$0.00

Grand Island

$39,644.01

$0.00

Grand Rapids

$243,212.23

$0.00

$30,320.48

$0.00

Green Bay

$210,567.79

$0.00

Harrisburg

$1,467.08

$449,546.35

$0.00

$318,121.82

Gaylord

Great Falls-Billings

Hartford Houma-Thibodaux

$54,255.59

$0.00

$284,823.68

$0.00

Jackson

$69,835.05

$0.00

Jefferson City

$37,987.60

$0.00

$372,009.40

$0.00

$14,039.03

$0.00

Indianapolis

Joliet Juneau

154

Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese Kalamazoo

Church & Humanitarian Use $77,828.36

Kansas City

Humanitarian Use Only $0.00

$254,862.43

$3,677.12

$3,590.34

$120,659.02

Knoxville

$134,520.13

$0.00

Lafayette (IN)

$102,556.09

$0.00

Lafayette (LA)

$179,543.26

$0.00

$77,802.40

$0.00

Lansing

$139,958.61

$0.00

Laredo

$29,603.78

$0.00

Las Cruces

$37,887.98

$0.00

Las Vegas

$0.00

$213,900.96

Lexington

$90,883.33

$0.00

Lincoln

$100,533.88

$0.00

Little Rock

$224,156.87

$0.00

Louisville

$167,140.93

$0.00

Lubbock

$0.00

$40,239.98

Madison

$75,865.70

$0.00

Kansas City-St. Joseph

Lake Charles

Manchester

$110,995.96

$0.00

Marquette

$43,995.26

$0.00

Memphis

$59,530.70

$0.00

Miami

$351,210.06

$150,518.60

Military Services, USA

$172,107.03

$0.00

Monterey

$151,326.63

$25,450.04

Nashville

$151,525.73

$0.00

New Orleans

$460,655.82

$0.00

New Ulm

$22,670.28

$0.00

Newark

$502,429.29

$0.00

Norwich

$74,003.14

$0.00

Ogdensburg

$69,702.90

$0.00

Oklahoma City

$207,167.74

$0.00

Omaha

$141,981.57

$0.00

Orange

$9,414.91

$528,425.25

$0.00

$560,464.87

Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

$11,328.00

$0.00

Owensboro

$94,526.12

$0.00

Palm Beach

$280,157.28

$500.00

Parma for Byzantines

$7,822.00

$0.00

Passaic for Byzantines

$21,424.16

$0.00

Pensacola-Tallahassee

$170,197.02

$0.00

Orlando

155

Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese Peoria

Church & Humanitarian Use $0.00

Humanitarian Use Only $55,415.04

$486,095.51

$0.00

$22,519.00

$0.00

Phoenix

$249,570.39

$0.00

Pittsburgh

$505,620.97

$0.00

Pittsburgh for Byzantines

$0.00

$25,366.87

Portland (ME)

$0.00

$144,136.15

Providence

$0.00

$106,420.57

Pueblo

$35,957.52

$0.00

Raleigh

Philadelphia Philadelphia for Ukrainians

$279,703.28

$0.00

Rapid City

$7,270.23

$0.00

Reno

$1,000.00

$57,235.39

Richmond

$385,916.16

$158,707.12

Rochester

$241,929.32

$0.00

Rockford

$323,848.64

$0.00

Rockville Centre

$241,537.15

$150,000.00

Sacramento

$429,942.66

$0.00

Saginaw

$115,713.87

$0.00

Salina

$48,325.10

$0.00

Salt Lake City

$78,925.73

$0.00

San Antonio

$319,669.39

$0.00

San Bernardino

$417,702.93

$0.00

San Diego

$525,274.94

$0.00

San Francisco

$483,071.16

$0.00

San Jose

$21,822.16

$365,782.73

Santa Fe

$141,155.16

$0.00

Santa Rosa

$120,359.68

$0.00

Savannah

$116,103.73

$0.00

Scranton

$215,761.64

$0.00

Seattle

$0.00

$531,153.13

Shreveport

$0.00

$31,754.44

Sioux City

$86,255.03

$0.00

Sioux Falls

$89,458.86

$0.00

Springfield (IL)

$0.00

$125,347.63

Springfield (MA)

$84,127.14

$0.00

Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO

$85,281.73

$0.00

St Augustine

$264,023.09

$0.00

St Cloud

$117,052.88

$0.00

$1,489.00

$0.00

St George's in Canton for Romanians

156

Special Collection for Typhoon Haiyan remittances as of September 15, 2015 (Arch)Diocese St Louis

Church & Humanitarian Use $11,590.35

Humanitarian Use Only $595,708.00

St Maron of Brooklyn for Maronites

$0.00

$22,597.15

$5,864.00

$0.00

$429,395.04

$0.00

$52,121.00

$0.00

$0.00

$2,000.00

$69,194.99

$0.00

Stockton

$175,364.46

$0.00

Superior

$2,428.67

$66,134.88

St Nicholas of Chicago for Ukrainians St Paul-Minneapolis St Thomas Apostle Syro-Malabar Stamford for Ukrainians Steubenville

Syracuse

$0.00

$191,828.50

Toledo

$150,807.03

$0.00

Tucson

$160,823.72

$0.00

Tulsa

$83,388.97

$0.00

Tyler

$54,541.22

$0.00

Venice

$602,166.00

$0.00

Victoria

$36,624.48

$0.00

$0.00

$320,644.55

Wheeling-Charleston Wilmington

$104,686.75

$0.00

$0.00

$133,875.10

Worcester

$56,323.74

$42,000.00

Yakima

$67,023.75

$0.00

Youngstown

$61,655.88

$0.00

$23,052,672.98

$7,328,749.18

Winona

Total

Catholic Relief Services reports that it has utilized their share of the special collection, along with other sources of funding, to respond to the humanitarian needs of the typhoon. With the help of Philippines Caritas, CRS has provided essential and comprehensive relief to Haiyan victims in the areas of shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction. CRS is also focusing on the long-term needs of the affected areas and will assist the community to move from recovery to development. This long-term strategy will include programs of household infrastructure, livelihoods for the most vulnerable, community disaster risk reduction and safer techniques in building new shelters and sanitation infrastructure. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has provided regular updates on the use of their share of the collection to rebuild parishes and missions in the hardest hit areas. Nepal Earthquake Emergency Collection A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal the morning of April 25, 2015, toppling buildings and homes and claiming more than 7,500 lives. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) employed a major emergency response and has committed funds to extended relief efforts.

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Archbishop Kurtz, as President of USCCB, asked bishops to take up a special collection for those affected in Nepal. As it was determined that there was not significant damage to the Church in Nepal, the Office of National Collections is not administering this appeal. All funds are to go directly to Catholic Relief Services. CRS is utilizing the special collection funds, along with other donations, to provide critical relief to Nepal. CRS provided urgently needed shelter and shelter materials, living supplies, and water treatment and hygiene kits to more than 100,000 people. With Caritas Nepal, CRS is focusing on the hard-hit districts of Gorkha, Lamjung and Dhading. Promotion Efforts The national dates for the 2016 collections are listed below. (Arch)dioceses are encouraged to hold their collections on these dates so that the Church in the U.S. is united in a common concern that day or weekend. January 24 February 10 (Ash Wednesday) February 14 March 6 March 25 April 24 May 8 June 26 September 4 or 11 October 23 November 6 Services November 20 December 11 Any date

Church in Latin America Church in Central and Eastern Europe Black and Indian Missions Catholic Relief Services Collection Holy Land Catholic Home Missions Appeal Catholic Communication Campaign Peter’s Pence Collection Catholic University of America World Mission Sunday Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Catholic Campaign for Human Development Retirement Fund for Religious Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

Below are the main campaign images for the 2016 collections. The Peter’s Pence 2016 Collection image may change based on images from the 2015 Papal Visit to the United States.

158

159

Communication, Outreach, and Donor Relations In 2014, new marketing materials and methods were introduced for many of the national collection campaigns including a self-mailed parish kit, audio promotional spots (for radio) video promotional spots (for online audiences), new envelope designs for home delivered envelope packets, and online or print advertising placements (paid media). Additionally, staff has pursued more earned media coverage of the work of the collections (news articles, blog entries, or social media content by media outlets) and will continue to do so throughout 2015. In addition to the regular activities in which promotions staff engage, staff continues to utilize the website and USCCB’s social media channels as the primary methods of marketing the collections. In order to produce more useful and engaging social media content, staff has developed metrics to measure social media content for the collections. For example, staff summarized the performance of the Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRSC) posts from February and March. On Facebook, the CRS Collection posts performed well, reaching on average 2,000 people on Facebook. The most popular post reached 3,200 people with 200 likes, comments and shares. This most popular post occurred on a weekend. The posts received a fair amount of negative comments because of the ongoing campaigns against CRS. On Twitter, the number of people reached was higher than on Facebook, but the number of engagements was lower, with an average of 20 re-tweets per post. When Catholic News Service, Carolyn Woo, and others shared the CRSC tweets, the number of re-tweets went up significantly. On Instagram, a CRS collection image received 109 likes. The engagement rate on Instagram is higher than any other social media platform, despite having a substantially smaller audience. With these type of statistics, staff is able to amend the social media strategy for the Catholic Relief Services Collection to include more posts on Facebook during the weekend, a stronger emphasis on robust imagery and messages, more frequent posts on Twitter, notification of other Catholic organizations invested in the CRSC of the social media posts and schedule (to enable re-tweets), inclusion of more short videos, and preparation of more ready-made answers for critics of the CRSC. Another method of marketing the collections is communicating their impact and summarizing yearly activities for donors and stakeholders. A common vehicle to do this is through annual reports. In 2015, five collections will be releasing annual reports (the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, the Collection for the Church in Latin America, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa). Promotions staff intend to send the reports to respective donors of the collections and to make them available digitally as well. Other recent plans and highlights include engaging in a long-term data collection project in the fall/winter of 2015. Promotions staff currently relies heavily on diocesan staff inputting and updating their information regularly. Given diocesan time constraints and staff turnovers, promotions staff plans to collect this data this summer and fall to ensure collection records are accurate and to ease the demands on diocesan staff. National office staff will be engaging with dioceses to confirm collection data including collection contacts, collection dates, collection statuses, and more.

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The 2016 campaign designs for the national collections are in production. All eight collections will still maintain standardized themes to enhance long-term awareness. The Office of National Collections intends to bring more familiarity to each of the collections by providing consistent imagery and standard design year in and year out. This aids collection marketing in providing long-term awareness and recall of the missions of each of the national collections. Online Giving Stopgap Solution After examining significant research, the Committee on National Collections concluded that an alternative option for American Catholics to donate to the national collections must be made available outside of the current physical collection plate. Due to current legal restrictions surrounding the USCCB’s ability to engage directly in online transactions, other options have been identified to make online giving a reality for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. These options include working with diocesan staff to add the national collections to individual diocesan online giving websites (Solution 1), utilizing USCCB’s forthcoming mobile solution (Solution 2), and eventually to lessen legal risk in order to directly engage in online giving by including the national collections in the USCCB “store” online and settling transactions in Washington, D.C. (Solution 3). By pursuing immediately the first two solutions, the Committee on National Collections has created a stopgap measure until direct donations can be accepted. Solution 1: Several dioceses agreed to participate in an online giving pilot in the spring of 2015. The goal of this pilot is to learn best practices for both adding one or more collections to a pre-existing online giving platform and to understand best practices for marketing the online option for a collection to parishioners. These dioceses are currently either in the process of adding one or more national collections to their current online giving platform or are exploring other online giving platforms to enable customization to offer the collections. Data from two dioceses to date suggests that online giving is higher surrounding the actual date for a collection and that diocesan e-newsletters and websites are the best option for direct marketing (because the gift can be made immediately). More concrete data will be available as the pilot ends in early 2016. Solution 2: The mobile solution launched in September of 2015 with limited functionality that did not include the diocesan and parish options. The diocesan and parish functionalities are essential to mobile giving to the collections. These functionalities are expected to be added in October of 2015. Once adopted, if a parish or diocese utilizes the U.S. Catholic Church mobile solution their current online giving platform will integrate into it enabling parishioners to give to either their parish, diocese, or a national collection via their mobile device. The efficacy and ongoing adoption of this functionality for the collections themselves will be fully explored in 2016 after the mobile solution is launched completely. 2015 Grant Report Subcommittee on the Church in Central and Eastern Europe The Subcommittee received 246 grant applications for consideration at their June Subcommittee meeting in St. Louis. It approved 177 grants to 23 countries totaling $5.2 million. A broad variety of episcopal projects benefit from these grants. They range from church and facilities construction and renovation, catechetics, scholarships for post-graduate studies, and

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family outreach to support for the elementary needs of the poor and disabled, vehicle purchases, and summer camps for children. Subcommittee staff believe this round of grants was one of the best and most effective the Subcommittee has had in recent years. Consolidation of collections by various dioceses has emerged as a long run strategic threat to the Subcommittee's efforts. One major archdiocese will now take up the collection for Eastern Europe only once every three years instead of annually. Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America So far this year, the Subcommittee has approved 234 projects totaling over $3.5 million to 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Countries in the “Andean” zone and the “Caribbean” zone were the highest recipients of funds at the June meeting. Much of the grant work is directly related to the trips bishops and staff make to different regions to elicit and solicit grant requests. For its November meeting, the Subcommittee expects to grant over three million dollars. The Subcommittee has funded pastoral projects for Haiti from the regular Church in Latin America collection and reconstruction projects from the special collection. As in 2014, several rebuilding projects have been either started or completed in 2015 and several more will have also been started or completed next year. On May 1, for example, Archbishop Thomas Wenski and staff attended the dedication of the 1,500 person new multi-purpose Hall in Jacmel, which will also serve as a temporary church for the parish of the damaged cathedral. Other projects are also well underway, such as Sacred Heart Church and Christ the King Church, both in Port-au-Prince. The Subcommittee continues to intentionally support capacity development throughout the Latin America region and to this end it continues to invite selected leaders from the region to attend the annual conference of the International Catholic Stewardship Council. As of midSeptember, three individuals (one from Cuba, one from Jamaica, and one from Guatemala) have been registered for the conference. Also with capacity development as a goal, the Subcommittee continues to work with CELAM on strengthening stewardship capacity throughout the region by supporting workshops on development and stewardship. Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions In 2015, the Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions is funding 83 (arch)dioceses and (arch)eparchies throughout the United States and its territories with grants totaling just over $9 million, an increase of nearly $510,000 from last year. A strong collection combined with unexpectedly high investment income allowed the increase. Currently 42% of U.S. dioceses are funded through the Subcommittee. The largest categories of grant requests and funding are: Seminary Education/Vocations, Hispanic Ministry, Aid to Mission Parishes and Religious Education. The Subcommittee also provided $35,000 to aid the Apostolic Nuncio in his work and travels, an increase of $5,000 to reflect increased travel costs. The majority of CHM’s grant payments are now being made electronically twice a year. This provides the much needed funds to mission dioceses in a quicker, more secure, and traceable manner.

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Each year the Subcommittee sets aside funds for installation expenses for bishops in mission dioceses. In 2015, the bishops of Grand Island, Lexington, and Spokane were assigned to mission dioceses. Per CHM’s policy, a gift of $10,000 each has been sent to the bishop of those diocese to help cover installation expenses. The Subcommittee voted to increase their installation gifts to $15,000 each starting in 2015. Staff is reviewing 85 applications for 2016 funding. The Subcommittee will meet in October to make allocation decisions for 2016 grants. The meeting will occur in Houston, TX in conjunction with Mission Congress and members will visit parishes and other important Catholic sites in the area after the allocations are complete. CHM continues its partnership with the Mendoza College of Business (University of Notre Dame) to provided support for up to ten staff from different home mission dioceses to attend the summer Catholic Leadership Program. Participants spend seven days in July with approximately 40 others from across the country participating in workshops on topics from canon and civil law to capacity building. Diocesan staff from the Dioceses of Santa Rosa, Jackson, Lake Charles, Fairbanks, Arecibo, Cheyenne, Beaumont, Lubbock, Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and Archdiocese for the Military Services attended this year. CHM is offering financial assistance to Eastern Rite dioceses and eparchies to send staff to the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference in Chicago in September. This complements funding that Catholic Extension Society offers to Latin Rite dioceses. It will also offer support to dioceses to send staff to the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Congress. These are examples of opportunities for professional development and formation that dioceses cannot often afford to provide for their staff. Subcommittee on the Church in Africa The Subcommittee on the Church in Africa is grateful to have had the chance in November 2014 to give a report of its work to the General Assembly. Since the Church in Africa is growing so rapidly and dioceses across the United States are benefitting from the many vocations being produced, it is important that the USCCB maintain this important structure and foster its growth. This work involves relationship building as well as support for the Church through the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. It is one of the ways that the 2001 pledge of support in the USCCB pastoral letter, A Call to Solidarity with Africa: A Statement by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, is being fulfilled. Also, through the work of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa Catholics in the United States are able to learn about and support the emerging Church and have a closer experience of the Church Universal. In 2007, the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa began funding pastoral projects from African bishops’ conferences and regional associations of conferences through the Solidarity Fund. Since then, it has received over 1,156 requests amounting to over $39 million. Of these, it has approved 712 requests for $17 million, including 43 for $1.3 million in June 2015, 95 requests for $2.4 million in 2014, and 100 for $2.03 million in 2013. At the November 2015 meeting, the Subcommittee will consider approximately 50 more grant requests for a total of $2 million.

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Grants awarded cover a broad range of pastoral issues. The breakdown of types of projects funded are: leadership training (including seminarian formation), 26%; episcopal conference and diocesan administration (including a growing amount for construction), 26%; youth and education, 15%; communications, 15%; evangelization, 10%; justice and peace, 8%. In 2010, the Subcommittee began to work with the Association of Member Episcopal conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to implement a needs assessment that was done in partnership with CRS and the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame. It is progressing well and taking firm root. After the AMECEA general assembly approved the implementation plan in June 2011, the Subcommittee decided to create a scholarship program to fund short courses to train Church personnel in the identified areas of need. AMECEA staff identified six universities in Eastern Africa where training takes place and has narrowed down the training needs to five areas: Church leadership; pastoral planning, project management, designing skills, and fundraising; communication; youth ministry and chaplaincy; formation of laity. USCCB staff has worked with AMECEA to design the scholarship funding process and outlined courses for the two years. The first three trainings took place in 2013. The first two were four-day trainings held in Nairobi, Kenya for bishops. Bishops attended from across the region and learned important skills in leadership, management, finance, and communications. Half of the bishops in Eastern Africa have participated in the training to date. The third course, for diocesan executive staff, was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in August 2013. In 2014, three more trainings for diocesan staff were held, Tanzania, South Sudan and Malawi. In 2015 training courses took place in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The trainings have received high praise and appreciation from the bishops in East Africa. In summer 2015 staff assessed the impact and work with AMECEA to determine how to develop it further. Organizations and universities that have indicated a desire to partner with USCCB and AMECEA in this project include CRS, Notre Dame, Boston College, Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, l’Univesita’ di Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, the Leadership Roundtable in Church Management, and the Society of Jesus new university administration. The former General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Tanzania received a scholarship from the University of Notre Dame in the Masters for Not-for-Profit Management program and has recently finished his studies and returned to his diocese in Tanzania. The Subcommittee sponsored his stay. The former General Secretary of the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops is currently pursuing graduate studies on scholarship at the Oblate School of Theology and the University of Notre Dame. In early 2013, Cardinal McCarrick moderated a workshop on the work of the Subcommittee with AMECEA at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) meeting. It was an opportunity to invite other Catholic colleges and universities to participate by partnering with Catholic institutions of higher learning in Eastern Africa or offering fellowships for graduate studies to Africa faculty or Church personnel. The Subcommittee has also supported various trips of African bishops and church leaders to the United States. In 2015 the President of the Catholic University of Malawi, and former

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General Secretary of the Bishops Conference, and the former General Secretary of the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops attended a Notre Dame Not for Profit Management Course. Other visits included the General Secretary of the Tanzanian Bishops Conference to the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) in October, 2015 and the president of the Rwandan Bishops’ Conference. Subcommittee and Staff Travel In January, 2015, Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Grant Administrator Vincent Bus traveled to Macedonia on project-related business and also visited Rome to organize the annual meeting of Subcommittee scholarship student there. Also in January, Director Dr. Declan Murphy visited Armenia in connection with a possible major grant to the Armenian Ordinariate to complete construction of the cathedral in Gyumri. Mr. Jacques Liautaud, a licensed civil engineer working with the USCCB's Collection for Latin America Haiti project, accompanied him to provide an assessment of the quality of the cathedral construction works to date. They then stopped off to brief Renovabis, a major Subcommittee strategic partner and co-funder of the Gyumri cathedral, on the results of the inspection. In February, Vincent Bus accompanied Subcommittee Member Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, to Belarus and Poland. They met with Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the nuncio in Belarus, and discussed ways to improve pastoral outreach to youth and other potential new Belarussian pastoral initiatives. That same month, Dr. Murphy visited Subcommittee scholarship students in Jerusalem and met with Patrick Lee, S.J., the new Rector of the Jerusalem branch of the Biblicum, regarding a possible residential fellowship program for young Eastern European scripture scholars. In March, Dr, Murphy and Mr. Bus hosted the annual reception and assembly for Subcommittee scholarship students in Rome. Approximately 70 students participated this year. In April, Dr. Murphy and Mr. Bus returned to the Republic of Georgia for the first time in five years to examine the needs of the Church there and visit projects funded in the past. The situation both economically and politically has deteriorated markedly during those five years largely because of consequences from the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008. The depth of poverty in the Georgian countryside is extreme. On the same trip, Dr. Murphy also visited the Diocese of Saratov in Russia. His visit was the first time in twenty-five years anyone from the Subcommittee had visited this diocese which is quite remote and difficult to access. The Catholic Church there is under extreme pressure from the Russian government because of the current Western sanctions imposed upon Russia for its invasion of Crimea and Ukraine. The bishop worries that the day is approaching when he will no longer be able to accept foreign donations. Renewal of residence permits for foreign priests is another major threat to the diocese. In May, Dr. Murphy made a trip to Germany to meet with the Subcommittee's strategic partners regarding a possible joint project. In June, he planned, organized, and led a major episcopal solidarity and fact-finding trip to Ukraine for USCCB President Archbishop Joseph Kurtz and Subcommittee Chair Archbishop Blase J. Cupich. The trip included meetings with various Greek and Latin Catholic bishops and visits to various Subcommittee projects, military

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hospitals, and refugee camps. Dr. Stephen Colecchi of the USCCB's International Justice and Peace directorate joined the trip and Catholic News Service provided in-depth coverage. The trip allowed the USCCB participants to observe at first hand the challenges the Catholic Church faces in Ukraine and the human costs of the Russian-led separatist insurrections there. Additional trips to Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland and Russia were made over the summer. Dr. Murphy also had meetings and planning sessions with the Romanian Greek Catholic Bishops in Canton, Ohio. It is a goal of the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America that every member visit the region on solidarity visits and that staff regularly travel to perform due diligence on the use of funds by subcommittee grantees. The Subcommittee also invites other bishops to visit supported projects. This year, several bishops have traveled to some of the countries in the region and more trips are scheduled for the rest of the year. So far: 

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   

In June, Bishop Elizondo travelled to Cartagena to visit projects funded by the Subcommittee and to attend the Latin American and Caribbean Congress on the Consecrated Life organized by the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious in Bogota. Staff accompanied him. In July, staff traveled to Mexico to the dioceses of Torreon, Saltillo and the Archdiocese of Monterrey to visit projects funded by the Subcommittee. From that visit, staff of the Archdiocese of Monterrey will be invited to attend the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in late January of 2016 so they can participate and learn more about how Catholics in the United States engage their government. Bishop Sheldon Fabre, representing the Subcommittee on African American Affairs, travelled to Haiti in July at the invitation of the Subcommittee to participate in the Continental Congress on African American Pastoral. Staff accompanied him. In August, staff traveled to the Dioceses of Comayagua and Santa Rosa de Copan in Honduras to visit several projects supported by the SCLA to perform due diligence and elicit new projects. In September, staff traveled to Nicaragua to visit the dioceses of Leon and Estelí (Dioceses not ever previously visited by the Subcommittee) and the Archdiocese of Managua. During the course of 2015, staff has traveled to Haiti for regular work performing due diligence on projects, to continue working with the PROCHE structures and to accompany members of the Subcommittee.

  Visits to funded dioceses assist Catholic Home Missions staff in application evaluation and provide important accountability to the Subcommittee and donors. During each visit, staff meets with the grant coordinator, finance and communication staff, leaders of funded projects and the bishop and/or chancellor. Staff also visits mission parishes and program locations in the field. CHM staff traveled to the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in El Cajon, California, in March 2015. Additional site visits will occur this fall. The work of the Subcommittee, however, is not primarily about grants. It is about supporting the growing Church in Africa and this is done through relationships of solidarity, as

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the bishops pledged in their 2001 pastoral letter. Much of these relationships are created and supported through first hand contact. So far, in 2015 staff has visited the bishops’ conferences of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, Angola, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. In addition to reviewing funded projects, staff assists in building structural capacity to manage grants. Starting in December 2014 and continuing into February 2015 Malawi experienced the worst flooding in recent history. Hundreds of people were killed and over 200,000 forced to flee their homes and livelihood. CRS has responded offering aid and assistance. As happens in these situations, the local Church is on the front lines of this humanitarian disaster. In April, the Subcommittee gave the bishops’ conference of Malawi an emergency grant of $43,000 to assist in the pastoral side of the response. Staff visited the sites most destroyed by flooding and camps of displaced people in May. Relationship Development The Subcommittees and staff work closely with a number of partners in the selected regions. In accord with their mandates, they maintain close ties with the episcopal conferences of Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa. To ensure a wide and fair coverage of the Church’s needs and to maintain a high standard of transparency and accountability, the episcopal conferences play an integral role in the grant-making process. For all communication related projects, staff of all Subcommittees work very closely with the German communication agency, the Catholic Media Council (CAMECO). CAMECO receives a yearly grant from the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) and in return offers expert advice and assistance with USCCB grants. In May, Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe director Dr. Murphy went to Germany to raise the possibility of joint action between USCCB, Renovabis, Kirche in Not, and the Porticus Foundation to save the Anton Martin Slomsek Institute in Maribor. One of the Institute's major programs is a highly regarded Catholic gymnasium, one of only two in Slovenia that trains future members of the Slovene managerial and government elites. The Institute's future is in jeopardy because of financial mismanagement of the Archdiocese of Maribor by the previous Archbishop and his Econom. This case has resulted in the removal by the Holy See of several major figures in the Slovene hierarchy including the last Major Archbishop of Ljubljana. The physical facilities of the Institute have been offered as part of the financial settlement the archdiocese has proposed to its creditors’ banks. If nothing is done, the Institute and its gymnasium will close permanently and its facilities sold at public auction. The anti-Catholic attitudes of the current socialist Slovene government render very remote the likelihood of a reopening of the gymnasium in other circumstances or the foundation of a replacement Catholic gymnasium. The price tag for saving this critical institution is $4.5 million. Given the level of financial commitment required, only a consortium of donors can save the Institute. The forging of such a funding network with our strategic partners in Europe represents a leadership opportunity and a major work of international diplomacy for the Subcommittee.

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Also in May, Dr. Murphy attended a strategic partners meeting convened by Caritas Vorarlberg, Austria, regarding serious problems with the implementation of a project the Subcommittee helped fund in Armenia for children with mental and physical disabilities. The donors group included USCCB, Renovabis, Medicor Foundation of Liechtenstein, and Caritas Austria. Working together, the donors developed a strategy to address a serious lack of financial transparency and a failure by the grant recipient to abide by the terms of the grant agreements signed with the donor organizations. The strategy resulted in a meeting with the grant recipient in Rome in June, 2015 where the latter essentially acceded to the demands of the donor group. The Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America works closely and regularly with Adveniat, the Fondo Nueva Evangelización and Aid to the Church in Need as well as foundations in the United States. It also continues to work closely with Catholic Relief Services on issues concerning Haiti and throughout Latin America. The Subcommittee also works collaboratively with other departments and committees of the Conference. For example, it is working with the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs to convene a Hispanic Latino Families meeting in September of this year right before the opening of the World Meeting of Families. Over one hundred participants attended the meeting, coming from different regions of the United States and from several countries throughout Latin America. Bishop Oscar Cantu represented USCCB and Bishop Ruben Gonzalez represented CELAM at a panel during the meeting. In addition, at this time the Subcommittee is exploring ways to raise more funds by collaborating with private foundations to support the reconstruction work in Haiti. Staff is developing plans and models for fundraising that the Subcommittee can implement. Staff of the Subcommittee continues to engage the Mission Project Service to deliver workshops to build capacity on project proposals and project management throughout Latin America. The Conference of Religious of Peru has already set a date for one of these workshops and the Conference of Religious of Paraguay has submitted a project request to host one. The Subcommittee will work on supporting more of these workshops in the near future both for the religious and for individual dioceses and episcopal conferences in the region. The Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions continues to collaborate with key mission organizations including the Black and Indian Mission Office, the U.S. Catholic Mission Association, the Catholic Church Extension Society, the Pontifical Mission Societies and with religious communities involved in mission outreach in the United States. Staff is currently conducting needs assessment calls with funded dioceses. The goals is to identify training needs and potential peer-to-peer collaborations within the CHM network. The data gathered will assist staff in identifying future trainings to funded dioceses to build capacity on identified needs. The CHM director was currently involved with the 2015 Mission Congress as a member of the Catholic Mission Forum to make sure the issues and concerns of the home missions were part of this major gathering. The Congress took place October 1-4, 2015, in Houston. Subcommittee members participated a panel along with a member of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis on “Reflections on Missionary Work” providing perspective from their experience as bishops of home mission dioceses. CHM staff was part of a panel at a plenary

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session along with staff from Catholic Extension, Catholic Volunteer Network, the Pontifical Mission Societies and USCMA on “The Mission Landscape.” The quarterly newsletter of Catholic Home Missions, Neighbors, is a major vehicle for communicating the impact of CHM funding. The newsletter is distributed to parishes and donors and is posted on the Bishops-Only and USCCB websites. Issues in 2015 featured the Dioceses of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Chaldean Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, Amarillo, and Baker. The Subcommittee on the Church in Africa maintains close ties with the episcopal conferences of Africa. To ensure a wide and fair coverage of the Church’s needs and to maintain a high standard of transparency and accountability, the episcopal conferences play an integral role in the grant-making process. The Subcommittee also works closely with CRS and the Pontifical Mission Societies. It maintains close ties with the German aid agencies Missio and Misereor, Aid to the Church in Need, and a German communications organization called the Catholic Media Council (CAMECO) for aid with communication grants. The work of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa has been vitally important to support the growing Church in Africa. The financial support it offers is needed and much appreciated but the formal outreach and solidarity from the USCCB is of even greater appreciation and importance. Cardinals and bishops from all over Africa have expressed their gratitude and hope that the fraternal support being offered will continue as they face the challenges and excitement of a young and growing Church. Obviously dioceses across the United States benefit first-hand from the generosity of the Church in Africa with the many clergy and religious men and women that are serving in their parishes but also from the recent Catholic immigrants from Africa that are populating our parishes. The Subcommittee’s work and the solidarity fund taken up by more and more dioceses not only express the gratitude of the American Church but also help to make sure that those African dioceses that do not benefit from direct contact with American parishes receive an equal portion of their generosity. The Subcommittee on the Church in Africa has become an important part of the USCCB.

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr Chairman November 2015  

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES Members: Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., Chairman; Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Chairman-elect; Archbishop William E. Lori; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann; Bishop Paul P. Chomnycky, OSBM; Bishop Felipe J. Estévez; Bishop Martin D. Holley; Bishop Robert J. McManus Consultants: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo; Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap.; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades; Bishop David L. Ricken; Rev. J. Daniel Mindling; Ms. Helen Alvaré, Esq.; Mr. Carl Anderson; Dr. John F. Brehany, S.T.L.; Dr. John M. Haas, S.T.L.; Ms. Gail Quinn; Dr. Kathleen Raviele; Mr. Michael Scott Staff: Ms. Kimberly Baker; Mr. Richard Doerflinger; Mr. Tom Grenchik; Mrs. Mary McClusky; Ms. Anne McGuire; Ms. Deirdre McQuade NCHLA: Ms. Katherine Beck; Ms. Loretta Fleming; Ms. Steve Gogniat; Ms. Amy McInerny

RESPECT LIFE PROGRAM The theme of the 2015-16 Respect Life Program is Every Life is Worth Living. It was chosen especially in light of the renewed push toward assisted suicide, but also with the awareness of its applicability to the wide spectrum of life issues. This year’s program includes a Prayer & Program Guide (formerly called the Liturgy Guide), online resources, a poster, folder, flyer, prayer card, catalog, and seven new pamphlets:       

“10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting” “A Perfect Gift” “Maggie’s Story: Living like Dad” “10 Surprising Tips for Love the Culture Won’t Tell You” “Supporting Families Who Receive a Prenatal Diagnosis” “Love, Sex, and Sterilization” “Love 101: Back to Basics”

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PROJECT RACHEL MINISTRY: POST-ABORTION PASTORAL CARE AND OUTREACH Ministry Standard for a Dedicated, Confidential Phone Line The USCCB provides a nationwide toll-free referral line (888-456-HOPE) and a “Find Help” function on the web sites www.hopeafterabortion.org and www.esperanzaposaborto.org to connect those in need to local diocesan post-abortion healing ministries. At the November 2014 meeting, the Committee affirmed the importance of using a confidential, dedicated phone line in diocesan Project Rachel ministry. A confidential, designated helpline answered by screened & trained staff/volunteers is one of the four foundational components in an integrated diocesan response. Callers can be unintentionally turned away by reaching a general diocesan switch board or a generic pregnancy assistance / prolife message, or from the background noise of a public space that can indicate the call has been answered in a public location without privacy. The committee affirmed a minimum requirement that all dioceses requesting a listing on the national website or use of the nationwide toll-free referral line, must have a confidential, dedicated line in their Project Rachel Ministry. Those already on the web site or in the telephone referral network would be grandfathered in. This will fulfill the committee’s responsibility for promoting Project Rachel Ministries that offer a safe, confidential conversation with someone screened, trained and ready to offer the best assistance possible. Diocesan On-Site Training Cardinal O’Malley, Cardinal Wuerl and Bishop Loverde generously make available their experienced Project Rachel Ministry diocesan staff to travel to dioceses as part of the USCCB training team. The goal is to strengthen diocesan Project Rachel ministries and better equip those involved to run a more effective ministry. After an informal assessment to determine the needs of the diocese and confirm the hosting bishop’s role in the training, a bishop can request a diocesan training through a letter to the Pro-Life Committee Chairman. Several informal requests for this training are in process. National Promotions: Website The mission of the national Project Rachel Ministry website www.hopeafterabortion.org (and www.esperanzaposaborto.org in Spanish) is to offer hope to women, men, and others who are in need of help after abortion, and to connect them to their nearest diocesan resources. The websites assure them that they can again have peace of heart and happiness. The websites are effective in showing that:  we understand the nature of their loss and grief (personal quotes and stories)  their grief is a "normal" reaction to an abortion experience (personal stories as well as scientific literature)  they, too, can find healing through Project Rachel Ministry

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

local help can be found through the “Find Help” tab connecting them to their closest Project Rachel diocesan ministry

The website was launched in November 2011 and continues to experience a steady increase of traffic—now averaging almost 49,000 visitors a month. For the past year, the site received over 590,000 visitors. National Promotions: Resource Development The following is an update on the development of diocesan resources for training diocesan staff, priests, and lay counselors in post-abortion ministry, best practices, and outreach. A diocesan Project Rachel directors-only web site is in development. The privatelyaccessible web site will provide both new and currently available resources in one location in order to assist diocesan staff in the development of their diocesan Project Rachel Ministry. Recent additions include a transcript of Archbishop Naumann’ s presentation, “The Role of the Priest,” at the February 2014 Washington, D.C. training and a priest training video on the same topic by Msgr. Joseph Ranieri, Coordinator of Pastoral Care for Priests, Archdiocese of Washington. Divine Mercy Sunday resources (suggested homily notes, videos, and Eucharistic Holy Hour) were distributed to assist dioceses to celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, April 12. A “Best Practices” document was developed to offer general guidance and suggestions for a diocesan post-abortion healing ministry. A number of diocesan directors have found these practices to be helpful as they serve those suffering after abortion.

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Project Rachel magnets (for cars, lockers, etc.) were produced and made available to the dioceses enrolled in the toll-free nationwide referral network. The magnet design features the Project Rachel logo and the 888-456-HOPE phone line. The brightly-colored magnets are available in both English (purple) and Spanish (green). New resources are being planned to help dioceses celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016. National Promotions: Social Media The pre-existing @ProjectRachel Twitter handle was generously passed on from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Staff began minimal activity while discerning and discussing how to remain sensitive to issues of confidentiality and other concerns. Through this activity, Project Rachel engaged with the public and increased the number of followers by 300%. The goal is to raise awareness of the ministry, to connect those in need of healing to their local diocesan ministries and to provide post-abortion healing resources, prayers, and information. Plans include increasing the number of followers and future collaboration with the Office of Communications to increase the reach of the ministry while remaining pastorally sensitive to those in need of healing. National Promotions: Web Search Maximization A Google Ad and Key Words Campaign was launched in an effort to increase the visibility of diocesan Project Rachel post-abortion healing ministries. When users search various key words and phrases, ads for www.hopeafterabortion.org and www.esperanzaposaborto.org appear in the search results. The campaign drove increased traffic to the web sites, and dioceses reported that more hurting women and men contacted them for assistance. The campaign began in late December 2014. Due to the success of the campaign and increased effectiveness as it was adjusted, it has become an ongoing promotional effort. See sample ads below:

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Colorado State-wide Gathering The Archdiocese of Denver and the Dioceses of Colorado Springs and Pueblo held a day long state-wide gathering in February 2015 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to discuss postabortion healing efforts. Staff traveled to Colorado to meet with diocesan leaders and present the U.S. bishops’ vision for an integrated approach to post-abortion healing. The group committed to collaborate and unite resources in order to strengthen post-abortion healing efforts in Colorado. CELAM Post-abortion Conference Cardinal O’Malley was invited to address the First Meeting of Pastoral Ministers in Post Abortion Healing and Fifth Pan American Conference on Post Abortion Healing in Bogotá, Colombia in July 2015 by the Department of Family Life and Youth of CELAM. The meeting focused on the aftermath of abortion and its impact on the family in order to strengthen progress in the Church’s task in family ministry and services to life. Though unable to accept the invitation to speak, Cardinal O’Malley sent a letter of greeting to Bishop Rubén González Medina, President, Department of Family, Life, and Youth, CELAM. The letter, read aloud to the participants, thanked them for their efforts, explained the importance of post-abortion healing ministry being under the care and guidance of the local bishop, and pledged to pray for the conference’s success. Upcoming National Training in Washington The second national USCCB Project Rachel Ministry Director Training for diocesan directors is scheduled for February 21-24, 2016 at the Washington Retreat House in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The theme will be “Project Rachel Ministry in the Year of Mercy.” The training will focus on the central role of the sacrament of reconciliation, the theology of forgiveness, the unique role of the Church in post-abortion healing ministry, and how to raise diocesan awareness that the ministry is a work of evangelization. The training will focus on developing an integrated approach to healing that has Christ as its foundation and includes spiritual, psychological, group, and one-on-one healing opportunities. Registration begins in November.

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LITURGICAL RESOURCES & NATIONAL PRAYER CAMPAIGNS Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty In collaboration with the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty, the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, staff continues to assist in implementing and advancing the Bishops’ Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty, which the full body of bishops voted to continue beyond the Year of Faith at the November 2013 General Assembly. The webpages for the Call to Prayer were re-designed to be more user-friendly, but the short URL remains the same: www.usccb.org/pray.

9 Days for Life: Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage The U.S. bishops’ annual pro-life novena (www.9daysforlife.com) surrounding the anniversary of Roe v. Wade will take place from January 16 – 24, 2016. The centerpiece of 9 Days for Life is a novena with a different intercession, reflection, set of suggested acts of reparation, and supplementary reading for each day. Daily printouts for the novena, as well as an explanation of the initiative, and a promotional flyer are included in the Prayer & Program Guide from the 2015-16 Respect Life Program. Additionally, people will be able to sign up for daily emails or text messages, download a mobile app, print the novena from the USCCB website, or join a Facebook event (all available in both English and Spanish). In order to continue the prayer efforts throughout the year and to encourage continuing engagement, a monthly email, with the same general structure as the novena emails in January, is sent to those who signed up for 9 Days for Life in previous years.

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Word of Life Monthly suggestions of intercessions, bulletin quotes, and occasional supplemental materials continue to be sent to diocesan pro-life directors and interested subscribers. These resources are available in English and Spanish at www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/wordof-life/index.cfm.

HISPANIC OUTREACH Hispanic Congress of the Americas for Respect Life and Evangelization Congreso Hispano de las Américas de Respeto a la Vida y Evangelización A meeting of the Bishops’ Working Group on the “Congreso” took place in June 2015 to discuss the next Congreso, which Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD, Bishop of Orange, has agreed to host on January 30, 2016. The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities continues to offer support and planning assistance to diocesan staff and organizers.

DIOCESAN DIRECTOR TRAININGS New Director Orientation Bishops of 20 dioceses sent 21 pro-life diocesan leaders to attend a three-day orientation on their new role in pro-life diocesan ministry. The orientation was hosted by the Secretariat and held during February 23-26, 2015 in Washington, DC, providing detailed training and information on education and outreach, pastoral care, public policy, and prayer efforts. Attendees participated in times of prayer and reflection and also group sessions to learn more about each other’s work. They also learned more about the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities as a structural model for organizing pro-life ministry at the diocesan level. Diocesan Pro-Life Directors’ Meeting The annual Diocesan Pro-Life Leadership Conference occurred from July 26-29, 2015 and was co-hosted by the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO. Sixty-seven diocesan pro-life leaders participated in the conference, which included a keynote address by Archbishop Naumann and a closing keynote address by Archbishop Gomez. There was also a special Opening Mass with Cardinal O’Malley. Diocesan directors were updated and educated on various areas of pro-life ministry through presentations and workshops and special activities. Attendees also spent time in prayer and had opportunities for sharing best practices and support for each other’s work. Directors gave very positive feedback on their experience of the conference. Next year’s conference will be hosted by the Archdiocese of New York and will take place from August 7-10, 2016.

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ROE V. WADE COMMEMORATION EVENTS Pro-Life Leadership Mass Cardinal O’Malley, Bishop Conley, Bishop Holley and 9 priests concelebrated a January 21, 2015 afternoon Mass for more than 150 Catholic pro-life, social justice and family life leaders from across the country in the Main Church of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, D.C. Cardinal O’Malley briefly welcomed participants in a receiving line before guests enjoyed a reception and networking opportunity at nearby St. Francis Hall. Next year’s 2016 Pro-Life Leadership will be around noon on Thursday, January 21, 2016. The location is to be determined. National Prayer Vigil for Life Cardinal O’Malley was the principal celebrant and homilist for the January 21, 2015 Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life. Two Orthodox bishops were represented in choir at the Opening Mass, at the invitation of Cardinal O’Malley. A delegation of Orthodox priests and laity also participated. Attendance at the Opening Mass was standing room only and especially consisted of large numbers of young people. Pro-Life Secretariat staff worked with Catholic University of America campus ministry and Basilica of the National Shrine staff to host the thousands of people who filled the Basilica. Additional seating and large screen television monitors were provided downstairs for Mass participants in Memorial Hall. A large number of people continued to pray throughout the night and into the morning. The Vigil included Confessions, the National Rosary for Life, the Byzantine Rite Order of Compline, and Holy Hours led by seminaries from throughout the country. Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, J.C.L., D.D., Bishop of Passaic, was the celebrant for the Byzantine night prayer and Most Reverend Edward Scharfenberger, D.D., Bishop of Albany, was the homilist. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz was the principal celebrant and homilist of the morning Closing Mass, which was attended by approximately 5,000 people and concelebrated by 39 priests. The texts of both Mass homilies are posted on the USCCB’s website at http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/national-prayer-vigil-for-lifehomilies.cfm. Next year’s 2016 National Prayer Vigil for Life will be Thursday evening, January 21, to Friday morning, January 22. The Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities will again co-sponsor and coordinate the event with Catholic University of America campus ministry and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will be the main celebrant and homilist for the Opening Mass at 6:00 pm on Thursday evening, January 21. The principal celebrant and homilist for the 7:30 a.m. morning Closing Mass on Friday, January 22, is to be determined.

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March for Life Archbishop Kurtz offered the opening prayer for the 2015 March for Life Rally, representing the U.S. Catholic bishops. Several Orthodox bishops were also present on stage. Each year the Catholic and Orthodox bishops take alternate turns in leading the rally in prayer. In 2016, Orthodox bishops will lead the prayer. The rally program announced the 2015 March theme, “Every Life is a Gift,” with a special focus on difficult prenatal diagnosis. The rally also included energetic and dynamic youth speakers and moved at a steady pace. Next year’s March for Life will be held on Friday, January 22, 2016.

CO-SPONSORSHIP OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL MINISTRIES GATHERING For the eighth year in a row, the Secretariat co-sponsored the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in February 2015. In addition to being involved in year-round planning and distributing resources at an exhibit table, staff played a key role in developing and facilitating a presentation on building effective state coalitions against physician-assisted suicide. The Secretariat collaborated with the Justice, Peace and Human Development staff and outside partners in the planning and execution of the event. Staff has been meeting to plan cosponsorship and participation in the 2016 Gathering. In 2016, the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering event dates (January 23-26) are immediately following the January 21-22 pro-life events in Washington, DC. For this reason, there are plans for a special event the evening of Friday, January 22 so that pro-life and social justice leaders can gather for mutual support and dialogue on promoting a culture of life that upholds the dignity of the human person. Young Catholic leaders will especially be welcome.

COLLABORATIVE WORK ON CONFERENCE-WIDE PRIORITY ACTIVITIES Life and Dignity of the Human Person (LDHP) Over the past five years, outstanding collaboration on the conference-wide priority on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person has focused on communications research on “people in the pews,” diocesan Social Justice Directors, Diocesan Pro-Life Directors, parish priests, Hispanic parishioners, young adults, young married families, and “fervent” Catholics. The Bishops Working Group on LDHP continues to meet quarterly to guide this collaborative effort as well as plan for a national convocation in July 1-4, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. “The Joy of the Gospel in America: A National Convocation of Catholic Leaders” is inspired by Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium and will bring together Catholic leaders including emerging leaders - for a unique experience of the Body of Christ. Led by the bishops of the United States, the event will emphasize a deeper encounter with the Lord, the vision of the

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human person in the light of Christ, special concern for those who are poor and marginalized, missionary discipleship in challenging times, and the continental mission of the Church in the Americas. Participants will return home renewed and reenergized to share the Gospel and form disciples, with exciting connections and resources for ministry and an historic experience of what it means to be Catholic. A major presentation highlighting the communications research and the upcoming convocation was offered to the full body of bishops at their November 2014 meeting. The presentations by Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop Wenski and Bishop Malone, as well as related resources, were posted on the bishops-only website. A follow-up presentation by Archbishop Blaire and Archbishop Wenski was offered to the full body in June of 2015, and additional related resources were posted on the bishops-only website. PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH New Videos on Assisted Suicide Numerous heart-wrenching stories involving physician-assisted suicide have been prominently highlighted in the media in the past year, contributing to a media groundswell of support for assisted suicide. These stories, and the grave issues they illuminate, underscore the need for persuasive materials on physician-assisted suicide and ethical end-of-life decisionmaking. During the fall/winter of 2014-15, the Secretariat contracted with a filmmaker to plan a series of five short videos on assisted suicide to inform and inspire viewers through lifeaffirming testimonials. Informed richly by polling and “right brain research” we conducted on end-of-life issues in the early part of 2015, each video highlights a different circumstance or perspective involving physician-assisted suicide. The stories counteract arguments promoting offenses against the dignity of the human person and compassionately lift up courageous, life-affirming choices of the sick and aging, and those who care for them. Polling shows that there is a generational gap in attitudes toward assisted suicide and related issues. Younger, more able-bodied adults favor assisted suicide at significantly higher rates than those age 70+. With this in mind, the primary audience for the series is 18-44 year olds on the Internet. The videos address the important issues related to physician-assisted suicide that are being debated today, but they are also meant to be a resource intended for “evergreen” use into the foreseeable future. To date, three have been released:  Maggie’s Story  Jeanette’s Story: 15 Years Later  John’s Story: Beyond Independence …and another is in production:

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In cooperation with the Patients Rights Action Fund, our videos are available on both YouTube and Facebook, two of the largest, most active video sharing sites in the United States. PRAF is working closely with us to promote these videos by giving it much wider distribution through their network of advocacy organizations and paid advertising on Facebook. To date, there have been well over 100K views of our released videos on those two platforms. A fifth video is planned to be in Spanish. “Maggie’s Story” https://youtu.be/XJwWKDGBS5o Maggie Karner, a 51-yr-old mother of three, was diagnosed last year with aggressive terminal brain cancer. She shares how her father inspired her to face her own disease and death with true grace and dignity. Sadly, on September 25th, Maggie passed away after living with her terminal diagnosis for a year and a half. Her witness continues to speak powerfully, having now left her own legacy to her family and those fortunate enough to have met her.

“Jeanette’s Story: 15 Years Later” https://youtu.be/84SsQef3B7E This video features Jeanette Redmond & her cancer doctor, Dr. Kenneth Stevens, who encouraged her 15 year years ago not to pursue assisted suicide when she was facing inoperable cancer. She now looks back on how close she came to committing suicide and says: “It’s great to be alive!”

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“John’s Story: Beyond Independence” – https://youtu.be/uY2VQgUzPs0 John Foppe, a man born without arms, speaks to the dignity of all human persons and the need to develop interdependence on -- rather than independence from -- each other.

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Media Relations Since the last Information Report was prepared in October 2014, the Secretariat has collaborated with Communications and other USCCB offices on sixteen press releases on a wide variety of topics. In chronological order, they are:                

USCCB General Counsel Submits Comments on Latest Version of HHS Contraceptive Mandate – October 8, 2014 Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop Lori Urge Congress To Include Abortion NonDiscrimination Act in Funding Legislation – November 18 9 Days for Life Unites Faithful in Prayer, Action around Anniversary of Roe v. Wade – January 6, 2015 Thousands to Pray for End to Abortion at National Prayer Vigil for Life Marking 42nd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade – January 16 Cardinal O’Malley Urges Congress to Support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act – January 21 Cardinal O’Malley Welcomes House Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ – January 23 Cardinal O’Malley and Archbishop Wenski Welcome Supreme Court Decision To Review Protocols for Use of Lethal Injection – January 27 USCCB and Other Religious and Pro-Life Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Fundamental Freedoms in the District of Columbia - February 6 Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop Lori Urge Support for the Health Care Conscience Rights Act -- February 20 Congress Urged to Act for Protection of Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights in the District of Columbia -- March 20 Bishops’ Chairmen Renew Push To End Death Penalty, Cite Progress of Last Decade - July 16 Cardinal O’Malley Presents 2015 People of Life Awards -- July 28 Cardinal O’Malley: Planned Parenthood’s Work Reflects ‘Throwaway Culture’ Decried by Pope Francis -- July 29 Cardinal O'Malley Urges Support For Senate Bill To Defund Planned Parenthood -August 3 Cardinal O’Malley Welcomes Pope’s Year of Mercy Plan for Post-Abortion Healing -September 1 Cardinal O’Malley in 2015 Respect Life Month Message: ‘Every Life is Worth Living’ – September 14

Staff continue to be interviewed as requested by Media Relations for both Catholic and general audiences, as well as assisting with developing op-eds. Life Issues Forum Columns for Catholic Media Outlets Under the direction of the Committee, the Secretariat continues to publish Life Issues Forum every other week. This is a 500-word column for the Catholic press offered in both Spanish and English.

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The columns have addressed a wide range of topics in the bishops’ broad defense of human life, including assisted suicide, post-abortion healing, and also some of the life-affirming themes in Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment. They are found in English at www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/life-issues-forum and in Spanish on the parallel page: www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/life-issues-forum/foro-asuntos-de-vida.cfm.

Social Media The Secretariat continues to build a social media presence and to engage with the public, primarily through Facebook. Our Facebook posts provide valuable information and resources on the People of Life Facebook page, which at the time of this report has over 6,000 followers and continues to grow. In collaboration with the Office of Media Relations, the Secretariat extends the bishops’ pro-life reach to over 141,000 followers on the general USCCB Facebook page. The People of Life page also now “follows” (receives notifications from) all known diocesan respect life pages to facilitate the sharing of resources and new ideas to spread the Gospel of Life. People of Life E-Newsletter The latest news on the bishops’ efforts to promote a culture of life is sent 8-10 times a year to over 5,000 people through the People of Life e-newsletter. Working in collaboration with the social media team, staff works to increase the number of subscribers.

Papal Visit Engagement The Secretariat participated richly in social media coverage of Pope Francis’ recent visit to the United States. Staff coordinated efforts with Communications and Executive to help amplify the pro-life aspects of his messaging. Several “memes” were created by the PR agency for use on the USCCB’s main Facebook page and Twitter account, augmenting our own pro-life social media audience by tens of thousands. Screenshots from the People of Life Facebook page are included.

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The papal visit was also an occasion to re-introduce our video on the pope’s warm gestures of welcome & blessing to some of the most vulnerable, whom he calls “Masterpieces of God’s Creation.” We will continue to promote the video and track its views this season.

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ADMINISTRATION’S FINAL VERSION OF HHS CONTRACEPTIVE MANDATE Reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby and Conestoga decisions upholding the religious freedom rights of some closely held corporations, the Obama administration issued slightly revised proposals for implementing its contraceptive/sterilization mandate last summer. The USSCB Office of General Counsel, with input from the Pro-Life Secretariat, submitted comment letters on these proposals on October 8, 2014. See http://www.usccb.org/news/2014/14-164.cfm. The Conference noted that the Administration’s new “interim final rules,” slightly modifying the “accommodation” offered to most nonprofit religious organizations, does not change the mandate or its extremely narrow exemption for churches and some activities of religious orders. Moreover, the proposed new alternative way for non-exempt religious groups to comply with the “accommodation” still forces employers to facilitate contraceptive coverage, by directly supplying the government with “all it needs” to authorize the employer’s insurer or third-party administrator to provide or arrange for the payments to which the employer objects. See www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/2014-hhs-comments-on-interimfinal-rules-10-8.pdf. The Administration also issued “proposed rules” to extend the accommodation (as thus modified) to some closely-held for-profit corporations with religious objections to contraceptive coverage, due to the Supreme Court decision. The USCCB noted that this proposal actually “makes the current situation worse” for these organizations, as they had been completely exempt from the mandate since the Supreme Court ruled. See: www.usccb.org/about/generalcounsel/rulemaking/upload/2014-hhs-comments-on-proposed-rule-on-for-profits-10-8.pdf. On July 10, 2015 the Administration issued its “final rule” on these refinements to the mandate. None of the concerns raised by the USCCB are adequately addressed. Many religious non-profits have filed suit against the continued burden on their religious freedom posed by the “accommodation,” resulting in a patchwork of decisions in the federal courts. One or more of these cases may be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court in its new term that begins October 2015. An overview of pending cases is available from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty at http://www.becketfund.org/hhsinformationcentral/. NEW ASSISTED SUICIDE CAMPAIGN The former Hemlock Society, now “Compassion & Choices,” launched a new campaign in Autumn 2014 to legalize physician-assisted suicide for seriously ill patients in as many as 25 states in 2015. C&C launched its campaign with the heavily publicized story of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old California woman who moved to Oregon to use its assisted suicide law after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Before and after Ms. Maynard took her life in November 2014, C&C’s media operatives promoted her story through online videos and in People magazine and other outlets, urging other states to enact laws like those already in place in Oregon, Washington and Vermont. The Pro-Life Committee and Secretariat took this threat very seriously and offered various forms of assistance to states facing the issue: Strategic and messaging advice, public opinion research, coalition-building, educational materials and leadership training. The

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USCCB’s resources, especially the bishops’ statement To Live Each Day with Dignity and related materials, have become very timely: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-lifeand-dignity/assisted-suicide/to-live-each-day/index.cfm. Secretariat staff also encouraged experts in relevant fields – medicine and nursing, disability rights, suicide prevention, etc. – to share their insights with lawmakers and the general public, and published new articles on the dangers of this agenda. See R. Doerflinger, “Flirting with Death,” in The Public Discourse at http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/01/14217/, and “The Public Relations of Death” in the syndicated Life Issues Forum series at http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/life-issuesforum/life-issues-forum-the-public-relations-of-death.cfm. The Secretariat also helped produce and distribute a series of brief videos highlighting personal stories relevant to the “assisted suicide” debate, discussed elsewhere in this report. While a legalization bill was approved in one legislative chamber in New Jersey, this and other state proposals stalled when lawmakers learned more about their dangerous consequences for medicine, equal protection under law, and disability rights. In the Council of the District of Columbia, a July 10, 2015 hearing featured testimony against legalization from disability rights spokespersons and medical professionals – including the District government’s own public health director. One bill remained active this year in California. An Oregon-style bill was approved by the state Senate, then defeated in a committee of the state Assembly. However, when Governor Jerry Brown called a special session of the legislature, to be devoted solely to raising revenues to address a $1 billion deficit in the state’s health care budget, the only legislation the state Assembly approved and sent to him (after bypassing regular committee procedure) was the assisted suicide bill. Governor Brown had publicly criticized this apparent message that the legislature considers assisted suicide a measure for “cost control.” As part of our effort to assist the California Catholic Conference on this matter, the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment wrote to its more than ten thousand subscribers in California urging them to take part in the state conference’s e-mail campaign urging a gubernatorial veto. Tragically, Governor Brown has just now decided to sign the bill legalizing doctorassisted suicide in California. In a press statement now being released, Cardinal O’Malley shared the following: “With the bishops of California I grieve for this deeply flawed action. I am sure the Catholic Church in this country will redouble its efforts to protect innocent life at its most vulnerable stages, and to promote palliative care and other real solutions for the problems and hardships of terminally ill patients and their families.” FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR A HUMAN LIFE AMENDMENT (NCHLA) Update on the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment Dr. Michael Taylor has retired as NCHLA’s Executive Director after nearly 26 years of service. A new Executive Director, Amy McInerny, began work on March 2, 2015. The first Action Alert since the transition was sent out on March 20, urging House members to disapprove the District of Columbia’s Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act; it generated almost 95,000 grassroots messages to Congress. This was the first time NCHLA’s alert included suggested social media content such as model Facebook or Google + posts and

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suggested tweets (140-character messages). This was in support of the Archdiocese of Washington’s social media campaign, for which tag boards at #FreeSince1791 and #ReligiousFreedom were created. This was also the first time NCHLA created a follow-up campaign to an action alert. After the successful House vote, each person who had responded to the original alert was invited to send a message of thanks to elected representatives who voted for the disapproval resolution, and a message urging reconsideration and a greater concern for religious freedom to those who opposed it. This generated over six thousand grassroots messages. NCHLA can now provide such follow-up alerts within approximately 48 hours of the vote count being published online by Congress. NCHLA is developing ways to strengthen its digital platform and thereby increase grassroots outreach. It has established a relationship with Church Pop, a daily Catholic blog site recently acquired by EWTN with a large, young following, and Epic Pew, another site serving a large young demographic. NCHLA’s Twitter efforts are partnered with those by the USCCB, the Knights of Columbus, several Catholic conferences and dioceses and Catholic news services. This effort resulted in an increase of approximately 30% in users for a recent alert. NCHLA also continues to send staff into the field to educate, engage and encourage the grassroots. In 2015 so far, legislative seminars have been presented in the following dioceses: St. Petersburg, Fall River, Buffalo, Washington, DC and Chicago. Steubenville, Youngstown, Pensacola-Tallahassee, San Bernardino and San Jose will be visited by year’s end. NCHLA has presented at 3 regional meetings for diocesan directors and several pro-life youth conferences. Planned Parenthood Federation of America This summer, the release of a series of undercover videos shed new light on Planned Parenthood officials’ callousness and disturbing practices surrounding abortion and the procurement of fetal body parts for research. This led to new calls for withdrawing federal funding from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates, to reallocate these funds to legitimate health centers that can offer more comprehensive health care to women. On July 29 Cardinal O’Malley issued a statement saying that the recent news should prompt new reflection on the grave wrong of such practices. He said those experiencing revived trauma from their own involvement in abortion because of this coverage can be assured of a compassionate welcome through the Church’s post-abortion healing ministry, Project Rachel. See http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-117.cfm. On August 3 Cardinal O’Malley urged Congress to support S. 1881, a bill to withdraw federal funding from Planned Parenthood. “We support the legislative proposal to reallocate federal funding, so that women can obtain their health care from providers that do not promote abortion,” he wrote. See http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-119.cfm. A motion to limit debate and proceed to this bill received a vote of 53 yes, 46 no, failing to garner the needed 60 votes; Senate Majority Leader McConnell had switched his vote to “no” to give him the right to have the matter reconsidered later.

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On September 29 the House of Representatives approved a more modest bill, the “Women’s Public Health and Safety Act” (H.R. 3495), by a vote of 236 to 193. It would allow states the leeway to exclude Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from their Medicaid programs. While there was no time in this case for a formal letter, NCHLA was able to issue an alert for this bill as well as for the earlier Senate bill, generating almost 99,000 grassroots messages in all. See http://www.nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=319 and http://nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=320. This debate will continue in the final weeks of 2015. To help educate members of Congress and the public on Planned Parenthood’s background and activities, the Pro-Life Secretariat has prepared an updated fact sheet on the organization. See http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/upload/PPFA-factsheet-2015.pdf. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On January 6, 2015, Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) re-introduced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), with Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) as the lead co-sponsor. In 2013 this measure had passed the House, 228 to 196, but was not considered by the Senate. Because there is substantial medical evidence that an unborn child can experience pain at least by 20 weeks after fertilization, this bill asserts a compelling governmental interest in protecting unborn children from this stage. H.R. 36 makes it unlawful to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater. Exceptions are made if the abortion is necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman or the pregnancy is the result of rape, or incest against a minor. It bars prosecution of the woman. House leaders’ plan for a vote by the full House at the time of the January 22 March for Life was changed due to an internal House dispute about the reporting requirement for cases of rape. Instead the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (see below) was approved that week, and H.R. 36 was brought back to the House floor after agreement was reached on a compromise. The final House version allows an abortion after 20 weeks if the woman has reported a rape to law enforcement, or has documentation that she sought medical care for the rape from a health professional with no ties to the abortion practitioner. The bill includes other provisions designed to prevent broad abuse of this exception: added documentation requirements, a requirement for a second physician to care for the child if he or she may be able to survive outside the womb, and a provision for all involved to report any departure from legal requirements by the abortion practitioner. On behalf of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Cardinal O’Malley asked House members to support this revised version, which was approved by the House on May 13 by a vote of 242 to 184. Cardinal O’Malley wrote a similar letter on June 16 urging support for the identical Senate bill, S. 1553, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), which has 45 co-sponsors. See http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/humanlife-and-dignity/abortion/upload/pain-capable-unborn-child-protection-act-cardinal-omalleyletter-to-senate-june-16-2015.pdf. On September 22 the Senate voted, 54-yes, 42-no, 4-not voting, on a motion to limit debate and proceed to the House-passed bill, H.R. 36. The motion failed for lack of the required 60 votes. NCHLA’s alert urging support for the Senate bill had generated 97,000 grassroots messages to Congress.

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No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015 Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) introduced this bill, H.R. 7, on January 21. In 2014 the House had passed it, 227 to 188, but it was not considered by the Senate. H.R. 7 combines two bills. First introduced in 2010, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would make permanent a consistent federal policy restricting the funding and promotion of abortion. In a letter sent to the House in 2014, Cardinal O’Malley had said this measure “will write into permanent law a policy on which there has been strong popular and congressional agreement for over 37 years: The federal government should not use its funding power to support and promote elective abortion, and should not force taxpayers to subsidize this violence.” See: www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/upload/cardinal-omalley-letter-to-congress-in-supportof-hr-7-jan-28-2014.pdf. Introduced in late 2013, the Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act requires qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to disclose to consumers their policy with regard to abortion coverage and abortion payments. In a 2013 letter to Congress, Cardinal O’Malley endorsed this measure. See www.usccb.org/news/2014/14-154.cfm. On January 22, H.R. 7 was approved by the House, 242 to 179, showing increased support since the last Congress. In a statement welcoming the House action, Cardinal O’Malley encouraged the Senate to take up this important legislation. See: www.usccb.org/news/2015/15017.cfm. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) has introduced a Senate companion bill, S. 582, which has 43 co-sponsors; no date is scheduled for Senate consideration. NCHLA’s action alert on H.R. 7 generated over 19,000 messages to Congress. Health Care Conscience Rights Act (HR 940, S. 1919) Improving federal conscience protections, especially on abortion, has been the Pro-Life Committee’s top congressional priority in recent years. The most important proposal in this area is the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940). It would provide a conscience exemption for anyone with a moral or religious objection to particular mandates under the Affordable Care Act, such as the HHS contraceptive mandate, and make important changes to current federal conscience laws on abortion. Among other things it would provide a “private right of action” so those discriminated against because of their conscientious objection to abortion can defend their own rights in court. Currently enforcement of such rights is delegated by regulation to the HHS Office for Civil Rights, whose efforts in the current Administration to protect the rights of prolife health care providers have been absent or agonizingly slow. That federal office, for example, has yet to take any action against the state of California for its illegal mandate for abortion coverage in most health plans. H.R. 940 was introduced this year on February 12 by Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) and has 155 co-sponsors. The following day Cardinal O’Malley as chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Lori as chair of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, wrote to Congress urging support. See http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-030.cfm. On August 8 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced S. 1919, a Senate version of the bill, which has 19 co-sponsors. The USCCB chairs urged Senators to support this bill. See

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http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/upload/andaltrsept2015-omalleylori-final.pdf. These free-standing bills are very important for gathering attention and support. But we have always known that due to resistance in the Senate and that chamber’s 60-vote threshold for breaking a filibuster, moving this legislation through Congress will demand having it attached to must-pass legislation such as the annual appropriations bills, and that has been part of the bishops’ recent requests to Congress. It is encouraging that the pending House version of the Labor/HHS appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016 includes the full text of H.R. 940, and we continue to urge Congress to act on this vitally important issue before end of this year. NCHLA’s alert urging Congress to enact the policy of H.R. 940 has generated over 64 thousand messages in 2015 so far. A more targeted alert to members of the House Appropriations Committee in June, shortly before the committee considered the Labor/HHS bill, produced another 1138 messages. The next day the committee defeated a motion to strike H.R. 940 from the bill, by a vote of 31 to 20. District of Columbia Acts to Suppress Conscience Rights On December 17, 2014, the Council of the District of Columbia gave final approval to a “Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act” (RHNDA). It will forbid employers in the District to make decisions about hiring, firing and employment benefits based on the “reproductive health decisions” of employees or their dependents or spouses, such as decisions about “the use or intended use of a particular drug, device, or medical service, including the use or intended use of contraception or fertility control or planned or intended initiation or termination of a pregnancy.” The legislation therefore explicitly bars an employer (including a religious employer or secular pro-life organization) from maintaining standards on abortion as well as contraception and reproductive technologies among its own employees, including its ministers or its public representatives on pro-life issues. Sponsors’ statements imply that the legislation could be used to demand that even religious institutions provide health coverage and related benefits for abortion and other items to which they have a moral and religious objection. Mayor Vincent Gray had written twice to the Council raising serious legal and constitutional concerns about the bill, including its burden on religious freedom. These concerns were ignored. Newly elected mayor Muriel Bowser signed the bill on January 23, 2015. The USCCB has worked with the Archdiocese of Washington and other concerned parties to explore every avenue for combating this serious threat to conscience rights and religious freedom. Cardinal O’Malley was among five USCCB committee chairmen who joined with Cardinal Wuerl to urge Congress to act. See http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-046.cfm. Because the District is under federal jurisdiction, for example, Congress had 30 legislative days to enact a formal resolution of disapproval nullifying the D.C. law. On April 30 the full House of Representatives voted 228 to 192 to rescind RHNDA; however, the Senate did not take up this resolution during the time allotted to Congress. (See the paragraph on NCHLA above for details on its approximately 95,000 grassroots messages before and after this vote.)

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However, the House’s pending Financial Services and Government Operations appropriations bill for FY 2016 includes a ban on use of public funds to implement or enforce RHNDA. This rider is a fallback proposal that the Senate may not ignore as easily. Abortion Funding Measures in Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016 Congress did not pass its appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2015 before the fiscal year began on October 1, 2014, but passed a Continuing Resolution extending earlier funding levels into December. After the November 2014 elections a “lame-duck” session was held to address the 12 must-pass appropriations bills for 2015. In December an omnibus bill including 11 appropriations bills was passed by Congress and signed into law, followed by a funding bill for Homeland Security on February 27, 2015. Despite the USCCB’s urgent requests, the omnibus contained no improvements in federal conscience protection. It did include report language urging the Administration to enforce an existing conscience law against California due to its statewide abortion coverage mandate. State officials believe the Administration is unable and/or unwilling to enforce current law. A number of challenges to existing pro-life polices were defeated in committee. However, the long-standing ban on funding for Peace Corps abortions was modified to include exceptions for life of the mother, and cases of rape or incest. Attempts to expand or strengthen pro-life policies were not successful. Fiscal Year 2016 began on October 1, 2015, and again Congress passed a short-term Continuing Resolution, giving it until December 11 to consider final year-long appropriations bills. Already discussed above are important measures on conscience rights (H.R. 940) and on nullifying D.C.’s “reproductive health” act, now part of the House versions of these bills. Significant measures on federal abortion funding are also at stake as part of this year-end debate. The Financial Services appropriations bill, mentioned above in connection with RHNDA, also includes a provision to exclude elective abortions from the “multi-state plans” approved by the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for all state health exchanges nationwide. This would correct an anomaly in federal abortion policy created by the Affordable Care Act. That Act allows all but one of these federally approved and federally subsidized plans to include abortion. Previously, in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Congress has required OPM to exclude elective abortions from all health plans under its jurisdiction. The House version of the Homeland Security appropriations bill includes an abortion funding ban similar to the Hyde amendment, rendered necessary because of a decision in recent years to make this agency a separate department with its own appropriations bill and with responsibility for immigration enforcement. Previously federal funds could not be used for elective abortions for immigration detainees because this program was administered by the Justice Department, whose appropriations bill has long included a Hyde-type provision. The House version of the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill includes a ban on U.S. funding of non-governmental organizations that perform and promote abortion as a

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method of family planning (“Mexico City” policy), and a ban on funding the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) due to its support for China’s coercive population policy. However, the Senate appropriations bill contains opposing provisions on both issues; the conflicting policies may cancel each other out in a final bill. As stated above, USCCB’s highest priority in terms of pro-life provisions in these bills is to retain all current pro-life riders, and enact an “abortion non-discrimination” provision to protect conscience rights. Victories and New Challenges on Federal Abortion Funding Newly enacted federal legislation reaffirms the longstanding ban on federal abortion funding, but active opposition to this ban has also become more visible. Signed into law in April is legislation to maintain Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians (popularly known as the “Doc Fix”), which also includes funding for Community Health Centers for the next five years. These funds will be subject to the policy of the Hyde amendment – a significant pro-life advance, as these centers had been receiving billions of dollars under the Affordable Care Act that were not subject to abortion funding restrictions. See the Pro-Life Secretariat’s April 2010 fact sheet, “Abortion Funding in the New Health Care Reform Act,” at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/healthcare/upload/health-care-abortion-funding-law-2010-04-12.pdf. Shortly afterwards, however, pro-abortion groups unveiled a campaign to rescind the Hyde amendment and other abortion funding bans that have long enjoyed a broad consensus. The first step in this campaign was a filibuster in the Senate against an otherwise widely supported bill to help victims of human trafficking. Critics claimed that the bill “expanded” the Hyde policy, because its abortion funding ban covered not only tax revenues but also funds arising from fines paid by traffickers. The charge was specious – Hyde and parallel provisions have always covered federally appropriated funds regardless of whether they come from taxes or other sources. The filibuster ended when a compromise was reached: Funds for health services for trafficking victims would be taken from the recently enacted “doc fix” legislation, already covered by the Hyde policy. By July, however, abortion advocates were more candid in opposing Hyde itself. They sought to strike a provision in a large medical research bill, the “21st Century Cures Act” (H.R. 6), that tracks the policy limitations in the Labor/HHS appropriations bill in any given year (notably the Hyde amendment against funding abortion and the Dickey amendment against funding research that harms or destroys human embryos). The effort to delete these funding limitations from H.R. 6 was defeated on the House floor, 245 to 176, with five Democrats joining all Republicans to maintain the Hyde/Dickey policies. That week, however, the sponsor of the “motion to strike,” Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), announced she was introducing the “Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance” or “EACH Woman” Act (H.R. 2972), to overturn the Hyde Amendment and similar federal laws as well as restrictions on abortion coverage passed by the states. This extreme effort to force all Americans to pay for elective abortions, in their own health coverage and that provided to others, is a logical corollary of

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abortion groups’ shift in recent years away from the “pro-choice” slogan, in favor of an insistence that abortion is “basic health care” for women that everyone must support. “End-of-Life” Counseling Issue Raised by Congress and Administration The issue of “advance care planning” for those facing serious illness, briefly raised and then dropped as part of the Affordable Care Act debate in 2009, has returned to Washington. A proposal to provide Medicare reimbursement to physicians for providing such counseling to older patients is included in a lengthy Medicare regulation published on July 8, with comments due September 4. It emphasizes encouraging patients to complete an “advance directive” guiding treatment decisions in the event of future incompetency. Concerns have been raised in the past by the USCCB and others about federal legislation in this field, as some statecrafted documents in question reflect a bias toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and even basic care such as food and fluids. The regulation states that “[i]ncreased advance care planning among the elderly is expected to result in enhanced patient autonomy and reduced hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths” – but the only documentation cited is a study showing reduced hospitalization and consequent cost savings, not enhanced autonomy. In recent years, concerns have arisen about “living wills” that attempt to make specific treatment decisions for future scenarios that can be impossible to predict, and about “physician orders for life-sustaining treatment” (POLSTs) that may give more power to physicians than to patients. The USCCB Office of General Counsel, working with the Pro-Life Secretariat, commented on this proposal on September 4. See http://www.usccb.org/about/generalcounsel/rulemaking/upload/Comments-Advance-Directives-Medicare-9-15.pdf. The comment letter says the USCCB has no objection to encouraging patients to consider treatment decisions that may have to be made in the future when they can no longer communicate their wishes. However, citing public concerns as well as existing federal laws in this area, it recommended that a final rule should: acknowledge the full range of advance care planning options, including those which rely on discussion and collaboration among family members instead of on documents written by others that may have their own biases; caution patients about the need to read any document carefully before signing it; inform them that additional resources may be available from their religious denomination or other sources of moral guidance; completely exclude counseling and documents that present assisted suicide or euthanasia as treatment options; see the counseling session as an opportunity for suicide prevention; and reflect current law’s commitment to an “equality of life” standard upholding life with a disability or permanent impairment as having inherent worth. A final rule is expected in January 2016. More ambitious is a “Care Planning Act” (S. 1549) introduced on June 10 by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). It would promote the broader use, implementation and “portability” of advance directives nationwide. Thanks in part to the sponsors’ dialogue with the staff of USCCB and Catholic Health Association, the legislation explicitly excludes directives for assisted suicide and has some welcome provisions on the conscience rights of health care providers and other specific issues; but it also raises the same broader concern as the Medicare regulation does, about the federal government promoting the use of directives written by the 50 states that may include a wide diversity of both acceptable and problematic features. The USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat will monitor this legislation

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Congress Considers Federally Funded In Vitro Fertilization The issue of federal funding for in vitro fertilization (IVF) has arisen a number of times, beginning in 1979, but has not been pursued after objections were raised by the Catholic bishops’ conference and others. Responding to a 1994 proposal from the Clinton administration to fund IVF and related embryo research at the National Institute of Health, Congress in 1995 approved the Dickey amendment to the Labor/Health and Human Services appropriations bill, barring use of federal funds for research that harms or destroys human embryos or subjects them to risks greater than those allowed for unborn children in a mother’s womb. As practiced in the United States today, IVF cannot meet that safety standard. The Dickey amendment has been reapproved by Congress every year since 1995; but as a legal matter it only covers funds spent under that specific appropriations bill. Besides the very low embryo survival rate in IVF, other concerns include dangers to women subjected to superovulatory drugs to produce many eggs at once, a heightened risk of premature birth and some birth defects among those children who are born alive, and notorious examples in which babies were given to the “wrong” couples. See the Pro-Life Secretariat fact sheet, “In Vitro Fertilization: The Human Cost,” at http://www.usccb.org/issues-andaction/human-life-and-dignity/reproductive-technology/upload/In-Vitro-Fertilization-TheHuman-Cost-2014.pdf. In the summer of 2015 the Republican chairmen of the House and Senate committees on Veterans Affairs considered providing federally funded IVF for veterans with service-related disabilities and their spouses. The House bill, H.R. 2257, was sponsored by the House committee chair, Rep. Jeff Miller (D-FL); the Senate bill, S. 469, was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a VA committee member, but was advanced in revised form by the committee chair, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). While there are differences between the proposals, both would provide federal funding for several rounds of IVF “treatment,” and for freezing “spare” embryos for up to three years (after which the embryos would apparently be discarded if parents do not assume the costs of continued frozen storage). The proposals allow use of eggs, sperm and embryos from donors, though federal funds would not be used to obtain these. The USCCB and other organizations raised serious concerns about these bills, and urged a focus on genuine treatments for correcting fertility problems and on adoption assistance. In July, when the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee was scheduled to consider S. 469, NCHLA quickly issued a narrowly focused action alert aimed at the 15 members of the Senate committee. Although the time was short, over 2000 constituents contacted their Senators to urge them to oppose the legislation. The sponsors decided not to bring the bill forward at that time, and it has not been considered since then.   Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap. Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

COMMITTEE ON THE NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE ROME Members: Archbishop John J. Myers, Chairman; Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, Vice Chairman; Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Treasurer; Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl; Archbishop Robert J. Carlson; Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; Archbishop J. Peter Sartain; Bishop Gerald N. Dino; Bishop Robert C. Evans; Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton; Bishop Michael Mulvey; Bishop William F. Murphy; Bishop Joseph A. Pepe; Bishop Glen J. Provost; Bishop Joseph M. Siegel Staff: Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, Msgr. James F. Checchio (Rector), Fr. Kerry Abbott, ofm conv (Director for Administration), Mr. Mark Randall (Office of Institutional Advancement)

Report of the Chairman of the Episcopal Board of Governors of the Pontifical North American College to the Administrative Committee of the USCCB The following report is a general overview for the academic year 2014-2015 and general information on the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year for the Pontifical North American College which operates three programs: seminary, graduate house of studies, and sabbatical. It also includes a report on the Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican, which is housed by the College on Humility Street. Gratefully, the College provides a strong American presence in the ecclesiastical environment of the Eternal City. The College continues to enjoy our highest enrollment in more over forty years, being at full capacity at the seminary again this year for the fifth year in a row. Likewise, the College has the largest in-house resident priest faculty in her history allowing the ratio of spiritual director/directee and formation advisor/advisee to remain at the good ratio we have enjoyed, even improving it again this year. Likewise, the Casa continues to offer a healthy and prayerful residence for our priests involved in graduate studies and is very near capacity too, while the sabbatical program is also fully enrolled. Msgr. James F. Checchio, rector, continues to guide the College in his tenth year as rector having previously served as vice rector for administration. He will finish his second five-year term as rector in January ’16 and complete his service at the College. On May 2, 2015, His Holiness, Pope Francis visited the College arriving to preside at a noon Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. The day included morning conferences organized by the Pontifical Council for Latin America and the Pontifical North American College, and sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Knights of Columbus, on the theme of Saint Junípero Serra, apostle of California and witness of holiness. The goal of the day of reflection was to spread the knowledge of the life, mission and witness to holiness of Saint Junípero Serra (1713 – 1784) and to foster devotion to him in light of the canonization that took place in Washington on September 23, 2015 during the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the United States of America. The entire seminary community was present for Mass along with the Casa Santa Maria community, as well as the faculty and religious sisters on staff. The Rector was asked to invite the President of the USCCB, myself as the Chairman of our Board of

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Governors, and Archbishop Gomez whose Archdiocese helped to sponsor the day, along with Sir Carl Anderson. Cardinals Harvey, Law, Levada, O’Brien, Ouellet, Stafford, and Wuerl as well as Archbishop Patrón Wong, and Bishops Cruz, Sánchez Sorondo, and Salinas Viñals were present. In addition to the Cardinals concelebrating, Monsignors Checchio and Wells were invited to concelebrate. About 400 people were present in the nave. The American priests who work for the Holy See were invited to attend Mass as well. The lay employees of the College were invited to greet the Holy Father after Mass. His Holiness visited with a representative group of students after Mass as well. His Holiness was enthused by the visit and expressed gratitude for the chance to come to the College. After the Holy Father departed, we enjoyed a pranzone in the refectory. In June, Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe each participated in the Pallium Mass with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterwards, the College hosted the new Archbishops and their guests for a reception. The Seminary Students and Staff During July and August of 2014, fifty-one new men arrived at the College, again filling every student room in the house and giving the College an enrollment of two hundred fifty two students as last year began while eleven were on pastoral year. The high enrollment continues to be encouraging. Twenty-four of our students were fifth year priests. The students came from 101 of our dioceses. This is the most dioceses ever to have men enrolled at the seminary in one year. Ten of our students were studying for four Australian dioceses (the Archdioceses of Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra). Additionally, we had three Canadian students from the Diocese of Pembroke whose Bishop is an alumnus of the College. The house continued to be younger with the vast majority (over eighty percent) of students being in their twenties. During the January/February exam period, the Director of Admissions and the Director of Pastoral Formation visited seminaries in the U.S. to meet with potential students among the PreTheologians and Collegians. The College administration continues to be grateful to the bishops and vocation directors for cooperating with the new admissions procedures given the number of dioceses nominating men for admission to the College. The Rector or Director of Admissions would be happy to discuss these procedures with any Bishops who have questions or suggestions on the procedures. At the opening of the 2015-2016 year, the College continues to be at capacity enrollment and opened with two hundred fifty-two students in the seminary, including seventy-two new men, with fourteen on pastoral year. Sixteen of the students are in their fifth year as newly ordained priests, while an additional twenty-one newly ordained priests moved to the Casa from the seminary this year to finish their license degrees. All new students again completed their Italian language study in-house. In addition, over eighty-five percent of the new students came to Italy in July, a month early, to study in language programs in Assisi, Siena or other Italian cities. Most of the others begin programs at home too. All Gregorian University students must pass an Italian proficiency exam before registering in the fall of the second year.

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Prior to the arrival of the New Men, the priest formators spent four days in Gubbio for “inservice.” The primary agenda for these days was to review the program as a whole and introduce the new staff to it continuing to promote the unified vision, and giving training to new formators. Additionally, new formators who have not been involved in formation work previously, attend the summer program for formators at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, which has been a help. The primary goal of the seminary staff and community continues to be the creation of a trustworthy and transparent culture promoting personal and liturgical prayer and creating time for more intense theological study. Therefore, again, the schedules for the pastoral formation program and the fall workshops and retreats were reviewed, and drafts of the House Calendar and the Daily Horarium were also revised. All of this study and work was done in conjunction with the College’s pastoral council, a representative body of students elected by their class and at large, which serves as the students’ main consultative body to the rector. The faculty days in Gubbio were a great help in assisting them to present a unified vision of formation, based on the documents provided by the Church and applied to the College’s circumstances. The faculty also grew in unity which has born much fruit throughout the year. Communicating to the students a joyful presence and confidence in the priesthood and the Church is another priority for the formation faculty and staff. While in the previous year the team of priest formators saw two replacement priests and two new full time formators added to the faculty, last year we had two replacements for faculty at the seminary, a new ICTE director, and a new spiritual director at the Casa Santa Maria. Again, we’re grateful for the generous ordinaries who have released these priests for service at the College. Fr. Brian Christensen, STL,’99, Diocese of Rapid City, arrived to take up his duties as Vice Rector for Seminary Life. Fr. Dan Hanley, STL, ’05, from the Diocese of Arlington joined the faculty as Director of Admissions and a Formation Advisor. Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo from the Archdiocese of Newark moved from ICTE director to a full time spiritual director at the seminary, and Fr. James Sullivan, OP, from the Province of St. Joseph, became the new ICTE director. In addition, Msgr. Joe Chapel, STD, ’92,C ’98, Archdiocese of Newark, began his service as Spiritual Director of the Casa Santa Maria, and adjunct Spiritual Director at the Seminary. For this new year, we have added the following four faculty members: Fr. Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv, (Province of California) joined the staff as Economo/Director of Administration, Facilities and Personnel, and as a Spiritual Director Fr. Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv, (Province of California) a retired chaplain from the Air Force, most recently, he served as the Deputy, Catholic Chaplain Accessions, Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service, Randolph AFB, TX. Father Kerry has deployed to combat operations numerous times in Afghanistan, Iraq and other remote locations prior and subsequent to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. More often than not during these deployments Father Kerry served in the field with combat infantry units of the US Army and US Marine Corps, as well as components of the US Air Force. Father comes to us with a great deal of pastoral and administrative experience with degrees in Business Management, Philosophy, Theology and spiritual theology/spiritual direction in particular, as well as Canon Law and International Civil Law. Since Father will serve the community as a spiritual director, he is not able to have the title of vice rector, as he will serve on the internal forum. Fr. Jerry McGlone, SJ,(Ph.D) Maryland Province, joined our staff as Director of Counseling Services. Father completed his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA. and from 2006-2014 served as Executive Director of St.

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John Vianney Center in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, while doing regular consulting work with the USCCB and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. He has been involved in parish work throughout his years of priesthood, and has taught at all levels in Jesuit institutions throughout the East Coast. Father is well published on matters of priestly life and ministry and on the sexual abuse crisis. Msgr. William McDonnell ’65 from the Diocese of Rockford took up service as a Spiritual Director. Monsignor recently retired as a pastor in his home diocese, and this past summer attended the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha. He is an alumnus of the College and happy to be back to serve Alma Mater. He served his diocese in a variety of positions in addition to his long service as a pastor including as a diocesan consultor and member of presbyteral council, dean, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theolgoy at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, instructor for Theology Department of Loyola University, Chicago, and as a Campus Minister. Fr. John Cush ’99 STD Cand., from the Diocese of Brooklyn, joined the staff as an additional faculty member/formation advisor, taking up responsibilities as Assistant Vice Rector. An alumnus with experience in parishes and in seminary formation from the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, he has been at the Casa Santa Maria the past three years completing his doctorate at the Gregorian University. He hopes to defend during this upcoming year. Father taught for many years in the Diaconate Formation program, the Institute for Lay Ministry, the Liturgical Ministry Training programs and served as censor liborum in his diocese. On October 2, 2014, Cardinal Donald Wuerl ordained forty-three men as deacons in St. Peter’s Basilica. They joined twelve other men in their class who had been ordained deacons during the summer. In January, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, board member, installed fortyfive of our first year men as lectors and in March, Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington, installed fifty-six second year men as acolytes. For Thanksgiving Day, Archbishop J. Augustine DiNoia, OP, Adjunct Secretary for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, celebrated the community Mass. Our patronal feast day Mass, Immaculate Conception, was celebrated by Cardinal George Pell. Occasionally, other visiting prelates will celebrate Mass for the community too. Archbishop Patron Wong, Secretary for the Congregation for Clergy with responsibility for seminaries, is a regular visitor to the College for Mass, formal dinners or even gatherings in the student kitchen; he has found the College to be a good place to visit and speaks well of the formation offered at the seminary, holding it up to other national Colleges in the city as an example. As this new year just began, Cardinal Timothy Dolan ordained thirty-nine men to the diaconate on October 1, 2016, who join their twenty classmates as deacons who were ordained at home during the summer, while two more will be ordained during this upcoming winter. Finance and Grounds The College has continued to maintain a balanced operational budget as an independent ecclesiastical entity. Benefactors continue to be loyal. Mr. Mark Randall continues to oversee the development office in Washington, D.C. The College’s lay Council for Institutional Advancement continues to work to raise needed funds to ensure a continued quality formation program and various projects to enhance the facilities, along with a continued balanced budget. The annual Rector’s Dinner held after Easter each year continues to raise over a million dollars a year. The Umiltà Awards Dinner was changed to a reception in St. Louis and took place during June’s USCCB gathering and

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raised over three hundred thousand dollars. Last year, a successful dinner reception for the College was also held in Bismarck to honor Bishop Kagan and raised over three hundred thousand dollars. The Solemnity of the Epiphany, January 6th, saw the dedication of our new 36,000 sq. ft. addition to our seminary building. The College had received a gift/pledge of eight and a half million dollars to be used to build these much needed classrooms, meeting rooms, classrooms set up as chapels for homiletic and sacramental practicums, guests apartments, and recreational and reading areas for student use and on the fifth floor for visiting bishops. Construction took sixteen months. Besides the new convent built on the property three years ago for the Carmelite Sisters, this is the first new major construction to take place since the new seminary was built in the 1950’s. It is also the largest project undertaken since the building of the new seminary. Work has been completed on a renovated suite on the fifth floor in honor of Bishop Paul Loverde’s anniversary of ordination which was sponsored by benefactors from Arlington, and another was recently completed in honor of Bishop Kagan, sponsored by priests and faithful of the Diocese of Bismarck. In addition, a renovated suite on the fifth floor was sponsored by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and another guest apartment in the wall was renovated by Scott and Lannette Turicchi. A ten year plan, “To Echo Christ with a Roman Heart,” was approved by our Board last year. This is a nearly 40 million dollar plan funded by major gifts, beginning with the new classroom building, and accesses the state of all of our facilities. Major work has started this past summer at the Casa Santa Maria, and each priest’s room will have a private bathroom. All the plumbing will be replaced in the building, and all residential rooms will have their own temperature controls. This work at the Casa will be completed over the next two summers. As funds are donated, further works will begin, such as all new plumbing at the seminary, much of the electrical wiring will be replaced, all roofs/roads accessed, safer work space for the employees, etc. The College just received a pledge of $5 million for the naming and construction of a new gymnasium which will be built to replace the current one in the basement which does not have adequate air quality control, nor light. Finally, a major technology upgrade was also included in this initiative and has been completed. Over $26 million have already been pledged /donated.

Intellectual and Pastoral Formation As a seminary in Rome, the task of priestly formation is shared with the Roman Pontifical Universities, Institutes and Athenaeums. The priestly formation done on the Janiculum campus focuses to a large degree on the human, spiritual, and pastoral pillars of formation. While the intellectual pillar is entrusted largely to the universities, the College itself also provides for the intellectual formation of the seminarians in various ways. The four-year formation program is organized around four principal themes and ministry or order: o Year One: Responding to the Call (Interior Life)/Ministry of Lector o Year Two: Forming Priestly Identity/Ministry of Acolyte o Year Three: Preparing for Holy Orders/Order of Deacon o Year Four: Doing Pastoral Ministry/Order of Priest These basic themes guide the organization and execution of the formational workshops, retreats, and classes throughout the academic year. Beginning in early September, each class (years I IV) engages in a series of workshops and a weeklong spiritual retreat, prior to the opening of

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university classes in October. Experienced and expert priests and lay people are brought to Rome for the weeklong workshops in September and cover such topics as marriage preparation, counseling skills, priestly identity and homiletics. Additionally, our second year men have a weeklong workshop on celibacy formation. The above general themes are also pursued throughout the course of the academic year as every Thursday night an hour-long class session is given for each formation year. These workshops and classes provide an opportunity for the priest formators to speak about topics relevant to one or more of the pillars of formation. In order to promote the intellectual life, the faculty regularly looks for opportunities to find larger blocks of time for private study by the students, while reminding the students of the obligation to find this time themselves. As a supplement to the university classes, during the fall workshop, an in-house course on the theology of the priesthood is offered and topics in liturgy, pastoral counseling, and some study of classical spiritual writers are offered too. The seminarians’ intellectual formation is furthered also within the confines of the seminary by courses in homiletic and liturgical training. While neither course is accredited by the universities, the seminarians find that theory and praxis meet in these two experiences. The Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics presents a weeklong workshop which combines theory of homily preparation within a monitored environment. Men in second and third theology participated in workshops designed for their respective years of formation, led very effectively by Father James Quigley, OP, from our faculty, for second year and Father William Byrne of the Archdiocese of Washington, for the third year men. Homiletic practica are also provided throughout the year. In these practica, priest formators monitor small groups of four “preachers,” providing the men with critical feedback. Similarly, the Director of Liturgy and other formators provide theoretical and practical presentations upon the various Roman rituals. The seminarian’s application of this knowledge is demonstrated in his fulfillment of the liturgical roles in the seminary and in the apostolate, respecting, of course, his particular year of formation. Additionally, in order to fulfill the requirements of the Program of Priestly Formation, Fr. James Quigley, OP, STD of our faculty and Msgr. Michael Osborn, JCD, STL, from the Casa Santa Maria and an official in the Holy See, offered courses on The History of the Church in the United States at the Gregorian and the Angelicum. Pastoral formation is furthered by the seminarians’ involvement with the active apostolate. One of our priest formators serves as Director of Apostolic Formation, and beginning this year will be assisted by a part-time woman religious who will serve as his assistant and visit the apostolate sites each year, working to further enhance the working relationship of the College with the local supervisors. Generally speaking, first and second year theologians work in apostolic works involving care for the sick and/or poor, and teaching/evangelization. The third and fourth year men are by and large based in parish or campus ministry which allows for supervised opportunities for the deacons to preach and for the non-ordained to witness to the faith through catechetical experiences. Feedback is routinely sought from the supervisors of these apostolic works. Also, the seminarians periodically are invited to reflect theologically upon what their experience has been. Typically, each seminarian engages in some apostolic works during the summer after his first, second, and third years of formation. These experiences after second and third year generally involve a pastoral experience in the seminarians’ home diocese. Many have some pastoral experience in

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Europe or Africa at one stage of their formation. All of these opportunities provide the seminarian with the challenge of demonstrating his integration of the other three pillars of formation in his display of pastoral charity. In every case the seminarian and his supervisor must complete an evaluation of the experience. This evaluation is then reviewed with the seminarian in a formation session with his formator. This conversation gives rise to the establishment of personal goals and objectives for the seminarians’ next year of formation. Additionally, a theological/pastoral refection covering the summer pastoral experience takes place each fall at the College. In addition to learning the Italian language, the students are encouraged to learn Spanish. Some students work at a Spanish-speaking immigrant apostolate in Rome and evangelize Spanish speaking visitors in St. Peter’s Square, while some go to Spain to learn the language during their first summer and others sign up for an in-house class offered to assist the men to learn Spanish. In addition to the personal experience of learning how to live as a foreigner in a country not their own, and through lectures during the year, the students are familiarized with Spanish-speaking apostolic works. The Mass is offered twice a month in Spanish to practice the language at the liturgy and listen to preaching in Spanish. Likewise, the students are able to give practice homilies in Spanish during the year too. The College enjoys a relationship with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and their Global Fellows program and will sponsor a trip to Kenya this April. The College also has an agreement with Maryknoll Missionaries which provides for twelve scholarships each summer to first year men to go to mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong for a four week educational/missionary trip. The students who took advantage of this last summer enjoyed it tremendously and learned much about the Church’s missionary work and the Church in China, while also contributing by teaching English classes to local Catholics. The director of apostolic formation, coordinates these relationships too. The seminarians are exposed to Catholic social teaching and a structured theological reflection based upon their experiences. Last fall we continued to offer a two-day workshop on Hispanic Ministry during our September workshops. Archbishop Patron Wong, the new secretary for seminaries at the Congregation for Clergy assisted in offering the two day workshop, and was well received by the students. As a Mexican diocesan Archbishop, he has lots of practical experience in the issues presented. This past year, the College also began to offer a two day workshop for the second year men on developing leadership skills in collaboration with Good Leaders/Good Shepherds. Finally, the College’s annual Carl Peter Lecture was held in April and Msgr. Steve Rossetti shared his own reflections on preaching amidst the human condition.

Human Formation The College community life provides a wonderful context for human formation. The seminarians have a healthy formative influence upon one another. They are invited to reflect upon their interactions and how their comportment reflects the core values of priestly life. Additionally, in regards to human formation, conferences are regularly offered relating to priestly celibacy. Rev. David Songy, OFM, Cap., a former Director of Counseling Services for the College, returned again to provide an intensive workshop on celibacy from a psycho-sexual perspective and presented concrete, practical methods to live out their celibate commitment in a healthy, wholesome manner. This workshop was, of course, supplemented and complemented with other presentations in the fall workshops and throughout the formation year particularly from the spiritual perspective.

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Additionally, chaste celibate living is included in rector’s conferences too. Seminarians have access to the services of our resident priest psychologist, to consider any question pertaining to their human formation. Every New Man is required to meet with the house psychiatrist to review his psychological testing results that were submitted with his application for admissions. Some students elect to continue counseling so as to deal with a particular issue. Each seminarian is assigned a formation advisor who is to meet with the seminarian at least monthly to discuss formation matters. The scope and sequence of the four years is included in the Formation Manual and therefore provides greater consistency. According to his year in formation, each seminarian is assigned specific readings, which he is to prepare as a basis for discussion of his own growth. In the third year, in addition to the theological reflection that takes place within specific groups, the third year theologian must write reflection papers on the three promises for Holy Orders and upon the Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith. The seminary provides Internet access for all students in public places (library and computer labs) and in their rooms. Cybersex (pornography) is dealt with in formation conferences and spiritual direction. The College has a policy in place concerning the access of illicit websites by any resident or employee. However, through the use of an Internet filter (same one used by the Vatican), all objectionable material is screened out and cannot be accessed. The College once again put together a soccer team to participate in the Clericus Cup coordinated by the Vatican’s Secretariat of State and the Italian Episcopal Conference. Last year we made it to the quarter finals and there was much good will with other National Colleges and community spirit within the NAC from this tournament. Additionally, for the fourth year now, the College hosted a play this April, Journey’s End, by RC Sherriff. Spiritual Formation In September before the academic year begins, each seminarian makes a weeklong retreat at a nearby retreat house usually located in the Castelli Romani. In years one and two, the retreats are preached by one of the house spiritual directors; in years three and four, the retreats are “directed.” The individual directors, in addition to the College’s resident directors, are mostly taken from the Jesuit communities in Rome. In addition to the fall retreats, the spiritual directors offer retreat opportunities for the men during different breaks throughout the year. For example, this year a retreat was offered during Christmas break in the Holy Land. About thirty-five seminarians participated in all. Our spiritual directors also offer three weekend retreats for the men throughout the year during travel permitted weekends. The second weekend of May, a weekend retreat was offered to our seminarians in Turin which included a viewing of the Shroud of Turin and Mass at the Cathedral. Likewise, the Casa Santa Maria community had previously made a pilgrimage to view the Shroud too. Beyond these types of retreats and individual direction taking place every two weeks with a director chosen from those approved for this function, the seminarians’ spiritual formation in the community life is centered on the liturgical and devotional prayer life of the house. The community gathers once daily for the celebration of the Eucharist. Also, the community gathers to pray Morning and Evening Prayer. Monday through Friday, an hour of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction is offered. A community Rosary is offered Monday through Friday before the mid-day meal. The College has made an effort to encourage each member of the house to belong to some type of priestly

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support group, such as Jesu Caritas. The effort has been quite successful and the students have found this useful for support in prayer and fraternity. Additionally, we have a monthly day of recollection, on Sunday, with extended Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and ending with community Benediction and sung Evening Prayer. Likewise, while the Stations of the Cross were always offered on the Fridays of Lent and attended by about 2/3 of the house, this year, we again scheduled two mandatory stations for the community during Lent. We have all night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on first Fridays. Since Saturday is a day off from classes, this day works well. The proposal was from the students and worked through the pastoral council. The intentions were for the men of the house and an increase in vocations in our home dioceses. All ministers and adorers are volunteers and must sign up by Wednesday before the first Friday in order for the Vigil to take place. Another initiative we continued this year is a pilgrimage statue of Our Lady of Fatima for the month of May. Every few days during the month of May, Our Lady is moved in procession from one corridor to another, and appropriate decorations are prepared for a new resting spot on each corridor. We end the month with a house rosary. All of the liturgical prayer conforms to the norms expressed in the rituals or subsequent authentic instructions from the Holy See. Musically, the College has successfully defined and employed a progression of solemnity to distinguish ferial celebrations, memorials, feasts, and solemnities. This definition is applied to all of the public prayer, be it the Eucharist or the Divine Office for the day. We are fortunate to have found a new Director of Liturgical Music who fits our needs, Mr. Leon Griesbach. Leon came to us from serving as director of liturgical music and organist for the Cathedral in Portland, Maine. He, his wife and one child moved to Rome, they have had two more since being here, and his wife is now pregnant with their fourth child. A few years ago, the College began to celebrate monthly the Latin Mass, Novus Ordo, in preparation for beginning the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (Low Mass), which is now also offered. Participation in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is offered, but not required. We also offer formal training classes for those who wish to learn the Extraordinary Form of the Mass or who have been asked to do so by their dioceses. Two weekends of recollection are scheduled during the academic year; one in Advent and another in Lent. The Advent one was directed by Fr. Sam Martin, an alumnus and pastor in La Crosse, and the other was offered by Fr. Ryan Moravitz, a recent alumnus who is pastor and vocation director in the Diocese of Duluth. Our students always appreciate the weekends. Additionally, reconciliation services are held as a community on an annual basis. The Sacrament of Penance is made available to the seminarians on a daily basis at a fixed time in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. An external confessor comes every Monday evening to make the Sacrament available to whoever wishes to receive it. Of course, the seminarians’ spiritual life is greatly aided just by the sheer opportunity to pray at the numerous holy places in Rome. Periodic opportunities to serve or lector at the Masses of the Holy Father are cherished opportunities. Many seminarians choose to make one of their holy hours at St. Peter’s Basilica weekly. The practice of participation in the celebration of daily Eucharist at the Lenten Stational Churches remains a popular spiritual exercise.

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The Graduate House - Casa Santa Maria On October 11, 2014, Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne presided at the opening Mass for the year at the Casa Santa Maria. The fall of 2014 saw the Casa open with sixty-two graduate priests. The Archdiocese of Melbourne had five priests studying at the Casa, while the Archdioceses of Los Angeles and Diocese of Lansing had three each, and then forty-three other dioceses had either one or two priests enrolled. One religious priest was also resident. Ten priests were from Australia, and one each from Spain and Great Britain. The majority, eighteen, studied canon law; eight studied dogma, six studied liturgy, five biblical theology and morals, four were at the Biblicum, four studied fundamental and spirituality, and the others were divided into smaller groupings. Twenty-two of the priests studied at the Gregorian, seventeen at the Angelicum and eight at Santa Croce. The rest were divided among the other universities in the city. Fourteen were doctoral students, while the rest were studying for license degrees. Three doctoral defense took place this year, while some priests returned in the Fall to defend. Archbishop Patron Wong, the Secretary for the Congregation for Clergy who has responsibility for all the National Colleges in the City has visited the Casa Santa Maria on various occasions to celebrate Mass or to meet with the student priests. Msgr. Fred Berardi of the Archdiocese of New York finished his first year of service as the new superior in January. He has enjoyed his ministry and has been well received by the community at the Casa. Msgr. Michael Osborn, a priest of Kalamazoo, alumnus and an official at the Propaganda Fide at Piazza di Spagna, oversaw ongoing formation for the newly ordained priests at the Casa of which twenty three were ordained less than five years and participate in this program. Msgr. Joe Chapel began his service as spiritual director of the Casa this year, and has been well received and was quite busy. He also served as an adjunct spiritual director for the seminary. Father Robert Geisinger, SJ, was present weekly as an external confessor. Weekly exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with an hour of adoration and benediction of the Eucharist continued to be held this year and a group of residents gathered to pray the Morning and Evening hour in common. The house provides a good atmosphere of priestly fraternity centered in intellectual pursuits and prayer. The Fall 2015 enrollment rose to almost seventy-eight, bumpered by twenty-one of the newly ordained priest moving to the Casa from the seminary. Msgr. Osborn finished his service in Rome this summer, returning to his home diocese to become Vicar General. He will be replaced this Fall.

The Institute for Continuing Theological Education Fr. James Sullivan, OP, began his service as director last year and was warmly received by the sabbatical groups. For over forty years, the Institute has been offering a sabbatical program for priests, largely from the United States. Until recently, the program has run for about twelve weeks in both the fall and spring semesters, offering an aggiornamento to one particular group in a wide range of theological subjects. The newly refurbished Casa O’Toole, which many of the Bishops had a chance to visit during their ad limina visits, was recently renovated by the College for use by the ICTE program. The upgraded residential facilities serve as a wonderful home for the ICTE. The sabbatical program has struggled to fill up the facility, and has reached out to more religious priests, in addition to diocesan priests, as well as priests from other English-speaking countries. The program continues to be a valuable resource and certainly one that is needed in our day. In an effort to meet the current opportunities and challenges faced by priests today – particularly those younger in the priesthood and first-time pastors – and responding to requests from

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some Bishops and discussion by the College’s Board of Governors, the College restructured the spring program last year. For last spring, the ICTE had four “modules,” each three weeks in length. Priests were able to opt for one or more modules. Rather than a sabbatical program, it will be more in line with continuing education/formation for priests. Each module focused on a specific area with time also for a week-long retreat, and other spiritual opportunities and field trips in line with the needs of the priesthood today. In time, a shorter additional module, which could change each year, might be added for a targeted group of participants, such as for vocation or spiritual directors. Many Bishops have requested that a session be offered for Bishops for a theological consultation. Both the traditional 12-week program and the new module offerings provide unique opportunities for priestly renewal, training and ongoing education. For this year, the modules are being offered now, the Fall semester, while the Spring with Lenten Station Churches, will be offered for the Spring Semester. The Bishops’ Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican The Mercy Sisters of Alma continue to run the Visitors Office with the assistance of seminarians, local Italian nationals and the graduate student priests. The general audiences continue to be well attended. About 1500 visitors every week receive their tickets from the Visitors’ Office, requested by 159 dioceses in our country throughout the year. Of these dioceses, 110 requested tickets at least once a month, some every week. By doing so, their pilgrims avoided the long lines at the Bronze Doors which require one to go through a security check. Last year, during Holy Week, over 8,000 tickets were requested at our office. Since the election of Pope Francis, the number of requests for audience and Papal Mass tickets has more than doubled and the reparto speciale tickets are much more difficult to receive and are more limited. Bishops are asked to be very specific in adding information on why their guests should receive this special seating; it aids with the requests, which are not always granted even with this information. Tickets were very limited for Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, and very few were granted tickets for Christmas Eve Mass. Monsignor Roensch continues to assist the College with hospitality and welcoming special guests and groups to the College, as well as with the ICTE program, as needed. In closing, I wish to express my gratitude to the Leadership and Staff of the College and particularly to Msgr. Checchio for his service for two and a half years as Vice Rector for Administration and then his ten years of service as Rector. He has served the College very well. In addition, I continue to be grateful to the Administrative Board of the USCCB for their ongoing support of the College in so many ways. Archbishop John J. Myers Chairman, Board of Governors November 2015

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INFORMATION

CATHOLIC LEGAL IMMIGRATION NETWORK, INC. (CLINIC) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Members: Bishop Kevin W. Vann, Chairman; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Bishop Edgar da Cunha; Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio; Bishop L. Eusebio Elizondo, MSpS; Bishop Richard J. Garcia; Bishop Martin D. Holley; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas; Bishop Joseph A. Pepe; Bishop Mark J. Seitz; Bishop Jaime Soto; Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins; Sr. Sally Duffy, SC; Sr. RayMonda DuVall, CHS; Mr. William Canny; Mr. Brendan Dugan; Ms. Marguerite Harmon; Mr. Francis J. Mulcahy; Mr. Vincent Pitta; Mr. D. Taylor Staff: Ms. Jeanne Atkinson, Executive Director

Family Detention CLINIC continues its support for the most vulnerable immigrant populations through the CARA Pro Bono Project, a collaboration of CLINIC, the American Immigration Council, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. CARA coordinates pro bono representation for detained families at the Southern Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC) located in Dilley, Texas. In July and August of 2015, the CARA Pro Bono Project welcomed 167 volunteers, including four staff members from CLINIC and its Executive Director, Jeanne Atkinson, as well as six staff members from UNITE HERE. The volunteers assisted women and children daily with needs ranging from court hearings, credible fear interviews, case questions, bond determinations, and medical concerns. Father James (Clete) Kiley traveled to Dilley the week of August 16, 2015 with a group of six volunteers. Brian Hoffman, CLINIC’s contract attorney in Dilley, described this group as an efficient and competent force that was able to see the most women compared to other volunteer groups. The project averages 100 client meetings a day and as of September 10, 2015 the facility was holding more than 1,900 women and children. Despite Judge Gee’s decision in the Flores litigation, the government continues to detain women and children and the number of releases lag behind the new detention rates. Recently, a child diagnosed with cancer and his mother were released to the CARA Project when ICE officials requested the project’s assistance. Through its role in the CARA Pro Bono Project, CLINIC advocates for the release of mothers with their children instead of separating families. For more information, visit: https://cliniclegal.org/CARA. Administrative Relief CLINIC is working steadily to help its affiliates prepare to implement Administrative Relief or future immigration reform by providing funding for affiliates in severely under-served areas in the South and Southeast. Although CLINIC has 55 affiliates in the Southeast states, there is only one legal service provider for every 13,544 undocumented immigrants. Responding

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to the growing needs of these underserved areas, CLINIC created its CLINIC Fellows program to expand and strengthen the infrastructure of its affiliates. Through monies obtained from three foundations, CLINIC will fund 12 additional immigration legal representatives at affiliate agencies representing clients in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Selected affiliates were awarded $50,000 for the first year and $25,000 for the second year. To learn more, visit: www.cliniclegal.org/clinicfellows. CLINIC has also created an envelope for parishes, legal immigration service providers, and other community groups to use as a tool for outreach. This envelope encourages immigrants to collect the documents that will be necessary for future immigration reform or administrative relief. In addition to helping people prepare, the envelope may be used to start conversations about how immigrants can protect themselves from unscrupulous service providers, including notarios. Authorized immigration legal practitioners can also use the envelopes for education and screening regarding other forms of immigration relief. CLINIC hopes that these envelopes send the message that there is something everyone can do now and build morale in communities that have been demoralized by the lack of immigration action. The envelopes are available in English and Spanish. Catholic Social Teaching and Migration In preparation for the Holy Father’s visit to the United States, CLINIC released a series of updated community education tools regarding Catholic social teaching and migration. These tools were created to help highlight the Church’s teaching on migration and as way for communities and parishes to further the conversation about migration policies. Some of the documents were distributed in the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) packet used for briefings on Capitol Hill and to select congressional offices. Included in these tools are:  A one-page summary document of background information, Gospel foundations, and Papal teachings;  A compilation of immigration-related excerpts from core encyclical and conciliar documents, as well as key teaching documents issued by national bishops conferences and Vatican congregations;  A compilation of Papal messages for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees; and  A compilation of quotes from Pope Francis on Immigration. To view the resources, visit: https://cliniclegal.org/cst. Religious Immigration Services On August 12, 2015, CLINIC’s Religious Immigration Services Section (RIS) hosted a one-day training titled Basics of Religious Immigration Law and followed with a reception. Topics discussed included R-1 religious worker visas and permanent residence for international religious workers serving the Church in the United States. Also in August, RIS attorneys managed exhibit tables at two religious conferences, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in Houston, Texas and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in Charlotte, North Carolina, to educate attendees about religious immigration legal issues and the services CLINIC can provide to religious communities. In addition, RIS gave a legal presentation at the International Priest Internship (IPI) Program at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

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In September, CLINIC’s Director of Religious Immigration Services, Miguel Naranjo, presented at the third USCCB workshop on Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Naranjo also gave a legal presentation at the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) conference in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information on religious immigration law or CLINIC’s religious immigration legal services, visit: https://cliniclegal.org/programs/RIS. Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Program On September 30th, 2015, Congress passed a continuing resolution, a stop-gap measure which continues funding the government at current levels and keeps the government open until December 11, 2015. The continuing resolution reauthorized the Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Program as well as three other immigration-related programs. The Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker Program, created in 1990, allows non-ministers or other lay religious workers to come to the United States as lawful permanent residents. Currently there is a bipartisan bill, S.1339, which would make the program permanent with no changes. On September 28th Representative Mike Honda introduced a companion bill, H.R. 3631, in the House of Representatives. CLINIC is working to make sure its clients are aware of the latest policies affecting these provisions and working with the USCCB on advocating for a permanent extension. Training and Technical Assistance During the months of August through October 2015, CLINIC provided the following inperson training sessions: Basics of Religious Immigration Law (Silver Spring, MD, August 12); Developing and Sustaining an Immigration Program (Los Angeles, CA, September 23-24); Introduction to Immigration Law Practice: A Course for New Practitioners (Dallas, TX, September 24-25); Selected Issues in Program Management (Seattle, WA, October 13-14); and 12th Annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference (Washington, DC, October 29). CLINIC provided the following webinars: Training Teachers: Tricks, Tools and Strategies for Volunteer-based Language Learning Programs (August 11); Capacity Issues and Working with Child Advocates (August 26); If Caught in a Lie, Will Your Client’s Chance to Immigrate Die? (August 27); What You Need to Know About Health-Based Inadmissibility (September 16); Updated and Strategy on Domestic Violence Based Asylum Claims (September 16); Proposed Changes to BIA Recognition and Accreditation (September 22); 2014 CLINIC Affiliate Survey: Understanding the Survey Results and Generating Reports (September 22); Effective Use of Evidence and Expert Witnesses in Immigration Court (October 14); and Employment-Based Immigration for Nonprofit Agencies (October 21). CLINIC also offered the following e-learning courses: Overview of Citizenship: Acquisition, Derivation, and Naturalization (September 3 – October 1); Introduction to Immigration Consequences of Crimes (September 21-October 19); Introduction to Family-Based Immigration (October 6-November 17); Immigration Program Management Techniques and Strategies (October 9 – November 6); and Grounds of Inadmissibility (October 14-November 11).

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On September 11, CLINIC hosted a wine and cheese reception at the Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering in Omaha, Nebraska to introduce CLINIC’s services to attendees and to offer further support to affiliates. Jeanne Atkinson, CLINIC’s Executive Director, also met with affiliates from the cities of Omaha, Boston, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, and Las Cruces during her travels. Ms. Atkinson and I regularly discuss how to best support the arch/dioceses and affiliate agencies who serve the immigrant community. CLINIC staff members show continued dedication to the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, as reflected in their hard work and commitment. I hope that this report continues to be a source of information to the Bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the continuing effectiveness of the mission of CLINIC and all involved. With your support is so many other ways, I would ask that in your daily Liturgy of the Hours and Mass, you keep CLINIC and its many agencies and workers in thought and prayer, to remind them that “nothing is impossible for God” as we hear in St. Luke’s Gospel.

Bishop Kevin W. Vann Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Members: Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Chairman; Archbishop George J. Lucas; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski; Bishop Edward J. Burns; Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv; Bishop Joseph R. Cistone; Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Bishop Felipe J. Estévez; Bishop Richard J. Malone; Bishop Gregory J. Mansour; Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades; Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli; Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins; Dr. Viva O. Bartkus; Dr. Patricia M. Dinneen; Mr. Kevin R. Farrell; Dr. Patrick T. Harker; Mr. Christopher J. Policinski; Mrs. Jeri Eckhart Queenan; Judge Geraldine E. Rivera; Mrs. Charmaine Warmenhoven Staff: Dr. Carolyn Y. Woo, President; Mr. Sean Callahan; Mr. Mark Melia; Ms. Pamela O’Connor; Mr. Mark Palmer; Ms. Annemarie Reilly; Mrs. Joan Rosenhauer; Mr. Schuyler Thorup

Laudato Si Across its global programming, CRS is increasingly witnessing the effects of climate change on the people it serves. With the partnership of the local Church throughout the world, the agency is responding to the impacts on the poor of environmental degradation about which the Holy Father expresses deep concern in Laudato Si. For smallholder farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture, erratic rainfall patterns, flood, drought and higher temperatures negatively affect food security and livelihoods. More frequent and severe storms overwhelm traditional coping methods, leading the agency to step up emergency response and enhance investments in Disaster Risk Reduction. Floods and higher temperatures have harmed human health through an increase in disease carrying pests. CRS will continue to increase investments in climateresilient responses but also sees an urgent need for action, both in terms of helping people to adapt to the effects of climate change and working to mitigate its causes. CRS sponsors a campaign called “I Am Climate Change: I Am the Cause; I Am the Solution” to engage young people in universities to support the Holy Father’s encyclical and advocating for a response to environmental degradation. A related communications campaign will target other audiences to keep the important messages relating to integral ecology of Laudato Si in the forefront. CRS will work with the Catholic Climate Covenant on this initiative as well as continuing to engage and coordinate with Caritas partners. Humanitarian Relief After the April massive earthquake in Nepal leveled

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CRS/Caritas teams in Nepal distributed corrugated iron sheeting and tool kits to families in Lho. John Shumlansky/CRS.

more than 500,000 houses and claimed 8,669 lives, CRS has used tractors and helicopters to provide critical support in isolated areas and villages at extremely high elevations. From July through September, monsoon rains hampered logistics and operations, with roads washed out and blocked by landslides and transportation by vehicle and helicopter extremely limited. With skies and roads starting to clear, efforts have now fully transitioned to early recovery activities. To date, CRS in partnership with Caritas has provided 20,625 families (103,125 people) with emergency shelter materials, blankets, and water treatment and hygiene kits. CRS’ ability to rapidly assess and address the needs of affected communities is attributable to its long‐running partnership with Caritas Nepal. In the 4-year recovery phase, CRS and Caritas Nepal will focus on rebuilding safer homes (with latrines) for families, protecting the environment during reconstruction, and ensuring resilient livelihoods for affected families. At least 10,000 families are expected to benefit during the recovery phase, with scale dependent on funding. Caritas Nepal and CRS have had more than 100 staff on the ground. By the end of September, CRS had received $9.1 million from U.S. dioceses and $11.1 million from parishes and individuals. This has allowed the agency to leverage an additional $5.2 million in funding from the U.S. government and other external sources, for a total of $25.4 million mobilized. CRS has provided wide-ranging assistance for the crises in the Middle East (see posting on bishops-only website). The conflict in Syria, soon to enter its fifth year, has led to a refugee flow of 3.9 million—the largest migration since World War II. Half of all Syrian refugees are children. CRS has supported 600,000 war-affected Syrians with shelter, children’s care and education, counseling, food, living supplies and medical assistance in areas such as Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Similarly, armed conflict in Dusan Peric with Caritas Valjevo passes Iraq has uprooted 2.6 million people. Improved out hygiene kits to refugees passing shelter and sanitation, cash and food assistance, through Belgrade Serbia. Kira Horvath and child-friendly spaces have been established for for CRS. about 100,000 displaced Iraqis. As refugees move through southeastern Europe, CRS is working with Church partners in Greece (Caritas Athens), Macedonia (Jesuit Refugee Services), and Serbia (Caritas and the Orthodox Church) to provide relief. With private donations, CRS and partners are reaching 63,000 refugees and migrants with food, relief supplies, medical care, temporary shelters, and legal services. Over the past 3 years, CRS has provided relief worth $132 million in the Middle East. In Pakistan, the third year of severe drought has led to parched agricultural land and hungry, dying livestock. CRS is distributing feed and fodder for the animals of 51,814 people and providing training on livestock- and drought-management techniques to 13,367 people. CRS-supported communities in the Tharparkar district used what they’ve learned to mitigate drought and have been more resilient than other affected communities. Communities already reported that the feed and fodder distributions improved livestock health and noticeably

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increased milk production and the animal reproduction ratio—more than 70% of targeted households’ animals are now pregnant. Severe flooding in Malawi earlier this year left hundreds dead, affected 1.1 million people and displaced more than 250,000 people. CRS and local partners responded at the outset with clean water, hygiene and sanitation for 17,586 people in 27 camps. Current recovery efforts are under way to resettle flood-affected communities in safe, appropriate, and dignified shelters, and give them knowledge and resources for safe hygiene practices. Since the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak, 28,444 cases have occurred, with 11,311 reported deaths as of the end of September. Remarkable inroads have been made, including the September delaration by the World Health Organization that Liberia is free of the Ebola virus. It is now in a 90-day period of heightened surveillance. CRS’ life-saving work includes awareness messaging conducted for 2 million people and information campaign training provided to 4,200 community leaders, religious leaders, and volunteers. CRS’ work in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali has included safe and dignified burials, hygiene kits, counseling, prevention practice training, food assistance (a first-ever food voucher program in Guinea), and health systems support for multiple Catholic health care facilities. CRS, Caritas Spes Ukraine, and Caritas Ukraine are providing critical relief in Ukraine, where armed conflict between government and separatist forces has displaced more than 1.4 million people, killed more than 6,000 and wounded 14,500. Immediate humanitarian assistance has been provided for over 45,400 people. Child-friendly spaces, job assistance and psychological first aid have been supplied as well. A new regional Caritas center in Donetsk is planned to increase humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families in nongovernment controlled areas. In frigid eastern Ukraine, a displaced grandmother struggles to keep a rural cottage warm. Volodymyr Nechaiev for CRS.

In South Sudan, CRS participated in a June workshop with leaders of the South Sudan Council of Churches to position the council to lead the peace and reconciliation efforts. Growing numbers of hungry and displaced people have been supported with distribution of over 9,000 tons of food and nutritional supplements (serving 402,542 people), food-for-work activities, and training of hygiene promoters and farmers (post-harvest storage). In July, CRS testified before Congress, telling its members that the United States should call for an immediate end of the fighting. In Haiti, CRS, the Catholic Health Association, and the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince have successfully completed construction and equipping of the 200-bed Hospital of Saint François de Sales. CRS officially handed over the hospital to the Archdiocese in August and met with Archbishop Guire Poulard, Bishop Glandas Toussaint, and the leadership of the

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hospital to discuss CRS’ continuing assistance, including technical assistance. The hospital is expected to open in October, with the pediatric wing opening in November. CRS is also working very closely with the bishops’ conference through different commissions, including the commissions for Migration (capacity strengthening—advocacy), Catholic Education (three diocesan offices held graduation in August), Civic Education (elections) and Mediation (publication of lessons learned in the Accord El Rancho). Helping the Church Tell Its Story As of the end of September, CRS’ relief and recovery efforts in Nepal have generated 825 media hits, including high-profile coverage in secular and Catholic media, which were highlighted by many U.S. Catholic partners. CRS helped Caritas Nepal/Caritas Internationalis produce a Thank You video for Caritas partners to share with their donors, in addition to maintaining its own robust social media presence. The agency’s 25 posts on the main CRS Facebook page were served in the News Feed 916,776 times. CRS has published 9 videos, with a total of 92,557 views. Twitter impressions total 19,486,262. A workshop for priests and deacons is being offered to help them bring the Jubilee Year of Mercy to life in their ministries. It explains Jubilee Years and what this one is proposing for the Church. Topics include mercy in the Old and New Testaments and Church tradition, in addition to Pope Francis’ writings. The workshop covers corporal and spiritual works of mercy as well as global solidarity and provides practical help in preaching mercy in the Gospel of Luke and liturgical year C and enriching parish ministry. Year of Mercy resources are available online for families, catechetical leaders and others. CRS launched a Global High School program in April for Catholic high schools to deepen understanding about Catholic social teaching and advocate for solidarity with the global poor. It celebrates what schools are already doing to encourage global solidarity and provides resources, programs and opportunities to strengthen their commitment to live out Catholic identity and form missionary disciples. Participating high schools can choose their level of commitment by selecting Silver (CORE)-, Gold-, or Platinum-level engagement. CRS is inviting bishops and diocesan Catholic school superintendents to inform their high schools and promote implementation of the program. Visit the website at: ghs.crs.org

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Technology for Development The highly successful 7th Annual Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) sponsored by CRS was held in Chicago in May. The 380 attendees from 140 organizations, representing 55 countries, discovered ICT4D applications that hold significant promise for increasing program impact. The conference contributes to CRS’ thought and practice leadership in ICT4D. CRS uses ICT4D applications to register program participants, educate partners, monitor and In Uttar Pradesh, community track service delivery, obtain participant feedback, and map health workers use mobile results to help the agency plan more effectively and assess devices to counsel pregnant the outcomes of its services. Benefits from the use of women. Jennifer Hardy/CRS. ICT4D include cost savings, improvements in the quality and timeliness of data, stronger field staff performance, and increased benefits to participants in terms of safety, convenience, financial inclusion, and access to information that improves their livelihoods, health, and opportunities. Committed to Catholic Identity The Advisory Committee on Catholic Identity met several times to offer guidance on CRS’ Catholic identity and witness. The committee focuses on policies related to choice of partnerships and hiring criteria. It includes moral theologians, including the president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and Archbishop George Lucas and Bishop Gregory Mansour from the CRS Board of Directors. With hearts full of love and solidarity, staff from CRS gathered with 400 other Caritas colleagues and guests for the Caritas Internationalis General Assembly. There was particular emphasis on ways in which Caritas organizations can work together better to protect both people and the environment from the impact of climate change, rising inequality and a “globalization of indifference.” CRS Chief Operating Officer Sean Callahan was elected First Vice President. The following bishops visited CRS programming in fiscal year 2015: Bishop Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Archbishop Joseph Kurtz Archbishop Paul Coakley

Diocese Archdiocese of Washington Archdiocese of Louisville Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Archbishop George Lucas Archbishop Thomas Wenski Bishop Edward Burns Bishop Oscar Cantú

Archdiocese of Omaha Archdiocese of Miami Diocese of Juneau Diocese of Las Cruces

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Locations Visited Jerusalem, Gaza Haiti Jerusalem, Gaza, Iraq, Ethiopia, Haiti Guatemala Mexico Guatemala Iraq, Jerusalem, Gaza, Indonesia, Mexico

Bishop Frank Dewane Bishop Eusebio Elizondo

Diocese of Venice Archdiocese of Seattle

Bishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. Bishop Gerald Kicanas Bishop Richard Malone Bishop Emeritus Dale Melczek Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramírez, CSB

Diocese of Savannah

Ukraine, Bosnia Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia Guatemala

Diocese of Tucson Diocese of Buffalo Diocese of Gary Diocese of Las Cruces

Ukraine, Bosnia, Nepal Nepal, Bangladesh Philippines El Salvador

Committed to Operational Excellence With the June 2014 Vatican conference on impact investing inspiring many sectors, a second conference is being planned for 2016. The initial conference was convened by CRS, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, under the leadership of Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson. Impact Investing recasts charity from giving away money to making investments to solve problems and aligns with Catholic social teaching. Capital from multiple sources is used for enterprises demonstrating explicit, measurable, sustainable and scalable social benefits and financial returns. CRS closes its fiscal year 2015 on a strong financial note, with major advancements made in all areas of strategy. Over $200 million went to support robust responses to many complex emergencies, and multi-million-dollar, multi-year grants funded food assistance and health programming. Much of this work is accomplished through partnerships, 48% of which are with Catholic agencies, so capacity-building programs for Church partners were a major emphasis in 2015. CRS provided resource support to Caritas Internationalis’ “Management Standards” capacity training initiative and also provided direct support to many overseas Church partners. CRS’ health programming includes systems strengthening for many overseas Church health care networks. CRS has diversified funding sources. New institutional donors and higher fundraising have largely compensated for the decrease in funding for U.S. food aid and AIDS relief seen in recent years. The USCCB-managed “CRS Collection” brought in $16.2 million, with $14.6 million going to CRS to fund programming and the remaining $1.6 million going to five other Church agencies. 2014 contributions to the CRS Rice Bowl program were an estimated $10.56 million, with 75% going to CRS and the other 25% staying with the dioceses to fund their local hunger alleviation programs. Looking forward, total operating revenue for fiscal year 2016 is budgeted at $698 million.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley Chairman November 2015

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INFORMATION

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, INC. Members: Administrative Committee Board of Trustees: Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz; Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell; Archbishop J. Peter Sartain; Vacant Board of Control: Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, Episcopal Liaison Staff: Mary Elizabeth Sperry The Confraternity is a distinct entity, separately incorporated and directed by a Board of Trustees elected from among the Confraternity membership, which is composed of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In accord with its approved mandate, the Confraternity directs the development, publication, promotion, and distribution of the New American Bible and related texts. The scope of the committee’s work includes any necessary revisions of the translation, publication in all media, and promotion of the New American Bible and, more generally, Catholic biblical literacy and Catholic biblical interpretation. Staffing for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine is provided through the USCCB Department of Communications. A.

Revision of the New Testament of the NAB The revision teams for this project are now complete as follows: Matthew/Mark: Dr. Harold Attridge (chair) Rev. Michael Patella, O.S.B. Dr. Michael Peppard Rev. Donald Senior, C.P. Rev. Benedict Viviano, O.P. Luke/Acts: Dr. Mary Healy (chair) Rev. Dean Bechard, S.J. Dr. Nathan Eubank Msgr. Michael Magee Johannine Texts: Rev. Felix Just, S.J. (chair) Dr. Paul Anderson Dr. Leslie Baynes Dr. Sherri Brown

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Rev. Francis Moloney, S.D.B. Pauline Letters: Rev. Christopher Ciccarino (chair) Dr. George Parsenios Sr. Maria Pascuzzi, C.S.J. Dr. Pheme Perkins Rev. Gregory Tatum, S.J. Hebrews and Catholic Letters: Rev. Edward Mazich, O.S.B. (chair) Ms. Kelly Anderson Rev. Patrick Hartin Dr. Eric Mason The chairs of the teams form the Editorial Board. The revision teams plan to submit their proposed revisions to the Editorial Board by the end of 2016. Following the completion of the editorial review, the text will be submitted to the Subcommittee for the Translation of Scripture Text and the Committee on Divine Worship. That submission is planned for 2018. B.

NAB Board of Control Membership

In May 2013, Cardinal Dolan appointed the following scholars to four-year terms as members of the NAB Board of Control: Reverend Alexander Di Lella, O.F.M., Chairman Dr. Gary Anderson Sister Mary Kate Birge, S.S.J. Brother Elliott Maloney, O.S.B. Dr. Robert D. Miller, S.F.O. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor serves, ex officio, as the non-voting liaison between the Board of Control and the bishops. C.

NAB Royalty Income

The 2014 royalties for the CCD exceeded $2.6 million. Of those revenues, approximately $1.9 million was distributed to the USCCB General Fund. D.

Catholic Biblical Federation

The CCD is the U.S. full member to the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF). The CBF is the Catholic world fellowship of administratively distinct international and local organizations committed to biblical pastoral ministry. It was established by the Holy See in 1969 as an international public association of the faithful through the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Membership in the CBF allows the CCD to maintain its key mission relationship with national and international biblical organizations.

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Staff represented the CCD at the CBF Ninth Plenary Assembly, held in Nemi, Italy, June 18-23, 2015. Highlights of the meeting included a private audience with Pope Francis, the inauguration of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as President of the CBF, the approval of a new constitution, and numerous opportunities for regional and international collaboration. The text of the Holy Father’s address to the membership is found here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/june/documents/papafrancesco_20150619_febic.html. The final message approved at this meeting is found here: http://c-b-f.org/documents/ninth_plenary/final_message/EN_Final%20message.pdf. E.

National Bible Week

The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary on November 18, 2015. This landmark anniversary will be observed with National Bible Week, to be celebrated November 15-21, 2015. The theme of the observance is “The Bible: A Book for the Family/ La Biblia: Un Libro para la Familia.” The CCD and its collaborators in the USCCB will promote the National Bible Week observance using existing channels (newsletters, blogs, social media). In addition, a variety of previously-approved resources that highlight the Bible in Catholic life have been repurposed and posted on the National Bible Week webpage: www.usccb.org/bible/nationalbibleweek.cfm. The limited changes in these texts were approved by the issuing office and the Secretariat for Doctrine. All resources are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the CCD will act as a clearinghouse for activities undertaken by dioceses and other groups, including the Association of Catholic Publishers, the American Bible Society, and the Catholic Biblical Federation.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz Chairman November 2015

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