CNA\/EWTN News<\/a>).- Although they shelved a strongly debated statement on the economy, the U.S. bishops\u2019 approved moving ahead with the reorganization of their communications department, and the publication of documents on preaching and confession.<\/p>\n\tThe bishops voted by a margin of 202-25 to hire a director of public affairs to help improve the conference\u2019s communications effectiveness and strategy.<\/p>\n
\tCardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, explained that while all the details of the position have not been finalized, \u201cthe potential for being a spokesperson would be part of his or her job description.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tHe explained that the person who fills the new position will coordinate communications efforts and will be able to speak to the media for the bishops, directing them to relevant statements by the bishops and applicable Church teaching.<\/p>\n
\tThe bishops voted in favor of creating the position on Nov.13, the second day of their fall general assembly in Baltimore.<\/p>\n
\tThe meeting also included a lengthy and intense discussion about a proposed document entitled \"The Hope of the Gospel in Difficult Economic Times.\"<\/p>\n
\tThe bishops had authorized the drafting of the document at their gathering last June, agreeing that a timely statement on poverty and the economy was necessary.<\/p>\n
\tRather than a major document, the bishops called for a brief pastoral message of about 12-15 pages, expressing concern and solidarity for those struggling under the current economy and offering them hope in Christ.<\/p>\n
\tBecause it was agreed that the timeliness of the message was key, the bishops authorized its drafting under an abbreviated schedule.<\/p>\n
\tThe proposed statement prompted a lively debate over what the scope and content of such a document should include. While several bishops voiced support for the idea behind the statement, there was also suggestion that it could be improved with more time.<\/p>\n
\tSeveral bishops posited that this may be a good time to revisit their previous statements on the economy in the context of modern circumstances.<\/p>\n
\tOthers suggested that the topics of tax reform and unions should be discussed at greater length, along with the proper role of government in aiding those in poverty.<\/p>\n
\tThe question of how these various topics could be adequately covered while remaining in the allotted page length was repeatedly raised. Some recommended the creation of shorter pamphlets instead, allowing for better dissemination among the faithful.<\/p>\n
\tWith Cardinal Dolan warning that \u201cwe get burned if we rush documents,\u201d the bishops ultimately rejected the document, while also noting that some other type of statement could still be proposed with a clear consensus on what the bishops expect.<\/p>\n
\tA document entitled \u201cPreaching the Mystery of Faith: the Sunday Homily\u201d was accepted by the bishops in an effort to renew and revitalize preaching during the Mass. Homilies must always be a Christ-centered \u201csummons to conversion,\u201d presented with love an offering the truths of the faith, it said.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThe ultimate goal of proclaiming the Gospel is to lead people into a loving and intimate relationship with the Lord,\u201d the document explained.<\/p>\n
\tThe bishops also approved a short document inviting all Catholics to participate regularly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, particularly during the Lenten season.<\/p>\n
\tThe document draws the connection between Penance and the New Evangelization and expresses the Church\u2019s eagerness to welcome those who have been away from confession for a significant length of time, as well as those who struggle with hesitation or uncertainty about the sacrament.<\/p>\n
\tDuring the meeting, the bishops also approved their 2013 budget and heard reports on conference work in the areas of cultural diversity, national collections and Haiti earthquake relief efforts.<\/p>\n
\tA new national collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services was approved, as well as creating new staff positions in the National Religious Retirement Office and the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.<\/p>\n
\tThey also passed a strategic plan for 2013-2016, which is centered on the New Evangelization and emphasizes faith, worship and witness. The plan includes detailed areas of focus for each year, covering topics such as marriage and family life, sacraments, faith in the public square, migration, cultural diversity and respect for life.<\/p>\n
\tA measure to add the optional memorial of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos to the U.S. liturgical calendar also received approval from the bishops.<\/p>\n
\tArchbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Ala., said that Fr. Seelos holds \u201ccontemporary significance\u201d because he was \u201cremarkable in his pastoral zeal\u201d and \u201ccame to serve this country because of the need.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201c(T)hat can be a source of encouragement to our seminarians and our priests who come to us from other countries,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n
\tDiscussion of the HHS contraception mandate also came up during the second day of the meeting, with Cardinal Dolan explaining that the conference remains committed to its principles, even as the mandate\u2019s Aug. 2013 implementation date for religious organizations draws closer.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cRight now I can tell you, the only thing we\u2019re certainly prepared to do is not give in, not violate our consciences, and not obey what we consider to be something immoral,\u201d he said at a press conference, adding that this conviction \u201cwould have an enthusiastic unity among the bishops.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThroughout different dioceses, bishops are currently talking to people who work in charity, health care and education in order \u201cto see what options are open to us,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cNo door is closed, except the door to capitulation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\n
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Baltimore, Md., Nov 14, 2012 \/ 03:55 am (CNA\/EWTN News).- Although they shelved a strongly debated statement on the economy, the U.S. bishops’ approved moving ahead with the reorganization of their communications department, and the publication o…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1031,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us"],"yoast_head":"\n
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