From USCCB
U.S. Bishops to Elect New Committee Chairmen at Plenary Assembly in November
WASHINGTON – When the U.S. bishops gather in November for their Fall Plenary Assembly (November 13-16), they will elect a new Secretary, as well as Chairmen for six standing committees for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The Conference Secretary, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Priorities and Plans, is up for a vote due to the fact that Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City was elected during the bishops’ 2022 Fall Plenary Assembly to complete the term left vacant when Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, who was serving as USCCB Secretary, was elected Conference President. The bishops elected will each serve for one year as Chairmen-elect of the respective committees before beginning a three-year term as Chairmen at the conclusion of the Fall Plenary Assembly in 2024.
USCCB SECRETARY-ELECT / CHAIRMAN-ELECT, COMMITTEE ON PRIORITIES AND PLANS
- Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
- Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
The nominees for Chairman-elect of the standing committees are as follows (alphabetical order):
COMMITTEE ON CATHOLIC EDUCATION
- Bishop James D. Conley, Diocese of Lincoln
- Bishop David M. O’Connell, Diocese of Trenton
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS
- Bishop William D. Byrne, Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts
- Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, coadjutor, Archdiocese of Hartford
COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH
- Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Diocese of Brooklyn
- Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, Diocese of Columbus
COMMITTEE ON DOCTRINE
- Bishop John F. Doerfler, Diocese of Marquette
- Bishop James Massa, auxiliary bishop, Diocese of Brooklyn
COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL COLLECTIONS
- Bishop W. Shawn McKnight, Diocese of Jefferson City
- Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg, Diocese of Reno
COMMITTEE ON PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES*
- Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco
- Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Diocese of Toledo
*Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington was elected as the Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities during the November 2022 plenary to complete the term left vacant when Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore was elected Conference Vice President.
Sisters of Charity, BVM Celebrates 190 Years
From Dublin to Dubuque, Around the World
Dubuque, Iowa: The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in Dubuque, Iowa, announces the congregation’s 190th Anniversary on Nov. 1, 2023. This milestone celebrates the mission of the BVM Sisters: to commit to a vowed life of faithfulness to the Lord; faithfulness to one another in community; faithfulness to God’s people, especially the poor.
The story of the BVM Sisters begins with Foundress Mary Frances Clarke and her companions boarding a ship in Dublin, Ireland, in 1833. These were modern women, shaped by the intellectual and political influences of their day even as they bent their lives to shape the world about them. Leaving their families and homeland, they were driven by a vision of a better life for immigrant children through education. As they celebrate 190 years, the Sisters of Charity, BVM are grateful for all the opportunities from Dublin to Dubuque that have taken BVMs around the world.
Choosing education as the initial ministry was a prophetic decision. BVMs were teachers who opened schools that led to a network of Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country, including two colleges. Throughout history, the majority of BVMs taught in elementary and secondary schools. BVM Sisters staffed more than 300 schools across the United States and in three foreign countries, providing students a quality education, opportunities for development, and Catholic values.
In the 1960s, ministries grew to include healthcare, social services, community advocacy, and parish administration. In accordance with their values, the congregation has taken on corporate stances on nonviolence and immigration reform, and against human trafficking and the death penalty. Their commitment includes joining with others to work for justice and to care for Earth.
As BVMs have retired from active ministry, partnership grants and scholarships for women have been established to ensure the BVM legacy will continue through organizations that hold similar values. Endowed scholarships have also been established in every U.S. diocese in which BVMs have ministered.
BVMs continue to honor the core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice. BVM President LaDonna Manternach shares, “BVM shoes have left footprints around the world for ministry, study, and travel experiences . . . Today, ‘in the spirit of charity,’ virtual BVM footprints are being established via Zoom meetings, grant funding, scholarships, and gifts to organizations that send aid across the world . . . thank God for all the gifts we have received: from Dublin to Dubuque, and around the world.”
Since the beginning, nearly 5,000 women have followed in the footsteps of Mary Frances Clarke. Like many religious congregations today, the BVMs face new challenges. Currently, there are more than 200 sisters with an average age of 85 years young.
In honor of the 190th Anniversary, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary invite you to join with them in a live, virtual Mass held Nov. 1, 2023, at 10:30-11:30 (CDT) at the following link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters. A recording of the Mass will be available following at the same link.
Retrouvaille
Because no marriage is beyond hope…
A marriage-saving program here in the
New York/Metropolitan Area.
- Is your marriage tearing you apart?
- Do you feel hurt and angry?
- Does talking make it worse?
- Thought of leaving or divorce?
- Is your marriage heading in the wrong direction?
Retrouvaille can help.
Our Next Weekend is
November 3-5, 2023
at The Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington
To register or for more information:
1-800-470-2230
HelpOurMarriage.org
Retrouvaille is a practical program for married couples facing difficult challenges.
It is not a marriage retreat or counseling. You will not be asked to share the personal details of your story.
Retrouvaille is different; it’s a way to improve your communication, help you reconnect, and build a healthy, happier, stronger marriage.
Catholic in origin, couples of all faiths, or no faith background, are welcome to attend. We are a Christian Peer Ministry offering tens of thousands of marriages hope in over 160 communities worldwide.
