U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops to convene in Washington November 11-14

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will hold their annual meeting in Washington, November 11-14, 2002.

Topics for discussion include a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, a document on a Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and Respect the Dignity of All God’s Children, complementary norms from the committee on Canonical Affairs which govern fundraising appeals, dollar limits which determine when a diocese must get approval from the Holy See to "alienate," or sell, property and norms governing the leasing of church property.

Other topics include liturgical items, such as the translation of the ordination rite, the translation of the General Instruction on the Roman Missal, and the previously scheduled 5 year review of the Lectionary; a proposal for a new document in support of Catholic elementary and secondary schools, a revised document on domestic violence; a document titled Strangers No Longer, A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration, to be jointly issued by the bishops’ conferences of the United States and Mexico. The bishops will also address a request for a new pastoral statement on stewardship addressed to young adults, a new document Diocesan Financial Issues which will assist dioceses in their accounting and financial reporting; and a Pro-Life statement on the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.

For further information in regard to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, visit: www.usccb.org