• CARA Report on 2004 Allegations Released (05-040)
  February 18, 2005
  Over 600 diocesan priests and deacons were accused in 2004 of sexual abuse of minors, with the majority of allegations of abuse occurring between 1970 and 1974. Half of these clergy had been subject of accusations previously. Most of the alleged offenders (71 percent) were deceased, already removed from ministry, or had been previously returned to the lay state (laicized) when the 2004 allegations were made.
• Second 'Charter' Implementation Report Issued By Catholic Bishops Conference (05-039)
  February 18, 2005
  By December 31, 2004, 187, or 96.3 percent, of all dioceses and eparchies (dioceses of the Eastern Catholic Churches) were compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Catholic bishops of the United States at their meeting in Dallas in June 2002.
• Bishop Skylstad Calls For Prayer For Hospitalized Pope (05-020)
  February 2, 2005
  Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for prayers for Pope John Paul II, on February 1, shortly after the pope was hospitalized in Rome with breathing difficulties and the flu.
• Pope Appoints Msgr. Michael Jackels As Bishop Of Wichita, Ks. (05-018)
  January 28, 2005
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Michael O. Jackels, a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln who has served for the past eight years at the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as Bishop of Wichita. He succeeds Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted who was appointed Bishop of Phoenix in November, 2003.
• Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Rueger, Auxiliary Bishop Of Worcester (05-017)
  January 25, 2005
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop George E. Rueger, auxiliary bishop of Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Pope Accepts Resignation Of Archbishop Keleher Of Kansas City In Kansas; Coadjutor Bishop Naumann Will Succeed (05-012)
  January 15, 2005
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Archbishop James P. Keleher of Kansas City in Kansas. Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, who was named Coadjutor Archbishop a year ago, will now become Ordinary of that See.
• Pope Creates Ecclesiastical Province Of Galveston-Houston; Accepts Resignation Of Abp. Flores In San Antonio And Names Bishop Jose Gomez As His Successor; Appoints New Bishops For Saginaw And La Crosse (04-252)
  December 29, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has created the new Ecclesiastical Province of Galveston-Houston and has elevated the See of Galveston-Houston to a Metropolitan See. Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, who has led the diocese for the past 20 years, will become the first Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Galveston-Houston last January, will now become Coadjutor Archbishop.
• Late Congressional Action on Several Bills Addressed Issues of Major Importance to the Catholic Bishops (04-249)
  December 20, 2004
  In the final weeks of this Congress, several issues of major importance to the Catholic Bishops were addressed. These provisions, which were enacted, or in some instances rejected, because of major lobbying efforts by the USCCB, came in the areas of "conscience protection amendment" for health care providers; restoration of funding for Catholic school students; new requirements to serve disabled students; legislation dealing with the death penalty; and immigration.
• Pittsburgh Diocesan Official Is Named Auxiliary Bishop (04-247)
  December 16, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Paul J. Bradley, General Secretary and Vicar General of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, to serve as Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh.
• Bishop Wilton Gregory Named to Succeed Archbishop Donoghue in Atlanta; National Shrine Rector Will Succeed Bishop Schmitt in Wheeling-Charleston (04-241)
  December 8, 2004
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Archbishop John F. Donoghue of Atlanta and appointed Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville to succeed him.
• World Day For Consecrated Life Celebrated Feb. 6 In U.S. (04-239)
  December 6, 2004
  The U.S. celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life will be held Sunday, Feb. 6, across the nation.
• USCCB President, Vice President, Vote Results (04-233)
  November 17, 2004
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops elected a new president and vice president Monday to serve three-year terms beginning at the conclusion of their semi-annual meeting here today.
• Bishop William Skylstad Elected President of Catholic Bishops (04-230)
  November 15, 2004
  The nation's Catholic bishops today elected Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane to a three-year term as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He will be the thirteenth president of the Catholic bishops since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
• Bishops' Opening Liturgy To Mark 25th Anniversary Of Racism Pastoral (04-228)
  November 12, 2004
  The opening liturgy of the 2004 Fall General Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception here, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of their pastoral letter on racism, Brothers and Sisters to Us, in which they declared "racism is a sin."
• Bishop Dorsey's Resignation Accepted, Bishop Wenski Succeeds In Orlando (04-227)
  November 13, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, CP, of Orlando, Florida. The Coadjutor Bishop, Thomas G. Wenski, now becomes head of the diocese.
• Backgrounder: Retirement Fund for Religious (04-221)
  November 8, 2004
  The appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR), now in its 17th year, has generated a greater response than any annual appeal in U.S. Catholic Church history. The more than $440 million that the appeal has raised helps to ensure appropriate care for almost 40,000 Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who are now past age 70.
• Religious Retirement Collection Slated For December 11-12 (04-220)
  November 8, 2004
  The 17th annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be conducted in Catholic parishes on December 11-12 under the theme "Share in the Care."
• Msgr. Herzog Of Biloxi Appointed Bishop Of Alexandria, LA (04-217)
  November 4, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Ronald P. Herzog, a priest of the diocese of Biloxi and pastor of Immaculate Conception parish, Laurel, Mississippi, as Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana.
• Request For Proposals Issued For "Causes And Context Study" (04-214)
  October 29, 2004
  The National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People announced the release of a Request for Grant Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive study on the causes of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and deacons in the United States and the social context in which it occurred.
• Media Advisory: USCCB Annual Meeting, November 15-18, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill (04-203)
  October 22, 2004
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will hold its fall meeting in Washington, DC, November 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. The agenda will include:
• Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Fitzsimons Of Salina, Names Wichita Priest As His Successor (04-199)
  October 20, 2004
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop George K. Fitzsimons of Salina, Kansas, and appointed as his successor Father Paul S. Coakley, Director of the Spiritual Life Center and pastor, Church of the Magdalen, Wichita.
• Pope Names New Bishops For Harrisburg, Columbus And Grand Island, Accepts Resignations Of Bishops Griffin And McNamara (04-195)
  October 14, 2004
  Pope John Paul II appointed Msgr. Kevin C. Rhoades, rector of Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD, as Bishop of Harrisburg. He succeeds Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo who died in March.
• Chairman, Members Appointed For National Review Board (04-194)
  October 15, 2004
  Belleville Bishop, Wilton D. Gregory, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), announced today the appointment of a chairman and 5 new members for the National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People (NRB).
• Charter Review Process Begun (04-193)
  October 8, 2004
  In a letter sent to the Catholic Bishops of the United States, St. Paul and Minneapolis Archbishop Harry J. Flynn announced the beginning of the review process for the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People which the bishops adopted in June, 2002.
• U.S. Catholics Give $28 Million Plus For Religious Retirement Collection In 2003 (04-192)
  October 6, 2004
  U.S. Catholics donated $28,016,815 to the Retirement Fund for Religious in 2003.
• Down the Road - October Calendar: Contribute To Unity (04-177)
  September 15, 2004
  
• Pope Accepts Resignations Of Auxiliary Bishops Roque And Madera (04-175)
  September 15, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignations of Auxiliary Bishops Francis X. Roque and Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA.
• Bishop Gregory Addresses Congressional Black Caucus Forum (04-173)
  September 8, 2004
  Belleville Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), participated in the forum, "Great Voices of Faith in a Time of Crisis," part of the 34th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference.
• Archdiocesan Official Named Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles (04-170)
  September 7, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Monsignor Alexander Salazar, Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Church, as Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles. He was also assigned the Titular See of Nesqually.
• Dioceses, Parishes, North American College in Rome to Mark Patriot Day, September 11 (04-168)
  September 1, 2004
  Masses, rallies and a dedication of a memorial are among events planned for dioceses and parishes in the United States and at North American College in Rome to mark Patriot Day, September 11.
• Worth Noting In September (04-164)
  August 20, 2004
  
• Catholics Focus Attention on Faith And Participation in the Political Process (04-162)
  August 20, 2004
  The connection between faith and participation in the political process is receiving renewed attention among Catholics and others in this election year.
• Down the Road - September Calendar (04-158)
  August 19, 2004
  
• Pope Appoints Nashville Bishop Kmiec As Bishop Of Buffalo (04-150)
  August 11, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Nashville as Bishop of Buffalo.
• Ordination Class Of 2004 Reflects Older, More Educated, More Foreign-Born Men (04-146)
  August 6, 2004
  The ordination class of 2004 reflects a trend toward older, more educated and more foreign-born men entering the priesthood in the United States.
• Bishop Gregory Praises New Roman Document (04-144)
  July 31, 2004
  Belleville Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, called a newly released document of the Holy See on the collaboration of men and women "a timely reminder of both the equality of men and women and also of the distinctive difference between them with which God endowed them in creation."
• Cardinal Ratzinger Says U.S. Bishops' Statement On Catholics In Political Life 'Very Much In Harmony' With General Principles Sent By Congregation (04-133)
  July 12, 2004
  Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Chairman of the Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians, received a July 9 letter from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying the U.S. Bishops' statement on Catholics in political life is "very much in harmony" with the general principles previously sent by the Congregation.
• Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Bennett Named Bishop In Jamaica (04-127)
  July 6, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has named Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Gordon D. Bennett, S.J., as Bishop of Mandeville, Jamaica.
• Msgr. Mitchell Rozanski Named Auxiliary Bishop Of Baltimore (04-124)
  July 2, 2004
  Pope John Paul II named Monsignor Mitchell T. Rozanski, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park, as Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore.
• Pope Appoints Auxilary Bishops for New York Archdiocese (04-123)
  June 28, 2004
  Pope John Paul II appointed two New York archdiocesan priests as auxiliary bishops of New York.
• Number Of Women Leaders In Church Compares Favorably To U.S. Work Force (04-122)
  June 25, 2004
  The percentage of women in diocesan leadership positions compares favorably with the U.S. workforce, according to a church study released June 6, and called for by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church.
• Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Elya Of Newton Eparchy, Appoints Archbishop Bustros Of Lebanon To That Same See (04-117)
  June 22, 2004
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend John A. Elya, BSO, of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy (diocese) of Newton and appointed Archbishop Cyrille Salim Bustros of Baalbeck, Lebanon to the same see.
• Bishops Approve On-Site Audit for 2004 (04-114)
  June 15, 2004
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved an on-site audit of all dioceses and eparchies (diocese of the Eastern Catholic Churches) to be completed by December 31, 2004.
• Pope Appoints Auxiliary Bishops For Philadelphia Archdiocese (04-106)
  June 8, 2004
  Pope John Paul II appointed two Philadelphia archdiocesan priests as Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia.
• Bishops' June Meeting To Be 'Special Assembly' (04-104)
  June 3, 2004
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather in a special assembly June 14-19, 2004, in Englewood, Colorado.
• Pope Accepts Bishop Rodimer's Resignation, Appoints Bishop Arthur Serratelli Bishop of Paterson (04-100)
  June 1, 2004
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Frank J. Rodimer of Paterson, New Jersey, and appointed Newark Auxiliary Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli as his successor.
• Media Alert – Worth Noting in June (04-096)
  May 21, 2004
  
• Pope Appoints Auxiliary Bishops for Newark, Accepts Resignations of Bishops David Arias and Charles McDonnell (04-095)
  May 21, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has appointed two priests who serve as Spiritual Directors at Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, New Jersey, as Auxiliary Bishops of Newark.
• Pensacola Pastor Named Auxiliary Bishop Of Washington; Resignation Of Auxiliary Bishop Leonard Olivier Accepted (04-093)
  May 18, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Father Martin Holley, pastor of Little Flower Church, Pensacola, Florida, as Titular Bishop of Rusubisir and Auxiliary Bishop of Washington.
• Down the Road – Upcoming June Calendar (04-089)
  May 7, 2004
  
• Pope Names Two Chaplains as Auxiliary Bishops of the Military Archdiocese (04-085)
  May 7, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has named two currently serving Chaplains as Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. They are:
• Bishop Gregory Says Task Force Discussing Participation of Catholics in Political Life (04-077)
  April 23, 2004
  Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement regarding the participation of Catholics in public life:
• Down the Road: Upcoming May Calendar (04-075)
  April 23, 2004
  
• Media Alert Worth Noting in May 2004 (04-074)
  April 23, 2004
  May Time to Recognize "Blessings of Age"
• USCCB President Welcomes New Instruction on The Eucharist (04-070)
  April 23, 2004
  Belleville Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), welcomed the Instruction "Redemptionis Sacramentum" issued today by the Holy See's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
• Bishops' Membership Photo Directory Now Available (04-060)
  March 31, 2004
  A useful tool for identifying and locating members of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States is now available from the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Communications.
• Bishop Francis X. Dilorenzo Named Bishop of Richmond (04-059)
  March 31, 2004
  Pope John Paul II appointed Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo of Honolulu as Bishop of Richmond.
• More Than 150,000 People to Join Catholic Church Holy Saturday (04-057)
  March 31, 2004
  More than 150,000 Americans will join the Catholic Church, on Holy Saturday, April 10, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
• Opportunities for Lay Consultation Expanding (04-056)
  March 23, 2004
  A recent survey of U.S. bishops shows that structures for laity to provide a consultative voice to the Church have expanded.
• Pope Appoints Bishop Galante to Camden, Bishop George Thomas to Helena, Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Costello of Syracuse (04-055)
  March 23, 2004
  Pope John Paul II appointed Coadjutor Bishop Joseph A. Galante of Dallas to be Bishop of Camden, New Jersey, and named Auxiliary Bishop George L. Thomas of Seattle as Bishop of Helena, Montana.
• Down the Road – Upcoming April Calendar (04-054)
  March 18, 2004
  
• Pope Accepts Bishop Reilly's Resignation, Names Bishop McManus to Worcester; New Bishops For Springfield, MA, And Ogdensburg, NY; A Coadjutor Bishop for Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO (04-046)
  March 9, 2004
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of 75-year-old Bishop Daniel P. Reilly of Worcester, MA, and named Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. McManus of Providence, RI, as his successor.
• 700 Priests Removed Since January 2002 (04-040)
  February 27, 2004
  Belleville Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement today.
• Father Thomas G. Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap, Named Executive Director of Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices (04-035)
  February 25, 2004
  Father Thomas G. Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap., of the Faculty of Theology, Oxford University, has been named Executive Director of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
• Meeting of the Bishops of the Church in America Sends Expression of Solidarity with Bishops of Haiti (04-030)
  February 23, 2004
  The Bishops of the Church in America, in San Antonio, Texas for their annual meeting, sent a message of greetings and solidarity to the Bishops of the Church in Haiti.
• 16 New Members Are Announced For The United States Conference Of Catholic Bishops" National Advisory Council (04-016)
  January 21, 2004
  Sixteen new members have been added to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops" National Advisory Council, a 63-member body which meets semi-annually to review documentation and offer recommendations concerning matters before the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Parishes Plan Celebrations For Consecrated Life Day (04-002)
  January 2, 2004
  Parishes across the country are organizing celebrations for the eighth annual World Day for Consecrated Life, to be marked Sunday, February 8.
• "Church-Dividing" Issues of Eucharist and Baptism Are Topics As 7th Round of Official Catholic-Reformed Consultation Begins (03-229)
  November 25, 2003
  An in-depth look at two major "church-dividing" issues in the 16th century that lay at the heart of the Protestant Reformation, the sacramental understanding of Eucharist and Baptist, formed the agenda as the Seventh Round of the official Catholic-Reformed consultation began.
• Bishops To Consider Pastoral Statement Popular Devotional Practices: Basic Questions And Answers (03-217)
  November 7, 2003
  "Popular devotions are not a matter in which 'one size fits all.' We must be aware that in our Church today in the U.S. there are various ethnic groups who are living in different cultural contexts and be sensitive to the fact that these groups often find that different devotional practices correspond better with their spiritual needs than others."
• Bishop Henry Mansell Named to Archbishop of Hartford; Pope Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Daniel Cronin (03-201)
  October 20, 2003
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Hartford Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, 75, and named Bishop Henry J. Mansell of Buffalo as his successor.
• Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Blair Appointed Bishop of Toledo (03-192)
  October 7, 2003
  Pope John Paul II has named Auxiliary Bishop Leonard P. Blair of Detroit as Bishop of Toledo. He succeeds Bishop James R. Hoffman who died February 8, 2003.
• Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop John S. Cummins; Bishop Allen H. Vigneron Succeeds As Bishop Of Oakland, California (03-191)
  October 1, 2003
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop John S. Cummins of Oakland. Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, who was named Coadjutor Bishop of Oakland last January, will now become Ordinary of the diocese.
• Planning Now Underway For Consecrated Life Day 2004 (03-189)
  September 24, 2003
  Local dioceses and parishes are making plans now to celebrate 2004 World Day for Consecrated Life. The celebration will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2004.
• Pope Accepts Resignation of Richmond Bishop Walter F. Sullivan; Cardinal Keeler Is Named Apostolic Administrator (03-183)
  September 15, 2003
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Walter F. Sullivan of Richmond and appointed Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, as Apostolic Administrator of Richmond.
• Bishop Gregory Says Church Owes Much to Priests Faithful to Chaste Celibacy, "A Powerful Spiritual Means to Draw Closer to Christ" (03-176)
  September 3, 2003
  The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops declared that "the vitality of the Church in the United States today owes much to the tens of thousands of priests who in previous generations were and today are faithful to the commitment to chaste celibacy and who have found it to be a powerful spiritual means to draw closer to Christ."
• Book Launches, Exhibits, Pilgrimages to Mark Papal Anniversary (03-173)
  August 26, 2003
  Book launch parties, museum exhibits, pilgrimages to Rome, anniversary editions of diocesan newspapers and special liturgical events will mark U.S. celebrations of the silver jubilee of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
• 2004 World Day for Consecrated Life Launched Nationwide (03-154)
  July 28, 2003
  Materials to facilitate celebrations of the 2004 World Day for Consecrated Life are now available online at www.consecratedlife.org for use in dioceses around the country.
• Bishops Approve National Directories on Catechesis, Permanent Diaconate (03-146)
  July 15, 2003
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States have approved two major documents with considerable importance to the ministry of the Church in this country. They are the revised National Directory for Catechesis and the revised National Directory for Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States.
• Pope Names Bishop Sean O'Malley as Archbishop of Boston; Bishop Barbarito of Ogdensburg Named Bishop of Palm Beach (03-136)
  July 1, 2003
  Archbishop-elect O'Malley, 59, succeeds Cardinal Bernard F. Law who resigned last December. Bishop Richard G. Lennon has been serving as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese.
• Class of '03 Priests Younger, More Educated, and More Diverse (03-105)
  May 22, 2003
  Priests ordained in 2003 are younger, more educated, and more diverse than their average diocesan and religious order counterparts, according to a recently-released survey of the class of 2003.
• Bishops' June Agenda to Include Vote on National Directory For Catechesis (03-103)
  May 22, 2003
  A comprehensive National Directory for Catechesis offering catechetical principles and guidelines for those who teach the Catholic faith will be voted on by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their General Meeting in St. Louis, June 19-21.
• National Directory For Permanent Deacons' Ministry Set For Bishops' June Agenda (03-098)
  May 13, 2003
  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote on a comprehensive National Directory that addresses the ministry of the nearly 14,000 permanent deacons in the United States at their General Meeting in St. Louis, June 19-21.
• USCCB President Greets New Encyclical on the Eucharist (03-090)
  April 17, 2003
  Belleville Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), welcomed the encyclical, Ecclesia De Eucharistia, signed today, Holy Thursday, by Pope John Paul II in Rome.
• Book on Roman Catholic-Polish National Catholic Dialogue To Be Published In The Fall (03-078)
  April 7, 2003
  The thirty-sixth meeting of the Roman Catholic-Polish National Catholic Dia-logue took place at the Washington Retreat House in Washington, DC, on March 26 and 27, 2003. It was presided over by Bishop James C. Timlin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton and PNCC Prime Bishop Emeritus John F. Swantek.
• Ecumenical Theologians Respond To Pope's Encyclical Ut Unum Sint (03-071)
  March 26, 2003
  A group of scholars representing over forty Protestant, Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches met here to discuss the "Petrine Ministry" and its role in promoting unity among Christians.
• Bishops Study Islam and Catholic-Muslim Relations (03-060)
  March 17, 2003
  Twelve Catholic bishops inaugurated the interreligious institute for bishops at a three-day program on Islam and Catholic-Muslim relations, March 10-13, 2003.
• USCCB Publishes Booklet on Celebrating the Sacrament Of Penance (03-031)
  February 11, 2003
  Published to coincide with the start of Lent in March 2003, a new booklet Celebrating the Sacrament of Penance: Questions and Answers is now available from USCCB Publishing, the publishing arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Number of Deacons Shows Steady Growth Worldwide (03-027)
  February 7, 2003
  The number of Permanent Deacons continues to experience a strong and steady increase in most parts of the world. From 1998 to 2001, their number increased by 17% worldwide.
• Catholic Health Care in the Americas Theme of 2003 World Day of the Sick (03-008)
  January 13, 2003
  "The Path to Solidarity: The Vocation of Health Care in America" is the theme for the 11th Annual World Day of the Sick, to be held here in February 2003.
• Bishops to Vote on Three Liturgy Items Next Week (02-229)
  November 7, 2003
  The nation's Catholic bishops will be asked to approve three items – a new translation of the ordination rite, a translation of the General Instruction of The Roman Missal, and a process for reviewing the Lectionary for Mass – when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meets here next week.
• Bishops to Discuss Calling First 'Plenary Council' Since 1884 (02-225)
  November 6, 2002
  At their semi-annual meeting next week, the nation's Catholic bishops will be briefed on a proposal to convene the first plenary council in more than a century.
• Pope Issues Historic Apostolic Letter on The Rosary (02-205)
  October 17, 2003
  On the day marking the beginning of the 25th year of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II issued an historic Apostolic Letter on the Rosary.
• Evangelization Directors Hold Second Biennial Meeting; Note Racial, Ethnic, Generational Diversity Among U.S. Catholics (02-186)
  September 26, 2003
  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Evangelization and Secretariat for Evangelization gathered with 80 members of the U.S. Commission on Catholic Evangelization and Diocesan Directors of Evangelization for the second biennial Convocation on Evangelization.
• More Than 3,400 Men Studying For Priesthood in United States (02-175)
  September 16, 2003
  More than 3,400 men are studying for the diocesan priesthood in the United States this academic year, according to reports from dioceses nationwide.
• World Day for Consecrated Life Slated for February 2-3 (02-001)
  January 12, 2003
  The annual 2002 World Day for Consecrated Life will be marked in dioceses nationwide the weekend of February 2-3. The theme is "Be Seekers of the Lord," from the Book of Zephaniah 2:3.
• Bishop Robert N. Lynch Named President, Chairman of CRS Board (01-227)
  December 31, 2001
  Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida, has been named president and chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) by Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Illinois, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which oversees CRS.
• Covington Bishop Robert W. Muench Named Bishop of Baton Rouge (01-219)
  December 14, 2003
  Pope John Paul II has named Bishop Robert W. Muench of Covington, Kentucky as Bishop of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Bishops Declare January 1 'Day of Prayer For Peace,' Resources Available (01-206)
  November 27, 2001
  In response to the tragedies of September 11, the nation's Catholic bishops have designated January 1, 2002, a Day of Prayer for Peace.
• Bishops Adopt Revised Plan for Pro-Life Activities (01-197)
  November 14, 2001
  In a plan called A Campaign in Support of Life, the nation's Catholic bishops said that the pervasive threat to human life arising from public policies that encourage abortion undermines respect for life in all other contexts.
• Bishop Gregory Is Second USCCB President, Twelfth since Vatican Council II (01-196)
  November 13, 2001
  The nation's Catholic bishops today elected Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville to a three-year term as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Statement on Asian Pacific Presence, a Call to Solidarity with Africa, Revised Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities, Election of New President and Vice President on Bishops' Fall Agenda (01-190)
  November 5, 2001
  A pastoral statement entitled Asian Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith, a statement on Africa: A Call to Solidarity with Africa, and a revised Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life are among items on the agenda for the fall meeting of the nation's Catholic bishops.
• Pope Accepts Three Resignations, Appoints Three Auxiliary Bishops in New York (01-184)
  October 29, 2001
  Pope John Paul II appointed three New York priests to be auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of New York while accepting the resignations of three other auxiliary bishops.
• Registration Opens for World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto (01-174)
  October 5, 2001
  Groups of young people between the ages of 16 and 35 can now register for the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) to be held on July 23--28, 2002 in Toronto, Canada.
• Age of Confirmation Decreed (01-150)
  August 31, 2001
  Following recognition by the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has decreed that the age for conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Latin Rite dioceses of the United States will be between "the age of discretion and about sixteen years of age."
• Two Auxiliaries Named for Archdiocese of Boston (01-119)
  June 28, 2001
  Pope John Paul II has appointed two new Auxiliary Bishops to assist Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston.
• Bishops Named for Rockville Centre, St. Augustine (01-115)
  June 27, 2001
  Pope John Paul II has named Boston Auxiliary Bishop William F. Murphy to head the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. He has also named Monsignor Victor Galeone, the pastor of St. Agnes Parish, Baltimore, as Bishop of St. Augustine, Florida.
• Father John F. Hotchkin, Director of Bishops' Ecumenical Office, Is Dead at 66 (01-116)
  June 25, 2001
  Father John F. Hotchkin, Executive Director of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, died at his residence in Washington, June 24.
• Msgr. Vincent Rizzotto Named Auxiliary of Galveston-Houston (01-114)
  June 21, 2001
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Vincent M. Rizzotto, Vicar General of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, to serve as the Auxiliary Bishop to Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza.
• North American Orthodox-catholic Theological Consultation (01-099)
  June 7, 2001
  The sixtieth meeting of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation was held at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY, from May 29 to 31, 2001.
• World Day for Consecrated Life 2002 Set for February 2-3 (01-094)
  June 4, 2001
  The World Day for Consecrated Life 2002 will be marked in the United States the weekend of February 2-3.
• The Church in Each Place and in All Places Was Theme for United Methodist Roman Catholic Dialogue (01-052)
  March 30, 2001
  The first regular meeting of the sixth round of the United Methodist Roman Catholic Dialogue in the United States met from March 26 - 28 at St Paul's College, Washington, DC.
• Second Edition of Spanish Language Catechism For The United States to Be Published (01-050)
  March 29, 2001
  The second edition for the United States of Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, the Spanish language version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in both soft and hard cover formats, will be available for distribution in early April from the United States Catholic Conference and Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.
• Committee on the Home Missions Will Award Nearly $9 Million in Grants this Year (01-048)
  March 26, 2001
  The Bishops' Committee on the Home Missions (CHM) will award nearly $9 million in grants to more than 100 dioceses, organizations and religious orders this year.
• Pope Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Francis T. Hurley; Bishop Roger L. Schwietz Succeeds in Anchorage (01-035)
  March 3, 2001
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Archbishop Francis T. Hurley of Anchorage, Alaska. Most Reverend Roger L. Schwietz, OMI, who was named Coadjutor Archbishop of Anchorage in January of last year, will now become Ordinary of the Archdiocese.
• Sister Glenn Anne Mcphee Named USCC Secretary for Education (01-037)
  March 2, 2001
  Dominican Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, has been named Secretary for Education at the United States Catholic Conference effective late summer.
• Catholic Leaders Express Appreciation for Dabru Emet, a Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity (00-265)
  October 31, 2000
  Catholic leaders in the United States have issued a letter of appreciation for the recently published Dabru Emet: a Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity.
• Relations Between the Churches, And the Filioque, Discussed by North American Orthodox-Catholic Consultation (00-264)
  October 30, 2000
  The fifty-ninth meeting of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation took place at Saint Paul's College in Washington, DC, from October 26 to 28, 2000.
• Conciliarity and Primacy, and The Document Dominus Iesus, Discussed at Recent Roman Catholic-Polish National Catholic Dialogue (00-263)
  October 27, 2000
  Conciliarity and Primacy, recent developments in the Union of Utrecht, sacramental sharing, and the recent document Dominus Iesus were subjects of discussion at the fall meeting of the Roman Catholic - Polish National Catholic dialogue that took place in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on October 24 and 25.
• Bishops to Vote on Establishing a Committee on Catechesis (00-259)
  October 24, 2000
  The U.S. bishops will vote to establish a permanent committee on catechesis during their November 13-16 meeting in Washington.
• Associate General Secretary Appointed for NCCB/USCC (00-254)
  October 20, 2000
  Religious Sister of Mercy Lourdes Sheehan has been appointed an associate general secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference.
• Statement Issued on the Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue at the Dawn of a New Millennium (00-248)
  October 5, 2000
  The North American Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops adopted a statement on the Orthodox-Catholic dialogue at the conclusion of its 17th meeting, which was held on the island of Crete near Chania, Greece, from October 2 to 4.
• Special Relationship Between Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Reaffirmed at 50th Meeting Here (00-246)
  October 3, 2000
  Meeting for the 50th time since the first meeting in June 1965, the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA) convened at the College of Preachers, Washington, DC, September 21-24, 2000.
• Latest Religious Retirement Collection Exceeds $31 Million; Reaches Highest Level Ever (00-117)
  May 15, 2000
  Donations to the latest Religious Retirement Collection reached $31.4 million, the largest amount ever collected in an annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
• Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue Holds Spring Meeting (00-119)
  May 12, 2000
  Further discussion of the Petrine Ministry and primacy in the Church took place at the Spring 2000 meeting of the Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue.
• Ordination Class Shows Ethnic Variety, Catholic School Impact (00-118)
  May 12, 2000
  The ordination class of 2000 reflects both a wide ethnic variety and the influence of Catholic schools, according to a national survey of men about to be ordained Catholic priests.
• Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Takes Another Step Forward (00-116)
  May 11, 2000
  At a four-day meeting here, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue in the United States took another step towards reconciling differences over bishops, primacy, and decision-making bodies within the two churches.
• Pope Appoints Bishop Edward M. Egan of Bridgeport as Archbishop of New York (00-114)
  May 11, 2000
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop Edward M. Egan of Bridgeport, Connecticut, as Archbishop of New York. He succeeds Cardinal John J. O'Connor, who died May 3.
• Commission Studying Vatican Archival Material on Holy See's Role in World War II and the Holocaust Issues Second Statement (00-111)
  May 8, 2000
  The International Catholic Jewish Historical Commission to review Vatican archival material relating to the Holy See's role during World War II and the Holocaust concluded a four-day meeting in London on May 7.
• Bishops' Committee for Pro-life Activities Mourns Death of Cardinal O'Connor (00-106)
  May 4, 2000
  The Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities and the staff of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities issued a statement on the death of Cardinal John O'Connor of New York, who died May 3. This is the text of the statement.
• NCCB/USCC President Issues Statement on Death of Cardinal O'Connor (00-105)
  May 3, 2000
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, issued the following statement on the death of Cardinal John J. O'Connor of New York.
• Historic Consultation of Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops Set for Canada in May (00-101)
  April 28, 2000
  Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops from 13 regions around the world are to gather in Canada, May 14-20, to review and evaluate the accomplishment of 30 years of ecumenical dialogue between the two traditions and to reflect on how the special relationship between them has been developing in different parts of the world.
• ICEL Consultation Takes Place in Washington (00-097)
  April 25, 2000
  A meeting of presidents of English-speaking Episcopal Conferences took place in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2000, to discuss the mission and purpose of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). The meeting was held in held in executive session, but the participants authorized the following joint statement.
• Vocations Congress Slated for Montreal October 2001 (00-095)
  April 25, 2000
  More than 1,000 delegates from Canada and the United States are expected to attend a Continental Congress on Vocations to the Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life in North America, to be held in Montreal, Canada, October 4-7, 2001.
• World Day for Consecrated Life 2001 Set for February 3-4 (00-083)
  April 17, 2000
  The World Day for Consecrated Life 2001 will be marked in the United States the weekend of February 3-4.
• NCCB/USCC President Issues Statement on Death of Bishop Malone (00-082)
  April 10, 2000
  Galveston-Houston Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza issued the following statement on the death of Bishop James W. Malone.
• Associate General Secretary Appointed for Bishops' Conference (00-079)
  April 7, 2000
  The Reverend Monsignor David J. Malloy has been appointed Associate General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in the United States. He is currently serving in the Prefecture of the Papal Household in the Vatican.
• Mid-Atlantic Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics Commits to Preparing Materials on Marriage and Family Life (00-068)
  March 28, 2000
  At the third meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics, held at Immaculate Conception Center in Queens, New York, February 23-24, participants agreed to begin preparing a text together that covers their views of marriage and family life.
• Bishops' Membership Photo Directory Now Available (00-064)
  March 23, 2000
  A useful tool for identifying and locating members of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States is now available from the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Communications.
• Catholic Bishops Express Appreciation for Statements by United Methodist, Pentecostal Leaders (00-063)
  March 22, 2000
  Two Catholic Bishops closely involved in ecumenical relations expressed gratitude for statements made by officials of the United Methodist Church and by a Pentecostal scholar in response to Pope John Paul's recent "Purification of Memory" liturgy at the Vatican.
• Msgr. Jaime Soto Named Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange (00-062)
  March 22, 2000
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Jaime Soto, Episcopal Vicar for the Hispanic Community of Orange, California, as Titular Bishop of Segia and Auxiliary Bishop of Orange.
• Pope's 'Purification of Memory' Act Is Model for All Catholics, Especially Bishops, Says NCCB Administrative Committee (00-054)
  March 16, 2000
  The Administrative Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) issued a statement expressing "profound gratitude to our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, for his act of 'purification of memory' celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica on March 12."
• Bishop Fiorenza Notes Start of Sainthood Cause for Dorothy Day (00-053)
  March 16, 2000
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement on learning that the Vatican has opened the cause of sainthood for Dorothy Day, now to be called Dorothy Day, Servant of God.
• Jubilee Day for Singles April 27 (00-052)
  March 15, 2000
  The Jubilee Day for Single Persons will be celebrated April 27 by the Church in the United States.
• Jewish, Catholic Consultation Hails Papal Pilgrimage to Israel (00-051)
  March 14, 2000
  Members of the Ongoing Consultation between the National Council of Synagogues and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops have sent greetings to Pope John Paul II as the Pontiff prepares for next week's historic pilgrimage to Israel.
• Muslims and Catholics Form Dialogue on West Coast (00-045)
  March 9, 2000
  Muslims and Catholics have formed the West Coast Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics. With the sponsorship of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and shurah councils of Northern and Southern California, representatives of various local and national organizations will meet annually in the West Coast region.
• Cardinal Law Explains Agreement Between P.L.O. and the Holy See (00-048)
  March 9, 2000
  Last month's diplomatic agreement between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Holy See should not be construed as interference in the Middle East peace process, according to the chairman of the Bishops' International Policy Committee.
• Msgr. Kaising Named Auxiliary in Archdiocese for Military Services (00-031)
  February 22, 2000
  Pope John Paul II appointed Monsignor John J. Kaising of Cincinnati as Titular Bishop of Orreacelia and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
• Most Reverend Edmond Carmody Named Bishop of Corpus Christi (00-022)
  February 2, 2000
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop Edmond Carmody of Tyler, Texas as Bishop of Corpus Christi.
• NCCB President Issues Statement on Move Toward Sainthood for U.S. Nun-Heiress Katharine Drexel, Pope John XXIII, Father Seelos (00-020)
  February 1, 2000
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement concerning the move closer to sainthood for U.S. nun-heiress Blessed Katharine Drexel, Pope John XXIII and Redemptorist Father Francis Xavier Seelos, a Bavarian native who worked with immigrants in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan and Louisiana.
• Auxiliary Bishop Named for Boston (00-019)
  January 28, 2000
  Pope John Paul II has appointed the Reverend Richard J. Malone Titular Bishop of Aptuca and Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. Father Malone is currently serving as the archdiocese's Secretary for Education.
• Bishop Fiorenza Extends Sympathy on Occasion of Seton Hall Fire (00-014)
  January 19, 2000
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza expressed the sympathy of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the occasion of the January 19 fire at Seton Hall University. His letter is attached.
• Bishop Named to Little Rock; Coadjutor Succeeds in Rockville Centre (00-004)
  January 4, 2000
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignations of Bishop Andrew J. McDonald of Little Rock and Bishop John R. McGann of Rockville Centre and has appointed the Rev. Msgr. James Peter Sartain, vicar general of the Diocese of Memphis, to be bishop of Little Rock. In Rockville Centre, Bishop James T. McHugh, who was appointed coadjutor bishop there in 1998, succeeds to the see.
• U.S. Bishops Welcome Jubilee Year With Ad Campaign on God's Love (00-003)
  January 2, 2000
  The U.S. bishops opened the Jubilee Year 2000 with an ad campaign that highlights people's power for good when they realize God loves them.
• Sixth Graders Vote Maryknoll, Precious Blood Sisters Websites Most Attractives and Useful of Religious Order Sites (00-002)
  January 2, 2000
  Sixth grade students at Mary, Seat of Wisdom School in Park Ridge, Illinois, voted the Websites of the Maryknoll Missionaries and the Sisters of the Most Previous Blood the most attractive and most useful sites, respectively, of religious order sites on the World Wide Web.
• Religious Orders Increasing Presence on World Wide Web (00-001)
  January 2, 2000
  Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests stand among the millions of people seeking connection through the World Wide Web, according to a recent survey of Catholic institutes of consecrated life.
• September Events (99-196)
  August 23, 1999
• September Pitches (99-195)
  August 23, 1999
• Cardinal Keeler Deplores Shooting at Jewish Community Center (99-189)
  August 10, 1999
  Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore and moderator for Catholic-Jewish Relations for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement regarding the attack on the Jewish day care center in Los Angeles.
• Radionovela Series Wins Prestigious Catholic Award (99-186)
  August 6, 1999
  "I Love You, Dad," a public service announcement imitating a radionovela, received a prestigious 1999 "Gabriel Award" from Unda-USA, a national Catholic association of communicators which rewards quality programming proclaiming "a value-centered view of society and humanity."
• Six CCC-Funded Media Efforts Take UNDA-USA Gabriel Awards (99-187)
  August 5, 1999
  Six national media efforts funded in whole or in part by the Catholic Communication Campaign will be honored with Gabriel statuettes or an honorable mention certificate at the 1999 Unda-USA assembly in Las Vegas in October.
• August Events (99-178)
  July 23, 1999
• August Pitches (99-177)
  July 23, 1999
• Statement of NCCB President on Resignation of Bishop Ziemann (99-179)
  July 22, 1999
  Following is the statement of Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the resignation of Bishop G. Patrick Ziemann from the Diocese of Santa Rosa, California.
• NCCB President Issues Statement on Kennedy-Bessette Tragedy (99-176)
  July 19, 1999
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, Texas, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement after the U.S. Coast Guard found no signs of the plane carrying John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her sister Lauren Bessette, believed lost at sea July 16.
• Catholic Communication Campaign to Host Advance Screening of Documentary on El Salvador Jesuit Murders (99-167)
  July 15, 1999
  In 1989, the brutal murders of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter shocked the world and proved to be a pivotal event in El Salvador's long civil war.
• Fla. Priest Named Bishop of Charleston as Bp. Thompson Resigns (99-170)
  July 12, 1999
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Most Reverend David B.Thompson as Bishop of Charleston, South Carolina, and named Father Robert J. Baker, pastor of Christ the King Church, Jacksonville, Florida as his successor.
• Monsignor Leonard P. Blair Is Named Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit (99-163)
  July 8, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has appointed the Reverend Monsignor Leonard P. Blair, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, as Titular Bishop of Voncariana and Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit.
• Kalamazoo Diocesan Official Named Bishop of Helena (99-162)
  July 6, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has named Father Robert C. Morlino, Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and Rector of St. Augustine Cathedral there, as Bishop of Helena.
• Women Hold Almost Half Diocesan Administrative, Professional Positions, Reports NCCB Survey (99-144)
  June 30, 1999
  Women hold nearly half of diocesan administrative and professional positions, according to a survey released by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church.
• Bp. Thomas Resigns in Virgin Islands; Bp. Murry Is His Successor (99-157)
  June 29, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Elliott G. Thomas, 72, as Bishop of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Most Reverend George V. Murry, SJ, Coadjutor Bishop of Saint Thomas since May, 1998, is his successor.
• Documentary Set to Air on NBC Stations Traces St. Brendan's Legendary Travels to America (99-153)
  June 24, 1999
  Did the first European explorers reach North America's shores 900 years before Columbus and 300 years before the Vikings? Some archaeologists and scholars believe that a legendary Irish monk visited our continent in the 6th Century. Their theories and the monk's story are examined in a fascinating new hour-long documentary from the Catholic Communication Campaign, "Brendan the Navigator: Footsteps in America." The documentary has been provided to NBC-TV affiliates and will air on many NBC stations throughout the summer.
• Abp. McCarrick Supports a Just Resolution Concerning Bells of Balangiga Controversy (99-152)
  June 22, 1999
  Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, Chairman of the Committee on International Policy, United States Catholic Conference, expressed support for efforts in Congress to secure a just and equitable resolution of the controversy surrounding the historic Philippine church bells known as the Bells of Balangiga.
• Catholic Bishops Note Solidarity with Synagogue Fire Victims (99-151)
  June 22, 1999
  Speaking on behalf of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), currently meeting in Tucson, Arizona, Cardinal William H. Keeler expressed solidarity with the victims of the synagogue fires in Sacramento.
• Catholic Communication Campaign and 1-800-Mass Times Announce Partnership (99-150)
  June 21, 1999
  Catholics traveling the United States have a simple way of including Mass attendance on Sundays and holy days in their travel plans. 1-800-Mass Times uses an 800-number and a Web site to provide the times and locations for celebrating Mass around the country. The Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) will now assist in publicizing this service.
• July pitches (99-149)
  June 21, 1999
• July events (99-148)
  June 21, 1999
• U.S. Bishops' President Issues Statement on Death of Cardinal Hume (99-143)
  June 17, 1999
  Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, issued the following statement on behalf of the NCCB/USCC today after learning of the death of Cardinal George Basil Hume of Westminster.
• Agreed Statement on Baptism and "Sacramental Economy" Issued by North American Orthodox-Catholic Consultation (99-128)
  June 8, 1999
  The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation has issued an agreed statement on Baptism and "Sacramental Economy." The document summarizes three years of theological reflection and calls upon the Orthodox and Catholic Churches to remove the obstacles preventing formal recognition of each other's baptism.
• Most Reverend Nicholas A. Dimarzio Appointed Bishop of Camden (99-127)
  June 7, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has named Auxiliary Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Newark to be Bishop of Camden, New Jersey.
• June Events (99-119)
  May 24, 1999
• June Pitches (99-118)
  May 24, 1999
• NCCB Delegation Meets with Mexican Conference Clergy Commission (99-115)
  May 21, 1999
  Taking their cue from Pope John Paul II's call for increased collaboration, representatives of the Committee for Priestly Life and Ministry, National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), and other priests from the U.S., met recently with representatives of the Commission for Clergy of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM).
• Dr. Eugene Fisher Honored by St. Mary's Seminary and University (99-114)
  May 21, 1999
  Dr. Eugene J. Fisher, Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and the first director of their Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations, has received a Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, from St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore.
• Executive Director Named for Vocations and Priestly Formation at Bishops' Conference (99-112)
  May 17, 1999
  The Reverend Edward J. Burns has been named executive Director of the Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Burns is a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, currently serving there as the director of the department of clergy personnel.
• 1999 Directory of Catholic Communication Personnel Available (99-111)
  May 12, 1999
  The 1999 Directory of Catholic Communication Personnel, compiled and published by the Communication Department of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC), is now available. The handy reference tool contains names, addresses, phone and FAX numbers, E-mail addresses and Internet sites for communication and information directors and broadcast officials for U.S. Catholic dioceses and many church-affiliated organizations.
• Latest Religious Retirement Collection Exceeds $30 Million; Reaches Highest Level Ever (99-107)
  May 11, 1999
  Donations to the latest Religious Retirement Collection reached $30.5 million, the largest amount ever collected in an annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
• Catholics Asked to Aid Church in Jerusalem, Mother Church of Christianity, In Pentecost Sunday Appeal, May 23 (99-103)
  May 7, 1999
  In the early days of Christianity, the Apostle Paul made an appeal to the Church to help the poor in Jerusalem.
• Minority Groups Comprise Quarter of Priests in Class of '99 (99-095)
  May 3, 1999
  Hispanic, Asian, African-American and Native American men comprise a quarter of the men slated for ordination in 1999, according to a survey of ordinands by the Life Cycle Institute at The Catholic University of America.
• Citing Pope's Message for World Communications Day, Bishop Urges Increased Support for Catholic Communication Campaign (99-097)
  April 30, 1999
  In a letter sent to Catholic Bishops throughout the country, Bishop Robert N. Lynch said the best way to highlight the Pope's message for World Communications Day is through increased support for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC).
• Bishops' Membership Photo Directory Now Available (99-094)
  April 27, 1999
  A useful tool for identifying and locating members of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States is now available from the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Communications.
• Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue Explores Existing Studies (99-093)
  April 27, 1999
  "The Church as Koinonia of Salvation: Its Structures and Ministries" was the principal focus of recent discussions between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB).
• May Pitches (99-087)
  April 20, 1999
• May Events (99-086)
  April 20, 1999
• Roman Catholic, Polish National Catholic Churches Meet Again (99-088)
  April 19, 1999
  The spring session of the dialogue between the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) and the Roman Catholic Church took place in Scranton, PA, April 14-15, 1999. Hosted by the PNCC, the meeting was held at the National Church Center.
• 'Strengthening the Church at Home' Is Theme of Home Missions Appeal (99-082)
  April 13, 1999 U.S. Catholics will once again have the opportunity to support the work of evangelization at home--from dioceses where a few Catholics are scattered across tens of thousands of square miles to those that struggle with overwhelming numbers concentrated in smaller areas--when the Catholic Home Missions Appeal (CHMA) is taken up later this month.
• Midwest Region Islamic-Catholic Dialogue Setting Annual Pace (99-080)
  April 8, 1999
  For three years, a group of Muslims and Catholics in the Midwest has been making an annual retreat and discussing the meaning of an expression held in common, "the Word of God." Convening with joint sponsorship by the Islamic Society of North America and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and hosted by Catholic and Muslim leaders in Indianapolis, the group meets for 24 hours to discuss various aspects of Christian and Islamic understandings of "the Word of God," to exchange information on relations, to pray, and to share some informal conversation.
• ARC-USA Meeting Discusses Local-Universal Church Relationships (99-077)
  April 6, 1999
  The relationship between the local church and the universal church was the major focus of discussions at the recent meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States. The 48th meeting of the ARC-USA dialogue, sponsored by the Episcopal Church and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), took place at the Center for Continuing Formation, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, March 11-14. The 23 members and participants reviewed a draft of a report which will be the first major step in a long-term project examining how authority is understood and exercised in both churches.
• Heal Broken Relationships Before Too Late, Urge Catholic Bishops in Ad Launched in Holy Week (99-071)
  March 29, 1999
  Heal broken relationships before it's too late, urge the U.S. Bishops through a Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) public service announcement launched in Holy Week, March 28-April 2.
• Among Friends Moves to Friday Morning Time Slot on Odyssey (99-069)
  March 29, 1999
  Among Friends, the half-hour interview show featuring well-known personalities discussing their faith, moves to Friday mornings, 9 a.m. ET, on the Odyssey Cable Channel, April 9.
• Corpus Christi Bishop Named Archbishop of San Juan (99-068)
  March 26, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has named Corpus Christi Bishop Roberto O. Gonzalez, OFM, the Archbishop of San Juan de Puerto Rico.
• Directory for Reaching out to Inactive Catholics Is Published (99-065)
  March 25, 1999
  "A Time to Listen...A Time to Heal, A Resource Directory for Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics" has been published by the Committee on Evangelization of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB).
• Catholic Bishops, Quakers, to Hold First Ever Ecumenical Prayer (99-063)
  March 23, 1999
  Representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (BCEIA) and representatives of the Christian and Interfaith Relations Committee of the Friends General Conference (Quakers) will meet this week for ecumenical prayer. It will be the first such event in the long history of contact between the two communities.
• Bishops' Advisor on Liturgy Named 'Consultor' to Vatican Congregation (99-062)
  March 22, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Father James P. Moroney, Executive Director of the Bishops' Secretariat for the Liturgy, as a Consultor to the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He is only the fourth person from the United States to be named as a Consultor to the Congregation.
• Bishops Named to Migration Committee (99-061)
  March 22, 1999
  Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has named fourteen other Bishops as members of consultants to assist him as Chairman of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration. The newly constituted 15-member committee will meet here for the first time today.
• Second Mid-Atlantic Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics Held (99-059)
  March 19, 1999
  Coming together under the joint sponsorship and guidance of the Islamic Circle of North America and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 18 Catholics and Muslims met recently for dialogue, prayer, and conversation.
• April Events (99-052)
  March 19, 1999
• April Pitches (99-051)
  March 19, 1999
• Orthodox and Catholic Bishops Hold 16th Meeting, Continue Progress Toward Unity (99-057)
  March 17, 1999
  The sixteenth meeting of the Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops took place at Antiochian Village, Ligonier, PA, from March 9 to 11. The bishops of the two churches discussed several topics of mutual concern and decided to move towards a statement in the year 2000 affirming their progress towards unity.
• Public TV to Air Christ in Art Program Funded by Catholic Communication Campaign (99-056)
  March 16, 1999
  Public TV stations will air "The Body of Christ in Art," a spectacular program funded in part by the Catholic Communication Campaign and inspired by an extraordinary exhibit from Houston's Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
• ABC, Public TV to Air Holy Week, Easter Specials Funded by Catholic Communication Campaign (99-055)
  March 16, 1999
  ABC-TV affiliates and PBS stations nationwide will air Holy Week and Easter Sunday specials funded by the Catholic Communication Campaign, April 1-4.
• Seven New Members Named for Catholic Campaign for Human Development Committee, Which Will Meet for First Time Mar. 22 (99-048)
  March 9, 1999
  Bishop John J. Leibrecht of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo., has named six other bishops and one new lay member to assist him as Chairman of the Bishops' Committee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). The new, 15-member committee will meet for the first time here March 22.
• New Mexico and Lansing, Michigan, Dioceses Win USCC Environmental Justice Grants (99-047)
  March 9, 1999
  The three dioceses in New Mexico and the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, have been awarded grants to educate parishioners on environmental concerns by the U.S. Catholic Conference Environmental Justice Program.
• CCC-Funded Video Wins Prestigious Library Association Award (99-046)
  March 8, 1999
  The American Library Association awarded its prestigious Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video to "The First Christmas," an animated feature funded by the Catholic Communications Campaign and The Christopers.
• Vatican's Foreign Minister Discusses Future Status of Jerusalem with U.S. Jewish, Arab, Muslim Leaders (99-045)
  March 8, 1999
  Jerusalem is sacred to the three monotheistic religions and has universal religious significance, according to the Holy See's foreign minister, who today urged U.S. Jewish, Muslim, and Arab leaders to work in helping Israeli and Palestinian peace negotiators find a "final status" for Jerusalem which preserves its uniqueness and sacredness.
• Fr. Frederick Campbell Named Auxiliary of St. Paul and Minneapolis (99-042)
  March 1, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has named Father Frederick F. Campbell, pastor of St. Joseph Church, West St. Paul, as Auxiliary to Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
• Bishops Applaud Start of Canonization Process for Mother Teresa (99-040)
  March 1, 1999
  The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a statement from their President, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, applauded the start of the canonization process for Mother Teresa.
• Registration Booklets for Largest Justice Meeting in U.S. Church History Distributed Nationwide (99-034)
  March 1, 1999
  Registration booklets for the largest meeting for justice in the history of the Church in the United States have been distributed nationwide.
• Director of Refugee Programs Named (99-038)
  February 25, 1999
  Patricia S. Maloof, an anthropologist with more than 10 years experience with refugees and immigrants, has been named Director of Refugee Programs with the U.S. Catholic Conference's Migration and Refugee Services.
• March Pitches (99-028)
  February 24, 1999
• March Pitches (99-027)
  February 24, 1999
• Catholics and Methodists Complete Latest Round of Dialogues (99-032)
  February 17, 1999
  The fifth round of the United Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue concluded five years of work at its eighth meeting, February 11-13, 1999, at St. Paul's College here. In addition to finalizing materials for a study guide, Yearning to Be One, the group also participated in worship, were hosted to a luncheon at Wesley Theological Seminary, and heard reports on plans for the next round of the Dialogue.
• Monsignor Thomas Olmsted Is Named Coadjutor Bishop of Wichita (99-030)
  February 15, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has named Msgr. Thomas J. Olmsted, President and Rector of Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, as Coadjutor Bishop to Bishop Eugene J. Gerber of Wichita, Kansas.
• Donations, Cost-Cutting Lessen Religious Retirement Liability; Deficit down to Seven Billion Dollars (99-029)
  February 15, 1999
  Generous donations, improved stewardship of resources, and cost-cutting have lessened the religious retirement liability by almost a billion dollars over the past two years, according to a newly released financial study by Arthur Andersen LLP.
• Catholic Communication Campaign to Hold Conference on Catholic Radio (99-026)
  February 10, 1999
  Catholic radio broadcasters will explore possible ways to expand their ministry during a two-day conference next week in Florida.
• Pope John Paul II Issues Lenten Message for 1999 (99-018)
  January 29, 1999
  "The Lord will prepare a banquet for all peoples" is the theme of the 1999 Lenten message of Pope John Paul II.
• Sister Lourdes Sheehan Named U.S.C.C. Secretary For Education (99-017)
  January 29, 1999
  Mercy Sister Lourdes Sheehan has been named Secretary for Education at the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) effective June 1, a post she held from 1990 to 1995. Sister Sheehan succeeds Msgr. Thomas McDade who is returning to his home Archdiocese of Newark in late June.
• Pope Appoints Bishop Loverde to the Diocese of Arlington, Va. (99-005)
  January 25, 1999
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Ogdensburg, NY, as Bishop of Arlington, VA. He succeeds Bishop John R. Keating who died last March 21.
• February Events (99-007)
  January 21, 1999
• February Pitches (99-006)
  January 21, 1999
• Pope Accepts Bishop Montrose's Resignation, Names Bishop Blaire to Stockton; Bishop Driscoll Is Appointed to The Diocese of Boise (99-009)
  January 18, 1999
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Donald W. Montrose, 75, of Stockton and named Auxiliary Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Los Angeles to succeed him.
• 21 New Members Are Announced for the U.S. Catholic Bishops' National Advisory Council (99-003)
  January 7, 1999
  Twenty-one new members have been added to the Catholic Bishops' National Advisory Council, a 63-member body which meets semi-annually to review documentation and offer recommendations concerning matters before the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and the United States Catholic Conference (USCC).
• Pastoral Work Growing among Nuns' Orders; Largest Number of Sisters Still in Education (99-001)
  January 6, 1999
  Parish work has increased among women's religious orders to the point where for the first time Catholic orders of sisters report that they work in parishes at the same level that they do in schools (76 percent).
• Bishop Ricard Reappointed as Head of Catholic Relief Services (99-002)
  January 5, 1999
  Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, has accepted a two-year extension of his term as head of Catholic Relief Services, the overseas aid and development agency of the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
• January Pitches (98-266)
  December 16, 1998
• January Event (98-265)
  December 16, 1998
• Head of Papal Diplomatic School Named Nuncio to United States (98-259)
  December 6, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named the Most Reverend Gabriel Montalvo to be Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He is currently the President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy where the diplomats in service of the Holy See are trained.
• Camden Bishop Named Coadjutor Bishop of Rockville Centre (98-258)
  December 6, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named Bishop James T. McHugh of Camden, New Jersey, Coadjutor Bishop to Bishop John R. McGann of Rockville Centre, New York.
• Collection to Thank Retired Religious Set for December 12-13 (98-256)
  December 4, 1998
  "A lifetime of service, a moment of thanks" is the theme for the 1998 Retirement Fund for Religious Collection, this year slated for the weekend of December 12-13.
• Auxiliary Bishop Named For Providence (98-254)
  November 30, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named the Reverend Monsignor Robert J. McManus Titular Bishop of Allegheny and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Providence.
• December Pitches (98-236)
  November 24, 1998
• December Events (98-235)
  November 24, 1998
• Fall Session of PNCC-RCC Dialogue Occurs (98-249)
  November 20, 1998
  The fall session of the dialogue between the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) and the Roman Catholic Church took place here on November 4 and 5, 1998, under the co-chairmanship of Most Rev. James C. Timlin, Roman Catholic Bishop of Scranton, and the Right Rev. Anthony Rysz, Bishop of the PNCC Central Diocese. The session was also attended by His Grace John F. Swantek, Prime Bishop of the PNCC. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton hosted the meeting.
• National Coordinator for Encuentro 2000 Named (98-248)
  November 20, 1998
  Amalia R. Mamaed has been named the national coordinator for Encuentro 2000, a program of multicultural dialogue about the Christian identity and mission within the Church in the United States, culminating in a national celebration in July 2000.
• Odyssey Channel to Carry News Special on Catholic Bishops' Meeting (98-245)
  November 18, 1998
  "Catholic Bishops, Public Church," a half hour news summary of the activities of the 1998 November meeting of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, can be seen on the Odyssey cable Saturday, Nov. 21, from 5:30-6:00 p.m. ET.
• Catholic Bishops Issue a "Challenge to American Catholics" (98-244)
  November 18, 1998
  At their semi-annual meeting here, the Catholic bishops of the United States today issued a pastoral statement exhorting Catholics and all Americans to make the cause of human life a priority, particularly life threatened by abortion and euthanasia.
• Bishop Fiorenza Is 11th President of Catholic Bishops' Conference (98-243)
  November 17, 1998
  The U.S.Catholic Bishops today elected Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference.
• Bishop Wilton Gregory Elected Vice President of Bishops' Conference (98-242)
  November 17, 1998
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States today elected Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Illinois to a three-year term as Vice President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and United States Catholic Conference (NCCB/USCC).
• Bishops Elect Bishop Fiorenza as President of NCCB/USCC (98-241)
  November 17, 1998
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States today elected Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston as President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and United States Catholic Conference.
• Bishops to Call Catholics to "Everday Christianity" (98-239)
  November 12, 1998
  In a document to be considered next week, U.S. Bishops will challenge Catholics to transform their faith from passive worship on Sundays to proactive work on behalf of justice every day of the week.
• Pope Names Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell as Bishop of Palm Beach (98-234)
  November 11, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell of Knoxville, Tennessee, to be Bishop of Palm Beach, Florida.
• Pope's Representative in U.S. for 8 Years Named to Vatican Post (98-231)
  November 4, 1998
  Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to the United States for the past eight years, has been named President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA).
• Bishop Bernard J. Harrington of Detroit Named Bishop of Winona (98-230)
  November 4, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named Auxiliary Bishop Bernard J. Harrington of Detroit as Bishop of Winona, Minnesota.
• North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Meets (98-228)
  November 2, 1998
  Continued study of Baptism and mutual recognition of sacraments was discussed at the 55th meeting of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation here.
• A Variety of Statements and the Election of New President and Vice President Fill Up Agenda of Catholic Bishops' Meeting (98-226)
  October 28, 1998
  Statements on "Everyday Christianity: The Lay Vocation to Hunger and Thirst for Justice," on "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics," and on "Welcome and Justice for People with Disabilities" are among items on a heavy agenda for the upcoming meeting of the nation's Catholic bishops.
• Ethical Dimensions of International Debt' Theme of Successful Conference at Seton Hall (98-225)
  October 28, 1998
  Candid dialogue among international bankers, government and religious leaders, academics, and representatives of non-governmental organizations from several countries characterized two days of unprecedented meetings on the topic of the international debt of the poorest countries, hailed by all participants as a constructive beginning.
• Glossary, FAQs About Bible On U.S. Bishops' Web Page (98-224)
  October 28, 1998
  Daily Scripture readings, a brief glossary of biblical and liturgical terms and frequently asked questions about the Bible and the Mass now appear on the U.S. Bishops' Web site, home of the New American Bible home page.
• November Pitches (98-220)
  October 21, 1998
• November Events (98-219)
  October 21, 1998
• Leaders Mourn Passing of Father Edward Flannery, a Pioneer in Catholic-Jewish Relations (98-221)
  October 20, 1998
  Cardinal William H. Keeler, Episcopal Moderator for Catholic-Jewish Relations, National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), called Father Edward Flannery "an early and effective pioneer" in fostering positive Catholic-Jewish relationships.
• Linda Hunt Appointed Director of Human Resources (98-218)
  October 19, 1998
  Linda D. Hunt has been appointed Director of Human Resources of the U.S. Catholic Conference, succeeding Thomas J. Meehan who served as Director for 11 years prior to his death October 4.
• USCC Delegation Returns from Northern Ireland (98-216)
  October 16, 1998
  Bishop Raymond Boland of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, led a delegation from the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) to Northern Ireland to attend the ninth annual meeting of the Inter-Church Committee on Northern Ireland. The trip took place September 30-October 2.
• Bishops' Doctrine Committee Answers Questions on Ordination (98-210)
  October 13, 1998
• Speed Up Promotion of Women in the Church, Urges Bishops' Committee (98-206)
  October 13, 1998
• Thomas Meehan, Director of Human Resources at NCCB/USCC, Dies (98-209)
  October 6, 1998
  Thomas Meehan, Director of Human Resources for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, died October 4, following an extended illness.
• Catholic Campaign For Human Development Joins With Catholic Health Association for Unprecedented Five-Year Welfare-to-Work Initiative Cooperative Effort Will Replicate Successful Models In Home Health and Day Care Industries; Catholic Charities USA Will Assist (98-207)
  October 2, 1998
  The Catholic Campaign For Human Development (CCHD) and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) today announced their first-ever joint effort, a welfare-to-work project.
• Cardinal Keeler Says Canonization of Edith Stein Can Be Catalyst for Significant Dialogue Between Christians and Jews (98-205)
  October 2, 1998
  In an advisory to the Catholic Bishops on the upcoming canonization of Edith Stein (Blessed Benedicta of the Cross), Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore said the canonization can be the catalyst for a significant historical and theological dialogue between Christians and Jews.
• Catholic Archives to Go Online (98-201)
  September 24, 1998
  An online directory of Catholic archives nationwide will be available on the Internet when The United States Catholic Historical Society (USCHS) launches the U.S. Catholic Documentary Archive on the World Wide Web, September 30.
• Young Catholics From The Americas To Gather For Encuentro Continental De Jovenes in Chile (98-200)
  September 21, 1998
  Young people from 36 dioceses across the country will represent the United States at the Continental Youth/Young Adult Gathering in Santiago, Chile, Oct. 6-11. Daily reports, interviews with participants and photos will be available via the Web page of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference.
• Catholics, Southern Baptists Discuss Differences, Commitments (98-199)
  September 18, 1998
  Sixteen individuals from the Southern Baptist Convention and the Catholic Church recently met in Kentucky to discuss their differences and common commitments in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Catholic Bishops' Head Issues Statement on Current Scandal (98-195)
  September 17, 1998
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference released the statement below on September 16. The statement was released at the conclusion of the meeting of the Conference Administrative Committee, which met here September 15-16.
• October Events (98-193)
  September 15, 1998
• October Pitches (98-192)
  September 15, 1998
• NCCB Issues Collection of Documents on The Holocaust (98-191)
  September 14, 1998
  "Catholics Remember the Holocaust" has been issued by the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). The book centers on the Vatican statement last March by the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, "We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah." It contains the full text of that statement, with introduction and commentaries, as well as key statements made during the past four years by conferences of bishops in Europe and the United States.
• Lutherans and Catholics Hold Latest Round of Dialogues (98-189)
  September 10, 1998
  Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) met in Chicago to initiate the Tenth Round of the US Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue. The theme was "The Church as Koinonia of Salvation: Its Structures and Ministries." Bishop Charles Maahs of the Central States Synod of the ELCA and Auxiliary Bishop Richard Sklba of Milwaukee co-chaired the dialogue.
• Catholic Communication Campaign to Distribute TV Talk Show (98-186)
  September 3, 1998
  The Catholic Communication Campaign of the U.S. Catholic Conference will begin distribution of a new weekly half-hour television talk show, Among Friends, later this month. Hosted by Msgr. Jim Lisante, the program is a collaborative effort of the CCC and Telicare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
• US Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign Releases New PSA Campaign to Promote Reconciliation (98-185)
  August 31, 1998
  The U.S. Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign has released the first in a series of powerful new public service messages designed to encourage people to square the relationships that are most important in their lives. The new campaign, created pro bono by Saatchi & Saatchi, consists of television, radio and print PSAs and embraces the line "If you think you can't make it right, you're wrong," in order to dramatize the power that people have to restore damaged relationships.
• ABC-TV to Distribute Catholic Communication Campaign Documentary About Everyday Peacemakers (98-180)
  August 26, 1998
  For far too many Americans, violence has become an accepted fact of life. The Catholic Communication Campaign's latest documentary, ABlessed are the Peacemakers,@ looks at three communities where individuals of faith are working to stop violence on the streets, between young people and in homes. The hour-long program will be fed to ABC-TV affiliates Sunday, September 27 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
• September Pitches (98-172)
  August 17, 1998
• September Events (98-171)
  August 17, 1998
• President of National Conference of Catholic Bishops Welcomes Apostolic Letter on Nature of Episcopal Conferences (98-167)
  July 23, 1998
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter on the Theological and Juridical Nature of Episcopal Conferences (Apostolos Suos).
• Brian Keane Named Coordinator of Assessment In the Office for the Catechism (98-163)
  July 21, 1998
  Brian Keane, for the past six years Director of the Office for Religious Education in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, has been named Coordinator of Assessment in the Office for the Catechism, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, effective October 1.
• Most Reverend John B. McCormack Named Bishop of Manchester (98-164)
  July 20, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named Auxiliary Bishop John B. McCormack of Boston as Bishop of Manchester, New Hampshire.
• August Pitches (98-161)
  July 17, 1998
• August Events (98-160)
  July 17, 1998
• Director of Migration and Refugee Policy Named (98-158)
  July 9, 1998
  Kevin Appleby, Deputy Director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, has been named Director of Migration and Refugee Policy, an office of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Migration and Refugee Services (MRS).
• Los Angeles Woman, Juneau, Alaska, Man to Receive Confirmation at October's Continental Youth Gathering in Chile (98-155)
  July 8, 1998
  Two U.S. youth, Jenny Rivera, 21, of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Nathaniel Earl Bean, 17, of the Diocese of Juneau, Alaska, will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Continental Youth Gathering, in Santiago, Chile, October 6-11, 1998.
• Pope John Paul II Makes Appeal to Keep The Lord's Day Holy
  July 7, 1998
• Catholic Communication Campaign Funded Documentary on Dawn of Peace in Guatemala to Air on NBC Stations (98-154)
  July 7, 1998
  After 36 years of civil war, Guatemala is returning to peace. But it is a slow and painful process, as the April slaying of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi in his Guatemala home attests. His murder is evidence of how the conflicts that caused the war continue to erupt in the lives of innocent people.
• Pope Names Msgr. Blase Cupich Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota (98-153)
  July 6, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Monsignor Blase Cupich, pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine parish, Omaha, as Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. Bishop-designate Cupich, 49, succeeds Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., who was named Archbishop of Denver on February 18, 1997.
• San Francisco Priest Named To Head Pastoral Care of Migrants And Refugees Office (98-150)
  June 30, 1998
  Fr. Anthony E. McGuire, a priest of the San Francisco Archdiocese, has been named director of Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees at the U.S. Catholic Conference.
• Pope Accepts Bishop Mcfarland's Resignation, Names Bishop Tod Brown to Orange; Bishop Mcgrath Appointed Coadjutor of San Jose; Msgr. Wester Is Named Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco (98-151)
  June 29, 1998
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Norman F. McFarland of Orange, California and appointed Bishop Tod D. Brown of Boise, Idaho as his successor.
• Lectionary to Be Submitted for Vatican Confirmation (98-143)
  June 21, 1998
  U.S. Catholic Bishops have completed their action on a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass, voting to submit Volume II of the Scripture readings used at Mass for Vatican confirmation.
• Bishops Issue Statement on Overcoming Violence and Sex in Media (98-141)
  June 19, 1998
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States have issued a document calling on all segments of society--from parents to government to the entertainment industry itself--to take action to overcome the widespread and pervasive exploitation of sex and violence in all forms of communications, including the Internet.
• JULY PITCHES (98-140)
  June 15, 1998
• JULY EVENTS (98-139)
  June 15, 1998
• Bishops to Consider Aggressive Efforts to Promote Church Social Mission among Catholics (98-135)
  June 11, 1998
  The U.S. Bishops will consider aggressive educational efforts to promote the Church's social mission among Catholics as part of their annual June meeting, June 18-20 in Pittsburgh.
• Baptism and Ecclesiology Theme of Orthodox-catholic Consultation (98-128)
  June 5, 1998
  Baptism and its relation to ecclesiology was the main theme of the 54th meeting of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation, held here June 2-4.
• Father Daniel Kutys Named Director of the Office for the Catechism (98-126)
  June 4, 1998
  Father Daniel J. Kutys, Philadelphia archdiocesan Director of Religious Education, has been named Executive Director of the Office for the Catechism of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB).
• Pope Accepts Resignation of Palm Beach Bishop, Names Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Petersburg To Be Apostolic Administrator (98-124)
  June 1, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop J. Keith Symons of Palm Beach, Florida. The Pope appointed Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Petersburg to be Apostolic Administrator of Palm Beach until a successor to Bishop Symons is named. Bishop Lynch, 57, continues as Bishop of St. Petersburg, a post he has held since January, 1996.
• Catholic Social Teaching, Sex and Violence in Communications, and Liturgical Matters on the Agenda for Bishops' June Meeting (98-121)
  May 29, 1998
  Major statements on Catholic social teaching, and on overcoming the exploitation of sex and violence in communications, will be presented to the Catholic Bishops of the United States at their forthcoming spring meeting in Pittsburgh.
• New Director Named for Office of International Justice and Peace (98-115)
  May 21, 1998
  Gerard Powers, a policy advisor in the U.S. Catholic Conference Office of International Justice and Peace (IJP), has been named the new director of the Office.
• June Pitches (98-114)
  May 20, 1998
• June Events (98-113)
  May 20, 1998
• NCCB Official to Receive Honorary Degree this Weekend (98-110)
  May 15, 1998
  Beverly A. Carroll, Executive Director of the Secretariat for African American Catholics at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be recognized this weekend for her work in evangelization and community organizing.
• New Directory of Catholic Communication Personnel Published (98-106)
  May 14, 1998
  The 1998 Directory of Catholic Communication Personnel, compiled and published by the Communication Department of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) has been published. The directory contains names, addresses, phone and FAX numbers, and E-mail addresses for communication and information directors and broadcast officials for U.S. Catholic dioceses and church-affiliated organizations.
• Father John Pollard Named Director of New Chicago Archdiocesan Department of Education (98-105)
  May 13, 1998
  Father John Pollard, for the past three years director of the Office for the Catechism of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been named Director of the newly-formed Department of Education of the Archdiocese of Chicago, effective August 15.
• 'Catholic Campaign for Human Development' (CCHD) Is New Name for Church's Domestic Anti-Poverty Program (98-104)
  May 13, 1998
  The Campaign for Human Development, the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, has added "Catholic" to its official name. Its name is now the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
• Bishop Schlarman Resigns; Wichita Official Named to Dodge City (98-102)
  May 11, 1998
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Stanley G. Schlarman of Dodge City, Kansas, and appointed Monsignor Ronald M. Gilmore, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese of Wichita, as his successor.
• Bishops' Membership Photo Directory Now Available (98-100)
  May 11, 1998
  A useful tool for identifying and locating members of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States is now available from the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Communications.
• Priests in Class of '98 Boast Varied School, Racial Backgrounds (98-097)
  May 11, 1998
  Teachers, tradesmen, lawyers and laborers make up the ranks of men comprising the U.S. ordination class of 1998.
• Religious Retirement Collection Exceeds $29 Million; Largest Annual Collection in its History (98-096)
  May 11, 1998
  Donations to the latest Religious Retirement Collection exceeded $29 million, the largest amount ever collected in an annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
• Bishop Murry Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of St. Thomas; Father Joseph Perry of Milwaukee Named Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago (98-094)
  May 4, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Chicago Auxiliary Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, to be Coadjutor Bishop of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Most Reverend Elliott G. Thomas, 71, is Bishop of Saint Thomas.
• Associate Director Named at Bishops' Secretariat For Family, Laity, Women, Youth (98-089)
  April 27, 1998
  Ana M. Villamil, an assistant director at the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth, has been named associate director of the secretariat.
• Questions of Unity, Primacy Discussed by Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue (98-086)
  April 24, 1998
  Questions pertaining to issues of unity and primacy were discussed at the spring meeting of the Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic dialogue.
• Missouri Nun Named Project Director In National Religious Retirement Office (98-085)
  April 23, 1998
  Sister Andreé Fries, Superior General of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon, Missouri, has been named Project Director for Retirement Services of the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO).
• Cynthia Phillips Named Assistant Director of Government Liaison (98-084)
  April 22, 1998
  Cynthia L. Phillips of Migration and Refugee Services-United States Catholic Conference has been named Assistant Director of the USCC Office of Government Liaison.
• May Events (98-081)
  April 20, 1998
• May Pitches (98-082)
  April 20, 1998
• American College of Louvain Undertakes Self-Study to Prepare for Strategic Plan for Institutional Development (98-077)
  April 7, 1998
  The American College of Louvain, one of two U.S. seminaries in Europe owned and administered by the American Bishops, has undertaken an aggressive self-study in preparation for the development of a strategic plan for institutional development. The Very Rev. David Windsor, Rector and President of the seminary, launched the year-long study with the assistance of the seminary's advisory board and the approval of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee for the American College of Louvain.
• Q&A - RCIA and Holy Saturday (rciaq&a.98)
  April 1, 1998
  On Holy Saturday, April 11, the Catholic Church in the United States will receive tens of thousands of men and women in the Church. Parishes welcome these new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and a ceremony bringing men and women into full communion with the Catholic Church. Listed here are some questions and answers related to these events.
• Rabbis, Bishops Give Reflections on Pilgrimage to Israel And Rome (98-065)
  March 20, 1998
  Jewish rabbis and Catholic bishops who participated in a 12-day interfaith journey to Israel and Rome have issued a statement entitled "Reflections on an Interfaith Pilgrimage." They described the trip as a "remarkable journey of dialogue and understanding."
• April Pitches (98-062)
  March 19, 1998
• U.S. Catholic Officials Issue Statement Concerning Shoah Document (98-061)
  March 17, 1998
  Cardinal William Keeler, Episcopal Moderator for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Bishops Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and Dr. Eugene Fisher, Associate Director of the Secretariat, issued a statement on the Holy See's document "We Remember: Reflections on the Shoah."
• April Events (98-059)
  March 17, 1998
• Dioceses, Religious Orders Using Internet for Vocations (98-058)
  March 17, 1998
  Dozens of religious orders and dioceses host sites on the World Wide Web for vocation recruitment, according to a survey by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Vocations.
• First Catholic Home Missions Appeal Scheduled for April 26 (98-056)
  March 13, 1998
  "Strengthening the Church at Home" is the theme for the first Catholic Home Missions Appeal (CHMA), scheduled for Sunday, April 26. The term "home missions" describes isolated or remote areas where Catholics are relatively few in number and parishes are widely scattered. The goal of the appeal is to support the missions in the United States and its dependencies so that Catholics living in these areas can continue to hear the Gospel message.
• Catholic Communication Campaign Invites Movie Line Callers to Vote For 1997's Best Film (98-053)
  March 10, 1998
  Film buffs of all ages can cast their own vote for "best picture" in the days before Oscar night, March 23, by calling 1-800-311-4CCC, the toll-free movie review line sponsored by the U.S. Bishops' Catholic Communications Campaign.
• Top Ad Firm Producing Catholic Church Public Service Campaign (98-052)
  March 10, 1998
  World-renown ad firm Saatchi & Saatchi is developing pro bono a public service ad campaign for the U.S. Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC).
• Ecumenical Study for Parishes Studied by Methodist-Catholic Group (98-043)
  February 19, 1998
  A congregational study to assist parishes and congregations in ecumenical efforts was the focus of a recent meeting here of the United Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue.
• Mark Franken Named Executive Director of Migration and Refugee Services (98-042)
  February 18, 1998
  Mark Franken was today named Executive Director of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Migration and Refugee Services, permanently filling the post in which he had served as Interim Executive Director since September.
• March Pitches (98-039)
  February 17, 1998
• March Events (98-037)
  February 17, 1998
  The USCC Department of Education will sponsor Congressional Advocacy Days in Washington, March 1-3.
• 'Open Eyes to Poverty,' Urges the Pope in His 1998 Lenten Message (98-035)
  February 12, 1998
  In his Lenten message for 1998, Pope John Paul II called on Christians "to open our eyes to the poverty of many."
• Bishops Launch New Strategic Plan For Communications; Catholic Communication Campaign Reorganized (98-033)
  February 12, 1998
  The U.S. Bishops launched their new strategic plan for communications with a reorganization of the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC).
• Continental Youth Gathering Planned for October in Chile (98-032)
  February 11, 1998
  A continental youth gathering for young people from North and South America is slated for Santiago, Chile, October 6-11.
• Papal Visit to Cuba Should Spur Re-Examination of U.S. Policy, Bishops Advise (98-026)
  February 2, 1998
  Positive steps taken by the Cuban government in anticipation of Pope John Paul II's recent visit there should be met with a re-examination of U.S. policy toward the island nation, according to a statement released today by the U.S. Catholic Conference.
• Catholics Join Their Bishops in Planting Seeds of Hope (98-025)
  February 2, 1998
  The bishops of the United States have a long tradition of reaching out to the needy around the world. They are proud of Catholics who have made generous contributions to support these efforts. This year's collection for the American Bishops' Overseas Appeal is scheduled for March 22nd in most dioceses. The bishops are hoping to surpass the $12.6 million received last year from Catholics around the country.
• Christian Brother Named Associate Director of National Religious Retirement Office (98-019)
  February 2, 1998
  Christian Brother John T. Patzwall has been named Associate Director of the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), effective April 20.
• Sister Suzanne Hall Announces Departure (98-022)
  January 29, 1998
  Sister Suzanne Hall, Director of Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR) at the U.S. Catholic Conference, has announced that she will leave her post effective January 30.
• Latin-Rite Patriarch of Jerusalem Grateful For Anniversary Greetings (98-014)
  January 22, 1998
  The Chairman of the U.S. Catholic Conference International Policy Committee today released a letter from the Latin-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem expressing the Patriarch's gratitude for the support of the Church in the United States.
• Head of Catholic Bishops' Conference Congratulates New Cardinals (98-008)
  January 18, 1998
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, congratulated Cardinals-designate Francis George of Chicago and J. Francis Stafford, former Archbishop of Denver and now President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, saying they "had made great contributions as leaders in the Conference and within the Church worldwide, as well as being devoted shepherds in their local Churches."
• CHD Projects to Be Among '100 plus Projects of the Holy Father' (98-006)
  January 8, 1998
  Two projects of the Campaign for Human Development (CHD) have been selected by the Holy See's Pontifical Council Cor Unum for inclusion in "100 PLUS Projects of the Holy Father."
• Committee to Study Instruction on Collaboration of Non-ordained (98-005)
  January 7, 1998
  The President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, has appointed an ad hoc committee of bishops to study the recent Instruction from the Holy See "On Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests."
• 13 New Members Are Announced for the U.S. Catholic Bishops' National Advisory Council (98-002)
  January 6, 1998
  Thirteen new members have been added to the Catholic Bishops' National Advisory Council, a 63-member body which meets semi-annually to review documentation and offer recommendations concerning matters before the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and the United States Catholic Conference (USCC).
• Auxiliary Bishops Named for San Antonio Archdiocese (98-001)
  January 5, 1998
  Pope John Paul II has named as Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, the Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Flanagan, assigning him to the Titular See of Bavagaliana and the Reverend Father Patrick J. Zurek, assigning him to the Titular See of Tamugadi.
• Auxiliary Bishop Named For Baltimore (97-272)
  December 23, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named the Reverend Gordon D. Bennett, S.J. Titular Bishop of Nesqually and Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore.
• Bishop Welsh's Resignation Accepted; Bishop Cullen to Allentown (97-267)
  December 15, 1997
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of Allentown and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Edward P. Cullen of Philadelphia as his successor.
• Source Book For Media Issued by Bishops' Communications Office (97-259)
  December 3, 1997
  A source book listing background and on-the-record sources on the Catholic Church has been developed by the U.S. Catholic Conference (USCC) Department of Communications.
• Religious Retirement Collection Slated For December 13-14 (97-263)
  December 2, 1997
  Parishes nationwide will take up the annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection December 13-14.
• Father Richard J. Garcia Named Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento (97-261)
  November 25, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Father Richard J. Garcia, Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of San Jose, to be Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento.
• Pope Names Monsignor James Murray Bishop of Kalamazoo (97-255)
  November 17, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor James A. Murray, Chancellor of the diocese of Lansing and Rector of St. Mary Cathedral there, as Bishop of Kalamazoo.
• Television Special Brings Christmas Message Home (97-250b)
  November 13, 1997
  The Christmas message of love is explored in a charming clay animation, "Michael the Visitor," on Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. on the Odyssey cable network. The half-hour special will be repeated Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m. and Monday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m.
• Bishops Extend Catechism Office For Five More Years (97-247)
  November 10, 1997
  The U. S. Bishops approved a five-year extension of the Office for the Catechism at their semi-annual meeting in Washington, November 10. The Bishops agreed unanimously by voice vote to fund the extension of the Office which they established in June, 1995 to assist the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism.
• Pope Names an Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese of Los Angeles (97-244)
  November 4, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has appointed Monsignor Gerald E. Wilkerson, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, Encino, California, as Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles.
• Catholic Communication Campaign Distributing Movie Review Magnets in Time for Christmas (97-241)
  November 4, 1997
  Magnetic cards advertising 1-800-311-4CCC, the Catholic Church's Movie Review Line, are being distributed by the Catholic Communication Campaign in time for the annual holiday movie blitz.
• General Secretary, Three Other NCCB/USCC Staff Appointed to Positions at Special Synod in Rome (97-240)
  November 3, 1997
  Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, General Secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference was named a delegate to the Synod of Bishops' Special Assembly for America by Pope John Paul II.
• Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic Dialogue Holds Session (97-238)
  October 30, 1997
  The fall session of the Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholic dialogue took place in Scranton, October 28-29. The meeting was hosted by the Roman Catholic diocese of Scranton and was held in the diocesan chancery.
• Bishops Hail Dorothy Day for Prophetic Love for the Poor (97-236)
  October 29, 1997
  Dorothy Day, the peace activist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, was hailed by the U.S. Bishops' Domestic Policy Committee for her prophetic love for the poor in a statement marking the centenary of her birth, November 8.
• Pope Names Archbishops For Seattle And Portland in Oregon (97-234)
  October 27, 1997
  Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Alexander J. Brunett of Helena, Montana to be Archbishop of Seattle and named Bishop John G. Vlazny of Winona, Minnesota as Archbishop of Portland in Oregon.
• Initiatives for Spanish-Speaking, Statement on Global Solidarity, Extension of Offices for Eastern Europe and Catechism, Plus a Strategic Plan for Communications on Catholic Bishops' Agenda (97-232)
  October 24, 1997
  Initiatives for Spanish-speaking Catholics, including the Spanish language edition of the Sacramentary, a statement entitled "Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes," extension for an additional five years of the Office for the Catechism and of the Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, and a Strategic Plan for Communications for the NCCB and USCC are among the items on the agenda of the semi-annual meeting of the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
• Bishops' Adviser on Deacons Elected to International Post (97-230)
  October 24, 1997
  Deacon John Pistone, head of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for the Diaconate, was elected a member of the Assembly of Delegates of the International Centre for the Diaconate.
• 'The Word of God' Is Topic of Islamic-Catholic Dialogue (97-227)
  October 21, 1997
  "The Word of God" was the topic of the Second Annual Midwest Region Islamic-Catholic Dialogue. The dialogue took place at Fatima Retreat House, Indianapolis, October 14-15.
• Methodists and Catholics Hold Meeting, Discuss Materials (97-226)
  October 21, 1997
  Preparation of materials for making 30 years of United Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue supportive of the faith and life of Methodist and Catholic communities was the main item on the agenda at the most recent meeting of the Dialogue.
• Pope Names Auxiliary Bishop for Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese (97-225)
  October 20, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Father Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., instructor in Theology at the University of Notre Dame and Rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart there, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana.
• Dioceses Urged to Highlight Consecrated Life February 1 (97-216)
  October 14, 1997
  Dioceses nationwide are urged to highlight persons who espouse the Church's consecrated life, February 1, with celebrations focusing on persons in formation in men's and women's religious orders and secular institutes.
• Bishops' Conference Merges onto Information Superhighway (97-207)
  September 24, 1997
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States have merged onto the information superhighway, launching a site on the World Wide Web to highlight the work of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference.
• Bishops' Secretariat Responds to CTSA on Women's Ordination (97-206)
  September 22, 1997
  A report prepared for the Bishops' Committee on Doctrine has concluded that the Church's teaching on the ordination of women has "as much of a claim to definitiveness as one might reasonably expect."
• Documentary on Priests Set to Air on ABC-TV Affiliates (97-202)
  September 22, 1997
  It's Ash Wednesday in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood, and Father Mitch Rozanski, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, struggles up the five flights of stairs to the top of his church steeple.
• USCC Releases Resolution on Computer Networking (97-200)
  September 16, 1997
  Saying that it wished to affirm the value of emerging new means of communication, the Committee on Communications of the United States Catholic Conference issued a resolution on computer networking.
• Baptists, Catholics Discuss Their Views on Scriptural Authority (97-199)
  September 15, 1997
  The third meeting of the present round of Southern Baptist-Roman Catholic Conversations met at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, September 11-13.
• Boggs a "Distinguished Choice" for Vatican Post (97-198)
  September 12, 1997
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference issued a statement late today, hailing President Clinton's selection of former Rep. Lindy Boggs as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.
• Church Officials in Delegation to Funeral of Mother Teresa (97-193)
  September 10, 1997
  Bishop William G. Curlin of Charlotte, North Carolina and Most Reverend John R. Roach, the former Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, will represent the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference at the funeral of Mother Teresa.
• Bishops' Administrative Board: Resolution on Mother Teresa's Death (97-192)
  September 9, 1997
  The Administrative Committee/Board of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference unanimously passed a resolution on the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
• Bishop Pilla Comments on Mother Teresa's Death (97-189)
  September 5, 1997
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference, issued a statement today on the death of Mother Teresa.
• Vatican Confirms Bishops' Vote to Allow Cremated Remains To Be Present for Full Funeral Rites (97-188)
  September 3, 1997
  The final step in allowing for the full celebration of the Church's funeral rites in the presence of cremated remains has been cleared, leaving it to individual Bishops to decide whether to allow the practice in their dioceses.
• Pastoral Plan for Church Communication Is Published (97-182)
  August 27, 1997
  The Pastoral Plan for Church Communication, approved unanimously by the Catholic Bishops of the United States at their meeting in Kansas City last June, is now available from USCC Publishing Services.
• U.S. Bishops Laud Lutheran Statement on Justification by Faith (97-178)
  August 21, 1997
  The U.S. Bishops have applauded the passage of a statement by the Lutheran Church that Catholics and Lutherans share consensus on the basic truths of the Doctrine of Justification, an issue which has divided the two churches since the 16th Century.
• Pope Names Pittsburgh Priest, Msgr. Dinardo, to Sioux City Diocese (97-173)
  August 19, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Msgr. Daniel N. DiNardo, a pastor in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as Coadjutor Bishop of Sioux City.
• Bishops' Committee to Study Reception of People Into the Catholic Church (97-172)
  August 18, 1997
  The U.S. Bishops' Committee on Evangelization has launched a three-year study of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
• Pope Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Dimino; Names Archbishop O'Brien to Succeed Him in Military Archdiocese (97-171)
  August 12, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation, for health reasons, of Archbishop Joseph T. Dimino, Ordinary for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. He named Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, who has been Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese, to succeed him. Archbishop O'Brien is 58.
• Liturgical Items, Home Missions Collection Approved by Bishops (97-170)
  August 11, 1997
  The General Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) announced that the Bishops have approved submission of Volume I of the Lectionary for Mass to the Vatican for confirmation. They also approved establishment of a new permanent National Collection for the Home Missions.
• Institute for Interreligious Leadership Held (97-162)
  July 31, 1997
  The first Institute for Interreligious Leadership, under the joint sponsorship of the Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the National Association of Diocesan Ecumenical Officers, the network of Catholic diocesan personnel engaged in ecumenical and interreligious affairs, was held at Lakeshore Campus of Loyola University, Chicago, July 15-24.
• Share Gift of Time, Message of Public Service Ads Of Catholic Communication Campaign (97-154)
  July 15, 1997
  The message that A Little Time Makes a Big Difference will be blitzed throughout the media via a new series of public service messages from the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC).
• Two Auxiliary Bishops Appointed for Archdiocese of St. Louis (97-151)
  July 8, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named two new Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. They are Monsignor Joseph F. Naumann, archdiocesan Vicar General, and Father Michael J. Sheridan, pastor of Immaculata Church, Richmond Heights, Missouri.
• Bp. Hughes Resigns in Metuchen; Msgr. Vincent Breen Is Successor (97-150)
  July 8, 1997
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Edward T. Hughes of Metuchen, New Jersey, and appointed Monsignor Vincent DePaul Breen, Director of the Office for Catholic Education of the Diocese of Brooklyn, as his successor.
• Auxiliary Bishop Appointed for Archdiocese of Newark (97-149)
  July 7, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Paul G. Bootkoski, Vicar for Priests and pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Saddle River, New Jersey, to be Titular Bishop of Zarna and Auxiliary Bishop of Newark.
• Liturgy, Youth, Communications, Home Missions on Bishops' Agenda (97-113)
  June 6, 1997
  A revised edition of the Lectionary for Mass, a statement on Catholic youth ministry, a pastoral plan for communications, establishment of a collection for the home missions, and the restructuring of their conferences will be on the agenda for the spring meeting of the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
• Bishop Mulvee Succeeds Bishop Gelineau in Providence (97-120)
  June 11, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop Louis E. Gelineau of Providence. Most Reverend Robert E. Mulvee, Coadjutor Bishop of Providence since 1995, succeeds Bishop Gelineau.
• U. S. Anglican-Catholic Dialogue on Track to Study Exercise of Authority Within Church (97-124)
  June 13, 1997
  Bishop Frank Griswold, Episcopal Bishop of Chicago, and Bishop John Snyder, Catholic Bishop of St. Augustine (FL), serving as Co-Chairmen of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA), have issued a statement giving the expected general direction of the next few years of dialogue.
• Bishops Approve National Pastoral Plan for Communication (97-132)
  June 20, 1997
  The Catholic Bishops of the United States have adopted a multi-level plan for use of the mass media to promote community and parish life, spiritual growth, the proclamation of the Gospel, and Church participation in the life of the nation.
• Two Auxiliaries Are Named for the Archdiocese of Miami (97-134)
  June 23, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named two auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Miami. They are Father Gilberto Fernandez, Spiritual Director of St. John Vianney College Seminary, and Father Thomas Wenski, archdiocesan Director of Catholic Charities.
• Bishop McAuliffe Resigns, Msgr John Gaydos Named as Successor (97-135)
  June 24, 1997
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael F. McAuliffe of Jefferson City, Missouri, and named Monsignor John R. Gaydos, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, as his successor.
• More than 500 Religious Orders Gain from Retirement Collection (97-137)
  June 25, 1997
  A total of 504 orders of men and women religious were awarded basic grants ranging from $910,184 to $404, as part of their share of the more than $24.5 million collected in the 1996 Religious Retirement Collection.
• Conference President Issues Statement on Archbishop Murphy's Death (97-141)
  June 26, 1997
  Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference, issued a statement today on the death of Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy of Seattle.
• New Priestly Life and Ministry Director Named (97-144)
  June 27, 1997
  The Reverend J. Cletus Kiley of the Archdiocese of Chicago has been named Executive Director of the Secretariat of Priestly Life and Ministry of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops as of August 1. He succeeds Father Thomas R. Bevan who is returning to his home archdiocese of Baltimore as a pastor.
• Bishop Smith Succeeds Bishop Reiss; Msgr. Brucato Is New York Auxiliary (97-146)
  June 30, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop John C. Reiss of Trenton, New Jersey. Most Reverend John M. Smith, Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton since 1995, succeeds Bishop Reiss.
• NCCB and Polish National Catholic Church Discuss Some Issues (97-102)
  May 15, 1997
  The spring meeting of the on-going dialogue between the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Polish National Catholic Church took place in West Paterson, New Jersey, May 6-7.
• NCCB Ecumenical Official to Receive Honorary Doctorate (97-099)
  May 12, 1997
  Father John F. Hotchkin, executive director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB), will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Catholic University of America.
• More than 26 Million Dollars to Religious Retirement Fund; Collection Hits Second Highest Level in Fund History (97-089)
  April 28, 1997
  People nationwide donated more than $26 million to support aging religious sisters, brothers and priests during the most recent Retirement Fund for Religious Collection.
• Bishops' Committee on Religious and Ministry Issues Statement on Death of Sister Margaret Cafferty (97-087)
  April 21, 1997
  Following is the statement of Bishop Joseph A. Galante, Chairman, Bishops' Committee on Religious Life and Ministry, on the death of Sister Margaret Cafferty, PBVM, executive director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, who died April 20, 1997.
• Hundreds to Be Ordained Priests in Spring; Lawyers, Engineers, Teachers, Doctor, Coach Among Them (97-082)
  April 14, 1997
  Lawyers, engineers, teachers, farmers, a doctor and a college basketball coach are among the almost 500 men to be ordained Catholic priests in the United States this spring.
• Archbishop Francis E. George Named Archbishop of Chicago; Bishop Edwin O'Brien Named Coadjutor of Military Archdiocese (97-075)
  April 7, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Most Reverend Francis E. George, Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, to be Archbishop of Chicago. Archbishop George, 60, succeeds Cardinal Joseph L. Bernadin, who died last November 14.
• Bishop Roberto Gonzalez Becomes Bishop of Corpus Christi (97-072)
  March 31, 1997
  Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to the United States, has announced that Coadjutor Bishop Roberto O. Gonzalez, OFM, of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas will become the Diocesan Bishop on the occasion of the resignation of Bishop Rene H. Gracida on April 1.
• Bishop Sends Greetings to U.S. Buddhists for Feast of Vesakh (97-071)
  March 27, 1997
  Noting the "relationships of cordiality and cooperation" among Buddhists and Catholics in the United States, the Chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs has sent greetings for the Buddhist feast of Vesakh.
• Synod Preparation Should Include Committee's New Book, Chairman Says (97-064)
  March 19, 1997
  Formal announcement by Pope John Paul II of a special meeting of the Bishops of North and South America for late 1997 is expected soon, and one United States Bishop is hailing a recently published book as a "must read" for those who will attend.
• Auxiliary Bishop Named for Hartford (97-059)
  March 18, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Msgr. Christie A. Macaluso Titular Bishop of Grass Valley and Auxiliary Bishop of Hartford.
• Working Group Makes Progress Towards Completion of Lectionary (97-053)
  March 11, 1997
  A Working Group composed of representatives of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and representatives of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has met at the Vatican for the purpose of completing a final review of the revised New American Bible edition of the Lectionary for Mass.
• Methodists, Catholics Discuss Convergence in Theology and Rites (97-048)
  March 5, 1997
  The United Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue, charged with bringing 30 years of theological conversations into the life of parishes and congregations around the country, met as St. Paul's College here, February 27-March 1.
• Sister Mary Leahy, Georgetown Dean of Development, Named to Head Religious Retirement Office (97-045)
  February 25, 1997
  Providence Sister Mary Leahy, Associate Dean for Development at Georgetown College, Georgetown University, has been named Director of the National Religious Retirement Office.
• Paulist Father Hurley Named to Evangelization Post at NCCB (97-040)
  February 20, 1997
  Father John E. Hurley, C.S.P., formerly pastor of Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, has been named Special Assistant for Evangelization at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB).
• Bishop Chaput to be Archbishop of Denver; An Auxiliary in Pittsburgh (97-036)
  February 17, 1997
  Pope John Paul II has named Bishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., of Rapid City, South Dakota, to be Archbishop of Denver. He succeeds Archbishop J. Francis Stafford who last August was appointed President of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Laity.
• Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. To Donate Half Million Dollars to Support Bishops' Catechism Office (97-030)
  February 11, 1997
  Our Sunday Visitor Inc. will donate $500,000 to support the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' (NCCB) Office for the Catechism. The grant, which will be given in five annual installments of $100,000 each, was announced by Bishop John M. D'Arcy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., in a Dec. 31 letter to Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, President of the NCCB.
• Catholic Official Hails Ruling in Confession Taping Case (97-022)
  January 30, 1997
  Mark E. Chopko, General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC), expressed satisfaction with the decision of the United States Court of Appeals in a case involving the taping of a prisoner's confession. The Court found the taping to be both illegal and unconstitutional.
• Bishop Matthiesen Resigns; Bishops Named for Amarillo, Pensacola (97-013)
  January 20, 1997
  Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Bishop Leroy T. Matthiesen of Amarillo and named Auxiliary Bishop John W. Yanta of San Antonio as his successor.
• Nine New Members Are Announced for Bishops' Advisory Council (97-012)
  January 17, 1997
  Nine new members have been added to the Catholic Bishops' Advisory Council, a 63- member body which semi-annually reviews and offers recommendations concerning matters before the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and the United States Catholic Conference (USCC).
• Study of What Leads Youth to Pursue Priesthood, Religious Life Commissioned by Bishops' Vocations Committee (97-009)
  January 14, 1997
  A survey of what leads young people to study for the priesthood or religious life has been commissioned by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Vocations. The study, which will be conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), will look at four questions.
• U.S. Bishops Urge Parishes to Highlight Vocations February 2 (97-006)
  January 8, 1997
  Parishes nationwide should emphasize the role of religious vocations February 2, the chairmen of the Bishops' Committees on Religious Life and Ministry and Vocations said in a January 3 memo to Bishops nationwide.

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