Insights from the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Fall Plenary Assembly

The U.S. Catholic bishops’ fall plenary assembly in Baltimore was quite eventful, with discussions on synodality, technology in liturgy, and the cause for canonization of a champion of evangelizing through media. The day’s events included elections to important posts and public presentations that focused on various significant topics. The bishops also engaged in closed-door ‘fraternal dialogues’ before the public session, allowing them to have face-to-face group discussions.

The bishops’ first order of business was voting to approve a letter to Pope Francis, affirming their shared concern with the pontiff over global conflicts and their desire to facilitate prayer and dialogue around the reflections of the synthesis report from the synod. The morning session featured reflections on synodality and its relationship to the U.S. bishops’ ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, as well as discussions on international conflicts and the church’s evangelization efforts.

The bishops also voted to reauthorize their Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism for two more years and to evaluate its permanent inclusion in the conference structure. Additionally, they discussed liturgical adaptations for the U.S. Liturgy of the Hours and the use of technology in the church’s liturgy, addressing questions on copyright permission, livestream liturgies, and national guidelines for digital transmission of the liturgy.

The assembly also saw the election of Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City as secretary-elect of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, along with chairmen-elect for six committees. Presentations were made on various topics, including the pastoral plan for Indigenous Catholic ministry, national statutes for Christian initiation, and supplements to the bishops’ teaching document ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.’

The day concluded with positive experiences shared by Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, and Father Iván Montelongo from the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, regarding the Synod on Synodality. The bishops also voted to support the sainthood cause launched by the Archdiocese of New York for Father Isaac Hecker (1819-1888), a Catholic convert and pioneering Catholic publisher.

The plenary assembly concluded abruptly, with an unscheduled executive session called by Archbishop Broglio. Overall, the day’s events were marked by important discussions, elections, and presentations, reflecting the bishops’ commitment to addressing key issues within the Catholic Church.