The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2022 Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, from November 14-17.

The Assembly will begin with an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The Bishops will hear from Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, as he gives his final address as USCCB President upon completion of his three-year term. Prior to the general sessions, the Bishops will spend time in prayer and fraternal dialogue with one another.

 The Bishops are anticipating a full agenda with plenary sessions including a number of items such as: the Synod of Bishops; the ongoing war in Ukraine; the Bishops’ Eucharistic revival initiative and National Congress; supporting women and families since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision this summer; an update from the Migration Committee Chairman, a discussion of a new catechumenate model of marriage preparation; World Youth Day 2023; the review and approval of five translations for liturgical rituals; the Journeying Together intercultural dialogue and encounter process; a consultation of the Bishops on causes of Beatification and Canonization; and a vote on the USCCB’s 2023 budget. The Bishops are expected to decide their approach to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and related materials, to be executed over the following year. The agenda is expected to include presentations from Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, and Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC). In acknowledgment of twenty years since the drafting and passage of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Bishops will also take time during the Plenary for prayer and reflection.

During the Assembly, the Bishops will vote for the new Conference President and Vice-President, as well as Chairmen-Elect of six Conference Committees. The terms for the Bishops elected for Conference President and Vice-President will begin at the conclusion of this November meeting, and the Bishops elected for Committee Chairmen will serve for one year as Chairman-Elect before beginning a three-year term at the conclusion of the 2023 Fall Plenary Assembly.

 

Public sessions of the Assembly will be held on November 15 and 16 and will be livestreamed at: www.usccb.org/meetings. 

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