Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Peter Jesserer Smith, OSV News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gathered in Louisville for their spring plenary assembly, the U.S. bishops’ June 12-14 meeting addressed several significant matters, ranging from poverty alleviation to future plans for the National Eucharistic Revival.

The first day of the public session on June 13 included a morning executive session and an afternoon public session. In private discussions, the bishops focused on the future of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), which has faced declining donations and scrutiny over grant-making decisions.

In a press conference on June 13, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for Military Services USA and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), stated that no decisions had been made yet but emphasized their commitment “to the vital work of fighting poverty in this country.”

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal ambassador to the U.S., shifted his address from previous assemblies' focus on becoming a synodal church to emphasize the National Eucharistic Revival. He highlighted Pope Francis’ view that Eucharistic devotion is linked with “washing the feet of wounded humanity.”

The bishops voted to send a message to Pope Francis, praying for global peace and thanking him for sending Cardinal Luis A. Tagle as his delegate to the National Eucharistic Congress in July.

Archbishop Broglio’s presidential address reflected on American sacrifices during D-Day and highlighted various Catholic agencies' efforts toward peace amid ongoing conflicts in places like Syria and Haiti.

Over two days, discussions also covered progress on the Synod on Synodality's second session scheduled for October. Bishop Daniel E. Flores emphasized it would help bishops consider how best to serve Christ’s concerns alongside their congregations.

The Latin Church bishops approved agenda items related to English translation texts for liturgical use, completing work started in 2012 under Bishop Steven J. Lopes’ guidance.

On June 14, they overwhelmingly approved a pastoral framework for Indigenous Catholic ministry that included an apology for historical failures in North America.

Bishop Robert E. Barron presented “Listen, Teach, Send: A National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults.” Although initially lacking sufficient votes due to absences, it later passed with additional votes secured by June 17.

A vigorous debate ensued over creating a national directory of instituted ministries like acolyte, lector, and catechist roles expanded by Pope Francis. Bishop Lopes suggested considering all three together while Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes proposed starting with catechist guidelines due to urgent catechesis needs.

Discussions also touched upon mental health campaigns led by Catholic Charities aimed at forming a “trauma-aware church,” which received positive feedback from Bishop John P. Dolan of Phoenix.

Unanimous approval was given to open a cause for canonization of Adele Brise following her recognized visions of Virgin Mary declared worthy by Bishop David L. Ricken in 2010.

Groundbreaking proposals were introduced regarding combating abuse and immigration policy affecting religious workers from foreign countries by Suzanne Healy and Bishop Mark J. Seitz respectively.

Finally, plans were discussed about upcoming events at the National Eucharistic Congress expected to draw large participation along with future initiatives aimed at strengthening faith engagement among Catholics.