Bishops Call For Bipartisan Action To Advance Health Care Reform That Protects Human Life And Dignity

On the eve of the White House Health Care Summit, the U.S. Bishops urged Congressional leaders “to commit themselves to enacting genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.” In their February 24 letter to Congressional leadership, the bishops also cited their longtime support of adequate and affordable health care for all, calling health care a basic human right.

The letter was signed by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, chairs of the bishops’ committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Pro-Life Activities and Migration, respectively.

The bishops urged the House and Senate to adopt legislation that ensures access to quality, affordable, life-giving health care for all; retains longstanding requirements that federal funds not be used for elective abortions or plans that include them; effectively protects conscience rights; and protects the access to health care that immigrants currently have and removes current barriers to access.

Archbishop Gomez to Chair Haiti Advisory Group

USCCB Subcommittee on Church in Latin America Creates Haiti Advisory Group 
Group to Visit Haiti March 1-3
 
As part of the ongoing response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, has created a Haiti Advisory Group to help assess the impact on the local Church. Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12.

Archbishop Gomez, who will chair the advisory group, will be joined by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston, Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, and Bishop Guy Sansaricq, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn and the only Haitian-American bishop in the United States.

TCC Policy on Primary Elections

We have received several inquiries regarding the upcoming primary elections. It is the policy of the TCC to not take positions when it comes to partisan ballot voting. The upcoming ballot propositions do not do anything other than establish a party platform and the Bishops’ support of such propositions would be construed as support for the political party. The upcoming primary vote will not necessarily lead to any legislation being filed so it is best for the Bishops to stay out of the party process.

I hope that no matter what party you belong to, you will support efforts that will advance the Church’s social policy agenda, especially when it comes to the life issues, immigration, education, health care, and criminal justice issues. To reiterate, the TCC will not take positions when it comes to the upcoming primary ballot propositions.

God Bless,

Andrew Rivas
Executive Director
Texas Catholic Conference


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USCCB 2010 Lenten Season Web Page Available

"Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD your God."

The USCCB has created a web page for the 2010 Lenten Season. The page includes information on what the Church teaches about Lent, daily readings during Lent, the Pope's message for this Lenten Season, audio and video resources, and more. You can visit the web page at www.usccb.org/lent.

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Capitol Comments: Lent: It’s not always easy to wait, but at least we know the ending

By Maria Huemmer, Public Relations and Outreach Coordinator, Texas Catholic Conference

I don’t like to wait. I personally believe that God is working extra hard to give me plenty of opportunities to learn patience. But when I calm down, and maybe count to 10…20…50… I realize waiting is often good for me, or at least bearable. Waiting, in addition to helping us practice patience, is celebrated in our liturgical year and in our relationship with God.

A lot of people talk about the instant gratification expected by our society. Instant contact though the internet, instant (OK near-instant) food through drive-thrus and microwave meals, and even instant answers and satisfaction in our faith lives. Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and waiting. Hopefully, we make time to remember what we’re waiting for and to offer our own prayers and sacrifices in gratitude to that ultimate sacrifice.

Life Issues Forum: Health Care Reform and the Pro-Life Agenda

By Richard M. Doerflinger, Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, USCCB

En Espanol

Due in part to a Senate seat switching parties in a recent special election, health care reform legislation may be stalled in Congress for now. Many had hoped that long-overdue reform, extending affordable health coverage to tens of millions of people who lack it now, was on the horizon. And some, disappointed at the current impasse, are looking for scapegoats.

Pope Benedict's 2010 Lenten Message

The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (cf. Rm 3, 21-22)

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Each year, on the occasion of Lent, the Church invites us to a sincere review of our life in light of the teachings of the Gospel. This year, I would like to offer you some reflections on the great theme of justice, beginning from the Pauline affirmation: “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (cf. Rm 3, 21-22).

Welcome Bishop Daniel Flores!

Yesterday, Bishop Daniel Flores was installed as the 6th Bishop of Brownsville. You can learn more about Bishop Flores on our Bishops' page here.

Read Bishop Flores' biography in Spanish here: Spanish Biography. 


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Catholic Schools Week - Dividends for Life

“Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life” is Catholic Schools Week Theme for 2010

There is no better investment than the education of a child.

“Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life” is the theme selected for Catholic Schools Week 2010. Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration that focuses attention on the good work done by the nation’s Catholic schools. The week will be observed Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2010.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).


According to Karen Ristau, NCEA president, “Catholic schools provide good things for students and families—high expectations and daily experience of faith. In these challenging times, the theme also reminds parents that the dividends of a Catholic school education—students prepared in faith, knowledge, morals and discipline—last a lifetime. There is no better way to invest in a child’s future—or the future of our world.”

Marie Powell, executive director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted: “We realize that in most parts of the country a Catholic education is not without some cost. But I can't think of a better investment in the future than to invest in the education of a child.”


 TCC Education Director Margaret McGettrick, wrote last month's Capitol Comments article on the Accreditation and Accountability process for Texas Catholic Schools. You can read the entire article here.

The logo designed for the week features a cross superimposed on an outstretched hand. Rays coming from behind the hand express the concepts of faith, knowledge, morals and discipline—all beneficial aspects of a Catholic education. The theme “Catholic Schools" runs across the top of the art and "Dividends for Life” runs across the bottom of the art.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools will be observed Wednesday, Feb. 3. National Appreciation Day was established to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase to elected officials the great accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools. In Washington, a delegation of Catholic school students, teachers and parents will visit Capitol Hill to meet with congressional leaders to promote Catholic schools.

Schools in other parts of the country are encouraged to carry their message of good news to local and state officials.

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