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                    [post_date] => 2020-07-01 17:01:51
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                    [post_content] => 

Bishop Knestout will celebrate the Chrism Mass on Friday, July 10, 2020, 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

The Chrism Mass celebrates the ministry of our diocesan priests. They are invited to renew their commitment of service during Mass and receive the prayers and support from the faithful.

Bishop Knestout will bless three oils that will be used throughout the diocese in the coming year: the oil of the catechumens, used to help those preparing to receive the sacraments of baptism, eucharist and confirmation at Easter resist evil; the oil of the sick, used to anoint the sick and allow the anointed to experience the saving love of Christ in body and soul; and the sacred chrism, or consecrated oil, which is used during the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the ordination of priests, and in the dedication of altars and churches.

Due to social distancing, attendance at the Mass is by invitation only. The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website and on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels.

We look forward to celebrating with you!
                    [post_title] => Chrism Mass will be Celebrated on July 10
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                    [post_content] => The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, has announced the following appointments, effective August 17, 2020 (unless noted otherwise):

 

Pastors

Father Rogelio L. Abadano from Administrator of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Onley, to Pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Lovingston, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Amherst.

Father James E. Gordon from Director of Clinical Services at Saint Luke Institute, Silver Spring, MD, to Pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church, Ashland.

Father G. Leoval Guadalupe from Administrator of Church of the Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach, to Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Chincoteague Island.

Father Michael M. Imperial from Administrator at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Chincoteague Island, to Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Onley.

Father Carlos H. Lerma from Pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Lovingston, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Amherst, to Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Rocky Mount, and Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Martinsville.

 

Administrator

Father Matthew A. Kiehl from Chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, and Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, Williamsburg, to Administrator of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Virginia Beach.

 

Chaplains

Father Francis K. Boateng from Chaplain of Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach, and Chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving Old Dominion University, Norfolk, to Chaplain of Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach, and Priest in Residence at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Virginia Beach.

Father Nicholas E. Redmond from Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Petersburg, and Associate Director and Promoter of Vocations to and Promoter of Vocations and Chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, effective August 11, 2020.

 

Sacramental Priest

Father James M. Glass in addition to his role as Pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Norfolk, Sacramental Priest for the Catholic Campus Ministry serving Old Dominion University, effective August 11, 2020

 

Rector

Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman, III Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, Williamsburg, in addition to Pastor of Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg.

 

Parochial Vicars

Father Patricio D. Alcantara from Parochial Vicar of Prince of Peace, Chesapeake, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Theresa Catholic Church, Farmville; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Meherrin; and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Blackstone.

Father John R. Christian from Parochial Vicar of Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church, Roanoke, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Bridget Catholic Church, Richmond, and two days a week as Auditor and Assessor at the Diocesan Tribunal.

Father Jaime G. Delgado from Parochial Vicar of Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Richmond.

Father Paul Kkonde from Parochial Vicar of Church of the Resurrection, Saint Paul Catholic Church, Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth, and Saint Mary Catholic Church, Chesapeake, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, Roanoke.

Father Policarpio Lagco from Parochial Vicar of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Glen Allen, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Newport News.

Father Raner O. Lucila from Parochial Vicar of Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Richmond, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Fort Monroe, and Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Hampton.

Father Christopher M. Masla from Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Harrisonburg, to Parochial Vicar of Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville, and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Mission, Crozet.

Father Daniel R. Molochko from Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Fort Monroe, and Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Hampton, to Parochial Vicar of Church of the Resurrection, Saint Paul Catholic Church, Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth, and Saint Mary Catholic Church, Chesapeake.

Father Kyle S. O’Connor from Priest in Residence at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Harrisonburg, to Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Harrisonburg.

Father James P. O’Reilly from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, Roanoke, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Petersburg.

 

Retired

Father Christian J. Haydinger from Pastor of Saint Ann Catholic Church, Ashland, to Retired Status.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Announces Clergy Appointments
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                    [post_date] => 2020-06-30 12:50:17
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                    [post_content] => June 30, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in the case of Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, which challenged a decision by the Montana Supreme Court to invalidate a tax credit scholarship program because families benefiting include those who choose to send their children to religiously-affiliated schools, a violation of the Montana state constitution’s “Blaine Amendment” of 1889 against aid to religious schools. By vote of 5-4, the Court ruled in favor of the petitioners.

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J. of Oakland, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Catholic Education, have issued a statement:

“The Court has rightly ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not permit states to discriminate against religion. This decision means that religious persons and organizations can, like everyone else, participate in government programs that are open to all. This is good news, not only for people of faith, but for our country. A strong civil society needs the full participation of religious institutions. By ensuring the rights of faith-based organizations’ freedom to serve, the Court is also promoting the common good.

“The Court has also dealt a blow to the odious legacy of anti-Catholicism in America. Blaine Amendments, which are in 37 states’ constitutions, were the product of nativism and bigotry. They were never meant to ensure government neutrality towards religion, but were expressions of hostility toward the Catholic Church. We are grateful that the Supreme Court has taken an important step that will help bring an end to this shameful legacy.”

The USCCB filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the petitioners, which can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Laycock-Berg-CLS-Amicus-Brief.pdf.
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Religious Liberty and Catholic Education Chairmen Grateful for Supreme Court’s Decision in Blaine Amendment Case
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                    [post_date] => 2020-06-29 15:36:08
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-29 19:36:08
                    [post_content] => June 29, 2020

WASHINGTON– Today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced its decision in an abortion case out of Louisiana, June Medical Services v. Russo. The Court ruled 5 to 4 to strike down the Louisiana law that requires abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement:

“Abortion violently ends the life of a child, and often severely harms women. Abortion becomes even more destructive when basic health and safety standards are ignored, and profit margins are prioritized over women’s lives. As Catholics, we condemn abortion as a grave injustice that denies the fundamental human right to life. Yet even as we seek to end the brutality of legalized abortion, we still believe that the women who seek it should not be further harmed and abused by a callous, profit-driven industry.

“The Court’s failure to recognize the legitimacy of laws prioritizing women’s health and safety over abortion business interests continues a cruel precedent. As we grieve this decision and the pregnant women who will be harmed by it, we continue to pray and fight for justice for mothers and children.

“We will not rest until the day when the Supreme Court corrects the grave injustice of Roe and Casey and recognizes the Constitutional right to life for unborn human beings. And we continue to ask all people of faith to pray for women seeking abortion, often under enormous pressure, that they will find alternatives that truly value them and the lives of their children.”

The USCCB filed an amicus curae brief in the case along with the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals urging the Court to uphold the law.  The brief can be viewed here: http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/18-1323-USCCB-amicus-June-Med-v-Gee-12-30-2019.pdf

 
###
                    [post_title] => Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Says Supreme Court Decision Continues Cruel Precedent of Prioritizing Abortion Business Interests Over Women’s Health and Safety
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                    [post_date] => 2020-06-23 14:19:22
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                    [post_content] => Religious Freedom Week is a call for all Catholics to pray for and uphold religious freedom nationally and globally.  This year's theme is "For the Good of All."

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, the acting chairman of the USCCB's Committee for Religious Liberty said, in part, that "religious freedom is the human right that guarantees all other rights — peace and creative living together will only be possible if freedom of religion is fully respected.” You can read Archbishop's Wenski's full statement here.

Bishop Knestout encourages the faithful of the Diocese of Richmond to join him this week in praying especially for the protection of religious freedom around the world. If you need some ideas for your own daily intentions, here are some ideas from the USCCB:

 

More information about Religious Freedom Week is available from the USCCB.
                    [post_title] => Religious Freedom Week: June 22-29, 2020
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                    [post_date] => 2020-06-22 15:30:02
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-22 19:30:02
                    [post_content] => June 22, 2020

WASHINGTON— Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, the acting chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty has encouraged Catholics to pray and uphold religious liberty at home and abroad during Religious Freedom Week 2020. Commencing on June 22, the Feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, Religious Freedom Week runs through June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The theme chosen for this year is “For the Good of All.”

Archbishop Wenski stated:

“Religious freedom is under stress throughout the world. Even in our Western liberal democracies, discrimination against religion in general and Catholic Christianity, in particular, is growing — albeit in perhaps more sophisticated and less violent ways.

“Political analysts and human rights advocates do include religion on their agenda. But most emphasize ‘tolerance’ as if religion were only a source of conflict. Or, they speak about religion in terms of ‘individual choices,’ as if religion were merely the concern of an individual’s conviction and were devoid of any social consequences.

“Yet, just as freedom of speech depends not only on one’s right to say what’s on one’s mind but also on the existence of institutions like newspapers, universities, libraries, political parties and other associations that make up what we call ‘civil society,’ so too freedom of religion ‘for the good of all’ must also encompass protecting those institutions that nourish the individual’s free exercise of religion.

“The right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person. Religious freedom is the human right that guarantees all other rights — peace and creative living together will only be possible if freedom of religion is fully respected.”
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Religious Liberty Chairman Announces Religious Freedom Week from June 22-29, 2020
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                    [post_date] => 2020-06-16 11:04:31
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-16 15:04:31
                    [post_content] => 15 de junio del 2020

WASHINGTON — El presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB), arzobispo José H. Gomez, de Los Ángeles, hizo una declaración sobre la decisión emitida hoy por la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos, que combina los casos Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., Altitude Express v. Zarda, y R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes vs. Equal Opportunity Employment Comm’n. Los jueces dictaminaron que la prohibición de discriminación por "sexo" en el empleo en el Título VII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 ahora prohíbe la discriminación basada en la "orientación sexual" y el estado de "transgénero".

A continuación, el comunicado del arzobispo Gomez:

“Estoy profundamente preocupado de que la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos haya redefinido efectivamente el significado legal de ‘sexo’ en la ley de derechos civiles de nuestra nación. Esta es una injusticia que tendrá implicaciones en muchas áreas de la vida.

Al borrar las hermosas diferencias y la relación complementaria entre el hombre y la mujer, ignoramos la gloria de la creación de Dios y dañamos a la familia humana, la base fundamental de la sociedad. Nuestro sexo, ya sea hombre o mujer, es parte del plan de Dios para la creación y para nuestras vidas. Como el Papa Francisco nos ha enseñado con tanta sensibilidad, vivir en la verdad con los dones previstos de Dios en nuestras vidas requiere que recibamos nuestra identidad corporal y sexual con gratitud de nuestro Creador. Nadie puede encontrar la verdadera felicidad siguiendo un camino contrario al plan de Dios.

Toda persona humana está hecha a imagen y semejanza de Dios y, sin excepción, debe ser tratada con dignidad, compasión y respeto. Proteger a nuestros vecinos de la discriminación injusta no requiere redefinir la naturaleza humana.

Oramos para que la Iglesia, con la ayuda de María, la Madre de Dios, pueda continuar su misión de llevar a Jesucristo a cada hombre y mujer”.

El 23 de agosto de 2019, la USCCB, junto con otras organizaciones religiosas nacionales, presentó escritos amicus curiae en estos casos. Ellos están disponibles en los siguientes enlaces: http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Bostock-8-23-19.pdf y http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Harris-8-23-19.pdf.
###
                    [post_title] => Comunicado del Presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal con Relación a la Decisión de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos sobre la Definición Legal de "Sexo" en la Ley de Derechos Civiles
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                    [post_content] => June 15, 2020

 

WASHINGTON — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, provided a statement on the decision issued today by the Supreme Court of the United States – combining Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., Altitude Express v. Zarda, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal Opportunity Employment Comm’n. The justices ruled that the prohibition on “sex” discrimination in employment in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 now prohibits discrimination based on “sexual orientation” and “transgender” status.

Archbishop Gomez’s statement follows:
I am deeply concerned that the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively redefined the legal meaning of ‘sex’ in our nation’s civil rights law. This is an injustice that will have implications in many areas of life.

By erasing the beautiful differences and complementary relationship between man and woman, we ignore the glory of God’s creation and harm the human family, the first building block of society. Our sex, whether we are male or female, is part of God’s plan for creation and for our lives. As Pope Francis has taught with such sensitivity, to live in the truth with God’s intended gifts in our lives requires that we receive our bodily and sexual identity with gratitude from our Creator. No one can find true happiness by pursuing a path that is contrary to God’s plan.\

Every human person is made in the image and likeness of God and, without exception, must be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Protecting our neighbors from unjust discrimination does not require redefining human nature.

We pray that the Church, with the help of Mary, the Mother of God, will be able to continue her mission to bring Jesus Christ to every man and woman.
On August 23, 2019, the USCCB, joined by other national religious organizations, filed amicus curiae briefs in the cases. They are available at http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Bostock-8-23-19.pdf  and http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/Harris-8-23-19.pdf.
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Legal Definition of “Sex” in Civil Rights Law
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                    [post_content] => June 10, 2020

WASHINGTON - Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures established and adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002 to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

In his letter to the newly appointed members, Archbishop Gomez reminded them,

“The National Review Board plays a vital role as a consultative body assisting the bishops in ensuring the complete implementation and accountability of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. As it states, ‘The whole Church, especially the laity, at both the diocesan and national levels, needs to be engaged in maintaining safe environments in the Church for children and young people.’”

The four new NRB members are as follows:

Ms. Vivian M. Akel, LCSW, is a retired Clinical Social Worker currently holding the position (volunteer) of Safe Environment Coordinator for the Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn as well as Pre-Cana facilitator. Her prior experience includes 21 years with the New York City Department of Education as a School Social Worker providing all aspects of Social Work Services with school age children, parents and educators. In addition, Ms. Akel held the position of Director of Social Work in an acute care medical center supervising social workers providing services to patients, families and medical personnel. Ms. Akel began her career working in a Community Mental Health Center in Brooklyn New York providing outpatient psychotherapy to individual patients, couples and families and maintained a private practice until her retirement in 2014. She received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work and is currently enrolled in a Spiritual Direction training program at Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Ms. Akel has been married for 34 years and has two adult children.

Mr. James Bogner is a retired Senior Executive Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with over 35 years of law enforcement experience including serving as a municipal police officer, commanding a detective division, and an FBI Special Agent. He has served as a field investigator in Indianapolis, an investigative supervisor in Chicago, a Unit Chief in the Washington D.C. headquarters of the FBI’s Internal Affairs/Adjudication Unit, and then the national Inspection Unit. Mr. Bogner was assigned as Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge in Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombing. He served in the Senior Executive Service in Washington, and later as Special Agent-in-Charge of FBI offices in the midwest over Nebraska and Iowa. These positions included investigations, developing multi-agency liaisons and partnerships, addressing national personnel and misconduct policies and issues, conducting national inspections and audits, risk analysis, strategic planning, and high-profile media matters.  Mr. Bogner later served as the first Assistant Federal Security Director developing procedures and protocols for airport security for Law Enforcement in Nebraska and Iowa after 9/11. He has served on several local, state and national boards and councils. Mr. Bogner has a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice, and he is a graduate of the FBI’s National Executive Institute. He has also served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Criminal Justice program. His volunteer work includes being President of his Parish Council to include data and survey analysis and strategic planning. Mr. Bogner also serves on the Archdiocesan Advisory Review and Ministerial Misconduct Boards for the Archdiocese of Omaha.

Mr. Steven Jubera is an Assistant District Attorney for Mississippi's 17th Judicial District. Born in Chicago, he served as a United States Marine being deployed to the Middle East with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit  Upon Mr. Jubera’s honorable discharge, he attended the University of Illinois at Chicago then earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS where he currently resides. Mr. Jubera has assisted in the formation of a child advocacy center to better serve the children of his community and has been a speaker  advocating for children including the One Loud Voice conference in Mississippi. Mr. Jubera currently serves on the Review Board for the Diocese of Jackson. He is married with four children and one grandson.

Thomas M. Mengler is president of St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. He holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Before becoming president of St. Mary’s, he served as dean of two law schools: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Mr. Mengler has served Catholic higher education as a member and, between 2018 to 2020, as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. In that role, Mr. Mengler also served in 2018 as a member of the Higher Education Working Group for the USCCB’s Committee on Higher Education.  Previously, he served on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of San Antonio and as Co-Chair of the Lay Commission on Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. He and his wife have four adult children.

Details regarding the National Review Board, its functions and other members can be found at:

http://www.usccb.org/about/child-and-youth-protection/the-national-review-
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Appoints Four New Members of National Review Board for the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People
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Deacon Charles Williams, director, Office for Black Catholics, leads us in a Thursday evening (June 11) Prayer Service for Racial Healing.
The program is streamed live at 7:30 p.m.
The virtual prayer service can be viewed on our livestream page at the following:
 www.richmonddiocese.org/livestream or on our YouTube channel.

We join our voice in prayer for healing, for unity and for peace. We ask the Divine Physician, Christ the Lord, to heal the wounds of hurt throughout our land.
Please pray with us...
 

God of Heaven and Earth,
you created the one human family
and endowed each person with great dignity.
Aid us, we pray, in overcoming the sin of racism.
Grant us your grace in eliminating this blight
from our hearts, our communities,
our social and civil institutions.
Fill our hearts with love for you and our neighbor
so that we may work with you
in healing our land from racial injustice.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

 

                    [post_title] => Prayer Service for Racial Healing - Livestream
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For immediate release June 8, 2020
Catholic Diocese of Richmond Begins Review into Allegations Against Four Retired or Inactive Priests
(RICHMOND, Va.) - The Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced today (June 8), it has begun a review into allegations of child sexual abuse involving four retired or inactive priests.

None of the accused priests are currently serving in active ministry, nor have they recently served in ministry for the diocese. The diocese has not reached any conclusions regarding these allegations, rather this statement serves to announce the beginning of its inquiry into the allegations. Until this inquiry concludes, the accused are not deemed to have committed the acts alleged.

At the same time, Bishop Knestout acknowledges it takes great courage to come forward to report allegations of this nature. “While the alleged incidents are from the past, we recognize the pain is still a deep and present reality for victim survivors of abuse and for their loved ones,” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “We continue to pray for their healing and for their loved ones who support them.”

Bishop Knestout has prohibited all of the named diocesan clergy from any public ministry in the diocese while the allegations are being reviewed. As part of the Church process into the allegations, the Diocesan Review Board will make recommendations to Bishop Knestout. Based upon its findings, the Diocesan Review Board’s recommendations will assist Bishop Knestout with an appropriate response to the allegations. Then, Bishop Knestout will make a final determination. The Diocese has also notified the civil authorities.

 

Fr. William Dinga, Jr. | Status: Retired Without Priestly Faculties

Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. William Dinga, Jr. while serving at Christ the King Catholic Church, Norfolk in 1986. Fr. Dinga adamantly denies the allegations. He was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1975 and served as a pastor or associate pastor at the following parishes: Christ the King, Norfolk; Saint Andrew, Roanoke; Holy Cross, Lynchburg; Saint Jerome, Newport News; Saint Vincent de Paul, Newport News; and Saint Peter, Richmond.

Fr. Dinga retired in 1990. Prior to this recent allegation, Fr. Dinga did not have permission to exercise any public priestly ministry. His priestly faculties remain suspended.

 

Fr. Joseph Slowik | Status: Retired without Priestly Faculties

Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Joseph Slowik while serving at St. Paul’s in Portsmouth in the early 1990’s.  The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Slowik’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Slowik denies the allegations.

Incardinated as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1979, he served as a pastor and/or associate pastor at the following parishes: St. John, Petersburg, St. Paul, Portsmouth and Church of Saint Therese, Gloucester. He was removed from public ministry in 2006. Fr. Slowik’s priestly faculties remain suspended.

 

Fr. Thomas L. Long, Jr. | Suspended from Priestly Ministry

Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Thomas L. Long, Jr. while serving at Christ the King Catholic School in Norfolk in 1986.  The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Long’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Long denies the allegations.

Fr. Long, ordained a priest of the diocese in 1981, was assigned to St. Joseph in Petersburg and Christ the King in Norfolk. He took a leave of absence in 1988 and has not served in priestly ministry within the Diocese of Richmond since that time.

Prior to these allegations, Fr. Long’s priestly faculties were already suspended. His faculties remain suspended.

 

Fr. Eugene Daigle | Religious Order Priest

Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Eugene Daigle, a religious order priest, while serving at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Fort Monroe in the late 1970’s.

Fr. Daigle was ordained a Redemptorist, or member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R), a religious community of Roman Catholic priests and brothers, before working in ministry in the diocese. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has informed the provincial superior of the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province, to whom Fr. Daigle reports to, of the allegations.  Currently, Fr. Daigle is no longer active in priestly ministry.*

The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Daigle’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Daigle denies the allegation.

As always, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond encourages individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement first, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Virginia Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064 or (VirginiaClergyHotline.com). Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org.

The Diocesan Child Protection Policy can be viewed online at: https://richmonddiocese.org/diocesan-policies/

 
###
 

*Media Note: Any further information regarding Fr. Eugene Daigle’s date of ordination and previous assignments will have to be obtained from the Redemptorists. The Redemptorists can be reached by contacting Provincial@redemptorists.net.

 
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                    [post_content] => June 3, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops received a call from Pope Francis today, where the Holy Father expressed his prayers and closeness to the Church and the people of the United States in this moment of unrest.

Archbishop Gomez shared this news with the U.S. bishops in the hope that they could take comfort and gain strength in the Holy Father’s encouragement. Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the bishops for their pastoral tone in the Church’s response to the demonstrations across the country in their statements and actions since the death of George Floyd and assured the bishops of his continued prayers and closeness in the days and weeks ahead. He expressed special prayers for Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and the local Church of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Archbishop Gomez, on behalf of the bishops’ conference, conveyed gratitude to the Holy Father for his strong words of support that were also expressed during this morning’s general audience,and in turn, assured the Holy Father of their prayers.
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Receive Call of Encouragement and Assurances of Prayer from Pope Francis in the Wake of Social Unrest in the United States
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                    [post_content] => Please keep our seminarians in your prayers this summer!

Continuing Pastoral Year Assignments (ends August 2020)

Dillon Bruce                  Rev. Msgr. William Carr                            St. Bridget, Richmond

Armando Herrera      Rev. John David Ramsey                           St. Benedict, Richmond

Alex Jimenez                 Very Rev. Danny Cogut, V.F.                    St. Ann, Colonial Heights

Joseph Kauflin             Very Rev. Kevin Segerblom, V.E.             St. Andrew, Roanoke

 

Pastoral Year Assignments (June – August 2021)

William Buckley         Rev. Msgr. Patrick Golden                         Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke

Christopher Weyer    Rev. John David Ramsey                           St. Benedict, Richmond

 

Summer Parish Assignments (June – August 2020)

Tom Lawrence            Rev. Rolo Castillo                                       St. John, Waynesboro

David Arellano           Rev. James Glass                                        Holy Trinity, Norfolk

William Douglas        Rev. Christopher Hess                               St. Anne, Bristol

Seth Seaman               Rev. Msgr. William Carr                            St. Bridget, Richmond

Matthew Kelly            Very Rev. Eric Ayers, V. F.                        Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk

Luke Fitzgerald          Home for summer

Andrew Clark              Very Rev. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi, V.F.   Holy Comforter, Charlottesville

Gregory Guilfoyle      Home for summer

Samuel Hill                  Rev. Christopher Hess                                St. Anne, Bristol

Graham Fassero        Rev. Joseph Wamala                                   St. Francis, Staunton

Charles Palmer          Rev. Msgr. Joseph Lehman                        St. Bede, Williamsburg

Chase Imoru               Rev. James Glass                                          Holy Trinity, Norfolk

John Paul Shanahan Rev. Joseph Wamala                                  St. Francis Staunton

Carl Thompson         Rev. Charles Ssebalamu                               St. Jude, Christiansburg

Charlie Tamayo         Home for summer
                    [post_title] => Seminarian Summer 2020 Assignments
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We are pleased to invite you to join us via livestream for the ordination of two men for the Diocese of Richmond and one man for the Diocese of Zacatecoluca on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

The Mass will also commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of our founding as the Catholic Diocese of Richmond on July 11, 1820. We will give thanks to God for the perseverance of all those who came before us to establish our faith and the glorious life of this Church we celebrate today. You can view the Bicentennial Prayer in English or Spanish on our bicentennial website.

Due to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of our parishioners and clergy, the diocese rescheduled the previously set ordination dates to coincide with our bicentennial July celebration, and we will now celebrate these joyous occasions together.

To allow for social distancing, attendance at the Mass is by invitation only. The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website and on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Congratulations to Deacon Anthony Ferguson, Deacon Julio Reyes and Mr. Thomas Lawrence on their upcoming ordinations!

Deacon Anthony Ferguson will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Richmond. Deacon Ferguson currently serves at St. Joseph, Petersburg. You can read about Deacon Ferguson's call to the priesthood in the June 29 issue of The Catholic Virginian.

 

 

 

 

Deacon Julio Reyes will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador. Deacon Reyes currently serves at Our Lady of Lourdes, Richmond. Read more about Deacon Reyes in the June 29 issue of The Catholic Virginian.

Deacon Reyes will be ordained by Bishop Knestout on behalf of Bishop Elías Bolaños, Bishop of Zacatecoluca. He has been sponsored by the Diocese of Richmond for his seminary formation and has committed to serving the diocese for the first years of his priestly ministry.

 

Mr. Thomas Lawrence will be ordained to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Richmond. He currently serves at St. John, Waynesboro. You can read more about Thomas in the June 29 issue of The Catholic Virginian.

 

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for the clergy and seminarians of the diocese. St. John Vianney, St. Vincent de Paul, pray for them!





O God, who have willed to provide
shepherds for your people,
pour out a spirit of reverence
and fortitude in your Church,
to make these your servants worthy ministers at your altar
and ardent yet gentle heralds of your Gospel.
through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Dios y Padre nuestro,
tú que eres quien provee de pastores a tu pueblo,
derrama sobre tu Iglesia
el Espíritu de piedad y fortaleza,
que convierta a estos siervos tuyos
en dignos ministros de tu altar
y los haga testigos valientes y humildes de tu Evangelio.
Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo,
que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo
y es Dios por los siglos de los siglos.



 
                    [post_title] => Bicentennial Ordinations on July 11
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                    [post_content] => May 31, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB.

Archbishop Gomez’s full statement follows:

The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?

I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.

We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.

It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.

But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.

Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.

We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
                    [post_title] => Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
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                    [post_content] => May 30, 2020
Bishop Knestout Statement on the Death of George Floyd and Unrest in Richmond
“Like you, I have been distressed, angered and heartbroken by what has transpired with the images we have seen coming from Minneapolis and across our country.  The loss of George Floyd’s life is unacceptable and heartbreaking. We pray for the repose of his soul and for his loved ones who are suffering. And while we are hundreds of miles from Minneapolis, the anguish and pain are deeply affecting our community here too. The sorrow and the anger were clear last night in our city.”

 

“I know many in our community are outraged and have experienced racism in their own lives. I know because I have listened and heard from them directly. Their pain is real, and it cannot be ignored. I also know that violence is not an acceptable response to violence. Such actions only perpetuate the destructive cycle. It is only through a peaceful response can we create positive change for the future.”

 

“We know that the vast majority of those within the law enforcement community are good, honest and respected officers who are doing good, seeking to protect common good in sometimes stressful and difficult environments. Please pray for them as well.”

 
“As we are immersed in the Solemnity of Pentecost this weekend, I call upon all Catholics to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance of our country and of our own diocese during these challenging times. As St. Augustine wrote, “Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.”


###
Please also view the video from Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The link to the video is located on the USCCB YouTube Channel and you can view it below.

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                    [post_content] => 
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests 

Immediate Release: May 29, 2020

WASHINGTON – Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States.


Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism; Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, chairman of the Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; Bishop David G. O’Connell, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development; and Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, chairman of the Subcommittee on African American Affairs have issued the following statement:

 
We are broken-hearted, sickened, and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our very eyes. What’s more astounding is that this is happening within mere weeks of several other such occurrences. This is the latest wake-up call that needs to be answered by each of us in a spirit of determined conversion.


Racism is not a thing of the past or simply a throwaway political issue to be bandied about when convenient. It is a real and present danger that must be met head on. As members of the Church, we must stand for the more difficult right and just actions instead of the easy wrongs of indifference. We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.


While it is expected that we will plead for peaceful non-violent protests, and we certainly do, we also stand in passionate support of communities that are understandably outraged. Too many communities around this country feel their voices are not being heard, their complaints about racist treatment are unheeded, and we are not doing enough to point out that this deadly treatment is antithetical to the Gospel of Life.


As we said eighteen months ago in our most recent pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts, for people of color some interactions with police can be fraught with fear and even danger. People of good conscience must never turn a blind eye when citizens are being deprived of their human dignity and even their lives. Indifference is not an option. “As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue.”


We join Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis in praying for the repose of the soul of Mr. George Floyd and all others who have lost their lives in a similar manner. We plead for an end to the violence in the wake of this tragedy and for the victims of the rioting. We pray for comfort for grieving families and friends. We pray for peace across the United States, particularly in Minnesota, while the legal process moves forward. We also anticipate a full investigation that results in rightful accountability and actual justice.


We join our brother bishops to challenge everyone to come together, particularly with those who are from different cultural backgrounds. In this encounter, let us all seek greater understanding amongst God’s people. So many people who historically have been disenfranchised continue to experience sadness and pain, yet they endeavor to persevere and remain people of great faith. We encourage our pastors to encounter and more authentically accompany them, listen to their stories, and learn from them, finding substantive ways to enact systemic change. Such encounters will start to bring about the needed transformation of our understanding of true life, charity, and justice in the United States. Hopefully, then there will be many voices speaking out and seeking healing against the evil of racism in our land.


As we anticipate the Solemnity of Pentecost this weekend, we call upon all Catholics to pray and work toward a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for a supernatural desire to rid ourselves of the harm that bias and prejudice cause. We call upon Catholics to pray to the Holy Spirit for the Spirit of Truth to touch the hearts of all in the United States and to come down upon our criminal justice and law enforcement systems. Finally, let each and every Catholic, regardless of their ethnicity, beg God to heal our deeply broken view of each other, as well as our deeply broken society.

###

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                    [post_content] => Brian Olszewski, Editor, The Catholic Virginian

Catholic school teachers from across the diocese, their principals and guests gathered virtually on Wednesday, May 13 for the third annual Excellence in Catholic Education awards presented by the Office of Catholic Schools.

During his opening remarks, Bishop Barry C. Knestout expressed his gratitude to the nominees for their work.

“It incorporates the faith, but it is much beyond that in terms of all the other aspects of human life and formation for our young people,” he said. “It makes me proud and it’s great to be a part of the work of the diocese that is carried out so beautifully by each of you.”

The Excellence in Catholic Education awards honor teachers who represent the best in Catholic teaching in each region and across the diocese. Administrators and colleagues at each school selected one teacher to be recognized based on their exceptional commitment to Catholic education through their leadership and service to their students, parents, colleagues, parishes and school communities.

The Excellence in Catholic Education school award winners are:

Mary Davison, All Saints Catholic School

Barbara Green, Catholic High School

Mandy Mills, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School

Katie Milnor, Charlottesville Catholic School

Theresa Sullivan, Christ the King Catholic School

Sarah Whalen, Holy Cross Regional Catholic School

Marisa Trible, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

Dominican Sister Mary Josephine, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School

Michael Pilola, Peninsula Catholic High School

Peggy Campbell, Portsmouth Regional Catholic School

Catherine Schlesser, Roanoke Catholic School

Lorraine Schwarz, Sacred Heart Catholic School

Angelina Bush, St. Anne Catholic School

Michelle Cisik, St. Benedict Catholic School

Shannon Barry, St. Bridget Catholic School

Rachel Franklin, St. Edward Epiphany School

Julie Mazzeo, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School

Diane Astrin, St. John the Apostle Catholic School

Linda Elkins, St. Joseph Catholic School

Patricia Harris, St. Mary Catholic School

Dominican Sister Mary Augustine Brilliant, St. Mary Star of the Sea

Roxanne Catoire, St. Matthew Catholic School

Carol Novisk, St. Pius X Catholic School

Myriam Traub, Star of the Sea Catholic School

Milnor, first grade teacher at Charlottesville Catholic School, was the recipient of the Western Vicariate award. In his nomination, her principal, Michael Riley, wrote: “She is often found helping students resolve their differences in an age-appropriate manner, utilizing the teachings of Jesus to help them be more accepting, respectful, and compassionate.”

 

 

Davison, first grade teacher at All Saints Catholic School, Richmond, received the Central Vicariate award. Her principal, Michael Kelleher, wrote in her nomination: “The praise that parents shower upon this nominee is well deserved and it runs the gamut from her ability to implement effective classroom management techniques, to assessing student learning, to creating quality, engaging learning centers for the students. …  “It is easy to see that she loves her students and they love her.”

Pilola, the Eastern Vicariate honoree, teaches English at Peninsula Catholic High School, Newport News. In her nomination, Jenny Franklin, principal, wrote: “Michael never forgets where he is or what his purpose is here … to form these young people into great citizens who are strong in their faith.”

She added that he is a “role model to his colleagues and they respect him not only for his skills but for the manner in which he supports them – always positive, always with a smile and always with a helping hand.”

Mills, a second grade teacher at the Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan, received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award — given to a teacher “based on their selfless work in service of the Gospel in both word and deed, their dedication to Catholic education, their instructional expertise, and their witness to their faith to help transform the lives of our Catholic school students and communities,” according to the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.

In her nomination of Mills, Paula Ledetter, head of school, wrote: “Mandy is dedicated and committed to the well-rounded development of her students, working to enhance the academic and cocurricular programs at the school, coaching and teaching colleagues in new initiatives and participating in church and community events. She is a reliable and dedicated teacher who is respected and valued by her colleagues.”

 
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                    [post_content] => 15 de mayo 2020

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

Con gran alegría nos reuniremos de nuevo en nuestras parroquias para la celebración de la misa dominical, a partir del fin de semana del 23 al 24 de mayo, en esta diócesis, celebramos la Fiesta de la Ascensión.

Estas últimas ocho semanas han sido un tiempo en el que, para usar las palabras del salmista, hemos añorado, sediento y anhelado la Eucaristía. Hemos llegado a apreciar de una manera más profunda lo importante que es para nosotros ser alimentados con el Pan de Vida.

Con el fin de proteger su salud y la de los otros feligreses en la misa, hemos puesto en marcha numerosas medidas de seguridad. Entre ellas están: los feligreses de 3 años en adelante llevarán cubiertas sus caras. Las misas serán programadas con tiempo adicional entre ellas. Practicaremos el distanciamiento social. La comunión será distribuida sólo en forma de pan y sólo por el sacerdote y el diácono.

La página de su parroquia y nuestra página web richmonddiocese.org tienen información adicional de lo que puede esperar al reanudar la celebración de misas públicas.

Esta es la primera fase al regreso de la plena vida sacramental en nuestras parroquias. Tendremos que trabajar juntos mientras nos preparamos para pasar con seguridad a una reapertura gradual.  Por favor, sean pacientes y comprensivos con su clero y personal de la parroquia mientras implementan estas directrices. Su preocupación es proteger la salud de nuestras comunidades de fe mientras celebramos la misa.

Durante este tiempo de transición, quiero agradecerles por apoyar a su parroquia con sus oraciones y contribuciones financieras, y por el compromiso personal que han hecho para crecer en la fe y ser gente de esperanza.

Por favor, reza por aquellos que se han enfermado o que han perdido sus vidas debido al COVID-19. Recen también por nuestros trabajadores de la salud y por todos los que están en primera línea para tratar a los que tienen el coronavirus. Su servicio es un testimonio del Evangelio.

De mientras, pedimos a Dios que nos mantenga a salvo y le agradecemos por su bondad. Invocamos al Espíritu Santo para que nos guíe e inspire durante este tiempo difícil.  Ustedes tengan la seguridad de mis oraciones y por favor manténganme también en las suyas.

 

Suyo en Cristo,

Obispo Knestout
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                    [post_content] => Información actualizada

El 14 de mayo de 2020, los líderes locales de la ciudad de Richmond y del condado de Accomack solicitaron una demora de dos semanas para entrar en la primera fase, el Gobernador Northam enmendó la Orden Ejecutiva 62 para retrasar la reapertura de estas jurisdicciones hasta el viernes 29 de mayo de 2020.

Como resultado de esta nueva información y para la seguridad de todos, el obispo Knestout está ordenando a todas las parroquias localizadas en la ciudad de Richmond y el condado de Accomack que retrasen el paso a la fase 1 de reapertura hasta la misa de vigilia del domingo, el sábado 30 de mayo de 2020.  Esto incluye retrasar el ofrecimiento de misas públicas.

 

La celebración de misas públicas se reanuda en la diócesi de Richmond

Las misas comienzan el 23 de mayo en la vigilia del domingo de la Fiesta de la Ascensión

 

(RICHMOND, Va.) - Los católicos de la diócesis de Richmond volverán a celebrar la misa en sus parroquias el fin de semana del 23 de mayo. La celebración de las fue suspendida a partir del 22 de marzo de 2020 en la diócesis debido a la crisis de salud de COVID-19.

"Hemos estado en la diócesis planeando por algún tiempo para encontrar maneras de proveer los sacramentos y las misas, pero con limitaciones para mantener la seguridad y el bienestar de todos. Esperamos una apertura gradual debido al tamaño y a la diversidad de nuestras parroquias dentro de cada localidad y dadas las circunstancias individuales de las parroquias", dice el Obispo Barry C. Knestout. "Nuestras directrices han sido desarrolladas en base a protocolos de salud pública y estatales y en base a las circunstancias actuales, por lo que los protocolos pueden cambiar con el tiempo".

Las directrices enviadas a los sacerdotes el 13 de mayo por la oficina de Preparación de la diócesis detallan las instrucciones y la orientación a las parroquias, incluyendo el distanciamiento social de seis pies y el uso de cubrirse la cara por parte de todos los parroquianos reunidos de 3 años en adelante. Para más directrices y pautas específicas, véase "Directrices para volver a la misa". Lo que necesitas saber".

La reapertura sigue la orden ejecutiva 61 del gobernador Ralph Northam, que permite que los lugares de culto tengan servicios de hasta el 50% de la ocupación del área más baja del culto en el templo y otras directrices recomendadas.

Durante este tiempo, el obispo Knestout continúa dispensando a los católicos de la obligación de asistir a misa los domingos y días festivos. La dispensación es debida al límite de capacidad para las liturgias reduciendo el número de feligreses y reconociendo a los individuos que se definen como "vulnerables". La dispensación está en vigor hasta nuevo aviso.

"Esperamos el día en que todos nos reunamos de nuevo, en que la distancia física no nos limite y podamos alegrarnos de la fuerza y la gracia que se nos ofrece en la Eucaristía", dice el obispo Knestout. "Sepan de mi profunda gratitud por su paciencia, apoyo y cooperación mientras trabajamos juntos como una comunidad católica durante este tiempo".

Las parroquias continuarán abiertas durante sus horarios regulares. Se les anima a que continúen con lo siguiente: misas en vivo, programar la celebración de misas públicas con tiempo adicional entre una y otra para permitir que el espacio de culto se limpie y desinfecte, y publicar las homilías y las grabaciones de las misas en el sitio web de la parroquia.

Los católicos que tengan preguntas sobre la reapertura de las iglesias deben contactar con sus parroquias o prepared@richmonddiocese.org
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                    [post_content] => Updated information:

On May 14, 2020, local leaders of the City of Richmond and the County of Accomack requested a two-week delay to enter Phase One, Governor Northam amended Executive Order 62 to delay reopening of these jurisdictions until Friday, May 29, 2020.

As a result of this new information and for the safety of all, Bishop Knestout is directing all parishes located in the City of Richmond and the County of Accomack to delay moving to Phase 1 Reopening until the Sunday Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 30, 2020.  This includes delaying offering public Masses.

 

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2020

Celebration of Public Masses to Resume in Catholic Diocese of Richmond

Masses begin May 23rd on the Sunday Vigil of the Feast of the Ascension 

(RICHMOND, Va.) – Catholics throughout the Diocese of Richmond will resume celebrating Mass in their parishes the weekend of May 23. Celebration of Masses had been suspended since March 22, 2020, in the diocese due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

“We have been in the diocese planning for some time to find ways to provide the sacraments and Masses but with limitations to keep the safety and well-being of all in consideration. We expect a gradual opening due to the size and difference of our parishes within each locality and given individual parish circumstances,” says Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “Our guidelines have been developed based on state and public health protocols and based on current circumstances so the protocols may change over time.”

Guidelines sent to priests on May 13 by the diocese’s Office of Preparation detail instructions and guidance to parishes, including social distancing of six feet and the wearing of face coverings by all congregants ages 3 and older. For further specific directives and guidelines, see “Return to Mass Guidelines. What You Need to Know.”

The reopening follows Gov. Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 61 that allows places of worship to have services for up to 50% of the lowest occupancy of the church’s worship area and other recommended guidelines.

During this time, Bishop Knestout continues to dispense Catholics from the obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and holy days. The dispensation is due to the capacity limit for liturgies which is reducing the number of congregants and recognizing individuals who are defined as “vulnerable.” The dispensation is in effect until further notice.

“We look forward to the day when we will all gather again, when physical distance doesn’t limit us and we will be able to rejoice in the strength and the grace offered to us in the Eucharist,” says Bishop Knestout. “Know of my deep gratitude for your patience, support and cooperation as we work together as one Catholic community during this time.”

Parishes will continue to remain open during regular operating hours. They are encouraged to continue the following: livestream Masses, schedule the celebration of public Masses with additional time between them to allow for worship space to be cleaned and disinfected, and post homilies and Mass recordings to the parish website.

Catholics with questions regarding the reopening of churches should contact their parishes or prepared@richmonddiocese.org
###
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Updated information:
On May 14, 2020, local leaders of the City of Richmond and the County of Accomack requested a two-week delay to enter Phase One, Governor Northam amended Executive Order 62 to delay reopening of these jurisdictions until Friday, May 29, 2020.

As a result of this new information and for the safety of all, Bishop Knestout is directing all parishes located in the City of Richmond and the County of Accomack to delay moving to Phase 1 Reopening until the Sunday Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 30, 2020.  This includes delaying offering public Masses.

en español

May 15, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great joy we will once again come together in our parish churches for the celebration of Sunday Mass, beginning the weekend of May 23 and 24, in this diocese, we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension.

These past eight weeks have been a time when — to use the words of the Psalmist — we have longed, thirsted and yearned for the Eucharist. We have come to appreciate in a deeper way how important it is for us to be fed the Bread of Life.

In order to protect your health and those of your fellow parishioners at Mass, we have put in place numerous safeguards. Among them are: Worshipers age 3 and older will wear face coverings. Masses will be scheduled with additional time between them. We will practice social distancing. Communion will be distributed only in the form of bread and only by the priest and deacon.

Your parish and our website richmonddiocese.org have additional information of what you can expect as we resume the celebration of public Masses.

This is the first phase of restoring full sacramental life in our parishes. We will need to work together as we prepare to move safely into a gradual reopening.  Please be patient with and understanding of your clergy and parish staff as they implement these guidelines. Their concern is to protect the health of our faith communities while we celebrate Mass.

During this time of transition, I wish to thank you for supporting your parish with your prayers and financial contributions, and for the personal commitment you have made to grow in faith and to be people of hope.

Please pray for those who have become ill or who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Pray, too, our health care workers and all who are on the front lines of treating those who have the coronavirus. Their service is a witness to the Gospel.

As we ask God to keep us safe and thank him for his goodness, and we call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us and inspire us during this challenging time, be assured of my prayers for you and please keep me in yours.

Yours in Christ,

The Most. Rev. Barry C. Knestout

Bishop of Richmond

 

Read entire announcement from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond

en español
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View Bishop Knestout's Mother's Day 2020 Message in English. Click image below.


[caption id="attachment_121706" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Click image to view Bishop Knestout's video message for Mother's Day 2020.[/caption]

En Español
Mensaje del día de la madre del Obispo Knestout
Con nuestra celebración del Día de la Madre este domingo, quiero desearles a todas las madres en nuestra diócesis un feliz y bendito Día de las Madres.

Cada vez que nos enfrentamos con tiempos difíciles, pareciera como que las madres son las más afectadas por ellos. Esto pareciera también ser cierto con la crisis del COVID-19.

Al yo rezar por todas las madres este domingo, varias de ellas en particular me vienen a la mente:

Yo estoy rezando por las madres que trabajan en el ambiente del cuidado de la salud y que están trabajando múltiples y más largos turnos, cuidando de aquellos a las que han sido llamadas, aunque están cansadas y separadas de sus familias por períodos extensos de tiempo.

Yo estoy rezando por las madres preocupadas porque son la única fuente de ingreso de sus familias, pero que han sido  dejadas ir a su casa por los momentos sin trabajo o cuyos sitios de trabajo cerraron.

Yo estoy rezando por las madres estresadas al tratar de balancear trabajar desde la casa con suplir las necesidades de sus niños, ayudándolos con sus estudios y dándoles la atención que se merecen.

Si usted es una de las madres yo describo, o si conoce a alguien que lo es, los animo a tomar unos momentos y rezarle a Nuestra Madre Bendita.

Encuentre apoyo y Consuelo en el Inmaculado Sagrado Corazón de María – un corazón amoroso que quita nuestro dolor, preocupaciones y temores y los lleva a su Hijo para la sanación.

Así como ella supo por lo que Jesús estaba pasando, ella sabe por lo que ustedes están pasando aquí y ahora.

Vuélvanse a ella como Nuestra Señora de la Consolación – que conoce y entiende las ansiedades que vienen con el ser madres.

En este día cuando honramos a nuestras madres, y durante este mes dedicado a nuestra Madre Bendita, vayan a ella, háblenle. Su corazón está escuchando y le traerá a usted la consolación que necesita.

Que nuestra Madre Bendita sea su guía e inspiración para un feliz y bendito Día de las Madres.
###
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                    [post_content] =>  
Un Mensaje del Obispo Barry C. Knestout
Como muchos de ustedes saben el gobernador ha anunciado la posibilidad de abrir la Fase I en términos de expandir las oportunidades para reuniones al final de la semana.

Nosotros aquí en la diócesis hemos estado planeando por algún tiempo maneras en las que podemos proveer los sacramentos con reuniones limitadas cualquiera sea eso y la guía será compartida con los párrocos y las parroquias.

Aquí en esta semana venidera, habrá una apertura gradual, no debemos esperar que todo va a pasar a la vez y cada lugar de la misma manera, debido a las circunstancias locales; pero a cada parroquia se le pedirá/invitará a crear un plan de cómo pueden ellos acomodar grupos grandes o grupos más grandes pero aún retener las precauciones necesarias de seguridad y salud a la vez que provee lo que está bien para la parroquia, el feligrés, los empleados y el sacerdote que celebra los sacramentos.

Habrá más información, más instrucciones que serán compartidas esta semana y ansiamos ver llegar el día a nivel local cuando nos será posible reunirnos para la Eucaristía en una forma amplia, de poder regocijarnos en la presencia, la fuerza y en la gracia que Cristo nos ofrece en la Eucaristía.
                    [post_title] => Un Mensaje del Obispo Barry C. Knestout
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                    [post_date] => 2020-05-06 08:18:31
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                    [post_content] => Comunicación Inmediata: 6 de mayo de 2020

(RICHMOND, Va.) - El obispo Barry C. Knestout anunció que ha suspendido al padre Mark White del ministerio sacerdotal público, con efecto inmediato.

"He pensado y prestado mucha atención y no tomo esta acción a la ligera. Desde hace varias semanas, me he preocupado cada vez más por la comunión eclesial de los fieles de las parroquias de San José en Martinsville y de San Francisco de Asís en Rocky Mount. Tengo la responsabilidad de asegurar que todos los ministerios dentro de la diócesis trabajen para unificar y construir el Cuerpo de Cristo, no para causar más discordia. Tengo la obligación de asegurar que aquellos que sirven a nuestros fieles puedan hacerlo de la manera que la Iglesia espera. Mi corazón, mi deseo y mi responsabilidad es la comunión de esta comunidad no sólo para esta parroquia, sino para todas las parroquias de la diócesis".

Aunque está restringido de su papel ministerial, el Padre White tiene prohibido cualquier forma de practicar su ministerio en la Iglesia, ésto incluye la celebración pública de los sacramentos y el ejercicio de cualquier función oficial relacionada con el oficio de pastor.

Según el derecho canónico (o el derecho de la Iglesia católica romana), mientras se recurre a él, el padre White sigue conservando el título de pastor, pero se suspenden todas las responsabilidades o deberes públicos relacionados con el título.
###
                    [post_title] => El obispo Knestout suspende a un sacerdote de su ministerio activo en la diócesis de Richmond
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En Español
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2020

(RICHMOND, Va.) – Bishop Barry C. Knestout announced he has suspended Father Mark White from public priestly ministry, effective immediately.

“I have given this considerable amount of thought and attention and I do not take this action lightly. For several weeks now, I have become more and more concerned for the ecclesiastical communion of the faithful at the parishes of St. Joseph in Martinsville and Saint Francis of Assisi in Rocky Mount. I have a responsibility to ensure all ministries within the diocese work to unify and build the Body of Christ, not cause further discord. I have an obligation to ensure that those who serve our faithful are able to do so in a way that the Church expects. My heart, my desire, and my responsibility are the communion of this community not only for this parish, but every parish in the diocese.”

While restricted from his ministerial role, Father White is prohibited from any form of practicing Church ministry which includes the public celebration of the sacraments and exercising any official functions related to the office of a pastor.

Under Canon law (or Church law of the Roman Catholic Church), while seeking recourse, Father Mark White still retains the title of pastor, but any responsibilities or public duties associated with the title are suspended.

As previously communicated last month (April 13th), Father Kevin Segerblom, episcopal vicar for the Western Vicarate, is appointed as administrator overseeing the pastoral care and administrative duties for both parishes.

 
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                    [post_date] => 2020-05-05 09:20:27
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                    [post_content] => May 5, 2020

WASHINGTON – In the midst of fear and anxiety being fueled by the COVID-19 virus, there have been increased reports of incidents of racism and xenophobia against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Cultural Diversity in the Church, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City and chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, and Bishop Shelton Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux and chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism have issued a statement expressing their deep concern.

“The pandemic resulting from the new coronavirus continues to sweep across the world, impacting our everyday behavior, practices, perceptions, and the way we interact with one another. While we have been heartened by the countless acts of charity and bravery that have been modeled by many, we are also alarmed to note the increase in reported incidents of bullying and verbal and physical assaults, particularly against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage.

“While a high percentage of Asian Americans work in the health care sector risking their own health to save lives, some have experienced rejection and requests to be treated ‘by someone else.’ Way before state and local ordinances brought to a halt almost every economic sector in the country, communities across the country, from Oakland, California to New York City, reported a sharp decline in the patronage for businesses owned and operated by Asian Americans. These are only a few painful examples of the continuing harassment and racial discrimination suffered by people of Asian and Pacific Islanders and others in our country.

“As Catholic bishops, we find these actions absolutely unacceptable. We call on Catholics, fellow Christians and all people of good will to help stop all racially motivated discriminatory actions and attitudes, for they are attacks against human life and dignity and are contrary to Gospel values. As we wrote in our pastoral letter Open Wide Our Hearts(2018), racism is ‘a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God.’

“Our hearts go out to all those who have been victims of these vile displays of racism and xenophobia. These dreadful occurrences are a reminder that, in an environment of increased anxiety and fear, racial profiling and discrimination continue to negatively impact the lives of certain populations, adding to the pain and suffering already caused by the pandemic.

“The acts of violence and unjust discrimination evoke and prod a long history of xenophobia and racism in this country. If uncontested, they could lead once again to a normalization of violence and abuse against particular groups. It would be a tragedy for the United States to repeat this history or for any American to act as if it is appropriate to do so.

“Rather, the reality of the times and all the suffering caused by this pandemic call for a stronger resolve towards unity, demonstrated through acts of solidarity, kindness and love toward one another, so that we can emerge from this crisis renewed and stronger as one American people; a people that places value in every human life, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation.

“While we continue to pray fervently for an end to the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, we call for a firm rejection of racial categorizations or presumptions, racially based verbal assaults or slurs, and for an end to all forms of violence. We ask our elected officials and public institutions, as well as all public figures, to do all that they can to promote and maintain peace in our communities; and we encourage all individuals, families and congregations to assist in promoting a greater appreciation and understanding of the authentic human values and cultural contributions brought by each racial heritage in our country.”
                    [post_title] => Bishop Chairmen Condemn Racism and Xenophobia in the Context of the Coronavirus Pandemic
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                    [post_date] => 2020-04-30 12:30:32
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                    [post_content] => 
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB has announced that the U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on May 1 in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother.

Join us in prayer, Friday, May 1st, in reconsecrating our nations to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A liturgy guide is available by clicking the links below in English | Spanish | Vietnamese.


This prayer of consecration will be offered on behalf of the entire country by the Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.




The prayer of consecration incorporates language used in consecrations of Popes Pius XII, John Paul II, and Francis, and also from prayers from Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Worship Aid in English


Worship Aid in Spanish


Worship Aid in Vietnamese
More information including worship aids available below and also at the USCCB link here: usccb.org/consecration




                    [post_title] => Renewing the Consecration of the United States to the Care of Our Blessed Mother
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                    [post_date] => 2020-04-23 12:06:27
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                    [post_content] => April 23, 2020

WASHINGTON – As the world continues to face the ongoing effects of the global pandemic of the coronavirus, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced that the U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on May 1 in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother.

Through a collective dedication or entrustment of a nation to Mary, an act of consecration is meant to be a reminder to the faithful of the Blessed Mother’s witness to the Gospel and to ask for her effective intercession before her Son on behalf of those in need. Bishop John Carroll of Baltimore, the first bishop of the United States, promoted devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and placed the United States under her protection in a pastoral letter of 1792. The twenty-one bishops attending the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore in 1846 determined to name the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, as the Patroness of the United States, and Pope Pius XI approved this decision the following year. More recently, the dedication of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. in 1959was the opportunity for the bishops to once again consecrate the nation to the Blessed Mother. Several popes have likewise consecrated the world to Mary on various occasions.

The consecration on May 1 follows a similar action of the bishops’ conference of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAM) who consecrated their nations to Our Lady of Guadalupe on Easter Sunday. The renewal of consecration planned in this country for May 1 does not change the designation of Mary as the Patroness of the United States under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Rather, this prayer reaffirms and renews previous Marian entrustments, and unites us in solidarity with our Holy Father, who recently established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as a source of protection and strength.

“This will give the Church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell, and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus,” said Archbishop Gomez in a letter to the U.S. bishops. Each year, the Church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May. “This year, we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic,” he continued.

Archbishop Gomez will lead a brief liturgy with the prayer of re-consecration on Friday, May 1 at 3:00 pm EDT and has invited the bishops to join in from their respective dioceses and asked them to extend the invitation to the faithful in their dioceses for their participation. A liturgy guide will be available to assist the faithful who may join in by tuning into the USCCB’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 
                    [post_title] => U.S. and Canadian Catholic Bishops to Seek Intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, for Strength in Struggle Against COVID-19
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                    [post_date] => 2020-04-21 18:10:57
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 21, 2020
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has been made aware of individuals receiving emails from scammers impersonating the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond. The emails are from a fake gmail account and begin with a “hi, how are you doing” message then ask for “assistance from you, email as soon as you get this message.” Upon further response to the fake account, the individual is requested to send a gift card or asks for financial help related to COVID-19.
The emails are a hoax. All official diocesan email communication comes from an @richmonddiocese.org email address.
The Diocese of Richmond wants individuals to know members of the clergy do not raise money in this manner nor solicit for gift cards or for people to verify personal information online. Requests for money are done in churches or through official collections approved by the diocese. 
If you receive an email from anyone, no matter their title or position with the diocese or from a parish, soliciting gift cards or cash donations, please exercise extreme caution.
According to the Virginia Attorney General Office (OAG), scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to target Virginians through a variety of phony requests for money. They are warning the public about the scams. You can read more about the alert from the OAG: https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/scams-information/scam-alerts
The diocese does not want you to fall prey to a scam like this. If you, your friends or family have received emails or possible texts, you can report scams to Virginia’s Consumer Protection Section by visiting consumer@oag.state.va.us and filling out a complaint form or calling 1-800-552-9963.
For helpful tips on how to avoid being taking advantage of, visit the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information Page.
###
                    [post_title] => ALERT: Email Scam Targets Faithful of the Diocese
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 13, 2020
New Appointment for Pastor of St. Joseph in Martinsville and St. Francis of Assisi in Rocky Mount 
(RICHMOND, Va.) – The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond, has announced the following clergy appointment:

Reverend Mark White, from pastor of St. Joseph in Martinsville and St. Francis of Assisi in Rocky Mount to chaplain to the various prisons, state and federal, within the diocesan bounds. The appointment is effective April 13, 2020.

A new pastor will be named to both parishes in the foreseeable future. During this time of transition, Father Kevin Segerblom, Episcopal Vicar for the Western Vicariate, will oversee the pastoral care and administrative duties of the two parishes.

Previously, Bishop Knestout addressed the faithful of the Martinsville and Rocky Mount parishes in a letter dated March 19, 2020, regarding the concerns and circumstances surrounding Fr. Mark White. The letter was published and can be read here: https://bit.ly/2Rqcen3

Bishop Knestout and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond refrain from any further statements at this time.
###
                    [post_title] => Announcement: April Clergy Assignment
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 13, 2020
Diocesan Review Board Concludes Investigation of Rev. Msgr. Raymond A. Barton
Retired Priest Name Not Added to Diocesan List of Clergy with a Credible and Substantiated Allegation of Child Sexual Abuse  
(RICHMOND, Va.) - Following a lengthy investigation by the Diocesan Review Board, Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond has determined that Msgr. Raymond A. Barton, a retired priest of the diocese, will not have his name added to the diocesan list of clergy with a credible and substantiated allegation of child sexual abuse.

On Feb. 14, 2020, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced it had received a report of allegations of child sexual abuse against the retired priest. The information was brought to the diocese by a representative of a deceased victim. When notified of the allegations, the diocese reported the information to law enforcement authorities. (Read initial statement.)

In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the diocese conducted an internal investigation of the allegations involving Msgr. Barton. The information gathered was presented to the Diocesan Review Board which reported its findings and recommendation to Bishop Knestout. The bishop concluded that while the allegation was credible, it could not be substantiated.

“There were several factors that weighed against my decision to add Msgr. Barton’s name to the list of credibly and substantially accused. Chief among them is the fact that both the accuser, who is deceased, and the accused, who is unable to be interviewed due to health conditions, cannot clarify the question at issue,” said Bishop Knestout. “Therefore, I will not add Msgr. Barton’s name to the list of credibly and substantially accused at this time.”

Individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese should report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.
###




For Immediate Release: February 14, 2020
Notice Regarding Rev. Msgr. Raymond A. Barton, Retired
A representative of a deceased victim has come forward with a report sharing allegations of child sexual abuse by Rev. Msgr. Raymond Barton. The report identified the victim and described details of the abuse. The incident is alleged to have occurred in the early-1970’s. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has reported the allegations to civil authorities.

Msgr. Barton, retired since 2011, is not currently serving in ministry. Msgr. Barton will not be permitted to engage in active ministry until the allegations are investigated and resolved.

Msgr. Barton was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Richmond in 1966. He served as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond, and as a faculty member at St. John Vianney Seminary, Goochland. He was a pastor at the following parishes: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk; Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach; and Holy Comforter Catholic Church in Charlottesville. He also served as a co-pastor for Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach.

Bishop Knestout remains committed to transparency and accountability when allegations of child sexual abuse are reported. He encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of a cleric or representative of the diocese to report it.

Individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese should report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.

 
###
                    [post_title] => UPDATE: Diocesan Review Board Concludes Investigation of Rev. Msgr. Raymond A. Barton, Retired
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_121269" align="aligncenter" width="400"] In a near empty Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, center, flanked by Father Anthony Marques, cathedral rector, and Deacon Mark Matte commemorate the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday, April 10. (Photo/Office of Communications)[/caption]

Brian T. Olszewski | The Catholic Virginian | April 13, 2020

The Triduum and Easter didn’t change, but how Catholics in the Diocese of Richmond and throughout the world celebrated them did.

Due to COVID-19 and restrictions on gatherings due to concern about its spread, public Masses have been suspended in the diocese since March 22. As a result, members of the faithful depended upon computer technology to be their link to the celebration of Mass and other Holy Week services.

From Palm Sunday, April 5, through Easter Sunday, April 12, Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated four Masses and led the commemoration of the Passion of the Lord at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. No more than 10 people, including the bishop and the video production crew, were present at the liturgies, each of which was livestreamed via the diocesan website.

On Holy Thursday, the bishop told viewers that celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper “will be the most difficult celebration of the Triduum.”

He continued, “We celebrate this gift of the Eucharist on a day, the first time in living memory, when very few can share in this Eucharist. This is distressing and traumatic for all of us. May God grant us a swift victory over the coronavirus, over this angel of death, which passes over this land, like over Egypt of old, threatening to take from us those we love.”

[caption id="attachment_121272" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout delivers his homily during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 9, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond. From left are Father Sean Prince, the bishop’s priest secretary, Daniel Señez, director of music and liturgy, Deacon Charles Williams, Mark Kwolek, videographer, and Father Anthony Marques, rector of the cathedral. (Photo/Office of Communications)[/caption]

In his Good Friday homily, he noted how in his Gospel, St. John speaks of Jesus’ prophetic power, priestly sacrifice, kingship and majesty.

“In a world that values and draws our attention to stature and dignity and clever words and great deeds. God’s power and dignity, his stature and truth are revealed in a cataclysm of passion, suffering and death,” he said, adding that all of that was revealed as Christ’s light was “obscured and his life sacrificed.”

Bishop Knestout continued, “Therefore, we are invited to listen to God’s word with attention and obedience, to sacrifice our lives with reverence and piety, and to accept his reign over our hearts and lives with courage and devotion.”

At the Easter Vigil, the bishop spoke about darkness, death, confusion and “uncertainty of a pestilence on the land.” But he said that can be overcome.

“Our faith and the truth of what we celebrate tonight should give us courage and strength. Christ brings light out of darkness. He suffers, dies and rises from the dead!” he said.

[caption id="attachment_121268" align="alignleft" width="400"] Father Anthony Marques, rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, chants the “Exsultet” during the Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11. As with all Holy Week liturgies, this was a private Mass celebrated by Bishop Barry C. Knestout and livestreamed on the diocesan website. (Photo/Office of Communications)[/caption]

Noting the resurrection, ascension and Pentecost, the bishop said, “We know about the power and courage that comes with it. We can peer through the clouds of uncertainty and sorrow and see a cause of joy and hope.”

Bishop Knestout concluded, “God has conquered death! It is true — he has risen, and we share that resurrected life here and now! Even if the world is filled with reminders of chaos, darkness, death and sorrow, he is risen and we can confront the terrors of the night, and the arrows of plague that fly by day, with the armor of our faith, the confidence in Christ who has conquered sin and death, and gives us light and life, today and every day.”
###
*View all Holy Week liturgies at the Cathedral presided by Bishop Knestout on our YouTube Channel.
                    [post_title] => A different kind of Easter celebration
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                    [post_content] => 
Bishop Knestout Celebrates 2020 Holy Day Liturgies and Easter Sunday Mass via Livestream to Reach Diocesan Faithful
 

Easter Sunday Mass | April 12

Livestream of Mass:



 
Holy Saturday | Easter Vigil 


[caption id="attachment_121169" align="aligncenter" width="400"] With the paschal candle lit, Fr. Anthony Marques, rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, leads the Easter Proclamation during the Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 11th[/caption]

Livestream of Mass: 



 
Good Friday | The Passion of the Lord 


[caption id="attachment_121165" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Bishop Knestout kneels and venerates the cross during the Celebration of the Lord's Passion at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, April 10.[/caption]

 
Livestream of Good Friday Liturgy:

 

 
Holy Thursday | Mass of the Lord's Supper


[caption id="attachment_121166" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Standing before video cameras, Bishop Knestout delivers his homily before empty pews inside the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond for Holy Thursday Mass, April 9.[/caption]

 
Livestream of Holy Thursday Liturgy:

 
                    [post_title] => Holy Days Celebrated with Faithful Through Livestream
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                    [post_date] => 2020-04-11 20:21:15
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                    [post_content] => Queridos hermanos y hermanas,

Yo siempre estoy lleno de un tremendo agradecimiento por la tecnología que me permite conectarme directamente con ustedes mientras celebramos esta temporada de Pascua, nuestra temporada de salvación. Pero yo se que para ustedes, así como para mí, no se siente como la Pascua este año.

El aire cálido es invitador y nos recuerda de las señales de nueva vida que se desarrollan ante nuestros ojos – en las flores, los árboles y a través de la belleza de la creación de Dios a todo nuestro alrededor.

Aún así, aquí nos encontramos, en el medio de la orden de “quédese en casa”. Posiblemente nos sentimos un poco olvidados. Confinados. Solos, o hasta Abandonados.

Al reflexionar en estas palabras, hago una pausa para recordar como este momento tan poderoso refleja todas las inseguridades y ansiedades sentidas por los Discípulos durante los días después de la crucifixión de Cristo.

Mientras solo podemos imaginarnos la ansiedad y el temor de los Discípulos, dolorosamente estamos conscientes de nuestro propio temor y ansiedad.

Pero es nuestra fe y lo que celebramos hoy y a lo largo de la temporada de Pascua lo que nos da valor y fortaleza.

Así, que para empezar, damos las gracias por el valor y fortaleza de nuestros proveedores de la salud, nuestras oraciones por aquellos pasando por enfermedad, y por aquellos que han sucumbido al COVID-19. Pedimos por la misericordia del Señor y la intercesión de Nuestra Señora durante este tiempo difícil aquí en casa, en nuestra diócesis, en nuestra nación y en el mundo.

Oramos por aquellos que se sienten aislados en esta temporada de Pascua. Aún Jesús, en un momento, se sintió abandonado en la cruz. Pero como sabemos, Jesús en su misterio Pascual, primero sufrió, luego resucitó de entre los muertos en gloria, para acompañarnos, guiarnos, nunca dejarnos. ¡El siempre está con nosotros!

Durante la Semana de Pascua llenaremos nuestros corazones, si no nuestras bancas, con el poder del Señor Resucitado. Puede que no nos sea posible celebrar como una comunidad como estamos acostumbrados por respeto a la vida humana, pero a través del poder de la tecnología moderna, nosotros podemos aún conectarnos uno con el otro y permitir las Palabras de Esperanza y Ánimo dadas a nosotros por el Espíritu Santo, de no retirarse, pero dar una mano, asegurar, y ofrecer recordatorios que ninguno de nosotros de Fe estamos realmente solos. Estamos espiritualmente unidos como miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo.

Y, como el Cuerpo de Cristo, no seremos vencidos por los retos del COVID-19.

Le pido a Dios les conceda fuerza continua durante este tiempo, que les conceda esperanza y valor por Su presencia en la oración, y les deseo a ustedes y a sus familias la gracia continua a través del Espíritu Santo para crecer más cerca de Dios a través de su Hijo.

Durante este tiempo, rezo por ustedes y sus familias de que permanezcan a salvo de todo mal.

La paz de Dios para ustedes y sus familias. Felices Pascuas.
                    [post_title] => Un Mensaje de Pascua del Obispo Barry C. Knestout 2020
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                    [post_content] => 
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond issued the following statement on the Governor’s signature of abortion legislation yesterday 
 

April 11, 2020 

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond issued the following statement on the Governor’s signature of abortion legislation yesterday: 

“Yesterday, Governor Northam announced that he had signed the so-called ‘Reproductive Health Protection Act’ (SB 733 & HB 980). We are deeply saddened and disappointed by his signature of this legislation. That he would take this action on Good Friday, one of the most solemn days for Christians, is a particular affront to all who profess the Gospel of life. 

The legislation signed by the Governor repeals health and safety protections at abortion facilities, allows non-physicians to perform first-trimester abortions, and removes essential informed consent requirements, including the opportunity to view an ultrasound. Over the past eight years, abortions have decreased by 42% in Virginia. Tragically but undoubtedly, these changes to our state law will reverse that life-saving progress and increase the number of abortions. 

In February, we joined thousands of people of many different faiths to proclaim life at our state capitol at the second annual March for Life. Regrettably, the Governor and a majority of Virginia’s legislators have adopted a far different message. 

Though elected officials have stripped Virginia law of many longstanding provisions that protect unborn children and the health and safety of women, the pursuit of a culture of life in our Commonwealth will persevere. This pursuit will continue to save lives because the sacrificial, life-giving love that Christ pours out on us is abundant, fruitful and overflowing. As the Easter season begins, the Lord of life calls us to embrace new life in Him. Through this new life, let us come together with renewed zeal in prayer, advocacy and witness for life.” 
### 
                    [post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Governor’s Signature of Abortion Bills
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 8, 2020

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) were scheduled to gather for their Spring General Assembly in Detroit, June 10-12. Given the current situation with the Coronavirus that has been classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, the Administrative Committee of the USCCB voted earlier this week to cancel the June assembly.

In announcing the decision, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB said, “The Administrative Committee made this very difficult decision with consideration of multiple factors, but most importantly the health, well-being and safety of the hundreds of bishops, staff, observers, guests, affiliates, volunteers, contractors and media involved with the general meetings.  Additionally, even if the numerous temporary restrictions on public gatherings resulting from conditions associated with COVID-19 are lessened by June, the priority for the physical and pastoral presence of the bishop in his See will be acute to tend to the faithful.”

This marks the first cancellation of a plenary assembly in the Conference’s history. The bylaws of the Conference state that a plenary assembly is to be convened at least once a year. As such, the November general assembly meeting in Baltimore (scheduled for November 16-19) would fulfill this requirement.
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Cancel June Assembly in Detroit
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                    [post_date] => 2020-04-03 14:50:18
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                    [post_content] => April 3, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement for Holy Week.

Archbishop Gomez’s full statement follows:

“Future generations will look back on this as the long Lent of 2020, a time when disease and death suddenly darkened the whole earth. As we enter into Holy Week, these most sacred days of the year, Catholics across the United States and the world are living under quarantine, our societies shut down by the coronavirus pandemic.

“But we know that our Redeemer lives. Even in this extraordinary and challenging moment, we give thanks for what Jesus Christ has done for us by his life, death, and resurrection. Even now, we marvel at the beautiful mystery of our salvation, how precious each one of us is in the eyes of God.

“These are times almost without precedent in the long history of the Church. In the face of this worldwide contagion, bishops here and in almost every country have been forced to temporarily suspend public worship and celebration of the sacraments.

“My brother bishops and I are painfully aware that many of our Catholic people are troubled and hurt by the loss of the Eucharist and the consolation of the sacraments. This is a bitter affliction that we all feel deeply. We ache with our people and we long for the day when we can be reunited around the altar of the Lord to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

“In this difficult moment, we ask God for his grace, that we might bear this burden together with patience and charity, united as one family of God in his universal Church.

“On Good Friday, on behalf of the bishops in the United States, I will pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I ask you to join me in this prayer, which will be livestreamed over the internet at 9 a.m. on the West Coast and 12 noon on the East Coast. Let us join as one family of God here in the United States in asking our Lord for his mercy.

“The Holy Father has granted a special plenary indulgence to those who pray for an end to this pandemic. To receive this indulgence, you need to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday, be truly sorry for your sins and desire to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as soon as it is possible, and you need to pray for the intentions of the Pope.

“In the heart of Jesus, pierced as he hung on the cross on Good Friday, we see the love of God for humanity, his love for each one of us.

“This Holy Week will be different. Our churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Our Lord’s heart remains open to every man and woman. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek him in the tabernacles of our own hearts.

“Because he loves us, and because his love can never change, we should not be afraid, even in this time of trial and testing. In these mysteries that we remember this week, let us renew our faith in his love. And let us ask our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us, that he might deliver us from every evil and grant us peace in our day.”
                    [post_title] => President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Releases Message for Holy Week 2020
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                    [post_content] => Faithful Encouraged to Pray Litany of the Sacred Heart

April 2, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the faithful to join him in a moment of prayer on Good Friday (April 10) to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Praying together as a nation, the archbishop asks that we seek healing for all who are unwell, wisdom for those whose work is halting the spread of coronavirus, and strength for all God’s children.

Friday, April 10, 2020 (Good Friday)
12:00 PM EDT
Livestream: USCCB and Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Text of Litany of the Sacred Heart: English / Spanish

Good Friday is a day when Christians around the world solemnly commemorate the day when Jesus suffered and died on the cross. Catholics traditionally mark the day with fasting, penance, and reflection on Jesus’ loving sacrifice. This opportunity to pray together during the coronavirus pandemic offers a special moment of unity for the faithful during a time when communities throughout the United States and worldwide are physically unable to congregate for Holy Week and Easter because of COVID-19.

Additionally, with special permission received from the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, a plenary indulgence is available for those who join Archbishop Gomez in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday.

A livestream of the Litany of the Sacred Heart with Archbishop Gomez will be available on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website: www.lacatholics.org and on the USCCB Facebook page: www.facebook.com/usccb.
                    [post_title] => USCCB President Calls for National Moment of Prayer on Good Friday
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                    [post_content] => 
All of the services listed below will be streamed live on the diocesan Facebook page and YouTube communication platforms.*
Visit www.richmonddiocese.org/livestream to connect.
LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE:
Palm Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.
The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding
Chrism Mass, moved to July 11, 2020
Holy Thursday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Bishop Knestout presiding
Good Friday, April 10, 3:00 p.m.
The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding
Holy Saturday, April 11, 8:00 p.m.
The Easter Vigil, Bishop Knestout presiding
Easter Sunday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.Easter Mass, Bishop Knestout presiding
 

*Please note: The digital platforms could be subject to change for any reason, so please continually check with the diocesan website for the most up-to-date information regarding the livestream.
                    [post_title] => Palm Sunday to Easter Livestream Schedule
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 31, 2020
BISHOP BARRY C. KNESTOUT TO CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK LITURGIES BY LIVESTREAM FROM THE CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART IN RICHMOND
RICHMOND, Va. – As he has done since public Masses were temporarily suspended in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Bishop Barry C. Knestout will celebrate Holy Week and broadcast the liturgies through livestream for the faithful. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is not open to the public for these celebrations due to the public health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of public Masses remains in place througout the diocese until further notice. As a result, parishes across the diocese will livestream Holy Week liturgies so their parishioners can virtually take part in these celebrations.



Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Catholic faith as it marks the passage of Christ from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem through his passion, death and resurrection. It concludes the season of Lent and culminates with the celebration of Easter which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“This is personally distressing not to have the members of our faithful present and physically able to participate with us in this most sacred time,” said Bishop Knestout. “We must work to protect the safety and well-being of all and yet do all we can for our faithful to remain spiritually connected to God and the Church in these uncertain times. During this period of isolation, it is faith that enlightens us and gives life meaning, even when accompanied by suffering. My hope in offering this livestream – while we’d prefer our parishioners gather together with us in the Church – is that it provides that hope and connection to remain in spiritual communion with us until we can one day joyfully share the Mass and sacraments together again.”
All of the services listed below will be streamed live at https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream and on the diocesan Facebook page.*

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE:

Palm Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.

The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding

Chrism Mass, moved to July 11, 2020

Holy Thursday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Bishop Knestout presiding

Good Friday, April 10, 3:00 p.m.

The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding

Holy Saturday, April 11, 8:00 p.m.

The Easter Vigil, Bishop Knestout presiding

Easter Sunday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.

Easter Mass, Bishop Knestout presiding

*Please note: The digital platforms could be subject to change for any reason, so please continually check with the diocesan website for the most up-to-date information regarding the livestream.
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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-27 12:49:33
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                    [post_content] => Despite the disruption caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond is committed to continuing, without interruption the Independent Reconciliation Program for persons who, as minors, experienced sexual abuse by its clergy.

The Claims Administrator remains fully staffed and operational and is able to accept claims online or through the mail as before. The first deadline for submitting a claim involves the submission of a short Claim Initiation Form by Friday, April 3, 2020.

If you have any questions about the Program, please go to the Claims Administrator’s website at richmonddioceseirp.com, email them at ClaimsAdministrator @RichmondDioceseIRP.com, or call them at 1-888-304-0265.
                    [post_title] => COVID-19 NOTICE: Catholic Diocese of Richmond Independent Reconciliation Program
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                    [post_content] => In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time (1 p.m. Virginia time) Friday, March 27.

The formal blessing — usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter — carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.

After reciting the Angelus prayer March 22 from the library of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis announced his plans for the special blessing, which, he said, would be given in an “empty” St. Peter’s Square because all of Italy is on lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus.

With the public joining him only by television, internet or radio, “we will listen to the word of God, raise our prayer (and) adore the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “At the end, I will give the benediction ‘urbi et orbi,’ to which will be connected the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence.”

An indulgence is an ancient practice of prayer and penance for the remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. In Catholic teaching, a person can draw on the merits of Jesus and the saints to claim the indulgence for themselves or offer it on behalf of someone who has died.

 

From Catholic News Service and Catholic News Agency
                    [post_title] => Pope Francis Will Give an Extraordinary Blessing on Friday, March 27
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                    [post_content] => 
In English
Se lanza servicio nacional para denunciar conducta sexual impropia que involucre a obispos de los Estados Unidos
{CIUDAD} – En mayo de 2019, el papa Francisco lanzó su carta apostólica Vos estis lux mundi (“Vosotros sois la luz del mundo”) para abordar la cuestión del abuso sexual y la rendición de cuentas de los obispos en la Iglesia Católica mundial. Vos estis hace un llamado a los arzobispos metropolitanos para que asuman las responsabilidades de recibir y evaluar denuncias concernientes a abuso sexual y conducta impropia relacionada que involucren a obispos. En junio de 2019, un mes después de que el papa Francisco emitiera su orden, los obispos de los Estados Unidos se reunieron en su asamblea general en Baltimore y aprobaron el plan de implementación para llevar a cabo las directivas del Santo Padre aquí en los Estados Unidos.

Como parte de este compromiso continuo para llevar a cabo Vos estis, se ha establecido el Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR), o Servicio de Denuncias de Abusos de Obispos Católicos. El servicio es operado por Convercent, Inc., una entidad externa e independiente que presta servicios a instituciones privadas para admitir sus denuncias sobre temas delicados como el
acoso sexual a través de una plataforma segura, confidencial y profesional. Las personas individuales pueden acudir a ReportBishopAbuse.org para presentar una denuncia. Las denuncias también se aceptan a través del (800) 276-1562.

Cuando se reciba una denuncia, esta será remitida al arzobispo metropolitano local, quien asumirá la responsabilidad de evaluarla inicialmente. {{EL ARZOBISPO METROPOLITANO} de {SEDE} es el metropolitano que preside esta provincia, que abarca las siguientes diócesis: {ENUMERAR DIÓCESIS SUFRAGÁNEAS} / o / {SEDE SUFRAGÁNEA} es una diócesis sufragánea de la {SEDE METROPOLITANA} y nuestro metropolitano es {ARZOBISPO METROPOLITANO}. En el caso de que se reciba una denuncia que se refiera a {ARZOBISPO METROPOLITANO}, será remitida a {OBISPO SUFRAGÁNEO MÁS ANTIGUO}, quien es el obispo sufragáneo de mayor antigüedad en esta provincia local.

El servicio de Denuncias de Abusos de Obispos Católicos permite a personas individuales transmitir a las autoridades de la Iglesia cualquier denuncia sobre un obispo católico estadounidense que haya hecho lo siguiente:

• obligar a alguien a realizar o someterse a actos sexuales mediante violencia, amenaza o abuso de autoridad;
• realizar actos sexuales con un menor o una persona vulnerable;
• producir, exhibir, poseer o distribuir pornografía infantil, o reclutar o inducir a un menor o una persona vulnerable a participar en exhibiciones pornográficas;

o, un obispo diocesano o eparquial, o un clérigo que supervisa una diócesis o eparquía en ausencia de un obispo diocesano o eparquial, que haya interferido intencionalmente con una
investigación civil o eclesiástica sobre acusaciones de abuso sexual cometido por otro clérigo o religioso.

El Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR), o Servicio de Denuncias de Abusos de Obispos Católicos, no reemplaza los sistemas de presentación de denuncias existentes para quejas contra sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos o laicos. CBAR fue diseñado para responder solamente a quejas contra obispos por cuestiones relacionadas con conducta sexual impropia.

Las denuncias de conducta sexual impropia por parte de cualquier persona en el ministerio diocesano que no sea obispo, tales como sacerdotes, diáconos, hermanos y hermanas religiosos, o laicos que trabajan o hacen voluntariado para la Iglesia, deben seguir siendo manejadas conforme a la política de protección infantil de {SEDE}, (véase {insertar hipervínculo a su PPI}), y ante las autoridades civiles correspondientes. Para obtener más información sobre el servicio de denuncias y cómo funciona, visite: ReportBishopAbuse.org.

Si bien el mandato del papa Francisco en Vos estis se hace eco de muchas de las prácticas que la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos ya ha implementado desde 2002 con el Estatuto para la
Protección de Niños y Jóvenes, esta nueva orden se aplica a los obispos y a la Iglesia Católica mundial, dejando en claro la preocupación del papa sobre la cuestión del abuso sexual en la Iglesia a nivel global.
Ethical Reporting
# # #
 
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En español
Nationwide Service to Report Sexual Misconduct Involving U.S. Bishops Launched
For Immediate Release: March 25, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. – In May 2019, Pope Francis released his apostolic letter, “Vos estis lux mundi” (“You are the light of the world”) to address the issue of sexual abuse and bishop accountability in the global Catholic Church. “Vos estis” calls upon the metropolitan archbishops to undertake the responsibilities for receiving and assessing reports involving bishops that pertain to sexual abuse and related misconduct. In June 2019, one month after Pope Francis issued his order, the bishops of the United States convened for their general assembly in Baltimore and approved the implementation plan for carrying out the directives of the Holy Father here in the United States.

As part of this ongoing commitment to carrying out “Vos estis,” the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established. The service is operated by Convercent, Inc., an independent, third-party entity that provides intake services to private institutions for reports of sensitive topics such as sexual harassment through a secure, confidential and professional platform. Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org in order to make a report. Reports are also accepted via (800) 276-1562. When a report is received, it will be forwarded to the local metropolitan archbishop who will undertake the responsibility of initially assessing the report.

Archbishop William E. Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore is the metropolitan who presides over this province, which includes the following dioceses: Arlington, Richmond, Wheeling-Charleston and Wilmington.

In the event that a report is received that concerns Archbishop Lori, then it will be forwarded to Bishop William F. Malooly of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, who is the senior suffragan bishop of this local province.

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service allows for individuals to relay to Church authorities any reports of a U.S. Catholic bishop who has: forced someone to perform or to submit to sexual acts through violence, threat or abuse of authority; performed sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person; produced, exhibited, possessed or distributed child pornography, or recruited or induced a minor or a vulnerable person to participate in pornographic exhibitions; or a diocesan or eparchial bishop, or a cleric overseeing a diocese/eparchy in the absence of a diocesan or eparchial bishop, who has intentionally interfered with a civil or Church investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed by another cleric or religious.

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) does not replace existing reporting systems for complaints against priests, deacons, religious or laity. CBAR was designed to respond only to complaints against bishops for issues related to sexual misconduct.

The reporting of sexual misconduct by anyone in diocesan ministry who is not a bishop, such as priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, or lay persons working or volunteering for the Church, should continue to be handled in accordance with the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s child protection policy and with proper civil authorities.

While the mandate by Pope Francis in “Vos estis” echoes many of the practices that the Catholic Church in the United States has already implemented since 2002 with the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” this new order applies to the bishops and to the worldwide Catholic Church, making clear the pope’s concern of the issue of sexual abuse in the Church at a global level.
Ethical Reporting Pages
# # #
 
                    [post_title] => Nationwide Service to Report Sexual Misconduct Involving U.S. Bishops Launched
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en español
For Immediate Release: March 23, 2020

This morning (Monday), Bishop Barry C. Knestout received notification from his healthcare provider that he has tested negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Bishop Knestout entered self-isolation on Saturday, March 14, after experiencing cold-like symptoms. Due to his substantial travel schedule the previous two weeks and because of the many meetings and encounters his schedule included, Bishop Knestout decided to proceed with the COVID-19 test out of care and caution for the community. Bishop Knestout received the COVID-19 test Wednesday, March 18.

“I want to thank the healthcare professionals and our first responders for their courage and sacrifice as they place themselves in harm’s way to care for our communities throughout our diocese,” said Bishop Knestout. “I am also very grateful to all of you who have kept me in your prayers or who have sent me well wishes and notes of encouragement. I ask for your continued prayers for those who have died from this virus and for those who remain in self-isolation because of it. Please join me in prayer during this difficult time as we ask for God’s grace and Our Lady’s intercession for our nation and our diocese.”

In these extraordinary times, when public Masses are suspended and lives are at risk and as the diocese commemorates its 200th anniversary this year, Bishop Knestout dedicated (consecrated) our diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary asking her special intercession and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus asking for grace and mercy. The dedication took place Sunday (March 22) during private Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

You can watch the livestream of the Mass at https://richmonddiocese.org/march-22-mass/.

 
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                    [post_title] => COVID-19 Test Results are Negative for Bishop of Richmond
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en enspañol
For Immediate Release: March 18, 2020

RICHMOND, Va. – Due to his extensive travel schedule within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond for the last two weeks and out of care and caution, Bishop Barry C. Knestout is in self-quarantine after experiencing the symptoms of a minor cold last weekend. This morning (Wednesday), Bishop Knestout visited a healthcare facility to receive tests for the flu and COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus. Upon the recommendation of his doctor, his Excellency remains in self-quarantine following the guidelines of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Bishop Knestout stresses that he does not feel seriously ill but is taking this measure as a precaution and is eager to return to public ministry. Until then, he will wait until doctors advise him of the status of the COVID-19 test and he is cleared to proceed with his public ministry.

Once more information comes back and with Bishop Knestout’s permission, we will share with our faithful the results of Bishop Knestout’s status.

Currently, Bishop Knestout has cancelled any further engagements on his calendar until further notice. He continues to lead the diocese through video teleconferencing and other forms of electronic communication.

We thank the healthcare professionals and first responders on the front lines as they tirelessly work to treat and care for our communities. Tomorrow, as we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, devoted husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we offer a message of hope and prayer for all working to tackle this pandemic. We also ask our faithful to keep them in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Bishop Knestout and the priests and deacons of our diocese. We pray for their health and well-being as they work to fulfill the mission of our Church.
Watch a video message from Bishop Knestout here.
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                    [post_content] => March 17, 2020

WASHINGTON – The Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement in support of Catholic Relief Services.

The full statement follows:

“In the name of our Catholic faith, the donors, staff, and volunteers of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) deliver life-saving food, medicine, shelter, and training to the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers around the world. They do this work often in remote, dangerous places that most people would fear to visit. We extend our prayers and gratitude for this courageous witness of Christ’s mercy.

“The humanitarian relief efforts of CRS are grounded in the loving teachings of the Catholic Church. CRS stands in firm defense of life. Criticisms to the contrary should not detract from the powerful impact your donations have on the lives of otherwise forgotten suffering populations.

“We have confidence in the thorough vetting system utilized by CRS by which complaints are investigated and corrective action taken, if necessary. CRS works alongside other relief agencies that may not share our teaching. In these instances, CRS keeps its work distinct.

“We firmly stand with the personnel of Catholic Relief Services in their solidarity to the least among us. Together, we affirm the sacredness of every human life from the moment of conception until natural death.”
###
                    [post_title] => Statement of the U.S. Bishops’ Executive Committee: Catholic Relief Services Delivers the Hope of Christ to Where Human Suffering is Worst
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                    [post_content] => INFORMACION ACTUALIZADA: 17 de marzo de 2020

 

Monseñor Barry C. Knestout ha prohibido las aglomeraciones con más de 10 personas a todos los ministerio dentro de la Diócesis Católica de Richmond. Esta es una información actualizada del comunicado de prensa emitido el 16 de marzo por la diócesis, tomando en cuenta la conferencia de prensa del 17 de marzo del Gobernador Ralph Northam en la cual anunció que las aglomeraciones con más de 10 personas están prohibidas dentro del Commonwealth.



Comunicación Inmediata: 16 de marzo de 2020

En apoyo a las directrices emitidas por las oficinas federales y estatales de salud pública, el Monseñor Barry C. Knestout, ha ordenado la suspensión temporal de todas las Misas públicas dentro de la Diócesis Católica de Richmond, con efecto inmediato. La directriz incluye Misas Dominicales, días de precepto y/o de obligación, y Misas durante la semana. Este anuncio es el resultado de la preocupación creciente en el aumento de los casos del coronavirus (COVID-19) en el Commonwealth y la prohibición del Gobernador Northam de aglomeraciones de mas de 10* individuos. Monseñor Knestout tomó esta decisión para resguardar la seguridad pública de sus fieles, el mismo que se dirige a todos ellos en una carta abierta.

“Como pastor debo balancear la salud y bienestar de la comunidad, asegurando que estamos cooperando con el bien común mientras continuamos con la misión de la Iglesia,” dijo el Monseñor Knestout. “Entiendo que existen muchos de nuestros fieles que tienen el deseo de asistir a Misa en persona y este anuncio les traerá un dolor profundo en el corazón. Sin embargo, yo considero que este es un paso necesario para el mejor interés de la salud pública y así evitar la propagación de la infección. Les pido a todos los fieles que oren conmigo para poner fin a esta pandemia, por los enfermos y por todos los que están trabajando para poner fin a este virus.”

Monseñor Knestout ha ordenado que también entra en vigor lo siguiente:

 	
Todas las liturgias de Confirmación quedan suspendidas hasta nuevo aviso.
 	
Todos los matrimonios y funerales deberán continuar con una participación limitada a la familia mas cercana. El número no deberá exceder las 50 personas.
 	
El cuidado pastoral ejercido por los sacerdotes para los enfermos se mantiene con vital importancia durante este tiempo y así continuara.
 	
Las Iglesias se mantienen abiertas para oraciones individuales, pero se disuade las agrupaciones.
 	
Reuniones que no son de carácter esencial están canceladas. Si existieran reuniones con carácter esencial estas no pueden exceder las 50 personas.
 	
Los sacerdotes continuarán celebrando sus misas privadas para orar por sus feligreses y por la diócesis.
 	
Monseñor Knestout transmitirá en vivo celebraciones privadas de la Misa dominical hasta nueva orden.
 	
Las parroquias con capacidad para transmitir en vivo están animadas a hacer lo mismo para sus feligreses. La diócesis ha creado una página de internet con información y recursos de ayuda y comunicación dentro de la diócesis. Usted puede encontrar esta información en el sitiohttps://richmonddiocese.org/coronavirus

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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-16 15:06:30
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                    [post_content] => UPDATED March 17, 2020

Bishop Barry C. Knestout has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people for any ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This is an updated directive from the March 16 press release issued by the diocese in light of Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference on Tuesday, March 17, in which he announced that gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned within the commonwealth.

 



For Immediate Release: March 16, 2020

In support of the guidance from federal and state public health officials, Bishop Barry C. Knestout directed the temporary suspension of all public Masses within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, effective immediately. The directive includes Sunday Masses, holy days and weekday Masses. The announcement follows growing concern of increased cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Commonwealth and Governor Northam’s ban on large gatherings of more than 10* individuals. Bishop Knestout made the decision in an effort to ensure public safety of the faithful, which he addresses in an open letter to all.

“As shepherd, I must balance the health and wellbeing of the community, ensuring we are cooperating with the common good, with continuing with the mission of our Church,” said Bishop Knestout. “I know there are many of our faithful who desire to attend Mass in person and this announcement will bring them great heartache. However, I feel this is a necessary step in the best interest of public health to protect against further infection. I ask the faithful to pray with me for an end to the pandemic, for the sick and all who are working to put an end to this virus.”

Bishop Knestout has also directed the following to take effect:

 	
All Confirmation liturgies are suspended until further notice.
 	
All weddings and funerals should continue with the attendance limited to immediate family members. The numbers should not exceed 50 people.
 	
Pastoral care by priests for the sick remains of the utmost importance during this time and will continue.
 	
Churches should remain open for individual private prayer, but gatherings of multiple individuals for prayer are discouraged.
 	
Non-essential meetings are cancelled. If an essential meeting is needed, it should not exceed 50 people.
 	
Priests will continue to celebrate their own private Masses daily to pray for their parishioners and the diocese.
 	
Bishop Knestout will livestream private celebration of Sunday Masses for the foreseeable future.
 	
Parishes with similar livestream capabilities are encouraged to do the same for their parishioners.

The diocese has created a webpage with information, helpful resources and communications within the diocese. You can find the information at https://richmonddiocese.org/coronavirus
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Directs the Suspension of All Public Masses in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond
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                    [post_content] => UPDATED March 17, 2020

Bishop Barry C. Knestout has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people for any ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This is an updated directive from the March 16 press release issued by the diocese in light of Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference on Tuesday, March 17, in which he announced that gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned within the commonwealth.

 


(en español)
March 16, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As anxiety and concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19 takes root throughout this land and so much of the world, the Lord is speaking to us, calling us to a deeper relationship with him. This age may seem to be a time of fear and isolation, but we have an opportunity to see it in a new light, as a retreat into the desert with Our Lord and to encounter God in solitude and prayer. As Psalm 91 says:
“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness, nor the scourge that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at our side, ten thousand fall at your right, you it will never approach; his faithfulness is buckler and shield.”
Given the necessary restrictions to public gatherings in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to ensure the common good, to provide for public health and safety, and yet to maintain the mission of the Church allowing access to the sacraments, to Church teaching and to works of charity in a way appropriate to the circumstances of our age, as well as to renew our spiritual vitality as a diocese during a time of Jubilee, I am instructing the following to take place within our diocese.

As a suspension of all public celebrations of Mass, on Sundays, holy days and weekdays in the Diocese of Richmond takes place, and as the days grow longer and the light of spring begins to shine, opening our eyes to the goodness of God, I invite all the faithful in their homes and in the solitude of their hearts to draw close to Christ our light in prayer and interior desire for the Lord who dwells within our hearts – asking for the grace of forgiveness, recovery of our spiritual sight and of an awakening of desire for God to be strengthened within us.

This weekend, during a private celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and in the midst of our Jubilee year, I will celebrate Mass without a congregation, asking God’s grace and forgiveness, consecrating our diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. So that you may join me in this moment, it will be streamed live for the faithful.

Each priest is to celebrate his daily Mass in private in the church or a chapel on behalf of the intentions of his parish and for the universal Church to assist all those affected by COVID-19.

For the time being, I am instructing that during the daylight hours all of our parish churches are to keep their doors open for the possibility of private prayer or devotion. As the People of God of necessity go to the grocery store for food, they can also drop by their parish church to sustain their spiritual lives.

If quarantines or greater public restrictions are put in place limiting to a greater degree public movement and gatherings, or if more than 50 people recommended by the CDC gather in the church building, it will be closed to further access from outside.

While open, a porter, assigned by the pastor, is to be stationed during the daylight hours at the one unlocked door of the church so that no more than 50 people at any one time may be in the Church.

Individually, and always keeping an appropriate social distance from one another, parishioners are free, during a time of fear and uncertainty, to come at their discretion during the day for personal devotion, communion by desire, to pray the rosary or the Stations of the Cross.

I am also asking at this time that the Blessed Sacrament be move to the center of the large or main body of the church. Our Lord is to be reserved and secured in the tabernacle, clearly visible in the larger main body of the church throughout daylight hours especially Saturday and Sunday - so that during private devotion and prayer, appropriate social distancing can be maintained, which is impossible in the smaller adoration chapels.

Priests are to be available for personal confessions at specific times of the day in a large adjacent room that would allow security, limited access and provide at least six feet of space between them and any penitent.

Pastoral care by the priest to the sick is of utmost importance during this time.  If a priest is unable to visit the sick for whatever reason or concerned with visiting sick because he fits one of the vulnerable categories, he will contact his dean.

Communion will not normally be brought to any other parishioner who is homebound or who cannot attend Mass. Prayers for communion by desire will be widely available in the church and the parish website. Communion, if requested, will be brought to those who are near death when administering Viaticum.

Lay volunteers  will not be visiting the sick in any official capacity.  Deacons may visit the sick using their discretion, taking into consideration their age or immunocompromised status.

Essential charitable efforts to the poor and vulnerable will continue with some adaptations. Restrictions will be in place for no more than 25 people in a building at a time. It will be recommended that only individuals who are not within vulnerable groups or immunocompromised be the ones to assist the poor. Hot food service or seated food service in soup kitchens will be discontinued and replaced by grab-and-go options. All surfaces, including restrooms, must be sanitized frequently. Drop-off locations for donations should be outside the main facility thus limiting those who may be exposed to larger groups.

With these provisions in place, we will continue with the Church’s mission: teaching the faith, celebrating the sacraments as needed in this age, and care for the poor, even as we support the common good and assure the health and well-being of our neighbor.

As the world responds to this emergency, we turn our attention to the Holy Spirit to give us strength and courage in times of trial and suffering. We offer our prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and ask the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May we know the depths of the Lord’s merciful love and may Our Lady keep us in the mantle of her protection to intercede for us in our time of need.

With the assurance of prayers for you and all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am,
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
Bishop of Richmond
 
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Writes Letter to the Faithful in Regard to COVID-19
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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-13 16:11:56
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                    [post_content] => March 13, 2020

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a reflection and prayer on Coronavirus (COVID-19). His statement is part of the USCCB’s ongoing engagement on the issue over the last several weeks.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued a statement encouraging lawmakers to consider measures providing relief and aid to those suffering from COVID-19, those affected by workplace closures and other disruptions, and prayers for those suffering from the virus and for healthcare providers.

In response to news of progression of COVID-19 outbreaks in other parts of the world, Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a statement with Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Health Association of the United States that addressed the Catholic response to the outbreak.

The faithful are encouraged to consult their local (arch)diocese or (arch)eparchy as to local directives on the celebration of the sacraments. The USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship has shared helpful considerations with the U.S. bishops regarding their role in regulating liturgical celebrations as they make decisions for their respective dioceses in the wake of growing public health concerns.

The considerations include: reminding parishes to use common sense hygiene practices; reminding Catholics that they are not obligated to attend Mass if they are sick; reminding bishops that they may suspend the distribution of Holy Communion by the chalice (cup), and suspend physical contact at the sign of peace; in more serious circumstances, they may suspend public liturgical celebrations.

The USCCB, as well as the Confraternity on Christine Doctrine (CCD) and the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), have waived permission requirements for prayers and readings in both English and Spanish to allow dioceses to livestream Masses during this time as social distancing measures are implemented.
                    [post_title] => USCCB Statements on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-13 13:12:47
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                    [post_content] => March 13, 2020

 

WASHINGTON- Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19):
With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity — that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God.
God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.

United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. May God console them and grant them peace.

We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good.

In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
###
                    [post_title] => USCCB President’s Reflection and Prayer During Coronavirus
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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-11 11:57:37
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 11, 2020
Bishop Knestout Authorizes Further Safety Guidelines in Response to the Coronavirus
 

The Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond, approved additional directives for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond as a result of the rapidly changing circumstances involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting the United States. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has now confirmed multiple cases within the Commonwealth.

Bishop Knestout is instructing the following liturgical guidelines to take effect immediately in all parishes, schools, residential adult care centers, and campus ministries within the diocese:

 

 	
Cease distribution of the Precious Blood (Christ is fully present under both species of the Blessed Sacrament).
 	
Refrain from shaking hands during the Sign of Peace (bow or verbal gesture is appropriate).
 	
Refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer.
 	
Remove holy water from the baptismal and holy water fonts.

 

The diocese continues to urge anyone who is ill to stay home and avoid attending Sunday Mass out of charity and concern for others. The guidelines have been sent to all clergy, parishes, and schools within our diocese.

Individuals can read up-to-date information from the state and health-related facts about the coronavirus: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/

The diocese has created a webpage with information, helpful resources and communications within the diocese that you may be looking for, you can find the information at https://richmonddiocese.org/coronavirus

We pray for all who are sick and the healthcare professionals caring for those affected.

 

 
###
 
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                    [post_content] => With no members of the General Assembly in the congregation, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington told the more than 200 people who attended Virginia Vespers at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, “They are where they’re supposed to be, and we are where we’re supposed to be — praying for them.”

According to Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, sponsor of the March 5 event, the legislators were absent because they were in session that evening “and would probably go late into the morning.”

[caption id="attachment_120190" align="aligncenter" width="867"] Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington presided and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond gave the homily at Virginia Vespers, Thursday, March 5, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.[/caption]

 

Bishop Barry C. Knestout, homilist for the service, spoke about the third chapter of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians in which the apostle instructs followers of Christ to put on “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.”
He continued, “These are clearly not the virtues of the political or partisan world, where adversarial views are in conflict and unresolved unless one party neutralizes the power of the other.”

Noting that political life is “adversarial and antagonistic,” Bishop Knestout said Christians must take another approach.

[caption id="attachment_120191" align="aligncenter" width="865"] The Benedictine College Preparatory Schola chants the Salve Regina during Virginia Vespers.[/caption]

 

“Our Christian faith is meant to shape the political environment in such a way that it can lead to peace and justice,” he said. “Peace is a fruit of justice, which itself is a cardinal virtue, along with temperance, prudence and fortitude that spring forth, as all virtues do, from charity.”

Bishop Knestout said that while Americans value “constitutional rights of free speech and liberty,” there has been a “disruption to the context for the exercise of these rights.”

He said media, Internet, self-publishing and blogs have turned the environment into “a Wild West of no-holds-barred rhetoric and ad hominem attacks on anyone seen as holding different political, cultural, economic, religious or moral view from the writers themselves.”

Bishop Knestout said Lent provided an opportunity to examine “our failures, weaknesses and vices.”

[caption id="attachment_120192" align="aligncenter" width="873"] The Schola Cantorum of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart chants during Virginia Vespers.[/caption]

 

He continued, “This evening we gather and pray together, even with differing political views, all with the hope that by this Lenten practice of prayer, we might put on the virtues that express the ‘bond of perfection’ (Col 3:14), the communion born of holiness.”
                    [post_title] => At Virginia Vespers, Bishop Knestout Encourages Prayer, Virtues
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                    [post_content] => February 28, 2020

Following up on a plan announced at last year’s Meeting for the Protection of Minors in the Church, Pope Francis has launched a task force to help Bishops’ Conferences prepare and update child protection guidelines.

By Vatican News

Pope Francis has established a task force “in order to assist the Episcopal Conferences in the preparation and updating of guidelines for the protection of minors”. The intention to form such a group had already been announced by the Pope at last year’s Meeting for the Protection of Minors in the Church, which ran from 21-24 February 2019. One year later, after the details of the project had been worked out, Pope Francis has made the plan a reality.
Supervising committee
In a statement released on Friday, the Holy See Press Office explained that the task force will be supervised by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, together with the  members of the organizing Committee for last year’s Meeting: Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay; Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago; Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Deputy Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Father Hans Zollner, SJ, Dean of the Institute of Psychology of the Pontifical Gregorian University and member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Membership of the task force
The task force itself is composed of a Coordinator, Dr Andrew Azzopardi, head of the Safeguarding Commission of the Maltese Bishops (established by the Archdiocese of Malta, the Diocese of Gozo, and the Conference of Religious Major Superiors);  and a number of canon law experts of different nationalities. The Coordinator will report quarterly to the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State on the work undertaken by the task force.
Providing assistance to Episcopal Conferences
According to communiqué, the task force will assist Episcopal Conferences, as well as Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life, in preparing and updating guidelines for the protection of minors, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and current canonical legislation, especially the motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi.

The task force’s mandate will last for two years, beginning 24 February 2020. It will be supported by a special fund established by benefactors.

Episcopal Conferences, Institutes of Religious, and Societies of Apostolic Life can request assistance at the following email address: taskforce@org.va.

Read more on The Catholic Virginian website.
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                    [post_content] => February 18, 2020

WASHINGTON - Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace; Sean Callahan, president of Catholic Relief Services; and Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, president of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, issued a statement addressing the Catholic response to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Their joint statement follows:

“As communities and public health officials respond to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and closely monitor its presence and progression in other parts of the world, we join in solidarity and prayer for those impacted or working to treat those infected by the disease. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, and the Catholic Health Association of the United States hope that governments will work together in partnership to improve all nations’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to this virus.

“The Catholic Church in the United States stands in solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus and their families, health workers who are valiantly trying to diagnose and treat patients, and those under quarantine awaiting results of their screening for the virus. We offer our prayers for healing and support those organizations, both domestic and international, working to provide medical supplies and assistance to address this serious risk to public health.

“In early February, the Holy See sent 700,000 respiratory masks to China to help prevent the spread of the disease. Within the United States, Catholic healthcare providers are at the front line of providing treatment and care to those impacted by the virus.

“We also commend the U.S. government for transporting more than 17 tons of donated medical supplies to China. This response to the novel coronavirus demonstrates the critical importance of the need to work together and to invest in crucial health care systems here and in other countries, thus preventing and responding to community-wide emergencies. We urge the U.S. Congress to support these efforts by protecting access to domestic health care safety net programs and by providing additional emergency international assistance to areas impacted by the virus.

“We also urge individuals to stay informed as information becomes available by going to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.”
###
                    [post_title] => Catholic Response to Outbreak of Coronavirus
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: February 27, 2020

 

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is monitoring the latest information as it relates to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that has spread internationally.

The Virginia Health Department has stated it is investigating reports of illnesses associated with the coronavirus, however, at this time there are no confirmed cases in Virginia. Read: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/

Currently, the diocese has not placed any restrictions on the use of the chalice for holy Communion or the exchange of the Sign of Peace during Mass. The diocesan Office of Worship has prepared guidance for pastors under the current circumstances and during the influenza season, which is normal practice. You can read the guidelines by visiting the Office of Worship website: http://www.cdrworship.org/guidelines-and-policies.

Additionally, no one is under an obligation to receive from the chalice or shake hands during the Sign of Peace. If there is great alarm, pastors may consider discontinuing – temporarily – the practice of offering communion from the chalice.

We continue to hold in prayer all health care workers managing the effort to combat this outbreak globally and all communities affected by the situation.

###
                    [post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Statement on Safety During Coronavirus Outbreak
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                    [post_content] => 
 En Español
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2020
Catholic Diocese of Richmond Announces Independent Reconciliation Program
Today, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announces the establishment of the Independent Reconciliation Program (“Program”) which aims to assist in the healing of those who were sexually abused as minors by Catholic clergy. The Program is independently administered by BrownGreer PLC, a Richmond based and nationally recognized firm specializing in settlement administration. For those wishing to learn more about the Program and submitting a claim, please visit the Program website: www.RichmondDioceseIRP.com

Fulfilling a commitment Bishop Barry C. Knestout made in 2018, the Program is part of an ongoing reconciliation process to assist victim survivors in their healing. This action represents another step in the “building blocks of renewal in this local Church” that Bishop Knestout spoke to in his pastoral letter “From Tragedy to Hope” published September 14, 2018.

Today’s announcement is one of multiple steps Bishop Knestout will take as the diocese expands its healing ministry to assist victim survivors. In his letter to the faithful of the diocese today, Bishop Knestout said, “One of my most important pastoral responsibilities is to reach out to victim survivors of clergy sexual abuse, and to be a resource for them on their paths of healing.”

“We have watched as dioceses throughout the country have embraced reconciliation programs similar to this program and noted the benefit to victim survivors,” Bishop Knestout added. “This program – designed and managed by a nationally recognized and highly respected, independent claims administrator – gives victim survivors an opportunity to receive monetary payment in a manner that is compassionate.”

Bishop Knestout continued, “We will never be able to fully compensate for the harm done and we recognize there are many routes that might be followed to achieve justice. We believe this to be the best course for our diocese to reach a just reconciliation with our victim survivors.” You can read the entire letter by visiting www.richmonddiocese.org. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond also has a website to address our ongoing commitment to support healing and reconciliation for victim survivors of sexual abuse following this announcement. Visit assistance.richmonddiocese.org for more information and frequently asked questions.

While the Program will be funded by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, no financial resources from the Annual Diocesan Appeal or the Living Our Mission Capital Campaign will be used to fund this program.

Later this year, Bishop Knestout will participate in several Masses of Hope and Healing held around the diocese for victim survivors. He plans to lead a rosary for healing and protection during April which is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. To learn more about the actions Bishop Knestout has taken in the diocese, visit our Pastoral Response page: https://richmonddiocese.org/diocese-response/.
###
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                    [post_date] => 2020-02-14 12:00:57
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: February 14, 2020
Notice Regarding Rev. Msgr. Raymond A. Barton, Retired
A representative of a deceased victim has come forward with a report sharing allegations of child sexual abuse by Rev. Msgr. Raymond Barton. The report identified the victim and described details of the abuse. The incident is alleged to have occurred in the early-1970’s. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has reported the allegations to civil authorities.

Msgr. Barton, retired since 2011, is not currently serving in ministry. Msgr. Barton will not be permitted to engage in active ministry until the allegations are investigated and resolved.

Msgr. Barton was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Richmond in 1966. He served as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond, and as a faculty member at St. John Vianney Seminary, Goochland. He was a pastor at the following parishes: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk; Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach; and Holy Comforter Catholic Church in Charlottesville. He also served as a co-pastor for Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach.

Bishop Knestout remains committed to transparency and accountability when allegations of child sexual abuse are reported. He encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of a cleric or representative of the diocese to report it.

Individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese should report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.

 
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                    [post_content] => Brian T. Olszewski, The Catholic Virginian

 

More than 1,500 people attended Mass at the Richmond Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 13, prior to the second annual Virginia March for Life at the state capitol. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond concelebrated the Mass with more than a dozen priests from the two dioceses.

In his homily, Bishop Knestout noted that in the Commonwealth the “laws and the political culture ensured life was protected in a greater way than in many other states.”

But, he said, “the political winds can change rapidly and the threat to life reemerge with brutal ferocity,” noting that the 60 million lives lost to abortion since the Supreme Court legalized it in 1973 is “eight times as many lives as the entire population of (Virginia).”

Bishop Knestout said that while people grieve the loss of so many lives, “There is hope.”

[caption id="attachment_119772" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Bishop Knestout delivers the homily at the Mass for Life prior to the second annual Virginia March for Life, Thursday, Feb. 13. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

He praised the Knights of Columbus councils that raise money to purchase ultrasound machines, the outreach of Hope4Life in Portsmouth, volunteers at pregnancy centers and those who stand near abortion centers and pray for the transformation of hearts and lives.

“If you haven’t already supported their efforts and work, I urge you to do so,” the bishop said.

Noting that while the gift of new life is always to be celebrated, Bishop Knestout continued, “We must also recognize that a pregnancy, especially when unexpected, can bring with it many challenges. Mothers too often find themselves afraid, vulnerable, abandoned, and in need. And God calls us to respond in love.”

Referencing Luke 1:39-45, Bishop Knestout said Mary’s visit to Elizabeth should be the model for helping a woman with an unexpected pregnancy.

“We are called to go without delay, to go ‘in haste’ as the Blessed Mother did, to offer expectant mothers the support, encouragement, and love that they need,” he said. “Mary’s example of visiting her cousin Elizabeth at the time of both of their unexpected pregnancies should inspire us to serve mothers and families — even amidst our own conflicting needs.”

Following Mass, Father Daniel Beeman, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Newport News, told the crowd about Courtney, the girl his cousin, Jake, met online. They had much in common, but Jake wanted to know more. The priest advised him, “Ask her if she’s pro-life, because in some ways that will tell you so much about her heart.”

Father Beeman related the story the woman told Jake. It was 1963, and her biological grandmother was a 17-year-old, pregnant immigrant in New York City. With no family support, she went to an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity who took her in and then kept her daughter, Courtney’s mom, in the orphanage. She ended up in a foster home where the parents eventually adopted her.

Courtney’s message to Jake: “I’m pro-life, always. Because I wouldn’t be here otherwise.  And I can’t imagine any situation where a life isn’t worth saving, where a baby would be better off dying than being given life and love.”

The priest said his response to his cousin was, “You date that girl, you date that girl now!”

Father Beeman said stories like Courtney’s need to become “part of the moral fiber and framework” of the United States and Virginia.

“You and I as pro-life people, as people who know each life was created by God to be sacred, have been dealt some very difficult and sad news in the Commonwealth over the last few months,” he said. “With the turn of the General Assembly in Virginia last November and the current administration in our governor’s mansion, the Commonwealth of Virginia is now represented in all of our houses of government by people who do not share our reverence for life.”

The priest said the representative majority’s “false application of the word ‘choice’” has replaced the dignity and honor of human life.

“They have taken what we know by our religious teaching and also what you never have to be religious to know – that every life is sacred and that the vulnerable life is the one most worth protecting – and they have turned it upside down in the name of choice,” he said. “This turn has been swift, and their efforts have been unrelenting.”

Father Beeman delineated the legislation that is making its way into Virginia law, e.g., allowing people other than doctors to perform abortions, removal of informed consent, removal of the requirement for an abortion facility to provide the mother with an ultrasound and elimination of the 24-hour waiting period.

He said Gov. Ralph Northam signing these bills presents a “serious challenge” to pro-lifers.

“Perhaps the scariest part is that once this passes, they will not relent,” the priest said. “Many of our pro-abortion delegates and senators and our governor have stated that they would continue to support additional pro-abortion legislation in the future.”

Father Beeman said pro-lifers should not despair nor see the situation as hopeless.

“We join our pro-life stance across the board as a people of faith, demonstrating our willingness to fight for every life, not just in the womb, but through every stage to a natural death,” he said. “We stand against dismissing anyone, regardless of their background, age or status, and we love and support every human.”

The priest noted the consistency of the Church’s teaching regarding assisted suicide, the death penalty, “or taking away the dignity of any human life in how they are treated.”

“With that consistency, with the growing sentiments of pro-life Americans, and most especially, with the Light and Truth of Jesus Christ, this is a fight that can be won, and this is a fight worth fighting in order to win,” he said.

 

This story will be updated in the Feb. 24, 2020 issue of The Catholic Virginian.



Bishop Knestout's homily from the Virginia Mass for Life, Feb. 13, 2020
Today we gather for the second annual Virginia March for Life. Just a few years ago, it was not thought that there would ever be a need for such a march here in the commonwealth. The laws and the political culture ensured life was protected in a greater way than maybe in other states, although always in danger of being undermined.

How quickly things can change. The threat seems always to be there, just under the surface, the threat against life even in places that seemed secure in protecting the right to life. The political winds can change rapidly and the threat to life reemerge with brutal ferocity.

Since the 1973 Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion throughout our nation, over 60 million lives have been lost. That’s eight times as many lives as the entire population of the commonwealth. Now our commonwealth is passing laws which will add tragically to that number.

So, on this day, we join as the local Churches of Arlington and Richmond in fervent and urgent prayer.

Today, we set aside a day of prayer and advocacy for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right of life in Virginia. It is appropriate that this day, like January’s annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, be a day of penance for violations to human dignity, for the dignity of the human life, the human person, that are committed through acts of abortion.

Many will observe this day not just as a day to march and voice our alarm and our advocacy for the unborn, but also a day with penitential practices of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, as is appropriate for people of God who are pleading for this recognition of human life.

Today’s first reading speaks of God’s forming each of us in the womb of our mother. God fashioned human beings in his own image and likeness, and this endows each of us, from the moment of conception with a dignity that no other creature can claim.

God has chosen us to be recipients of his unending love. He has chosen us, in response to that love to be a light to the nations, that we can be that light as Christians, as Catholics, and that starts here within our own homes and lives in this commonwealth.

God elevated the dignity of the human person through the Incarnation of His Son, through which he united himself to all men and women. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God becomes one of us — taking on our humanity and sharing fully in our human condition with all of its struggles, its anxieties, its trials and its sufferings.

Christ came to the earth through the womb of a woman that he might lead us to salvation, that he might accompany us in our challenges in this life and lead us to the fullness of life and love in his presence. God loved humanity into existence. All of us, our being, is because of God’s love. He created us in his image and likeness. 

But the Gospel reveals how we should respond to the gift of new life. In the story of the Visitation, we see Mary, an unmarried woman who is newly pregnant with the Infant Jesus, going in haste to the aid of her cousin Elizabeth, who is herself six months pregnant.

Luke tells us that at the very moment that Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. From the womb of his own mother, John the Baptist recognizes the presence of Jesus, hidden within the womb of Mary.

Elizabeth responds with those familiar and beautiful words: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Both John and Elizabeth recognize the life hidden in Mary’s womb, the one who is their Savior. In this we recognize the dignity of the human person that God would become one with us and take life, take flesh, in the womb of Mary. And we ask Our Lady to intercede for us constantly. 

This Gospel passage tenderly illustrates the humanity of the unborn child, created in God’s image and likeness. Every new life should be greeted with the same joyful enthusiasm that led John the Baptist to leap in the womb of Elizabeth.

We know that the act of abortion rejects God’s gift of life. Abortion destroys the life of a child that was lovingly knit together in the mother’s womb.

As a human and Christian family, we grieve the loss of so many lives. And yet, even in our grief, we know there is hope. This hope is seen in many people and pro-life groups who act with compassion and practical help to women within Virginia, like Hope4Life in Portsmouth, the Knights of Columbus throughout the commonwealth with ultrasound initiatives, hundreds of parishioners who volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers throughout the commonwealth.

We pray for transformed hearts and lives with 40 Days for Life and prayer vigils that are outside of abortion centers. These good works in turn inspire so many others to action. If you haven’t supported any of these efforts in their work, I urge you to do so, at least by prayer and other ways of support.

While God’s gift of new life is always something to be celebrated, we must also recognize that a pregnancy, especially ones when unexpected, can bring with it many challenges. Mothers too often find themselves afraid, vulnerable, abandoned and in need. And God calls us to respond in love.

We are called to go without delay, to go “in haste” as the Blessed Mother did, to offer expectant mothers the support, encouragement and love that they need.

Mary’s example of visiting her cousin Elizabeth at the time of both of their unexpected pregnancies should inspire us to serve mothers and families, even amidst our own conflicting needs and demands of our times and efforts.

May we recommit ourselves to supporting all expectant mothers. May we never fail to set out in haste, in charity, and in advocacy through this March for Life and in other ways.

May we offer penance for all violations against the dignity of human life, and in a special way, may we also pray for all women and men who suffer from participating in abortion, that they may find healing, peace and reconciliation with God. As the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy, so may our hearts leap with joy at the wonders of new life in every expectant mother.

I will conclude with a paragraph from a homily that St. John Paul gave many years ago, in 1999, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. And it’s a message that still resonates, that speaks to all of us:
“Dear brothers and sisters, the time has come to banish once and for all from the continent (the American continent) every attack against life.
“We must rouse the consciences of men and women with the Gospel, in order to highlight their sublime vocation as children of God. This will inspire them to build a better America. As a matter of urgency, we must stir up a new springtime of holiness on the continent so that action and contemplation will go hand in hand.”
So may our prayer and contemplation and action and advocacy go hand in hand as we march for life and advocate for the unborn.
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                    [post_content] => February 12, 2020

WASHINGTON — Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release today of Pope Francis’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Querida Amazonia. The exhortation follows upon the Special Synod of Bishops held in Rome from October 6-27, 2019 that focused on the Amazon region.

Archbishop Gomez’s statement follows:

“Today our Holy Father Pope Francis offers us a hopeful and challenging vision of the future of the Amazon region, one of the earth’s most sensitive and crucial ecosystems, and home to a rich diversity of cultures and peoples. The Pope reminds us that the Church serves humanity by proclaiming Jesus Christ and his Gospel of love, and he calls for an evangelization that respects the identities and histories of the Amazonian peoples and that is open to the ‘novelty of the Spirit, who is always able to create something new with the inexhaustible riches of Jesus Christ.’

“He also calls all of us in the Americas and throughout the West to examine our ‘style of life’ and to reflect on the consequences that our decisions have for the environment and for the poor. Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I am grateful for the Holy Father’s wisdom and guidance and we pledge our continued commitment to evangelizing and building a world that is more just and fraternal and that respects the integrity of God’s creation.”

You can read the full text of Querida Amazonia in English or en Español.
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_119740" align="alignright" width="300"] Francis J. Parater, Servant of God (1897-1920)[/caption]

February 7, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Francis J. Parater, Servant of God.

A seminarian of the Diocese of Richmond, Parater was studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome when he died of rheumatic fever.

In 2001, a tribunal was established to examine Parater’s reputation for holiness, the first step toward canonization as a saint.

Read more about Frank Parater and his cause for sainthood here.

Popes Benedict XV and Pius XI requested a copy of Parater’s Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was discovered after his passing:
"I have nothing to leave or give but my life, and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills.
"I have offered my all for conversions to God of non-Catholics in Virginia. This is what I live for and, in the case of death, what I die for. Death is not unpleasant to me, but the most beautiful and welcome event of life. Death is the messenger of God come to tell us that our novitiate is ended and to welcome us to the real life. Melancholic or morbid sentimentality is not the cause of my writing this, for I love my life here, the College, the men and Rome itself. But I have desired to die and be buried with the saints. I dare not ask God to take me lest I should be ungrateful or be trying to shirk the higher responsibilities of life; but I shall never have less to answer for—perhaps never be better ready to meet my Maker, my God, my All.
"Since I was a child I have desired to die for the love of God and for my fellow-man. Whether or not I shall receive that favor I know not but if I live, it is for the same purpose; every action of my life here is offered to God for the spread and success of the Catholic Church in Virginia. …
"I shall be of more service to my diocese in heaven than I could ever be on earth."
 
                    [post_title] => 100th Anniversary of the Death of Francis J. Parater, Servant of God
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                    [post_content] => January 29, 2020

 

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond issued the following statement on the passage of companion abortion bills yesterday and today by the Virginia House of Delegates (HB 980) and the Virginia Senate (SB 733) respectively:

We ask all Catholics to step into the public square and to be witnesses of the Gospel on which our faith is founded. Because we believe that all life is a sacred gift from God, it is imperative for all people of faith to continue to speak and act on behalf of the unborn, especially those who will die if this legislation is enacted.

We are saddened and deeply disappointed that a majority of Virginia’s elected leaders have chosen to pass bills that strip Virginia law of many longstanding provisions that protect unborn children and the health and safety of women. A just society respects life from the moment of conception until natural death, and we continue to call upon the Virginia General Assembly to reject any legislation that increases abortion access.

Let us pray that members of the General Assembly will be guided by the love of God in opposing legislation that will result in the death of innocent human life. At the same time, we ask for all to pray for the mothers of these children that they will give them life and that we will support them in their needs.


As the Senate now takes up consideration of HB 980 and the House takes up consideration of SB 733, the Virginia Catholic Conference urges pro-life Virginians to continue to voice their strong opposition to these bills. Voices of truth must be heard by our elected officials. This year’s Virginia March for Life is extraordinarily important, and we urge people throughout both the Arlington and Richmond Catholic Dioceses to join us on February 13 to show that Virginians are pro-life and expect their legislators to vote that way.
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, delivered the invocation at the Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Below is Bishop's full prayer. You can also watch the invocation here.

"The Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: 'There is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens.' Beyond those occasions in Ecclesiastes, we add other times and occasions as we pray today, as you begin this floor session.



"Lord God, maker and sustainer of the heavens and earth, we ask your grace and assistance to make this day a time of prayer for civic leaders, for law enforcement officers, for the military, for peoples in the midst of or under the threat of war or violence, and for our adversaries as well.

"Help us make this day a time for fasting: for victims of abuse and for families, for an end to violence, for justice, peace and the protection of innocent human life at all its stages.

"Help us make this day a time for teaching: to better learn from one another and to seek the truth in heart and mind.

"Help us make this day a time for civility: to be respectful in what we say and how we say it, and to listen attentively with open minds to what others say.



"Help us make this day a time for dialogue: with people of every faith or system of belief - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, other faith communities, and men and women of good will.

"Help us make this day a time for witness: to live our values of mutual respect, human dignity, compassion for one another, and security without resorting to discrimination.

"Help us make this day a time for service: to continue to provide assistance to those injured, hurting or in need throughout the Commonwealth.

"Help us make this day a time for solidarity: with all who live under the threat of violence and uncertainty each day.

"Help us make this day a time for hope: in God's grace and in one another.

"Help us make this day a time to pray, teach, engage in dialogue and urge one another and all leaders in our community and our Commonwealth to work together for peace and to overcome injustice.

"I ask this through Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you, almighty Father, and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen."


                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Delivers Invocation at Virginia House of Delegates
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-21 11:48:00
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                    [post_content] => January 21, 2020

[caption id="attachment_119474" align="alignright" width="358"] Deacon John J. Kren[/caption]

Bishop Barry Knestout announces the appointment of Deacon John J. Kren to director of the permanent deaconate for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, effective Jan. 21, 2020.  The part-time director position supports the Office of the Vicar for Clergy by overseeing the Permanent Diaconate program in the diocese. He will be responsible for growth and development in the formation of permanent deacons and further strengthen the program.

Concurrent with this new role, Deacon Kren, who was ordained in 2003, will continue in his assignment as permanent deacon at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Virginia Beach and in his supporting role serving as vicariate deacon of the Eastern Vicariate.

The Eastern Vicariate of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond includes 49 parishes and encompasses Deaneries 1-5. The geographical area of all five deaneries includes the Eastern Shore, comprises the entire Hampton Roads region – both Southside and the Peninsula, and stretches as far west as the city of Franklin and as far north as West Point and Middlesex County.

We welcome Deacon Kren in his new position and ask for prayers as he carries out his new role in serving Bishop Knestout and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.
###
                    [post_title] => Director of Permanent Diaconate Announced
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-18 12:27:02
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                    [post_content] => The Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the seventh oldest diocese in the United States, began its bicentennial celebration Saturday, Jan. 18 with Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Norfolk. More than 600 people from the Eastern Vicariate participated in the celebration.

Concelebrated by Bishop Barry C. Knestout and 42 priests, the Mass commemorated the arrival of Bishop Patrick Kelly, the first bishop of the diocese, in Virginia.

[caption id="attachment_119459" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bishop Knestout and priests of the diocese concelebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norfolk. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

In his homily, Bishop Knestout focused on the jubilee theme “Shine like stars in the world as you hold fast to the word of life” from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (2:15-16).

Noting that the prophets of the Old Testament were like stars who guided people toward God and pointed them to his son — “the greater light to come,” the bishop continued, “So, it was with the Catholic faith in this diocese, beginning small with a few shining stars, and soon gathering into greater constellations of communities, bringing the light of our Catholic faith to the Commonwealth and the people we encountered.”

The bishop said the “manifestation of faith” was accompanied by awe, wonder and acts of charity.

[caption id="attachment_119460" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] More than 600 people attended the Mass inaugurating the bicentennial year of the Catholic Diocese of RIchmond, Jan. 18 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norfolk. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

“Given the smallness of the Catholic community in Virginia, how few Catholics there were and still are in comparison to the rest of the population,” he said. “I have seen how ‘holding fast to the word’ results in a devotion and generous engagement of the faithful in parish life, where works of charity and justice grow and thrive.”

The diversity of the Eastern Vicariate was expressed in the proclamation of Scripture readings in English, Spanish and Tagalog and in music provided by choirs from the Norfolk parishes of Sacred Heart and the Basilica of St. Mary, and from St. Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach.

The celebration concluded with the singing of the diocese’s bicentennial hymn, “We Shine Like Stars in the World.”

[caption id="attachment_119461" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The crozier Bishop used during the inaugural Mass belonged to the Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, 11th bishop of Richmond (1974-2003). His predecessor, Most Rev. John J. Russell, and the clergy of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart gave this pastoral staff to Bishop Sullivan on the occasion of his ordination as auxiliary bishop of Richmond in 1970. Bishop Knestout will use this crozier in the other regional Masses to be celebrated this year. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]
                    [post_title] => Diocese’s Bicentennial Celebration Begins in Norfolk
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-17 14:48:52
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                    [post_content] => January 17, 2020

We offer our sincere congratulations to the Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Preparatory communities on their recent announcement and partnership to form the newly established “Benedictine Schools of Richmond.”

Both schools’ administrators reviewed the plans of a unique coordinate program with Bishop Barry C. Knestout in January prior to today’s announcement. He supports them in their decision. 

The new model and vision allow for their continued presence in our diocese and further encourage the values, mission and bonds both schools share.  It seems fitting that the collective, rich history between Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Preparatory schools will endure for future generations and be further strengthened by this strategic move. 

This change allows both schools to share state-of- the-art-facilities while maintaining their individual independence and tradition of single-sex Catholic education.  

Kelly Lazzara, diocesan superintendent of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, said, “We are supportive of this venture to preserve Catholic education in our diocese. It is admirable and inspiring that these two schools will continue the tradition of working side-by-side, yet, maintain their school’s distinctive educational programs and allow for the continued health of Catholic Schools education in the metro-Richmond area.”
###
 
                    [post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Statement on Announcement of Saint Gertrude and Benedictine College Preparatory
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-17 12:00:29
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                    [post_content] => January 17, 2020

It is with great sadness that I have received a letter from Bishop-Elect Susan Haynes stating that, due to the controversy of the proposed use of St. Bede Catholic Church for her consecration as the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, she has decided to find another location for the ceremony to take place.

In granting permission for this ordination to be held at St. Bede, we were welcoming, as the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council encouraged, those who have in common with us “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Decree on Ecumenism, 3). We were following the example of St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis who enthusiastically engaged in ecumenical outreach and hospitality.

We look forward to continuing our ecumenical dialogue with the Episcopal community, and to working with Bishop-Elect Haynes in fortifying the long standing, cordial relationship between our communities and our joint service to the poor.

As I assure Bishop-Elect Haynes of my prayers for her and the community she leads, I ask our Catholic faithful to pray for them, too, and to pray that the fruits of the Holy Spirit, along with humility, kindness, gentleness and joy, be expressed and strengthened in all our faith communities.

You can read the statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia by clicking here.
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement Following the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia’s Decision to Change Consecration Location
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-15 12:00:46
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout and Msgr. Joseph Lehman, pastor of St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg, have issued letters regarding the use of St. Bede for the Feb. 1 consecration of Rev. Susan B. Haynes, newly-elected bishop of the Episcopalian Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Read Bishop's letter here.

Read Msgr. Lehman's letter here.
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout and Msgr. Lehman Issue Letters Regarding Episcopalian Consecration at St. Bede
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-09 16:25:10
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                    [post_content] => The Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC), the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops, is calling upon all Catholics to voice their opposition to a bill that threatens the affordability of private education. The bill, HB 521, was introduced in the Virginia General Assembly on Monday, Jan. 6.

[caption id="attachment_119397" align="alignright" width="400"] Students of All Saints Catholic School, Richmond.[/caption]

If passed, HB 521 would eliminate the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC) program, which provides funding for non-public, tuition-based education programs in Virginia though scholarships. Students enrolled in the 30 Catholic schools in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond would be affected, as this year alone, more than 1,300 children attend Catholic schools because of this program.

Without EISTC, many families would lose the opportunity to send their children to Catholic school. Virginia’s only school choice program, EISTC covers the gap between what a family can afford to pay toward tuition and the actual cost of tuition. EISTC is funded from donations to scholarship foundations approved by the Virginia Department of Education, such as the diocese’s McMahon Parater Scholarship Foundation.

To help save the EISTC program, contact your local representative, visit the Virginia Catholic Conference website.If you are not a member of the VCC's advocacy network, click here to receive regular Conference email alerts and updates. You can also like the VCC on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and sign up for the blog.
                    [post_title] => HB 521 Threatens Private Education in Virginia
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-08 14:13:31
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                    [post_content] => January 8, 2020

WASHINGTON—The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, released a statement on the situation in Iran last night which was shared on social media.

Full text of the statement follows:

“In the face of the escalating tensions with Iran, we must pray urgently that our world’s leaders will pursue dialogue and seek peace. Please join me in asking our Blessed Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace, to intercede, that Jesus Christ might strengthen the peacemakers, comfort the suffering, and protect the innocent and all those in harm’s way, especially the men and women in our military and diplomatic service.”
###
                    [post_title] => President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls for Peace in Wake of Escalated Tensions with Iran
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-06 10:24:48
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: January 6, 2020

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has received confirmation from an independent auditor that it remains in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The diocese has remained in compliance since the initial audit in 2004.

The Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, received the notice of compliance in a letter dated Dec. 20, 2019, from Stonebridge Business Partners, Rochester, N.Y., which conducts the yearly audits for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of Child and Youth Protection.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of policies and procedures established by the USCCB in 2002 for addressing sexual abuse of minors within the context of the Catholic Church. The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing and accountability and establishes training and background screening programs.

Each year the Office of Safe Environment submits data related to its work between July 1 and June 30. The diocese participates in an on-site audit every third year.

Since October 2004, the Diocese has held 3,544 child protection training sessions, known as VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children for Adults. In the 2018-2019 audit year, there were 318 training sessions. Approximately 60,201 individuals have participated and 175 facilitators have been trained to lead a VIRTUS training session since its introduction in 2004.

In April 2020, additional details and other Safe Environment data will be published in the Office of Safe Environment Annual Report.

More information on the Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Safe Environment is available online.

 
###
                    [post_title] => 2019 Independent Audit Determines Catholic Diocese of Richmond Remains in Compliance with Child Protection Charter
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                    [post_date] => 2020-01-02 14:42:04
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                    [post_content] => January 2, 2020

Bishop Knestout has released a letter detailing his final decision on the closing of Holy Cross Regional Catholic School following a Dec. 19 meeting with Holy Cross constituents.

In part, Bishop writes, “Given all the facts, and having received the input from the pastors, school administrative staff and school advisory board members, as well as the advice of my staff and others, the decision stands to close Holy Cross at the end of this school year.”

You can read Bishop’s full statement by clicking here. 
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Releases Statement on Holy Cross Regional Catholic School
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                    [post_content] => The Daughters of Mary Immaculate celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of their order on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

[caption id="attachment_119323" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (Photo/Billy Nguyen)[/caption]

Bishop Knestout and priests of the diocese concelebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, in honor of the milestone. Parishioners of the Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs, sisters of the order in Richmond and Maryland, and brothers of the abbey were in attendance at the Mass during which Vietnamese and Filipino choirs sang songs.

[caption id="attachment_119324" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (Photo/Billy Nguyen)[/caption]

We are excited to share pieces of our diocesan history as we prepare to open our bicentennial year on Jan. 18!
                    [post_title] => Daughters of Mary Immaculate Celebrate 100 Years of Service
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                    [post_date] => 2019-12-12 15:01:04
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                    [post_content] => December 12, 2019

The Diocese of Richmond is pleased to introduce the Office of Cemetery and Funeral Services to oversee cemetery operations, effective January 1, 2020. The existing Office of Cemeteries, which has assisted parishes through a contract with Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services (CFCS) since 2016, will be reconfigured into the new office.

Deacon Ed Handel will serve as the director of cemetery and funeral services. Deacon Handel currently serves as director of the diocese’s Office of Cemeteries.

Goals of the new Office of Cemetery and Funeral Services include the sound fiscal management of cemetery operations and to provide education on the benefits of pre-planning funerals and burials.

The diocesan Office of Cemeteries manages three diocesan regional cemeteries located in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Roanoke and is working with parishes on various projects. Most recently, during 2019, Deacon Ed has worked with St. Matthew, Virginia Beach, on a project to relocate the columbarium to another location on parish property and with St. Peter the Apostle, Lake Gaston, on the development of a new cemetery. Currently, the Office of Cemeteries is in the early stages of studying a plan to develop a new cemetery in Virginia Beach.

In looking at the budget for fiscal year 2019-20, it became evident that the cost of the management contracts with CFCS could not be financially supported by the size of the diocesan regional cemeteries. The growth of diocesan regional cemeteries, while a long-term goal, is requiring more time than anticipated, and the revenue projections do not justify the ongoing management and administrative oversight by CFCS.

CFCS has been a wonderful strategic partner over these past three years, and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond has been the beneficiary of their expertise, visioning and leadership during this period of transition. CFCS will continue to be a resource as needed, and the diocese appreciates their assistance as the management and administration transitions back to the diocese.

A story on the establishment of the Office of Cemetery and Funeral Services will appear in the Dec. 16 issue of The Catholic Virginian.
###
                    [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Introduces Office of Cemetery and Funeral Services
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                    [post_date] => 2019-12-09 12:45:15
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout returned to the Diocese of Richmond on Sunday, Dec. 8, “renewed in my episcopal commitment and sense of communion with the Holy Father, the bishops and people of dioceses throughout the U.S. and throughout the world.”

Bishop Knestout had been in Rome since Dec. 1 for his ad limina visit — a visit that occurs anywhere between every five and eight years during which diocesan bishops meet with the pope and representatives of various Vatican congregations and commissions. While he had been present at three ad limina visits while serving in Washington, this is the first one Bishop Knestout attended as an ordinary, i.e., head of a diocese.

[caption id="attachment_119225" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bishop Knestout greets Pope Francis during his "ad limina" visit to Rome, Dec. 3, 2019. (Photo/Vatican Media)[/caption]

Pope Francis greeted each of the bishops individually during which time Bishop Knestout presented him with a copy of the coffee table history book of the Diocese of Richmond and a copy of the commemorative recreation of the original decrees establishing the diocese.

The pope, according to the bishop, expressed in English his gratitude for the gifts and imparted his blessing upon the people of the diocese as it celebrates its bicentennial in 2020.

[caption id="attachment_119227" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (L to R) Fr. Sean Prince, Bishop Knestout, Fr. Michael Boehling and Fr. Kyle O’Connor hold copies of the commemorative decrees and bicentennial book prior to presenting them to Pope Francis. (Photo/Vatican Media)[/caption]

Later, Pope Francis met with the bishops of Regions IV and V as a group.

“The audience with the Holy Father was an experience of conversation, dialogue and accompaniment,” Bishop Knestout said of the nearly three-hour meeting. “The Holy Father began by encouraging us to speak from our hearts and that any subject or issue we wanted to present was OK. There was enough time in the meeting where any bishop who chose could have the opportunity to present it to the Holy Father.”

Bishop Knestout used the opportunity to talk about the diocese’s 200th anniversary.

“I spoke to the Holy Father of the many works of catechesis, prayer, sacrament and charity in the diocese,” he said. “I described the large geography and diversity of the diocese and the extensive mission areas of Appalachia as well as migrant ministry in the East.”

[caption id="attachment_119228" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Bishop Knestout (fourth from left of Pope Francis) is one of 37 bishops from Regions IV and V who met with the Holy Father, Dec. 3, 2019. (Photo/Vatican Media)[/caption]

The bishop said he also spoke about “the vibrant faith of the many parishes of the diocese and the legacy of social service and outreach to the poor.”

He continued, “I indicated that as an offering to commemorate our bicentennial, there would be an octave of service offered by the people of the diocese so that we might mark our anniversary by a clear and generous expression of charity toward all the poor and those on the periphery.”

According to Bishop Knestout, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for those works of charity and “encouraged us in fulfilling these intentions and commitments during our anniversary year.”

[caption id="attachment_119229" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bishop Knestout presents to Pope Francis a copy of the commemorative recreation of the original decree establishing our diocese as we prepare to celebrate our bicentennial in 2020. (Photo/Vatican Media)[/caption]

Reflecting on the ad limina, Bishop Knestout said, “This was the most memorable visit I have ever had with a successor of St. Peter. The time spent with him and the personal encounter with His Holiness were truly extraordinary! He was joyful, personal, straightforward and pastoral in this encounter with each of us and expressed a sincere, genuine concern for the particular circumstances, needs and challenges faced by each bishop, diocese and member of the Church.”
                    [post_title] => Meeting Pope Francis an ‘extraordinary experience,’ bishop says
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                    [post_date] => 2019-12-06 12:23:26
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_119212" align="alignright" width="273"] Jane Kim, an archeologist with the Fairfield Foundation, and Tristan Converse, an electrician from Four C Construction, work on excavating an area in the floor of
the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk. (Photo/Wendy Klesch)[/caption]

A construction crew working on the renovation of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Norfolk struck history last October when a jackhammer used to break up an old concrete floor broke all the way through, unearthing a brick vaulted drain dating from the late 18th to early 19th century.

The drain, which is about three feet wide and four feet tall, seems to lead in the direction of the Elizabeth River.

“The drain is dry and large enough for a person to get through,” said Father James Curran, pastor at St. Mary. “Norfolk was well-known as a hub of the Underground Railroad, so the question is: could it have been used as a tunnel?”

During the renovation process, workers also uncovered three crypts, which also call for further study.

The church is consulting with the Fairfield Foundation, a nonprofit archeological and preservation center, in finding more answers.

Meanwhile, renovation continues on the 158-year-old gothic basilica, home to the oldest parish in the diocese and the only African-American basilica in the country.

“The work on the church is continuing,” Father Curran said. “We’re just working around the site until we have the chance to excavate it further.”

“This is history,” he said. “We’re excited to find out as much about it as we possibly can.”

Be sure to read the full story in the Dec. 16 issue of The Catholic Virginian.
                    [post_title] => Renovation of Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk, Leads to Historical Discovery
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                    [post_date] => 2019-11-26 15:26:07
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                    [post_content] => UPDATED: November 26, 2019

The Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, announced on November 22 that an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor made against Father Michael F. Kuhn, Y.A., has been found to be unsubstantiated.

Father Kuhn had previously served in the Diocese of Richmond as chaplain for Old Dominion University’s Catholic Campus Ministry from 2011 to 2016.

You can read more about the review process from the Diocese of Fall River by clicking here.







October 23, 2018

The Catholic Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts made the following announcement October 22, 2018, regarding Father Michael Kuhn, Y.A., and is available online at www.fallriverdiocese.org. Father Michael Kuhn previously served in the Diocese of Richmond as chaplain for Old Dominion University’s Catholic Campus Ministry from 2011 to 2016.

The Diocese of Richmond urges anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of clergy, an employee, or volunteer in ministry to come forward and report it immediately to the civil authorities. We ask that you also call the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) at 1-877-887-9603 or by email at vac@richmonddiocese.org.

For more information about the Diocese of Richmond’s Child Protection/Safe Environment Program visit www.richmonddiocese.org/child_protection_virtus/.
###
                    [post_title] => Misconduct Allegation Against Priest of Diocese of Fall River Found to be Unsubstantiated
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                    [post_date] => 2019-11-12 15:43:18
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: November 12, 2019
HOLY CROSS REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL TO CLOSE AT THE END OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 
Continued Low Enrollment and Financial Shortfalls Major Factors for School Closing
(RICHMOND, VA) – Today, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Catholic Schools announced that Holy Cross Regional Catholic School in Lynchburg will permanently cease operations at the end of the 2019-2020 school year in June.

“More than ever, we want our schools to flourish as they form and nurture our young people in the Catholic faith,” said the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond. “It is with sadness that we announce the closure of a Catholic school that has been part of our diocese for 140 years. I want to express my gratitude to the many teachers, staff, administrators and families for your service and dedication to Holy Cross and the support you have given and provided to the students. Please keep the Holy Cross Catholic School community in your prayers during this time.”

For the last 17 years, Holy Cross Regional Catholic School’s enrollment has declined by 61 percent between the 2001/02 academic year compared to the 2019/20 academic year. The decreased enrollment has resulted in increased financial challenges.

“This announcement is painful for our Holy Cross Catholic School students, families, faculty, staff and alumni. We realize the impact this will have on them,” said Kelly M. Lazzara, superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools. “We will do all we can to support our families by offering them access to resources to assist during this period of transition. Additionally, we will work with our students so that anyone who wants to continue their Catholic education will be welcomed at one of our neighboring schools.”

According to the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) annual report, enrollment decreased 18 percent nationally for Catholic schools in the last decade compared to a 12 percent decline experienced by Catholic schools in the Richmond Diocese during the same time period.

“The closing of a Catholic school is a decision that is not taken lightly, and the determination was made only after numerous attempts were made in recent years to support the financial operations of the school,” said Chief Financial Officer Michael J. McGee.

Since 2012, the diocese offered guarantees so Holy Cross Catholic School could obtain over $3 million in low interest-rate loans to give the school time to implement strategies to grow enrollment and raise additional funds.

“In addition to the financial support provided by the parishes of the diocese, the McMahon-Parater Scholarship Foundation allocated additional needs-based financial aid to Holy Cross. Even with the allocation of additional funds, the school had annual operating losses ranging from $95,000 to $360,000 in each of the past five fiscal years,” said McGee. “Unfortunately, despite these significant efforts, the financial condition of the school continued to decline to the point that closing the school became unavoidable.”

Holy Cross Regional Catholic School has served the Lynchburg community with a Catholic education since 1879. It is one of six Catholic schools located in the Southwest region of the state.

In all, the Richmond Diocese has 30 Catholic schools serving more than 8,400 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The last time the diocese closed a school was Holy Trinity Catholic in Norfolk in 2010.
###
                    [post_title] => Holy Cross Regional Catholic School to Close at the End of the Academic Year
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                    [post_date] => 2019-11-12 11:51:52
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                    [post_content] => November 12, 2019

WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of Austin and Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, commented on three cases argued before the Supreme Court today – Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of University of California; McAleenan, Secretary of Homeland Security v. Vidal; Trump, President of U.S. v. NAACP. These cases challenge whether decisions in the lower court to repeal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) were lawful.

On October 4, the USCCB, with other Catholic and evangelical partners, filed an amicus curiae brief in the cases. The brief argues that rescinding DACA without considering crucial facts underlying the program irreparably harms hundreds of thousands of families by placing them at imminent risk of separation, which violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and is thus unlawful.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez offered the following statement on the hearing:

“DACA youth are leaders in our parishes and significant contributors to our economy and communities. They are hard-working young people who know the United States as their only home. We continue to urge Congress and the President to work together to find a permanent legislative solution to the plight of all DREAMers, including DACA beneficiaries. In the meantime, ending DACA would disrupt DACA recipients’ continued contributions and integration to our country and could needlessly separate them from their families. Not allowing these young people to continue to utilize DACA to reach their God-given potential is against the common good and our nation’s history of welcoming the immigrant.”

USCCB’s amicus curiae brief in these consolidated cases is available at: http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/2019-10-04-FINAL-DACA-brief.pdf.
###
                    [post_title] => USCCB Chairmen Issue Statement on Supreme Court Cases Upholding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
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                    [post_date] => 2019-11-12 08:47:30
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                    [post_content] => November 11, 2019

 

BALTIMORE - Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas, and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the body of bishops at the annual November plenary meeting of bishops about the need for improved pastoral responses to women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies.

“The challenges can be immense for women in difficult or unplanned pregnancies. 75% of women who choose abortion are low income,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. Women facing challenging pregnancies should see the Church as a place where they can find help, especially with its myriad of social services and organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of people in crisis,” he continued.

In his invitation to the bishops, Archbishop Naumann shared that well over 150,000 low-income mothers deliver their babies at Catholic hospitals each year, and many tens of thousands of pregnant and parenting moms are helped each year through Catholic Charities programs and other help agencies. In addition, thousands of pregnancy care centers staffed by many Catholic volunteers.

Nevertheless, the archbishop noted that there are “gaps,” and “while many pregnancy help resources are appropriately coordinated at the diocesan or regional level, moms in need are best reached at the local level.”

“We have well over 17,000 parishes in the United States. Each parish is best able to identify the local pregnancy help resources that are currently available and to identify potential gaps that need to be addressed. The parish community is uniquely positioned to encourage a collaboration of resources at the local level and to increase awareness of help available to mothers and families in need,” Archbishop Naumann explained.

To this end, Archbishop Naumann asked the bishops present to invite their parishes to join a nationwide effort from March 25, 2020 to March 25, 2021 entitled: “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.”

This Year of Service will coincide with the 25th anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), a landmark encyclical by Pope John Paul II. The Pro-Life Committee is developing educational, pastoral, and action-oriented resources for parish use, including reflections on the teachings of Evangelium Vitae, Evangelii Gaudium, and Laudato Si; prayers for building a culture of life; tools for documenting an inventory of local resources for pregnant mothers in need; and ideas and support for improving parish responses.

More information about the initiative can be found at www.usccb.org/moms-in-need
###
                    [post_title] => Pro Life Committee Chairman Invites Bishops to Join Initiative Serving Pregnant and Parenting Mothers in Need
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                    [post_content] => The Diocesan Women’s Conference at St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg, Saturday, Nov. 2 drew 350 people from across the diocese. Keynote speakers Chika Anyanwu and Mary Lenaburg on the English track reminded the audience that God knows you, loves you and desires you and that even in our most horrific circumstances, God is always good. Keynote speakers on the Spanish track were Eva Gonzales who spoke on leadership of women and the church and Adriana Visoso who addressed women’s leadership in daily life. Look for the complete story in the Nov. 18 issue of The Catholic Virginian.

[caption id="attachment_118932" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Chika Anyanwu gives a signed copy of her book “My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer” to Hilda Soares, a parishioner at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Tabb, during the Diocesan Women’s Conference, Saturday, Nov. 2, at St. Bede Parish, Williamsburg. (Photo/Jennifer Neville)[/caption]
                    [post_title] => Women's Catholic Conference Held at St. Bede Parish on Nov. 2
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                    [post_content] => “For more than a century, the Little Sisters of the Poor have been faithful servants and true examples of Christ’s loving care and unwavering, tender devotion for the poor, sick, elderly and dying within our diocese,” said the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond. “I am deeply saddened to see them leave our region as their departure will leave a profound void within our community that is irreplaceable.

Yet, I am immensely grateful for the decades of humble service, selfless work, great love and devotion they have provided to the most vulnerable in our community. On a personal note, I have a very fond affection for the Little Sisters, as I witnessed firsthand their compassion and accompaniment of the dying when they lovingly cared for Cardinal James Hickey until his death in 2004 at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Washington, D.C.

While not a diocesan entity, I understand the impact such a difficult decision will have as this transition process moves forward and the current challenges the Little Sisters face as they work to continue to fulfill their mission around the world.

I know our Catholic community holds the Little Sisters in high regard and I ask the faithful to keep them in your prayers in the weeks and months to come. Be assured of my continued prayers for them as well. Through the intercession of Saint Jeanne Jugan, and our Blessed Mother, Mary, may the Little Sisters continue to be guided in their work as they seek to make Jesus Christ present in the world.”
###
The Little Sisters have served continuously in the Diocese of Richmond since 1874. For more information about the Little Sisters of the Poor, visit www.littlesistersofthepoorvirginia.org

 

 
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout’s Statement on the Little Sisters of the Poor Departing from St. Joseph’s Home
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                    [post_content] => Approximately 80 people attended the diocesan-sponsored Haiti Summit at Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville, Oct. 18-19. Parishioners from the Richmond Diocese and representatives from the Diocese of Hinche, Haiti participated. The focus was on sustainability – how to invest in Haiti in permanent ways, e.g., building better homes, teaching them to farm in difficult situations, establishing and running schools, including vocational ones, and hiring Haitians to do the construction work.

Check out the Nov. 4 issue of The Catholic Virginian for the full story on the Haiti Summit.

[caption id="attachment_118825" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout and Bishop Desinord Jean of Hinche, Haiti, right, celebrate Mass at Church of Redeemer, Mechanicsville, Friday, Oct. 18, at the beginning of the diocesan-sponsored Haiti Summit. (Photo/Vy Barto)[/caption]
                    [post_title] => Diocesan-sponsored Haiti Summit Held at Church of the Redeemer
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated Sunday vigil Mass, Oct. 12, as part of the diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.



                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout's Homily from Sunday Vigil Mass, Oct. 12
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                    [post_content] => Deacon Julio Reyes was ordained a transitional deacon by His Excellency, Bishop Elías Samuel Bolaños Avelar, bishop of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador on October 13, 2019 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.

[caption id="attachment_118776" align="aligncenter" width="504"] During the Rite of Ordination for the Order of the Diaconate, Julio prostrates himself in an act of humble prayer and surrender to God while the Litany of Supplication is sung. Prostration is the ancient posture of supplication, symbolic of dying to the old self and rising. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

Following the successful completion of his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida, Deacon Reyes hopes to be ordained to the priesthood in his home diocese of Zacatecoluca, and then anticipates serving in the Diocese of Richmond for a number of years.

He began formation with the other seminarians of the Diocese of Richmond in 2015, after a sponsorship was established between the bishops of Richmond and Zacatecoluca.

[caption id="attachment_118777" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Julio kneels before his bishop for the laying on of hands. The gesture, rooted in Scripture and Tradition of the Church, signifies the conferral of the Holy Spirit. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_118778" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Bishop Elías Samuel Bolaños places the Book of Gospels into Deacon Julio Reyes' hands as a sign of his duty to preach the faith of the Church in word and in deed. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_118779" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Newly ordained Deacon Julio Reyes takes his place at the side of Bishop Knestout following the rite. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]

Bishop Barry C. Knestout, the principal celebrant of the ordination Mass attended by more than 400 people, delivered the homily.

Instructing the deacon to “always focus on the Lord,” Bishop Knestout said, “The Gospel speaks of love — a particular call to charity. Be a minister of charity, an icon of God’s love. Assist all of us along the way to be an example of that charity. Guide the whole Church toward life and love.”

[caption id="attachment_118788" align="aligncenter" width="336"] Bishop Knestout was principal celebrant and homilist at the ordination Mass of Julio Reyes, Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. (Photo/Michael Mickle)[/caption]
                    [post_title] => Julio Reyes Ordained to the Diaconate
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                    [post_modified] => 2019-10-16 07:52:29
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                    [post_date] => 2019-10-07 09:13:54
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-10-07 13:13:54
                    [post_content] => 

The Diocese of Richmond announces that Bishop Elías Samuel Bolaños Avelar of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador, calls Seminarian Julio Reyes to Sacred Orders.  Julio is cosponsored by the dioceses of Richmond and Zacatecoluca and will serve in the Diocese of Richmond upon ordination.  Bishop Knestout will celebrate the Mass and Bishop Bolaños will confer the sacrament.

Julio’s home parish is Nuestra Señora del Rosario at El Rosario de la Paz in El Salvador. He moved to the United States in 2015 after an agreement was formed between the late Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, then bishop of Richmond, and Bishop Elias S. Bolaños, bishop of Zacatecoluca.

Julio, who will turn 30 the week after he is ordained, is the oldest of Hernán Realegeño Gámez and Trinidad de Jesús Reyes de Realegeño’s three children.

He is currently in formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla.

The Mass at which Julio will be ordained a transitional deacon will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 13, 5:15 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. All are welcome to attend.

The ordination Mass will be livestreamed for anyone unable to attend in person. The livestream feed will be available here prior to the beginning of Mass at 5:15 p.m.

Please continue to keep Julio and all those studying for the priesthood in your prayers.

 

Prayer for Vocations (from USCCB)

O God, Father of all Mercies,
Provider of a bountiful Harvest,

send Your Graces upon those
You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.

Open the hearts of Your children
that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves
to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.

Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life
guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers
and grant Your Church’s needs, through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.
                    [post_title] => Seminarian Julio Reyes Called to Holy Orders
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                    [post_modified] => 2019-10-09 16:09:52
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-26 13:08:56
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-09-26 17:08:56
                    [post_content] => September 26, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, celebrated the launch of Respect Life Month with a statement. Archbishop Naumann encouraged Catholics discouraged by attacks on human life to “hold fast to Christ, our Hope.”

Archbishop Naumann’s full statement follows:

“Although we must cherish, protect, and defend human life year-round, the Catholic Church in the United States sets aside each October as Respect Life Month.

"This year’s theme, “Christ Our Hope: In Every Season of Life,” is particularly suited for our times. While attacks against human life seem to grow ever more numerous and callous, we know that Christ has conquered sin and death. Through our Christian hope in the Resurrection, we are given the grace to persevere in faith.

"Jesus asks us to be as leaven in the world, to bring His light to the darkness. Our daily activities take each of us to places only we can go, to people only we will meet. May we allow Christ to renew and strengthen us, that He may work through us in each moment of every day.

"Be assured of my prayers for you and for our common efforts to bring about a world in which every life is cherished. And so, together, may we hold fast to Christ, our hope.”

New parish resources have been developed around the theme of “Christ our Hope” and are available at www.respectlife.org. Respect Life Sunday falls on October 6.
###
                    [post_title] => Chairman of US Bishops’ Pro-Life Committee Celebrates Launch of Respect Life Month, Commends Catholics to “Christ our Hope”
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                    [post_modified] => 2019-09-30 15:06:48
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-25 12:47:45
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                    [post_content] => September 25, 2019

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Vatican’s World Day for Migrants and Refugees will be held this Sunday, September 29, 2019. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “It is not just about migrants.” Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, noted of the celebration:

“This year’s theme for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees is an opportunity to look at the migration issue from the lens of humanity, of caring for and walking with our brothers and sisters. The World Day for Migrants and Refugees reminds us that it is not about where people come from but their unique God-given human dignity.” Vásquez noted. “It reflects our call as people of faith to welcome our brothers and sisters, promote their well-being, protect them from cruelty and human indifference, and assist in their integration into our community.”

Support for migrants and refugees is particularly vital in this moment as the world is in the midst of the greatest global forced displacement crisis on record. We must continue to embrace love for our neighbor to counter the growing throwaway culture which disregards the human dignity of migrants and refugees.”

Educational resources related to the upcoming World Day for Migrants and Refugees can be found by visiting the Justice for Immigrants website.
###
                    [post_title] => World Day for Migrants and Refugees to be Celebrated on September 29
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-25 12:40:46
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                    [post_content] => In preparation for the Nov. 5 elections, the Virginia Catholic Conference has put together voter education materials.

A letter from Bishop Burbidge of Arlington and Bishop Knestout of Richmond is available in English and in Spanish.

You can also view Faithful Citizenship in Virginia, a document that provides information on moral issues about which Catholics should be concerned. It is also available in English and in Spanish.

Visit the VCC website for more information.
                    [post_title] => Virginia Catholic Conference Releases Voter Education Resources
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-24 11:26:34
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                    [post_content] => During a year when scandal rocked the Catholic Church, many were unsure of how successful the 2019 Annual Diocesan Appeal would be, especially following 2018 when our new bishop engaged parishioners throughout the diocese and gave the appeal great momentum.

Alex Previtera, director of development and operations for the Catholic Community Foundation, increased this year’s appeal goal to $3.262 million, a figure many questioned. As of Friday, Sept. 13, $4,166,991 has been raised.

Previtera said that although the number of donors has decreased by almost 5,000, the average gift is the highest it’s ever been and that many people participated in the appeal for the first time this year.

“It appears by the numbers that more people are going in the direction of, ‘We need to work together to help move our Church forward,’” he said. “That’s been my impression throughout.”

Previtera credits Bishop Knestout and our pastors with explaining the appeal and highlighting how donations to the Annual Diocesan Appeal benefit individual parishes.

Read the full story from The Catholic Virginian.
                    [post_title] => In Challenging Year, Annual Diocesan Appeal Tops Goal
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-23 08:27:15
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-09-23 12:27:15
                    [post_content] => On August 31, Deacon Charles Williams, interim director of the diocesan Office for Black Catholics, led 50 participants along Richmond’s three-mile Slave Trail for the second Slave Trail Walk hosted by his office this summer.

[caption id="attachment_118441" align="alignright" width="504"] Deacon Charles Williams, interim director of the Diocese of Richmond’s Office for Black Catholics, speaks to participants in the Slave Trail Walk sponsored by the office on Saturday, Aug. 31. (Photo/Brian T. Olszewski)[/caption]

Deacon Williams urged participants to empathize with the enslaved men and women by setting the scene for how they arrived in Virginia and were transported along the trail, in shackles and at night, “so high society would not have to see them.”

“You don’t know where your wife is. You don’t know where your children are. You don’t know where your grandmother is. You don’t know where your aunt and uncle are,” he said. “All you know is you’re lying in the bottom of a boat heading to who knows where to do who knows what. Think about the psychology of that. Think about that in your mind for a second that you’re going through that. How does that affect your mind?”

Throughout the walk, Deacon Williams described the history of slavery in Virginia, explaining how slaves first worked tobacco farms until the fields were farmed out. Eventually the need for cotton grew – an industry that led to Richmond becoming the second-largest market for exporting enslaved Africans after New Orleans.

Read the full story from The Catholic Virginian.
                    [post_title] => Deacon Charles Williams Opens Ears and Hearts to Reality of Slavery
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-20 15:01:04
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                    [post_content] => Well known Richmond entrepreneur and philanthropist Marcus Weinstein presented a $1 million check to All Saints Catholic School on August 27.

[caption id="attachment_118427" align="alignright" width="593"] Marcus Weinstein presented All Saints Catholic School with a $1 million check on "Million Dollar Day," Tuesday, Aug. 27. (Photo/All Saints School)[/caption]

The donation prompted the beginning of the “The Future is Now” campaign to raise an additional $1.3 million with the goal of adding 6,800 square feet of classroom and office space, increasing security measures and improving ADA accessibility.

With 80% of the fundraising goal being met by fall of 2019, groundbreaking is set to begin on Friday, Nov. 1, All Saints Day. The project is set to be completed by August of 2020.

The $1 million donation is not Weinstein’s first gift to All Saints.

Impressed with the school’s values and graduation rates, Weinstein has provided tuition assistance for at least 10 students each year, contributing over $50,000 annually, since his first visit to the campus in fall of 2014.

“When you contribute funds to education, it’s not a charity; it’s an investment in the future,” Weinstein said.

Read the full story from The Catholic Virginian.
                    [post_title] => Local philanthropist ‘happy to invest’ in All Saints Catholic School
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-18 09:48:20
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                    [post_content] => On Friday, Sept. 13, Bishop Knestout attended the dedication of Flutterfly Park at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School, Powhatan.

[caption id="attachment_118390" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout and Paula Ledbetter, head of BSH, assist Kathleen Brower (center) in cutting the ribbon to officially dedicate Flutterfly Park, Friday, Sept. 13.[/caption]

Keith and Kathleen Brower, whose late granddaughter was a student of BSH, donated $1.4 million to the school for renovations and technology improvements. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Bishop Knestout said the opening prayer and blessed the new playground, which was built in honor of the Browers’ granddaughter, Arabella Stuart Brower.

[caption id="attachment_118392" align="aligncenter" width="400"] L to R: Bishop Knestout, donors Keith and Kathleen Brower and Paula Ledbetter listen to BSH students sing at the Flutterfly Park dedication ceremony.[/caption]

Bishop toured the school to see the improvements and renovations that have been made. During his tour, Bishop Knestout visited classrooms and greeted students and faculty. He was joined by superintendent of Catholic schools Kelly Lazzara.

[caption id="attachment_118393" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Bishop Knestout stops by the AP Art History class during his tour of Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School on Friday, Sept. 13.[/caption]

Click here to read the full story from The Catholic Virginian.
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Visits Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School for Playground Dedication
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-04 15:44:36
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                    [post_content] => 
September 4, 2019

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding Hurricane Dorian that left seven people dead in the Bahamas and is moving closer to the southeastern United States.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“As we continue to be vigilant for the effects of Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. coast, we are extremely mindful of the dire need faced by the community in the Bahamas so devastated by this catastrophic storm. We pray for all affected and invite Catholics and all people of goodwill to donate to Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA.”

The donations to CRS can be made at https://support.crs.org/donate/hurricane-dorian and to Catholic Charities USA at https://app.mobilecause.com/form/RTKRvQ?vid=1snqm.
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops Conference Calls for Prayers After Deadly Hurricane Hits the Bahamas and Moves Closer to the Southeastern Coast
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                    [post_date] => 2019-09-03 08:37:29
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                    [post_content] => September 1, 2019

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement in response to the tragic shootings in Midland and Odessa, Texas.

The full statement follows:

“As we travel to Sunday Mass, we do so with heavy hearts. Just a few short hours ago, less than a month after the horrific instances of gun violence in California, Texas and Ohio, yet further terrible shootings took place, this time involving random targeting of victims on roads and highways. There are reports of at least 5 fatalities, and numerous critical injuries. Once again, these horrific onslaughts demonstrate unequivocally the undeniable existence of evil in our society. I am deeply saddened to witness yet again scenes of violence and contempt for human life being repeated in our Nation’s streets. With renewed resolve, I call on all people of good will, starting with our Catholic leaders and faithful, to work tirelessly to root out the causes of such crimes. As people of faith, we must continue to pray for all the victims, and for healing in all these shattered communities that now extend across the length and breadth of our land.”
###
                    [post_title] => USCCB President Issues Statement Following Shootings in Midland and Odessa
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                    [post_date] => 2019-08-27 16:00:28
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                    [post_content] => August 27, 2019

WASHINGTON- The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace issue the following statement regarding the fires in the Amazon:

“Last Sunday, after his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed concern for the fires that have developed in the Amazon, stating, ‘Let us pray that, with everyone’s commitment, they may be tamed as soon as possible.’ As bishops of the United States, we join in these heartfelt prayers and urge the faithful of our nation to support, through their petitions and concern, these efforts. As our Church begins a “Season of Creation,” culminating on October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, let us all consider spiritual and corporal acts of mercy towards our common home and all those living in it. We express solidarity with our brother bishops in Latin America who, through the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM), have expressed their desire for a prompt extinguishment of these fires, and welcome the decision by the Group of Seven (G7) to extend financial support for these efforts.”
###
                    [post_title] => President of the USCCB and Committee Chairmen of International Justice and Peace and Domestic Justice and Human Development issue a statement of concern regarding the fires in the Amazon
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                    [post_date] => 2019-08-21 13:44:12
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-08-21 17:44:12
                    [post_content] => August 21, 2019

WASHINGTON— Bishop chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed support for proposed regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) clarifying religious protections that may be invoked by federal contractors, including faith-based organizations.

Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, FL, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, issued the following statement:

“Faith-based groups should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field as they seek to partner with the federal government to provide critical social services. These proposed rules protect religious liberty, a core constitutional right, by clarifying existing religious exemptions consistent with federal law and recent Supreme Court precedent. We are grateful to the Administration for taking this step, and we look forward to filing more detailed public comments with OFCCP.”
###
                    [post_title] => USCCB Chairmen Applaud Proposed Regulations Preventing Government Discrimination Against Faith-Based Federal Contractors
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                    [post_modified] => 2019-08-21 13:44:12
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                    [post_date] => 2019-08-19 16:43:50
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-08-19 20:43:50
                    [post_content] => On Saturday, Aug. 17, the newly formed Diocesan Pastoral Council met for the first time with Bishop Barry Knestout. The council is composed of 18 individuals, nine men and nine women, who were selected from each of the diocese’s 15 deaneries. The Diocesan Pastoral Council is one of several advisory bodies that will provide consultation to Bishop Knestout and reflects the voice of the lay faithful on important matters of policy, pastoral initiatives, and pastoral planning. The introductory meeting provided Bishop Knestout a chance to meet the individuals who volunteered to be on the council and through the recommendations of their local deans and Bishop’s staff were elected based on their experience and leadership positions within their local churches, in the region and on the diocesan level. During the meeting, members were provided with training, orientation and expectations on how the pastoral council will function moving forward.

[caption id="attachment_117938" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Dennis Corcoran of Corcoran Consulting, LLC, leads the newly formed Diocesan Pastoral Council through a training and orientation session at its first meeting, Aug. 17, 2019, at the Pastoral Center in Richmond.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_117939" align="aligncenter" width="504"] L to R: Rosario Igharas, Our Lady of Lourdes, Henrico, Deanery 7, Sr. Brenda Query, IHM, Saint Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach, Deanery 2, Ahn Nguyen, Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs, Richmond, Deanery 7, and Diane Anderson, Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach, Deanery 2, listen during the orientation session of the first Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting called by Bishop Barry Knestout.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_117940" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout listens to Dennis Corcoran of Corcoran Consulting as he provides an orientation session during the pastoral council meeting, Aug. 17, 2019. Bishop reconstituted the Diocesan Pastoral Council so he could hear the voice of the lay faithful on important matters pertaining to policy, pastoral initiatives and pastoral planning. In the foreground is Geoff Gasperini, Saint Bridget, Richmond, Deanery 7.[/caption]
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Meets with Newly Formed Diocesan Pastoral Council
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                    [post_date] => 2019-08-13 11:07:17
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Knestout has announced the appointment of three new deans within the Diocese of Richmond, effective Tuesday, August 13.

The appointments are:

Very Rev. Eric Ayers, V.F., pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Norfolk, as dean of Deanery 1;

Very Rev. W. Daniel Beeman, V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newport News, as dean of Deanery 4;

Very Rev. Anthony Marques, V.F., rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, as dean of Deanery 6.

Read more about the diocese’s deaneries and deans.
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Announces the Appointment of Three New Deans within the Diocese of Richmond
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                    [post_date] => 2019-08-08 08:58:09
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                    [post_content] => August 7, 2019

WASHINGTON - On August 4, 2019, Pope Francis marked the 160th anniversary of the death of the Curé of Ars, St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, by addressing a letter to all priests throughout the world. In the letter, the Holy Father acknowledges the pain and suffering that the Church has experienced because of the sexual abuse scandals and cover-up, while expressing his solidarity with priests who may find themselves angry and tempted to despair.

Pope Francis also underscores his gratitude for faithful priests, those who continue to image Christ, the Good Shepherd in their everyday work and ministry. The Holy Father urges his brothers to remain hopeful and encourage one another with hope grounded in the Lord’s redemptive sacrifice on the Cross and united in prayer with Mary, the Mother of all Priests, who is always interceding for her children.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, issued the following statement in response to Pope Francis’ letter:

“The Holy Father’s letter to all priests is a most welcome gift, coming, as it does, at a particularly difficult time for the Church.  Amid the pain, ugliness, and anger, it is possible for the Church, and especially those who are priests, to fall into despair – the opposite of hope.  Instead, the Holy Father reminds us that we must never lose sight of those “luminous moments when we experienced the Lord’s call to devote our lives to his service”.  That sort of memory recalls the many moments of gratitude and encouragement offered to us from the Lord and from others.  While working to protect all of God’s people, especially the innocent and vulnerable, from the evil of the abuse of power, we should not become blind to how the joy and hope of Christ “are constantly born anew.”  Speaking as a priest and bishop in the United States, I thank the Holy Father for his wonderful letter to us.”

Pope Francis’ letter to priests can be read in its entirety at the following links:

English:http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190804_lettera-presbiteri.html

Spanish:http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/es/letters/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190804_lettera-presbiteri.html
###
                    [post_title] => Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations Expresses Gratitude for Letter from Pope Francis to Priests on the 160th Anniversary of the Death of St. John Vianney
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                    [post_content] => President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice Issued a Statement After a Tragic Shooting in Dayton, Ohio
August 4, 2019



WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, and President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting last night in Dayton, Ohio.

Full statement follows:

“We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those murdered in Dayton last night. The lives lost this weekend confront us with a terrible truth. We can never again believe that mass shootings are an isolated exception. They are an epidemic against life that we must, in justice, face. God’s mercy and wisdom compel us to move toward preventative action. We encourage all Catholics to increased prayer and sacrifice for healing and the end of these shootings. We encourage Catholics to pray and raise their voices for needed changes to our national policy and national culture as well. We call on all relevant committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to outline a reinvigorated policy agenda and pastoral campaign to address ways we can help fight this social disease that has infected our nation. The Conference has long advocated for responsible gun laws and increased resources for addressing the root causes of violence. We also call upon the President and Congress to set aside political interests and find ways to better protect innocent life.”




###




President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Domestic Justice Chairman issued a Statement Following Shooting in El Paso
August 3, 2019
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas.

The full statement follows:

“This Saturday, less than week after the horrific instances of gun violence in California, yet another terrible, senseless and inhumane shooting took place, this time at a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas.

Something remains fundamentally evil in our society when locations where people congregate to engage in the everyday activities of life can, without warning, become scenes of violence and contempt for human life. The plague that gun violence has become continues unchecked and spreads across our country. 

Things must change. Once again, we call for effective legislation that addresses why these unimaginable and repeated occurrences of murderous gun violence continue to take place in our communities. As people of faith, we continue to pray for all the victims, and for healing in all these stricken communities. But action is also needed to end these abhorrent acts.”
###
 
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                    [post_date] => 2019-07-30 09:25:23
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                    [post_content] => July 30, 2019

WASHINGTON— Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development has issued a statement on the federal government’s decision to resume the use of the death penalty.

The full statement follows:

“In his address to Congress during his 2015 Apostolic visit to the United States, Pope Francis, echoing the views of his predecessors, called for ‘the global abolition of the death penalty.’ He further stated that, ‘[A] just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.’ As the Catechism of the Catholic Church now provides, ‘The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.’

At their meeting in June, the Catholic Bishops of the United States voted overwhelmingly to update the Catechism for use by adults in the United States to reflect this position. This is consistent with comparable calls by the Bishops for over forty years, including in their 2005 statement, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death.

In light of these long held and strongly maintained positions, I am deeply concerned by the announcement of the United States Justice Department that it will once again turn, after many years, to the death penalty as a form of punishment. I urge instead that Federal officials take this teaching into consideration, as well as the evidence showing its unfair and biased application, and abandon the announced plans to implement the death penalty once more.”
###
                    [post_title] => Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development Issues Statement on the Death Penalty
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                    [post_date] => 2019-07-23 12:03:54
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: July 23, 2019
Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following the Holy Father’s Appointment of the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Mark Brennan on his appointment by Pope Francis as shepherd of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.  Having known Bishop Brennan for more than 40 years, I am certain that he will guide and serve the people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with great pastoral care and dedication.

He is a pastor’s pastor, one who is prayerful, modest and lives a simple life with an attitude of service to God and to the mission of his Church and people.  Throughout my life, my path has crossed with Bishop Brennan’s many times. As a teenager, he served as parochial vicar at my home parish in Bowie, Saint Pius X. During my college years, he helped me discern my call to the priesthood and continued to offer me spiritual guidance in the years that followed. In my last year of seminary, Bishop Brennan became vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington and was the one who provided the final recommendation to Cardinal Hickey to ordain me as a priest.

I know Bishop Brennan will be a skillful administrator and provide gentle, careful and competent oversight for the financial and pastoral needs of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese.  The clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the diocese will benefit greatly from his wisdom, counsel and great pastoral care. I look forward to working alongside him in the Baltimore province in the years to come.

I assure Bishop Brennan of my prayers for him and that the people of our diocese will keep him in prayer as he is called to this new leadership role.
###




USCCB statement on the appointment of the Most Reverend Mark Brennen as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston:

 
Pope Francis Appoints the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston








July 23, 2019
WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC, on July 23, 2019 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Brennan was born on February 6, 1947 in Boston, MA. He holds a bachelor of arts from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 1969; and pursued seminary studies at Christ the King Seminary in Albany, New York, 1969-1970. In 1972 he received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1972; he also pursued a graduate degree at the Gregorian, 1974. He was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington on May 15, 1976. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Brennan as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in December of 2016, and he was consecrated a bishop on January 19, 2017.

Assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Potomac, Maryland, 1976-1981, and Saint Pius X Parish, Bowie, Maryland, 1981-1985; parochial vicar, Saint Bartholomew Parish, Bethesda, Maryland, 1986-1988, pastoral care to Hispanic community, 1988-1989; director of vocations and priest programs, 1988-1998; pastor, Saint Thomas the Apostle parish, Washington, DC, 1998-2003, Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 2003-2016. Other assignments include: member, priest council, 1978-1981, 2009-2015; member, College of Consultors, 1998-2001, 2011-2016; vicar forane, 2002-2005; advocate, Metropolitan Tribunal, 2006.

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is comprised of 24,282 square miles and has a total population of 1,844,128 of which 77,874 or 4 percent, are Catholic.
###







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                    [post_date] => 2019-07-16 12:31:47
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                    [post_content] => The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools has named Dr. Jennifer Bigelow associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. The appointment was effective July 1, 2019.

Dr. Bigelow brings more than 15 years of experience in educational administration to the diocese, having most recently served as superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Arlington.

“Dr. Bigelow has proven her ability to provide effective leadership to educators and principals in Catholic schools and to facilitate improvements within diocesan institutions that ultimately benefit students,” said Kelly Lazzara, superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Richmond. “We look forward to beginning the 2019-2020 school year with her as a member of our team.”

As associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the diocese, Dr. Bigelow will be responsible for ensuring that the Office of Catholic Schools’ mission to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, social and emotional growth of students in the spirit of the Gospel is the foundation of all school decisions and programs.

Dr. Bigelow holds master’s degrees in history and educational leadership from the University of South Florida. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on Catholic school leadership and the role of the pastor-principal relationship from North Carolina State University.
                    [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Office of Catholic Schools Announces New Associate Superintendent
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                    [post_date] => 2019-07-15 11:12:55
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                    [post_content] => July 15, 2019

WASHINGTON— This week marks the Second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom hosted by the U.S. Department of State with 1,000 religious and civil society leaders and foreign ministers from 115 countries. The Ministerial reaffirms international commitments to promote religious freedom and develop durable, positive ways to combat religious persecution and unjust discrimination.

The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement:

“Our faith reminds us that religious freedom is the cornerstone of a just society which is increasingly under threat. 77% of world’s population, 5.5 billion, live in 83 countries with high or very high restrictions on the practice of religion. We are witnessing entire communities around the world pay with their lives to exercise freedom of conscience and faith. I am pleased to participate in this Ministerial, and support our government’s efforts to promote freedom of conscience and religion for all.”
###
                    [post_title] => Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, applauds the convening of the Second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom
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                    [post_date] => 2019-07-01 12:38:36
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout has announced the implementation of EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party ethics reporting system within the Diocese of Richmond.

EthicsPoint provides a completely confidential platform that allows any employee, parishioner, clergy or volunteer of the diocese to anonymously submit concerns about suspected unethical behavior, misuse of resources or financial misconduct.

The EthicsPoint hotline is NOT intended to receive information about sexual abuse allegations. Abuse allegations should be reported immediately to your local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Bishop Knestout has prepared communications for the faithful about the EthicsPoint platform that further explain the ways this new tool will benefit parishes, schools and the entire diocese.

View Bishop’s Video.

Read Bishop’s Letter.

Read the Press Release. 
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-27 09:55:20
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                    [post_content] => 
 En español
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2019

Catholic Diocese of Richmond Adds Names to Clergy List 

(RICHMOND, Va.) – Today, the Diocese of Richmond announces six names have been added to its list of clergy that have a credible and substantiated claim of sexual abuse against a minor. The names were added after additional information was brought forward and a review was completed in consultation with the Diocesan Office of Safe Environment and the Diocesan Review Board. The names of the individuals with credible and substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse, as well as additional information, can be located on the Richmond Diocese website: www.richmonddiocese.org.

The six priests added are below:



Name
Status
Affiliation




Stanley F. Banaszek
Deceased
  Religious Order Priest, Maryknoll Order


Anthony M. Canu
Deceased
  Religious Order Priest, Third Order Regular Franciscan Friars


Patrick J. Cassidy
Deceased
  Diocesan Priest


Leonardo G. Mateo
Deceased
  Extern Priest, Archdiocese of Tagbilaran (Philippines)


Thomas D. Sykes
Deceased
  Religious Order Priest, Franciscan Friars of Atonement


Vincent The Quang Nguyen
Unknown
  Extern Priest, Archdiocese of Saigon (Vietnam)



Consistent with the other names on the list, none of the newly added individuals currently are serving nor have recently served in active ministry within the Diocese of Richmond. As with the diocese’s previous announcement on clergy with credible and substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, the diocese will not release specific details regarding the abuses out of respect for the privacy of survivors.

“Back in February, when we published a list of clergy against whom there are credible and substantiated claims of child sexual abuse, we acknowledged the list would be updated,” said the Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond.  “As we continue to engage with survivors of abuse and learn more about the history of our diocese, we continue our commitment to transparency. It is my sincere hope that the additions of these individuals will help provide healing for anyone who suffered at their hands.”

The Diocese of Richmond urges individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim Assistance Reporting (VAC) number at 1-877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.
###
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In English
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2019
El Obispo Barry C. Knestout anuncia un cambio de póliza que afecta el nombramiento de edificios e instituciones diocesanas dentro de la Diócesis Católica de Richmond 
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School regresa a su primer nombre de Catholic High School
(RICHMOND, Va.) -  El mismo día que se agregaron seis nombres a la lista de clérigos de la Diócesis Católica de Richmond con acusaciones creíbles y fundamentados de abuso sexual infantil, el Obispo Barry C. Knestout inició una póliza, dirigiendo a todas las instituciones diocesanas, escuelas y parroquias que se identifiquen con lo siguiente: nombres de los santos, los misterios de la fe, los títulos de Nuestra Señora o de Nuestro Señor, o el lugar donde se ha establecido el ministerio. Ya no serán nombrados por un obispo, pastor, fundador o individuo.

La póliza se hace vigente hoy, 27 de junio de 2019.

“Superar la tragedia del abuso no se trata solo de hacer responsable a quienes cometieron los abusos, sino también de examinar seriamente el rol y los legados complejos de las personas que deberían haber hecho más para abordar la crisis,” dijo el Obispo Knestout. “El reconocimiento honorífico continuo de estos individuos proporciona una barrera para la sanación de nuestros sobrevivientes, y queremos que los sobrevivientes sepan que les damos la bienvenida y los apoyamos en nuestra diócesis.”

Actualmente, el único edificio escolar, parroquial o local diocesano que requiere un cambio debido a esta nueva póliza es Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School en Virginia Beach. La escuela regresa a su primer nombre de Catholic High School. Ella recibió su nombre en 1993 después de su mudanza a Princess Anne Road. Para más información sobre la historia, la fundación y el nombramiento de la escuela, visite: https://www.chsvb.org/about/history.

La póliza no afectará las habitaciones o alas nombradas anteriormente en los edificios, instituciones, parroquias u otras escuelas diocesanas existentes dentro de la diócesis. El cambio de póliza tampoco se aplica a las placas que reconocen a donantes ni a las figuras históricas que ocuparon un cargo en una institución diocesana.

“Es mi esperanza y oración que el cambio de póliza sea otra manera de continuar ayudando a los sobrevivientes de abusos en su sanación, especialmente a aquellos que, de alguna manera, han experimentado el fracaso del liderazgo de la Iglesia para abordar adecuadamente sus necesidades y preocupaciones,” dijo Obispo Knestout.

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School tendrá tiempo de transición para completar todo el trabajo asociado con el cambio de nombre de la escuela incluyendo los logotipos, letreros y uniformes. La implementación completa del cambio de nombre se llevará a cabo durante el año escolar 2019-2020.

"Aunque el nombre de la escuela está cambiando, nuestra misión sigue siendo la misma, basada firmemente en la enseñanza católica", dijo Kelly Lazarra, Superintendente de la Oficina Diocesana de Escuelas Católicas. "Catholic High School se dedica a nutrir la mente, construir el carácter y formar en los valores cristianos."

(Los medios de comunicación que deseen entrevistar a la directora de Catholic High School o un miembro de la Oficina   Diocesana de Escuelas Católicas pueden llamar a la Directora de Comunicaciones, Deborah Cox, al 804-971-7412 para coordinar las entrevistas).
###
                    [post_title] => El Obispo Barry C. Knestout anuncia un cambio de póliza que afecta el nombramiento de edificios e instituciones diocesanas dentro de la Diócesis Católica de Richmond
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En español
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2019
Bishop Barry C. Knestout Announces Policy Change Affecting the Naming of Diocesan Buildings and Institutions Within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School Returns to Former Name of Catholic High School
 

(RICHMOND, Va.) – On the same day six names were added to the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s list of clergy with credible and substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse, Bishop Barry C. Knestout initiated a policy directing all diocesan institutions, schools and parish buildings to only identify themselves with the following:  the names of saints, the mysteries of the faith, the titles of our Lady or of our Lord, or the place where the ministry has been established. They will no longer be named after an individual bishop, pastor, founder or individual.

The policy goes into effect today, June 27, 2019.

“Overcoming the tragedy of abuse is not just about holding accountable those who have committed abuses, it is also about seriously examining the role and complex legacies of individuals who should have done more to address the crisis in real time,” said Bishop Knestout. “The continued honorific recognition of those individuals provides a barrier to healing for our survivors, and we want survivors to know that we welcome and support them in our diocese.”

Currently, the only school building, parish or diocesan location that requires a change because of this new policy is Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School located in Virginia Beach. The school returns to its former name of Catholic High School which it was named in 1993 when it moved to its Princess Anne Road location. For more on the history, founding and naming of the school, visit: https://www.chsvb.org/about/history.

The policy does not affect previously named rooms or wings in existing diocesan buildings, institutions, parishes or other schools within the diocese. The policy change also does not apply to plaques or signs recognizing donors or for historic figures who held an office within a diocesan institution.

“It is my hope and prayer that the policy change is another way to continue to assist survivors of abuse in their healing, especially those who have, in any way, experienced the failure of Church leadership to adequately address their needs and concerns,” said Bishop Knestout.

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School will have time to transition to complete all work associated with the school’s name change to include logos, signs and uniforms. Fully implementing the name change will take place during the 2019-2020 school year.

“While the name of the school is changing, our mission remains the same, based firmly on Catholic teaching,” said Kelly Lazarra, superintendent of the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools. “Catholic High School is dedicated to nurturing intellect, shaping character and forming Christian values.”
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Announces Policy Change Affecting the Naming of Diocesan Buildings and Institutions
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 In English
For Immediate Release: June 27, 2019                                                

Diócesis Católica de Richmond agrega más nombres a la lista del clero

(RICHMOND, Va.) - Hoy, la Diócesis de Richmond anuncia que se han agregado seis nombres a su lista de clérigos que tienen un reclamo creíble y fundamentado de abuso sexual contra un menor de edad. Los nombres se agregaron después de que se presentara información adicional y se finalizara una revisión en consulta con la Oficina Diocesana de Ambiente Seguro y la Junta de Revisión Diocesana. Los nombres de las personas con acusaciones creíbles y fundamentadas de abuso sexual infantil, con su información adicional, se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Diócesis de Richmond: www.richmonddiocese.org.

Los seis sacerdotes añadidos son:



Nombre
Estatus
Afiliación




Stanley F. Banaszek
Fallecido
Sacerdote | Orden Religiosa, Orden de Maryknoll


Anthony M. Canu
Fallecido
Sacerdote | Orden Religiosa, Hermanos Franciscanos Regulares de la Tercera Orden


Patrick J. Cassidy
Fallecido
Sacerdote Diocesano


Leonardo G. Mateo
Fallecido
Sacerdote del exterior, Arquidiócesis de Tagbilaran (Filipinas)


Thomas D. Sykes
Fallecido
Sacerdote | Orden Religiosa, Frailes Franciscanos de la Expiación


Vincent The Quang Nguyen
Desconocido
Sacerdote del exterior, Arquidiócesis de Saigon (Vietnam)

 



De acuerdo con los otros nombres en la lista, ninguna de las personas recién agregadas está sirviendo ni ha servido recientemente en un ministerio activo dentro de la Diócesis de Richmond. Al igual, con el anuncio anterior de la diócesis sobre el clero que tiene acusaciones creíbles y verificadas de abuso sexual de un menor, la diócesis no dará a conocer detalles específicos sobre los abusos por respeto a la privacidad de los sobrevivientes.

"En febrero, cuando publicamos una lista del clero contra los cuales hay reclamos creíbles y fundamentados de abuso sexual infantil, reconocimos que la lista se actualizará", dijo el Reverendísimo Barry C. Knestout, obispo de Richmond. “A medida que continuamos participando con los sobrevivientes de abuso y aprendiendo más sobre la historia de nuestra diócesis, continuamos nuestro compromiso con la transparencia. Espero sinceramente que la incorporación de estas personas ayude a sanar a cualquier persona que haya sufrido".

La Diócesis de Richmond insiste a las personas que han sido abusadas sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono, religioso, empleado laico o voluntario de la diócesis a reportar el abuso directamente a la policía, incluyendo a los Servicios de Protección Infantil (CPS) al 1-800-552-7096 y llamando a la línea directa de abuso del clero del Procurador General al 1-833-454-9064.

También, se les pide a las personas a comunicarse con el número confidencial de Reporte de Asistencia a las Víctimas (VAC, por sus siglas en inglés) de 24 horas al 1-877-887-9603 o enviar un correo electrónico a vac@richmonddiocese.org para reportar el abuso sexual.
###
                    [post_title] => Diócesis Católica de Richmond agrega más nombres a la lista del clero
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-26 10:56:50
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                    [post_content] => June 26, 2019

WASHINGTON—The cry of a father and his baby daughter who drowned crossing the Rio Grande reaches heaven itself. This unspeakable consequence of a failed immigration system, together with growing reports of inhumane conditions for children in the custody of the federal government at the border, shock the conscience and demand immediate action. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joins Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, in calling on the federal government to hear the cry of the poor and vulnerable.

Their joint statement follows:

“We join with our Holy Father Pope Francis in immense sadness, having seen the horrific images of Oscar Martinez and his daughter Angie Valeria who drowned in the Rio Grande Valley while attempting to flee persecution and enter the United States. This image cries to heaven for justice. This image silences politics. Who can look on this picture and not see the results of the failures of all of us to find a humane and just solution to the immigration crisis? Sadly, this picture shows the daily plight of our brothers and sisters.  Not only does their cry reach heaven. It reaches us.  And it must now reach our federal government.

All people, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect.  Recent reports of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions are appalling and unacceptable for any person in U.S.  custody, but particularly for children, who are uniquely vulnerable.  Such conditions cannot be used as tools of deterrence.  We can and must remain a country that provides refuge for children and families fleeing violence, persecution, and acute poverty.

Congress has a duty to provide additional funding to address the needs of children in federal custody.  Their supplemental appropriations bill should also increase protections for immigrant children, including heightened standards and oversight for border facilities.  It is possible and necessary to care for the safety of migrant children and the security of our citizens.  By putting aside partisan interests, a nation as great as ours is able to do both.”
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ President and Committee Chairman Say Horrific Death of Father and Daughter at Border and Appalling Conditions for Children are Cries that Reach Heaven Itself
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-13 23:16:32
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-14 03:16:32
                    [post_content] => June 13, 2019

BALTIMORE— Today, U.S. Catholic Bishops have approved three additional measures to address abuse and bishop accountability during their annual Spring General Assembly in Baltimore.  The measures expand upon the Pope Francis’s Motu proprio and the U.S. Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The reforms are designed to hold bishops accountable for instances of sexual misconduct against minors and vulnerable adults.

The first vote, Protocol Regarding Available Non-Penal Restrictions on Bishops, passed by 212 to 4 with 1 abstention. This form of accountability provides protocols for imposing limitations on former bishops who were removed from office for grave reasons. It also empowers the USCCB president to restrict bishops removed or resigned for reasons related to sexual abuse or abuse of power.

A second vote, Acknowledging Our Episcopal Commitments passed by 217 to 1 with 2 abstentions.  This accountability measure implements a bishop code of conduct, including the affirmation that the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is expanded to include bishops as well as priests and deacons.

The third vote, Directives for the Implementation of the Provisions of Vos estis lux mundi Concerning Bishops and their Equivalents, presents a plan for optimal implementation of Pope Francis’s recent Motu proprio in the United States, including an outline for lay involvement.  It passed by 218 to 1 with 2 abstentions.

Yesterday, the body of bishops passed another bishop accountability reform, voting for the establishment of a Third-Party Reporting System for receiving confidentially, by phone and online, reports of possible violations by bishops of Vos estis lux mundi. The action item commits to activating the system no later than May 31, 2020.

To view the full action item documents pertaining to bishop accountability voted on yesterday and today, please visit: www.usccb.org/meetings
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Vote in Favor of Three Additional Bishop Accountability Measures During Baltimore General Assembly
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June 13, 2019
BALTIMORE— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved the revised passage on the death penalty for the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults.

The full body of bishops approved the revised passage by a vote of 194 to 8 with 3 abstentions at their Spring General Assembly taking place in Baltimore, June 11-14.

On August 2, 2018, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released the Holy Father’s revision to the teaching on the death penalty in the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2267). In response, the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the USCCB prepared a new section on the death penalty for the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA).

Following collaboration with the Committee on Doctrine, they placed the revised statement on the death penalty for the USCCA before the body of Bishops for approval by two thirds of the members, with subsequent recognitio from the Holy See.

The revised statement on the death penalty would replace the current text in the USCCA (pp. 394-395).
###
                    [post_title] => U.S Bishops Approve the Revised Passage on the Death Penalty for the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_116662" align="alignright" width="320"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Va., listens to a speaker during the spring general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore June 12, 2019. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)[/caption]

June 13, 2019

BALTIMORE (CNS) — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, along with Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of Lafayette, chairman of the bishops' Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Virginia, member of the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, met with three survivors of clergy sexual abuse late June 12.

The meeting took place as the U.S. bishops were gathered in Baltimore for their spring general assembly June 11-13 where they focused on implementing bishop accountability measures in response to the abuse crisis in the church.

In a statement released after the meeting, Cardinal DiNardo said he and his fellow bishops were "grateful for the opportunity to meet with a group of survivors. Their testimony reminds us of the unfathomable pain they have endured, and the need for vigilance in extinguishing the evil of sexual abuse from our church once and for all."

He said that, during their spring assembly, the bishops sought to "expand and intensify existing policies in order to care for victims and prevent future instances of these crimes, holding not only clergy accountable but also ourselves as bishops. Our work will not conclude until the number of sexual abuse cases is zero."

On the morning of June 13, Bishop Doherty tweeted about the how the bishops and some USCCB staff who met with the survivors "were reminded that this week's meeting is not an abstract exercise."

"Thanks to the hurting who speak to us. My experience is that God comes to these conversations invited or uninvited," he added.
                    [post_title] => Cardinal, Bishop Knestout Meet with Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-13 11:06:05
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                    [post_content] => June 13, 2019

BALTIMORE—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have taken three separate votes that will lead to the establishment of a third-party reporting system designed to receive confidentially, by phone or online, reports of possible violations by bishops per Pope Francis’s Vos estis lux mundi.

The bishops voted overwhelmingly in favor of each of the elements necessary to establish a third-party reporting system yesterday.

By a vote of 205 to 16 with 3 abstentions, the General Assembly voted to authorize the design of a third-party system for receiving confidentially, by phone or online, reports of possible violations by bishops of Vos estis lux mundi.

By a vote of 200 to 21 with 2 abstentions, the bishops voted to authorize the Executive Committee to develop a more detailed proposal for a third-party reporting system, including financial, structural, and other necessary adjustments to account for Vos estis lux mundi, for review and approval by the Conference’s Administrative Committee at its September and November 2019 meetings.

Additionally, the bishops voted in favor of committing to activate the third-party reporting system by no later than May 31, 2020 by a 220 to 4 vote with 1 abstention.

Vos estis lux mundi, allows until May 31, 2020 for the development of local systems to receive such reports. Accordingly, May 31, 2020 is the earliest date the body can safety commit to activation of the system without interfering with the varying schedules of the Metropolitans and senior suffragans in developing local capacity to receive and process complaints from that system.

It is important to note that anyone who has suffered sexual abuse by clergy should not wait for this national reporting system to be in place before reporting abuse. Individuals who may have been abused should contact local civil authorities to file a report as soon as possible, and may also report to Church authorities by existing means, such as Victims’ Assistance Coordinators.  After reporting to civil authorities, individuals can also register a complaint with the metropolitan for issues related to sexual abuse or an abuse of power.
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Vote in Favor of Moving Forward on Third-Party System for Reporting Abuse Allegations Against Bishops
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June 12, 2019
BALTIMORE— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved several action items today at their Spring General Assembly taking place in Baltimore, June 11-13.

The full body of bishops approved in a provisional vote of 213 to 8 with 4 abstentions the proposed, provisional Strategic Priorities for the 2021-24 USCCB Strategic Plan.

The Bishops also approved the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, 2nd edition, for use in the dioceses of the United States by a vote of 217 to 5 with 2 abstentions; and a new translation of the ritual book used for the Ordination of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons for use in the dioceses of the United States of America. The Latin Church members of USCCB voted by the necessary two-thirds majority to approve the text.

The USCCB Committee on Priorities and Plans (CPP), based on two recent consultations with the body of bishops and one with the National Advisory Council (NAC), developed the 2021-24 Strategic Priorities. These two consultations with the body of bishops consisted of Regional Meeting questions at the November 2018 General Meeting wherein regions provided inputs on the Strategic Priorities for the 2021-24 Strategic Plan; and a Strategic Priorities Survey in January 2019 asking all bishops to further refine and prioritize the November 2018 regional meeting inputs; the National Advisory Council (NAC) also provided their inputs in January 2019 through a similar Strategic Priorities survey. The development of supporting 2021-24 Operational Plans by USCCB Committees, Subcommittees and Departments, which together make up the proximate 2021-24 Strategic Plan, will commence in July 2019.

The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, 2nd edition, fulfills the prescriptions of canon 236 of the Code of Canon Law and n.15 of the Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium to ensure unity, earnestness, and completeness in the formation, life, and ministry of permanent deacons in the United States. In September 2017, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) approved the National Directory, 2nd edition, and submitted it for review to the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance (CACG) and the Committee on Doctrine. In June 2018, after adopting the recommendations of the Doctrine and CACG Committees, the CCLV Committee approved the National Directory and recommended to present it to the body of bishops in the General Assembly session in November 2018, but the Administrative Committee decided to postpone the discussion and vote. This year 2019, the Administrative Committee approved the inclusion of the National Directory on the June 2019 General Assembly agenda for discussion and vote.

The Latin Church members of USCCB also voted today by the necessary two-thirds majority to approve the Ordination of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. It now requires a confirmation of the decision (confirmatio) by the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments before it can be published and used in the liturgy. Since Bishops in English-speaking countries around the world have been using a variety of translations of this text for their celebrations of Ordination, the Holy See expressed a desire for greater worldwide unity in these important ceremonies.

This new translation was prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) with input from the international community. While the new text is not drastically different from what is currently used in the U.S., it does update the book to some degree, and the positive vote of the Bishops indicates their desire for an up-to-date text and their support for the Holy See’s perspective on the value of worldwide consistency. The bishops of Canada have already approved the same text, and today’s vote of the U.S. body of bishops suggests that the hopes of the Holy See are already bearing fruit. Depending on the speed with which the confirmatio is received, the new book might be in print and available for use as early as
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                    [post_title] => U.S. Catholic Bishops Approve in a Provisional Vote Strategic Priorities for the 2021-24 USCCB Strategic Plan. Bishops Also Approve the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Perm
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-11 14:15:02
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                    [post_content] => June 11, 2019

BALTIMORE— Three new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The NRB advises the bishops' committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, and the Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection at the USCCB.  The NRB was established by the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, which the bishops adopted in 2002.

As Cardinal DiNardo said in a letter sent to all newly appointed members, "The bishops are very grateful to the Board for the work that it does and believe that it has been a tremendous help with the continued healing of the Church and protection efforts.  The prudent counsel that the Board has provided has been beneficial to so many as we continue to establish cultures of protection and healing.”

The three new NRB members include those with expertise in law, victim advocacy and theology and they are as follows:

Elizabeth A. Hayden is a retired District Court Judge for the State of Minnesota. She is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict with a degree in Social Work.  While working in that field, she held positions in a psychiatric hospital, county social services and the State Dept. of residential licensing.  She received her law degree from Oklahoma City University.  Subsequently, she served as a prosecutor in the office the Stearns County Attorney for six years before being appointed a District Court Judge.  In her more than 23 years as a judge she presided over criminal, civil and family law cases and trials including many sexual abuse cases. She served as Chair of the MN Supreme Court Committee on the General Rules of Practice which led to a change in MN law to allow cameras in the courtroom.

After being appointed by the MN Supreme Court, she served on a three-judge panel that presided over the U.S. Senate election contest of Norm Coleman vs. Al Franken.  Judge Hayden was President of the Minnesota District Judges Association.  She has served on the Board of Trustees of the College of St. Benedict and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of St. Thomas University School of Law.  She is also a Trustee for St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud MN.  Appointed by Bishop Donald Kettler she has been on the Diocesan Review Board for the Diocese of St. Cloud and is serving her second term as Chair of that Board.  As a member of the CentraCare Health Foundation Board, she chairs the Grants Committee.  Judge Hayden and her husband, retired Judge Charles A. Flinn live in St. Cloud MN.

John N. Sheveland is Professor of Religious Studies and the current Flannery Chair of Catholic theology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA., where he teaches courses on Christian theology, interreligious dialogue, and religion and violence. He holds a doctorate in systematic and comparative theology from Boston College, a master’s degree in Christian theology from Yale Divinity School, and a bachelor’s degree in history and theology from the University of Portland.  His current areas of research and writing include theological reflection upon traumatic wounding and upon religious violence.  At Gonzaga he organizes the annual lecture series called Being Religious Inter-religiously which advances the Jesuit commitment to interreligious dialogue.

He received in 2013 a Faculty Diversity Leadership Award and in 2015 an Exemplary Faculty Award from Gonzaga University.  He serves on the boards of the College Theology Society and the Society of Buddhist-Christian Studies, the steering committee of the Interreligious and Interfaith Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion, the advisory board of the Currents of Encounter monograph series with Brill and is a book review editor for Horizons.  His research articles have appeared in a variety of academic journals and scholarly books, and he is the author of Piety and Responsibility (Ashgate/Routledge, 2011 (2017 2nd edition).

Belinda G. Taylor served as the first Victim Assistance Coordinator on contract for the Diocese of Amarillo for sixteen years and worked with three Bishops over the course of nineteen years.  She served on the Bishop’s Advisory Committee and Review Board to address issues related to clergy misconduct and sexual abuse of minors by priests. Prior to retiring in 2018, Mrs. Taylor established and operated a private counseling practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor working with child and adult victims of sexual abuse, as well as providing individual, family, and play therapy.  In 2003, Mrs. Taylor established an ongoing therapy support group for victims abused by clergy which allowed the group to create a training video for clergy on the effects of abuse.  Through these efforts, victims were invited to participate in clergy trainings and reconnect with their church communities.

As a Texas Registered Sex Offender Treatment Provider, Mrs. Taylor provided thirteen years of ongoing treatment services for registered adolescent and adult sex offenders on probation or parole.  In addition, Mrs. Taylor served as the Executive Director for fifteen years at a local non-profit community center providing an array of social services from early childhood education, afterschool programs, counseling, a senior citizen center, and numerous youth programs serving predominately low-income residents struggling in poverty.  In 2010, Mrs. Taylor was awarded the ‘Friend of the Child’ Mayor’s Service Award.  Mrs. Taylor continues to volunteer as a Safe Environment Trainer and serves on the Amarillo Bi-City-County Public Health Board.  Together, she and her husband Wayne have spent their married life farming and ranching in the Texas Panhandle.  They have four adult children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops Conference Appoints Three New Members of National Review Board for the Chapter for Protection of Children and Young People
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-10 12:01:44
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                    [post_content] => June 7, 2019

WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2019 Spring General Assembly in Baltimore, June 11-14.

During the assembly, the bishops will discuss and vote on bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis and will also hear reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National Review Board. The bishops will also discuss and vote on the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (2nd edition); and on the final approval of revisions made to the second typical edition of the ICEL Gray Book of the Ordination of a Bishop, of Priests, and of Deacons, among other items.

The USCCB has also launched a new website highlighting the importance of prevention, protection and accountability in response to the ongoing effort to eradicate clergy sexual abuse. As the American bishops prepare to meet in Baltimore for their Spring General Assembly next week, this new site serves as a resource detailing the steps the American bishops are taking to confront this crisis.

On the site, readers can browse through the layers of the Holy Father’s Motu Proprio, the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and its progress, as well as the new reforms set to be discussed in Baltimore. There are also numerous readily available resources to address any instance of clergy sexual abuse.

Explore the website by visiting: usccbprevention.org

A live stream and satellite feed is expected to run Tuesday, June 11 from 8:30am-6pm Eastern, Wednesday, June 12, 11am-6pm Eastern and Thursday, June 13, 8:45am to 3pm. Public sessions of the general assembly discussions and votes will be available via livestream at: http://www.usccb.org/live

News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials will be posted to this page: www.usccb.org/meetings as soon as possible during the general assembly.
###
                    [post_title] => US Bishops To Meet June 11-14 In Baltimore; Assembly To Be Live Streamed, Carried Via Satellite; New Prevention Website launched
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-07 12:08:26
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                    [post_content] => June 6, 2019

WASHINGTON—Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will discontinue research conducted within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) involving the use of human fetal tissue from elective abortion and it will ensure that efforts to develop ethical alternatives are funded and accelerated.  Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement strongly commending the Trump Administration for this important pro-life action.

Archbishop Naumann’s full statement follows:

“We strongly commend the Trump Administration for taking actions to move our tax dollars away from research using body parts from aborted babies and toward ethical alternatives. Scavenging and commodifying the body parts of abortion victims for use in research gravely disrespects the bodies of these innocent human beings. Their remains deserve the same respect as that of any other person. To subsidize this degrading practice with our taxpayer dollars is deeply offensive to millions of Americans. Further, the use of fetal tissue procured from aborted babies also can lead to legitimizing the violence of abortion by suggesting that body parts procured in abortion are necessary for research. In truth, research using fetal tissue from aborted babies is neither ethical nor necessary. Researchers have demonstrated the ability to pursue excellence in medical research without collaborating with the abortion industry to further victimize aborted babies.”
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Strongly Commends Trump Administration for Discontinuing Fetal Tissue Research at NIH
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-05 11:25:39
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_116508" align="alignright" width="401"] Father Eric Vogt, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, leads a closing prayer, as Brother Tobias Yott, liturgical coordinator at St. Gregory the Great, and Rev. Joel Palser, chaplain at the Christian Broadcasting Network, pray along. (Photos/Wendy Klesch)[/caption]

Blue and white pinwheels spun in the flower beds in front of St. Gregory the Great as parishioners and guests gathered at the Virginia Beach parish for an ecumenical prayer service Tuesday night.

Titled “A Time for Healing,” the service was held to honor the memory of the 12 men and women who lost their lives in the May 31 shooting at the Municipal Center, including St. Gregory the Great parishioner Katherine Nixon and St. John the Apostle parishioner Mary Louise Gayle.

“Our Gospel is tough,” Brother Tobias Yott, liturgical minister at St. Gregory the Great, said to those assembled. “It faces any evil. It stands up to any wrong.”

Father Eric Vogt, pastor at St. Gregory the Great, said that the idea to host such a service at the parish came to him as he waited Friday night at Princess Anne Middle School, the holding area where survivors of the shooting were reunited with their families.

“I thought, ‘We need to do something,’” he said. “We need to take a lead on this. To pray for our city, and for the world, too.”

[caption id="attachment_116510" align="alignright" width="402"] Photos of victims in front of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.[/caption]

The service featured readings, prayers and meditations from Father Vogt; Brother Tobias; Rev. Robert Hunter, chaplain of the 192nd Wing, USAF; Rev. Joel Palser, chaplain at the Christian Broadcasting Network; Rev. Roger Cheeks, director of seminary and university outreach; International Fellowship of Christians and Jews; and Deacon Darrell Wentworth, who serves at St. Gregory the Great.

“There will always be those who are attracted to the darkness,” Brother Tobias said. “But the darkness will never be able to put out the light.”
                    [post_title] => Ecumenical Prayer Service Held at St. Gregory the Great on June 4
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                    [post_content] => The Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Vocations has announced parish assignments for seminarians.

Philip Decker and Tom Lawrence will continue their pastoral year assignments into August — the former at St. Joseph, Petersburg and the latter at St. Mary, Blacksburg.

Dillon Bruce will begin his pastoral year assignment in June at St. Bridget, Richmond. It will run until August 2020.

Following their attendance at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University during June and July, these seminarians will serve their pastoral year assignments until August 2020: Armando Herrera, St. Benedict, Richmond; Alex Jimenez, St. Ann, Colonial Heights; Joseph Kauflin, St. Andrew, Roanoke and Patrick Walsh, whose assignment will be determined following the summer program.

The following will serve this June, July and August: Deacon Anthony Ferguson, Sacred Heart, New Bohemia; Julio Reyes, Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg; William Buckley, St. Andrew, Roanoke; Christopher Weyer, St. Anne, Bristol; David Arellano, St. Mark, Virginia, Beach; William Douglas, St. Ann, Colonial Heights; Luke Fitzgerald, Sacred Heart, Danville; Brian Sarnecki, Church of the Epiphany, Richmond; Matthew Kelly, St. John the Apostle, Virginia Beach; and Seth Seaman, St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; St. Joseph, Hampton and St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News.

Assignments for the college seminarians are: Andrew Clark, St. John the Apostle, Virginia Beach; Gregory Guifoyle, St. Anne, Bristol and Samuel Hill, St. John the Apostle, Virginia Beach. Robert Kincaid and John Paul Shanahan will be home for the summer.

 
                    [post_title] => Office of Vocations Announces Seminarians’ Parish Assignments
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                    [post_content] => The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, has announced the following appointments, effective Monday, July 1, 2019, unless otherwise noted:

 

Pastoral Center Administration

Father Michael G. Boehling from Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, and Vicar for Vocations to Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Father Brian Capuano from Associate Director and Promoter of Vocations to Vicar for Vocations and continuing as Pastor of St. Joseph, Petersburg.

Father Nicholas E. Redmond from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport News, to Associate Director and Promoter of Vocations, and Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph, Petersburg.

 

Diocesan Tribunal

Father Joseph H. Metzger III from Pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk, to Ecclesiastical Notary in the Office of the Chancellor and in the Tribunal, and Assessor in the Tribunal.

 

Rector

Father Anthony E. Marques from Pastor of St. Benedict, Richmond, to Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.

 

Pastors 

Father Eric J. Ayers from Pastor of Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach, to Pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Norfolk.

Father W. Daniel Beeman from Pastor of Holy Trinity, Norfolk, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport News.

Father James M. Cowles from Pastor of St. Therese, Gloucester, to Pastor of Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville.

Father James M. Glass from Chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, to Pastor of Holy Trinity, Norfolk.

Msgr. Patrick D. Golden from Rector of the Cathedral of Sacred Heart, Richmond, to Pastor of Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke.

Father Gregory R. Kandt from Pastor of Incarnation, Charlottesville, to Pastor of St. Therese, Gloucester.

Father Herman Katongole from Pastor of St. Timothy, Tappahannock, to Pastor of St. Joseph, Woodlawn, Risen Lord, Stuart and All Saints, Floyd.

Msgr. Timothy E. Keeney from Pastor of St. Bede, Williamsburg, to Pastor of Incarnation, Charlottesville.

Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman from Pastor of Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke, to Pastor of St. Bede, Williamsburg.

Father Gerald F. Musuubire from Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Palmyra, to Pastor of St. Timothy, Tappahannock.

Father John David Ramsey from Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport News, to Pastor of St. Benedict, Richmond.

Father David Martin Ssentamu from Administrator of St. Joseph, Woodlawn, to Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Palmyra and St. Joseph’s Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, Columbia.

Father John J. Wagner from Pastor of Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville, to Pastor of Holy Rosary, Richmond.

 

Chaplain 

Father Matthew A. Kiehl from Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke, and Chaplain and Teacher at Roanoke Catholic School to Chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry serving the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, and Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, Williamsburg.

 

Administrators 

Father Eric Anokye from Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph, Hampton, to Administrator of the Holy Family Parishes: St. Mary, Richland, St. Joseph, Grundy, St. Theresa, Tazewell and St. Elizabeth, Pocahontas.

Father Francis Kwaku Boateng from Parochial Vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg, to Administrator of Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach.

Father Peter Naah from Parochial Vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg, to Administrator of St. Matthew, Virginia Beach.

 

Parochial Vicars

Father John R. Baab from Parochial Vicar at Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach, to Parochial Vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg.

Father John R. Christian from Parochial Vicar at St. Bridget, Richmond, to Parochial Vicar of St. Andrew, Roanoke.

 Father Jose Miguel Melendez Jr. from Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport News.

 

Newly Ordained Priests/Parochial Vicars

The following appointments were effective Saturday, June 1, 2019:

Father Tochi Iwuji, ordained on June 1, Parochial Vicar of St. Bridget, Richmond.

Father Christopher Masla, ordained on June 1, Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg.

Father Daniel Molochko, ordained on June 1, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Ft. Monroe and St. Joseph, Hampton.

Father Kyle O’Connor, ordained on June 1, Parochial Vicar of St. Bridget, Richmond. His appointment will end upon his return to complete graduate studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Rome, in October.

Father Cassidy Stinson, ordained on June 1, Parochial Vicar of St. Bede, Williamsburg.

 

Retired

Father David J. Stanfill from Pastor of Holy Rosary, Richmond, to Retired Status.

 
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Announces Clergy Assignments
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-03 09:20:21
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                    [post_content] => June 1, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since Father Metzger's leave of absence in December, I have received many letters and emails from the faithful who have communicated their support for Father Metzger and their concern for the complaints lodged against him. I have read your letters and emails delivered to my office.
Before responding any further, let me say that I am deeply saddened when having to announce any allegation or complaint of potential violations involving a member of the clergy within our diocese. I am profoundly aware of the hurt, pain and disruption this causes to the life of the parish.
However, my duty as a bishop requires me to investigate such matters responsibly with the help of the Diocesan Review Board and the Priest Personnel Board, so that a careful internal assessment and review of the matter can be made. As bishop I must also carefully safeguard Father Metzger's rights to due process and confidentiality in these matters. Details regarding these internal issues may not be publicly disclosed. Yet I can assure you that my intention is to always guarantee that priests are living up to their priestly promises and code of conduct, and that diocesan guidelines are being followed.
Also, in January 2018 when I became Bishop of the Diocese, I indicated to all the priests my wish to continue the diocesan practice of two (2) six-year terms for pastors, with exceptions only being made for those over the age of 65. This standard practice is also the norm approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Metzger was appointed pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in June 2005.
Therefore, after a five-month review, and in consultation with my advisory Boards, I have determined that Father Metzger will be reassigned to serve in the Diocesan Tribunal and provide sacramental ministry to monastic religious communities, and a diocesan assisted living facility beginning July 1, 2019. I am appointing Father Eric Ayers as Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, effective July 1st. I anticipate your warm welcome of Father Ayers, and I am confident the transition will be a smooth one.
Remembering you always in my prayers, I commend you to the loving care of Our Lord and his Blessed Mother. May you be filled with every grace and blessing.
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout
Bishop of Richmond
                    [post_title] => Letter from Bishop Knestout to Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Parish
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                    [post_date] => 2019-06-03 08:40:24
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                    [post_content] => June 1,2019

WASHINGTON—Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, has issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the municipal building in Virginia Beach.

The full statement follows:

“This past Friday afternoon, an horrific act of gun violence took place at the municipal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia. There are reports of at least twelve fatalities, and numerous critical injuries. This shooting reminds us yet again that something is fundamentally broken in our society and culture when ordinary workplaces can become scenes of violence and contempt for human life. As Americans we must deeply examine why these horrific occurrences of gun violence continue to take place in our communities, in order to root out the causes of such evils. Action is needed to attempt to reduce the frequency of these abhorrent acts through legislation and training. I call on Catholics around the country to pray for the dead and injured, as well as for healing in the community.

May Jesus, whose victory over death we celebrate during this Easter Season, bring consolation and healing at this time of great sorrow.”
###
                    [post_title] => Domestic Justice Chairman Issues Statement Following Shooting in Virginia Beach
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                    [post_content] => Please enjoy these video highlights from the 2019 priesthood ordination!





June 1, 2019

Ordination of 5 priests ‘significant moment’ for diocese

Calling it a “significant moment” in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Bishop Barry C. Knestout ordained five priests Saturday, June 1, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.



The ordained are: Fathers Tochi Iwuji, Christopher Masla, Dan Molochko, Kyle O’Connor and Cassidy Stinson.



The group is the largest ordination class since May 13, 1989, when eight priests were ordained.

Bishop Knestout began his homily by crediting “the hard work and prayer” of those who had gone before him, adding he could “take a victory lap” because of what they had done.

“I think in a special way of my predecessor, Bishop DiLorenzo, under whom these men first began their formation and studies of the priesthood,” he said.

Noting that the number five, unlike three, seven and 10, appeared infrequently in Scripture and Church teaching, the bishop said that there were five intentions in the Ordination Rite, each of which could bring the priest joy and sorrow.

The first intention is a commitment.

“This servant-leadership is a cause of joy in that through this service we imitate our Lord and guide God’s people to salvation,” Bishop Knestout said, adding that with servant-leadership “often comes a call to share in often comes a call to share in Christ’s humiliation and his experience of suffering.”

The joy found in the proclamation of the Word — the second intention — is “in teaching and seeing enlightenment that comes from faith and the growing knowledge of the teachings of Christ,” Bishop Knestout said.

He continued, “The prophetic role is one of suffering for the sake of the Word, that it be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.”

Bishop Knestout said the joy found in third intention — celebrating the sacraments — comes in “lifting the burden of sin from God’s people and nourishing them with the Body and Blood of Our Lord.”

He said that celebrating the sacraments also requires the priest to be willing “to carry the burden or effects of sin for others – to walk with and for others in their suffering.”

The bishop explained that the joy derived from the fourth intention — to pray without ceasing — is our “encounter with the living God, who comforts us, encourages us and accompanies us in the Holy Spirit.”

But he noted it can become “dry” and lack “spontaneity.”

“In these times our prayer is like Christ’s prayer during his passion, where he seeks strength and peace in a time of agony and anxiety,” Bishop Knestout said of the sorrow one might experience.

The final intention is “one of total consecration and self-gift offered to the Father and to the People of God.”

“There is sorrow and suffering in choosing the offer one’s own will to act in communion with another,” the bishop said. “Yet there is joy in letting go and freedom in that total self-gift.”



He concluded his homily by instructing those to be ordained: “So now we pray together, accompanied by the prayers of all God’s people, joined with the Angels and Saints in the litany that follows. We pray for you and with you five men. That the Holy Spirit grant you every priestly gift and blessing. Even as you offer yourselves in sacrifice, which is necessarily accompanied by the sorrow of loss, so also, you express and are accompanied by joy, for you are sustained and graced by the Holy Spirit to assist you and make your words, deeds and prayer, authoritative, effective and life giving.”

 
                    [post_title] => Five Ordained Priests - Significant Moment for Richmond Diocese
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                    [post_content] => June 6, 2019

The Holy Father has offered his condolences to the community of Virginia Beach. Bishop Knestout thanked Pope Francis for his prayers and sympathies on behalf of the faithful.



Letter From Pope Francis
Bishop Knestout's Response 







 



Updated & For Immediate Release:  June 2, 2019
Bishop Knestout Visits and Celebrates Mass with Two Virginia Beach Parishes Sunday June 2, 2019
“As you mourn the loss of friends, neighbors or family, I mourn with you and want to assure you of the sympathy and solidarity of all the people of the Diocese of Richmond. We join you in prayer and by being present with you to grieve the loss of the 12 souls who died and others injured in Friday’s violent shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. I hope in some small way this prayer and support brings comfort to you and to the Virginia Beach community. This is your home and I know words fall short in easing the pain of this time, but offer them to you in the hope that in being united with you in thought and prayer, we might also help you carry the burden of this loss.

We feel sadness in our hearts, especially for those whom the sting of this loss is so much greater, for those who have lost a loved one. We know there is grief, and possibly also anger at the injustice of this senseless loss of innocent life.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension which normally is an occasion of joy and thanksgiving. But it’s difficult to celebrate when we know members within our diocese are hurting and in pain following such violent loss.

It is in this time of loss that we turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer. To ease our grief – it is God who provides the strength and peace to sustain us in times of loss and distress. I invite all the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond to join me in prayer on the Feast of the Ascension for the people of Virginia Beach.

We hold in prayer the many who are hurting as a result of this tragedy. We pray for the families who lost a loved one, for the injured recovering in the hospital, for the medical personnel working to comfort and care for the suffering, for our law enforcement community who so valiantly faced the danger at the Municipal Center. We pray for the co-workers mourning the loss of a friend and most especially for those who died:

• Laquita Brown
• Tara Gallagher
• Mary Louise Gayle
• Alexander Gusev
• Katherine Nixon
• Richard Nettleton
• Christopher Rapp
• Ryan Cox
• Joshua Hardy
• Michelle “Missy” Langer
• Robert “Bobby” Williams
• Herbert “Bert” Snelling

May God grant them eternal rest and may the Virginia Beach community remain steadfast in their support of one another. Be assured of a continued remembrance in our prayers in the days and weeks to come.
###
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2019

Bishop Knestout issued a statement following multiple deaths from a shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center Complex, Friday, May 31, 2019:

“As we await more information from law enforcement regarding the devastating news late this afternoon confirming 11 individuals have lost their lives in Virginia Beach, my prayers and thoughts are with the people of Virginia Beach and the community of Hampton Roads. Tonight, I will continue to pray for those who lost their lives, those who are injured, the medical personnel and first responders who are assisting the victims, families and all affected. I would ask all the faithful to pray with me during this time.” ~Bishop Barry C. Knestout
                    [post_title] => Diocesan News on the May 31 Shooting in Virginia Beach
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                    [post_content] => May 31, 2019

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, New York, which provides forensic, internal, and compliance audit services to leading organization nation-wide.

A survey on allegations conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate is also included as part of the report. The 2018 report for audit year July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 states that 1,385 adults came forward with 1,455 allegations. Compared to 2017, the number of allegations has increased significantly due to the additional allegations received in five New York State dioceses as a result of the implementation of their Independent Reconciliation and Compensation programs.

Additional data on allegations provided by CARA’s annual survey shows that more than nine in ten alleged offenders (92 percent) identified during the survey year were already deceased, already removed from ministry, already laicized or missing. Most abuse reported occurred between 1960 and 1990, with a peak in the 1970's.

Twenty-six new allegations involving current minors were reported during the audit period. As of June 30, 2018, three were substantiated and the clergy were removed from ministry.  These allegations came from three different dioceses. Seven allegations were unsubstantiated as of June 30, 2018. Three were categorized as "unable to be proven" and investigations were still in process for six of the allegations as of June 30, 2018.  For the remaining seven allegations involving minors, two were referred to a religious order, two were reported as unknown clerics, and three were not claims of sexual abuse, but were boundary violations.

During the audit period, dioceses and eparchies provided outreach and support to 472 victims/survivors and their families who reported during this audit period.  Continued support was provided to 1,542 victims/survivors and their families who reported abuse in prior audit periods.  Support may include counseling, spiritual assistance, support groups, and other social services.

The report also notes the ongoing work of the Church in continuing the call to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. In 2018, over 2.6 million background checks were conducted on Church clerics, employees, and volunteers. In addition, in 2018 over 2.6 million adults and 3.9 million children and youth have also been trained on how to identify the warning signs of abuse and how to report those signs.

Regarding Charter Compliance, the report noted the following:

 	
StoneBridge Business Partners, the auditor, visited 72 dioceses/eparchies and collected data from 122 others.
 	
All dioceses/eparchies were found compliant except for the Diocese of Lincoln, who was found non-compliant with Article 7 of the Charter.
 	
Three eparchies did not participate including the Eparchy of St. Mary Queen of Peace, the Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Eparchy of Phoenix

The Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People continues to emphasize that the audit and maintaining zero-tolerance policies are two important tools in the Church's broader program of creating a culture of protection and healing that exceeds the requirements of the Charter.

This is the sixteenth such report since 2002 when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, making a promise to protect and a pledge to heal.

The full Annual Report can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/child-abuse-prevention/upload/2018-CYP-Annual-Report.pdf

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People can be found here: www.usccb.org/charter

Additional information on diocesan requirements can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/bishops-resources/upload/cyp-norms-bulletin-insert.pdf
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Release 2018 Annual Report on the Protection of Children and Young People
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                    [post_content] => May 24, 2019

WASHINGTON—After tornadoes killed three people in Missouri and storms brought devastation to parts of the Midwest and areas from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed grief over the lives lost and damage threatened by the tornadoes and storms, and offered prayers for recovery.

The full statement follows:

“I am profoundly saddened by the loss of life and the damage caused by the tornadoes and storms throughout the Midwest and related regions these past few days. As of this writing, millions of people in at least seven states have been affected by the powerful winds, rainfall and rising water levels caused by these conditions. Seven people have been killed in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma. Severe weather continues to be expected in this devastated area through the rest of this week.

A call is made to all for prayers for the victims and their grieving families and communities. Further, now is the time to offer assistance to those facing this great loss. We are grateful that Catholic Charities and other organizations are in place working to provide for emergency needs and to help rebuild.

Learn more about Catholic Charities’ efforts at https://catholiccharitiesusa.org.
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Expresses Sorrow, Urges Prayers and Support for Recovery, After Deadly Tornadoes Hit Missouri and Storms Damage Other States in the Midwest
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                    [post_content] => UPDATE: Our livestream has concluded. You can still view the recorded livestream and liturgy guide below or visit our YouTube Channel to watch all our videos.

---------------------------------------------------

The priesthood ordination begins at 10:30 a.m. Please view the worship guide to follow along with the liturgy.

Rosary Brochure



 



[caption id="attachment_116203" align="alignright" width="485"] Bishop Knestout with Deacons Kyle O'Connor, Chris Masla, Cassidy Stinson, Tochi Iwuji and Dan Molochko.[/caption]

On Saturday, June 1, Bishop Barry Knestout will ordain five men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Richmond at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

The public is invited to attend the Mass, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. Those wishing to participate but who are unable to make it to the Cathedral can watch the full Mass via livestream on this page.

A worship aid to follow along with the liturgy is available here.

The livestream will also be shared on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

*Please check back with this page for any updates regarding the livestream.
                    [post_title] => 2019 Priest Ordination Livestream Recording
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                    [post_content] => Each of the five priests being ordained on Saturday, June 1, will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Diocese of Richmond on Sunday, June 2. At least one Mass will be celebrated in each of the vicariates. The celebrants, Mass locations and times are:

Tochi Iwuji, St. Thomas More, Lynchburg, 11 a.m.

Chris Masla, St. Bede, Williamsburg, 11 a.m.

Dan Molochko, Holy Trinity, Norfolk, 11 a.m.

Kyle O’Connor, St. Andrew, Roanoke, 11:30 a.m.

Cassidy Stinson, St. Peter, Richmond, 10:45 a.m.

According to Father Brian Capuano, associate director of the diocese’s office of vocations, those attending one of these Masses can be granted a plenary indulgence for themselves or for a member of the faithful departed.

In an email to The Catholic Virginian, Father Capuano wrote, “One indulgence may be gained according to the usual conditions: be in a state of grace at the time one participates in the Mass, have an interior disposition of detachment from all sin, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and receive the Eucharist and confess sins sacramentally within 20 days of assisting at the Mass of the newly ordained priest.”

He continued, “As we celebrate the ordination of five new men for our local Church, let us join with them in praise of our good God and be open to the graces that our Lord offers to each of us through the ministry of the Church.”
                    [post_title] => Newly-ordained to Celebrate  Masses of Thanksgiving on June 2
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                    [post_content] => Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. Jn. 12:26

On Saturday, May 18, Bishop Barry C. Knestout ordained Anthony Ferguson, 30, of Richmond to the Order of Diaconate. The ordination took place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart where dozens of family, friends, priests, permanent deacons and fellow seminarians participated in the Rite of Ordination.

During his homily, Bishop Knestout spoke to Anthony about the important step he is taking in his role as a transitional deacon for the Catholic Church in Richmond.

“Anthony, as you approach the altar and prostrate yourself before God in humility, I know that you are also vividly aware of your own personal limits and human frailty, especially when confronted with the great task before us as ministers of the Gospel, the task of the New Evangelization, the task of calling all God’s children to the awareness and experience of his love by our own proclamation.

“The deacon’s ministry is that of the Word, of the altar and most significantly, of Charity. You today are configured to Christ the Servant and, with the grace of ordination, you are to become in a very real sense, in your ongoing efforts to live out this diaconal call, to become an icon of Charity, of God’s sacrificial love for each of us in the Paschal Mystery of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Knestout continued, “By turning your heart and attention from the self to the “Other” – to God and neighbor – God’s love casts out all fear and leads to authentic joy in service.”

Deacon Ferguson is a graduate of the University of Richmond and is currently studying at the Theological College, the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America in Washington. Please continue to pray for Anthony and all the seminarians of our diocese who are pursuing the call to priesthood.


###
                    [post_title] => Anthony Ferguson Ordained to the Diaconate
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                    [post_content] => May 15, 2019

In an unexpected May 14 Order, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson reversed his own dangerous ruling of May 6 which had put Virginia’s women at even greater risk of harm from surgical abortion. However, this action only means that the question of whether or not physicians-only may perform first-trimester and second-trimester abortions will be decided at the May 20 trial.  We continue to hope that the common-sense health and safety regulations enacted by the Virginia General Assembly to protect women in our state will not be struck down. Our prayers continue for a just and sensible final resolution of this case as we approach the May 20 trial. We urge Catholics and all people of good will to remain prayerful and engaged in the face of the extreme abortion agenda being imposed on our Commonwealth.

The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.
###
                    [post_title] => Virginia Catholic Conference Statement on New Federal District Court Order
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                    [post_date] => 2019-05-15 11:42:35
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                    [post_content] => May 15, 2019

This morning, the Office of Christian Formation hosted “A New Vision for Maturing Adult Faith Formation,” a workshop presented by Dr. Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D., PCSG. The workshop focused on providing successful maturing adult faith formation that lifts parishioners up, helps them stay connected with God and highlights the positive aspects of later life.

As 21 percent of registered parish adults in the Diocese of Richmond are over 60 years of age, our offices continue working to meet the needs of our parishioners.

A total of 90 clergy and deacons, adult faith formation leaders, parish pastoral care coordinators and diocesan adult care facility staff from 47 parishes and six adult care facilities participated.

In addition, the diocese continues to expand our Distance Learning Network! The workshop was livestreamed from the Pastoral Center to three remote sites: Jubilee House, Abingdon; St. Andrew, Roanoke; and Holy Trinity, Norfolk.
###
                    [post_title] => Office of Christian Formation Hosts Workshop on Maturing Adult Faith Formation
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                    [post_content] => The Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Catholic Schools honored 22 teachers at its second annual Excellence in Catholic Education Awards dinner, Thursday, May 9, at the Roslyn Center.

The regional winners are: Deb Miller, St. Anne, Bristol; Kathleen Hill, Our Lady of Lourdes, Richmond; Annie Gallagher, Catholic High School, Virginia Beach.








Deb Miller
Kathleen Hill
Annie Gallagher



In addition to 22 school honorees and three regional winners, the event featured the presentation of its top honor, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, to Diana M. Socha, a first grade teacher at Star of the Sea School, Virginia Beach.






Diana Socha



In nominating Socha for the award, Star of the Sea School principal Carey Averill wrote, “She gives with a full heart, understands the difference between experience and wisdom, leads with gratitude both professionally and personally, and has her students and her school as her main priority as she helps cultivate relationships with our littlest people to our adults.”

Socha has taught for 37 years — 30 within the Diocese of Richmond.
                    [post_title] => Excellence in Education Awards Presented by Office of Catholic Schools
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                    [post_date] => 2019-05-10 13:51:32
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                    [post_content] => May 10, 2019

I welcome Pope Francis’ recent apostolic letter "Vos estis lux mundi," issued Motu proprio, regarding the crime of sexual abuse. It further expresses his firm commitment to protecting children, young adults and the vulnerable from being sexually abused by church personnel, and it reiterates his expectation that care for victims and their families will always be a priority for Church leaders.

Two additional points in the statement are worth noting: the pope’s delineation of accountability by the bishops in dealing with cases of sexual abuse by church personnel, and the expediency with which our Holy Father expects these matters to be addressed. These are concerns that have repeatedly been expressed by victims and other members of the faithful. We are encouraged that our Holy Father has specifically addressed them in this apostolic letter.

I am grateful that Pope Francis has stated, “a continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church, so that personal sanctity and moral commitment can contribute to promoting the full credibility of the Gospel message and the effectiveness of the Church’s mission.”

We will strive for that conversion and take the action it requires for us — victims and the entire church — to continue healing from the sins of the abusers.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement on Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter
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                    [post_date] => 2019-05-09 16:18:56
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-05-09 20:18:56
                    [post_content] => 
May 9, 2019
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio. . . earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in response to the evil of sexual abuse. The new law comes after a meeting in Rome that brought together all episcopal conference presidents from across the globe to discuss the Church sex abuse crisis.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“Today, Pope Francis ordered a worldwide response to the evil of sexual abuse. It calls for the establishment of easily accessible reporting systems, clear standards for the pastoral support of victims and their families, timeliness and thoroughness of investigations, whistleblower protection for those making allegations, and active involvement of the laity. It also leaves latitude for national bishops’ conferences, such as the USCCB, to specify still more to account for their local circumstances. We receive the Motu Proprio Vos estis lux mundi (‘You are the light of the world’) as a blessing that will empower the Church everywhere to bring predators to justice, no matter what rank they hold in the Church. It also permits the Church the time and opportunity to bring spiritual healing.

The Holy Father said a ‘continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church.’ Pope Francis was clear that this responsibility ‘falls, above all, on the successors of the Apostles.’ As part of this responsibility, bishops also will be held accountable under the authority of this Motu Proprio, which covers sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable persons, sexual acts compelled through the abuse of authority, and any coverup of such crimes.

In publishing this new law, which is applicable to the Church throughout the world, Pope Francis has made clear that protection and healing must reach all of God’s children. Following on the meeting just two months ago of all episcopal conference presidents, the Motu Proprio shows Pope Francis expects swift and comprehensive progress. For the Church in the United States, the task before us now is to establish whatever is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the Motu Proprio. Our committees have already begun the work of preparing implementation measures for deliberation at the USCCB Plenary Assembly in June.

I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon the excellent foundation of the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, and the Statement of Episcopal Commitment, all of which date back to 2002. The existing framework in the United States including victim outreach, zero tolerance, reporting allegations to civil authorities, and lay expertise on review boards, among other measures - positions us readily to bring the Holy Father’s instructions to action. By embracing the painful experience of survivors and working on these new protections, let us pray we continue to grow into a stronger Church.”
###
This statement and a Q & A list are available on the USCCB website.
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                    [post_content] => May 8, 2019

On May 6, laws enacted by the people of Virginia were undermined, when a U.S. district court decision further advanced the extreme agenda of the abortion industry and placed Virginia’s women at ever greater risk of harm from surgical abortion.

In Falls Church Medical Center v. Oliver, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson’s decision now allows non-physicians to perform first trimester abortions in Virginia.  Judge Hudson’s May 6, 2019 summary judgment opinion goes beyond Roe v. Wade and reveals the extreme measures that are being taken by pro-abortion groups to eliminate even common-sense restrictions on abortion.  The case is still in progress, as several other counts that seek to expand “abortion rights” remain undecided. The case will be heard May 20 to decide whether the common-sense health and safety standards the Virginia legislature has enacted to protect pregnant women will stand. This disappointing and legally questionable decision is another example of why we must all remain vigilant and mobilized as the extreme abortion agenda continues to be advanced in Virginia.

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond

The statement is also available on the Virginia Catholic Conference website.
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                    [post_content] => His Excellency Bishop Barry C. Knestout has called to holy orders six seminarians from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, five of whom will be ordained priests of the diocese and one to be ordained as a transitional deacon, the last step on the path to priesthood.

On Saturday, May 18, Bishop Knestout will ordain as transitional deacon seminarian Anthony Ferguson at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.

On Saturday, June 1, Bishop Knestout will ordain to the priesthood Tochi Iwuji, Christopher Masla, Daniel Molochko, Kyle O'Connor and Cassidy Stinson at the Cathedral.

The public is invited to both liturgies, which begin at 10:30 a.m.

Called to be Ordained as Priests

Deacon Tochi Iwuji, 39, youngest child of the late Virginus and Juliana Iwuji, is a native of Nigeria. His home parish is St. Thomas More in Lynchburg. He holds a graduate degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University, a master’s degree in theology from Duquesne University and is in formation at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore.

Throughout his adult life he has been involved in activities that promote the Catholic faith. In his home Archdiocese of Owerri, he was coordinator of Young Catholic Students; at Liberty, he served as a campus minister.

“As a priest your first job is to be present for the people, to realize who you’ve become despite your humanity. Being able to be sensitive to the needs and ask yourself how can I join Jesus in what he’s already doing in the lives of people,” he said. “So that is why I look forward to being able to accompany people, because I’m not going to impose my spirituality on them, but to pay attention to how God is actually working and then accompany them as a leader, because a priest is a leader, not a follower.”

Visit the Catholic Virginian to learn more about Deacon Iwuji’s journey from being born in Nigeria and earning a master’s degree in theology to becoming a priest for the Diocese of Richmond: https://bit.ly/2DTeexp

Deacon Christopher Masla, who will turn 28 later in May, is the oldest of Mike and Ellen’s three sons. Their home parish is St. Bede, Williamsburg, where as a high school student he was involved in the parish’s music ministry as a bass player at the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass. Several years later, he learned to play five-string banjo.

Deacon Masla is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he majored in business management, and is in formation at Theological College, the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America, Washington.

He wants people to know what they can expect when he is assigned to a parish.

“I just want to be a good priest and I want to make myself available to serve; I’m coming to serve. I’m coming to be a shepherd, God willing,” he said. “I just want people to know that they can trust me, that I’m going to be a genuine Christian man serving them as a priest. I think that’s important.”

Read more about Deacon Masla's discernment and call to the priesthood in the Catholic Virginian: https://bit.ly/2H2mLPl

Deacon Daniel Molochko, 32, is the younger of Liz and Gerry Molochko’s two sons. Their home parish is Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, from which he received a degree in education in 2008. He is completing his formation at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University.

Between 2009 and 2013, when he entered the seminary, Deacon Molochko worked as a paramedic domestically for the Air Force and in the Middle East for the Army.

He sees a connection between saving people’s physical lives and tending to their spiritual lives.

“All of my experiences and education help in the life that I want to live now. Being with people as a paramedic on their worst day ever, learning that sometimes the best thing to do is not say anything carries over into pastoral ministry when someone’s life is falling apart and they come to you for counsel,” Deacon Molochko said. “It’s just a different level of healing, too. Healing the mind of ignorance as an educator, healing the body of infirmity, helping to heal the soul of sin.”

From contract paramedic in the desert of Kuwait to becoming a priest of the Diocese of Richmond, read about Deacon Molochko answering his call to serve: https://bit.ly/2w4hDoQ

Deacon Kyle O’Connor, 28, the oldest of Steve and Mary’s five children, is a native of Massachusetts. His home parish is St. Andrew, Roanoke. He is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, and is in formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He will continue his studies there this fall.

Deacon O’Connor is looking forward to fulfilling his vocation.

“I’m very excited about being a parish priest. That’s the whole shebang. It captures everything. I think it’s pretty common for a lot of guys. There’s kind of a special excitement in working with young people or with families, but I’m excited for the whole experience,” he said. “I actually haven’t done a baptism, but I’ve done a burial. In both of those places you really see how God is touching people and working in peoples’ lives, calling them to himself in a way that’s fitting to where they are.”

Read more about Deacon O’Connor’s draw to the priesthood in the Catholic Virginian: https://bit.ly/2EmIJMm

Deacon Cassidy Stinson, 27, the oldest of Deacon Mike and Tanya Stinson’s three children, grew up near Farmville. His home parish is St. George in Scottsville, just south of Charlottesville. He is a graduate of the College of William & Mary from where he earned a degree in classical culture and literature. He is in formation at Theological College, the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America, Washington.

Deacon Stinson and his family were “committed Southern Baptists” until they converted to Catholicism when he was in his middle school years. Experience in both faith traditions have an impact on the kind of priest he will be.

“I would say that coming in not as a cradle catholic, but I have with my parents, with my family, really discovered a love for the Church in its entirety — the Church as it’s growing today, the Church in its history and in its doctrine,” Deacon Stinson said. “I want to help people fall in love with the Church the same way my family and I have done.”

Raised as a Baptist for the first 12 years of his life, Deacon Stinson now anticipates becoming a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Richmond on June 1. Read more: https://bit.ly/2WVX8X5



Called to be Ordained as a Transitional Deacon

Anthony Ferguson, 30, whose home parish is St. Mary, Richmond, is a graduate of the University of Richmond. He attends the Theological College, the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America in Washington.
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                    [post_content] => 

The funeral Mass for Father James E. Parke will be celebrated Thursday, May 2, at Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach. Father Parke, 79, died Monday, April 22.

Father Parke was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1965 and incardinated into the Diocese of Richmond in 1977.

He moved to Richmond to serve as the director of the College Contact Program from 1975-1980.

Father Parke was pastor of Holy Rosary, Richmond (1978-1985); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem (1985-1994); and Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach (1994-2011). From 2004-2012 he served as pastor of the Catholic community at the Anglican/Roman Catholic Community of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach.

Father Parke was chair of the Diocese of Richmond’s retirement committee for 12 years and vice president of the Virginia Council of Churches.

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Knestout's Holy Week homilies are now available on our YouTube channel for anyone who was unable to be with us for the celebration of the Sacred Triduum. (Photos/Michael Mickle)



Holy Thursday

"The awareness of the sacrifice of Jesus, his loss to us in his earthly human life, should heighten our appreciation of him in this gift of the Eucharist, and the ongoing nourishment he gives to us in word and sacrament."

View Bishop's Holy Thursday homily here.

 

 



Good Friday

“The response to the problem of evil is not offered to us in words. It is given to us in a person. It is Christ himself who takes the suffering of the innocent and nails it to the cross. We adore you O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.”

View Bishop's Good Friday homily.

 

 

 

 

 



Easter Vigil

"In the Easter Vigil we walk with one another though the darkness of the vigil night, recalling the ways that God the Father has brought us from the darkness of sin and death into the light of new life."

View Bishop's Easter Vigil homily.
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_115856" align="alignright" width="455"] Photo/Michael Mickle[/caption]

Father Nick Redmond recently returned to the Diocese of Richmond from a visit to Paris, France. While abroad, he had the opportunity to concelebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. After learning of the devastating fire that ravaged the famed cathedral, a worldwide symbol of Christianity, on Monday, April 15, Father Redmond reflected on the tragedy, calling it "devastating" and "heartbreaking."
"When I prayed my rosary today, I offered it for the people of France," said Father Redmond. "I think all the people need to pray for the people of France."

View Father Redmond's interview with CBS 6 News.


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April 15, 2019
WASHINGTON—Amidst the devastating fire taking place at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Pairs, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement to the people of Paris.

The full statement follows:

“The horrific fire that is engulfing the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is shocking and saddens us all, for this particular cathedral is not only a majestic Church, it is also a world treasure. Noble in architecture and art, it has long been a symbol of the transcendent human spirit as well as our longing for God. Our hearts go out to the Archbishop and the people of Paris, and we pray for all the people of France, entrusting all to the prayers and intercession of the Mother of God, especially the firefighters battling the fire. We are a people of hope and of the resurrection, and as devastating as this fire is, I know that the faith and love embodied by this magnificent Cathedral will grow stronger in the hearts of all Christians.”


###
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 11, 2019

The Diocese of Richmond received a complaint from an adult alleging sexual abuse by a former employee when the individual was a minor. In keeping with diocesan policy, the adult individual was encouraged to report the allegation to the Norfolk Police Department. The Diocese of Richmond was recently informed that the accused was arrested and charged by Norfolk Police.

The former employee, Mr. Daniel M. Wolfe, worked for the Diocese of Richmond as a teacher for 11 years in the 1970s to early 1980s. The alleged incident(s) was reported to the diocese as having occurred between 1978-1979 when the victim was a student at what was previously known as Norfolk Catholic High School. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe was a Latin teacher at Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School for part of the 2017-2018 school year.

The diocese is cooperating fully with law enforcement regarding the allegation and will continue to do so. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, the diocese refrains from any comment until the civil process is complete.

The Diocese of Richmond urges individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.

 
###
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout has called seminarian Anthony Ferguson to holy orders. Anthony will be ordained as a transitional deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the last step on the road to the priesthood.

Anthony, 30, whose home parish is St. Mary, Richmond, is a graduate of the University of Richmond, and currently attends Theological College, the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

The Mass to celebrate Anthony's ordination to the transitional diaconate will take place on May 18, 2019, 10:30 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. All are welcome to attend.

Please continue to keep Anthony and all of our men studying for the priesthood in your prayers.

 

Prayer for Vocations (from USCCB)

O God, Father of all Mercies,
Provider of a bountiful Harvest,

send Your Graces upon those
You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.

Open the hearts of Your children
that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves
to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.

Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life
guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers
and grant Your Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Calls Seminarian Anthony Ferguson to Holy Orders
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 4, 2019

“I congratulate and assure Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of my prayers as he becomes Archbishop of Washington. Archbishop Gregory has exemplified the role of bishop as a shepherd in the Diocese of Belleville, Ill., and Archdiocese of Atlanta. As president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2001-2004, he led the process in addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the United States. That process resulted in the adoption and implementation of “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Adults” in 2002. Archbishop Gregory’s recognition and understanding of the abundant gifts found in the diverse Catholic community will serve the Archdiocese of Washington well. I continue to keep him and the people of the Archdiocese in my prayers.”
###




Statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pope Francis Names Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta as New Archbishop of Washington

April 4, 2019

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory as the new Archbishop of Washington. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC, on April 4, 2019 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

Archbishop Wilton Gregory, 71, was born on December 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Saint Mary at  Mundelein Seminary, and completed his doctorate in sacred liturgy in 1980 at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (Sant’ Anselmo) in Rome.

He was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973. On December 13, 1983, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop of Chicago. He was then installed as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, IL on February 10, 1994. Pope John Paull II appointed him as the sixth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He was installed on January 17, 2005.

Archbishop Gregory served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from Nov. 2001 to 2004, following three years as USCCB vice president. Under his leadership, the USCCB implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” He also previously served on other committees including the Committee on Doctrine, Liturgy, Administrative, and International Policy and also as Chairman of the Bishops’ Committees on Personnel and the Third Millennium/Jubilee Year 2000.

On October 12, 2018, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, 78, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Cardinal Wuerl had presented his resignation almost three years ago, when he reached the retirement age for bishops of 75.  Upon acceptance of his resignation, Pope Francis named Cardinal Wuerl as apostolic administrator to oversee the archdiocese until a successor was named. Cardinal Wuerl served as archbishop of Washington from 2006 to 2018.

The Archdiocese of Washington is comprised of 2,104 square miles and has a total population of 2,994,625 of which 658,818 or 22 percent, are Catholic.
###




El Papa Francisco Nombra al Reverendísimo Wilton Gregory como Nuevo Arzobispo de Washington

4 de abril de 2019

WASHINGTON—El Papa Francisco nombró al Reverendísimo Wilton D. Gregory como nuevo Arzobispo de Washington. La designación fue publicada en Washington, DC, hoy jueves 4 de abril de 2019 por el Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico en Estados Unidos.

El Arzobispo Wilton Gregory, de 71 años, nació el 7 de diciembre de 1947 en Chicago, Illinois. Estudió en la Universidad de Santa María en el Seminario de Mundelein, y completó su doctorado en liturgia sagrada en 1980 en el Instituto Pontificio Litúrgico (Sant ’Anselmo) en Roma.

El Reverendísimo Gregory fue ordenado sacerdote en la Arquidiócesis de Chicago el 9 de mayo de 1973. El 13 de diciembre de 1983, fue ordenado Obispo Auxiliar de Chicago. Luego fue instalado como Obispo de la Diócesis de Belleville, IL. El 10 de febrero de 1994, el Papa Juan Pablo II lo nombró como el sexto Arzobispo de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta. Fue instalado el 17 de enero de 2005.

El Arzobispo Gregory sirvió como Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos desde noviembre del 2001 hasta el 2004, luego de tres años como Vicepresidente de USCCB. Bajo su liderazgo, la USCCB implementó la Carta para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes  (Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People).

Previamente, el Arzobispo Gregory sirvió en otros comités incluyendo los de Doctrina, Liturgia, Administrativo y Política Internacional, al igual que ejerció como presidente de los comités de Personal y Tercer Milenio/Jubileo Año 2000.

El 12 de octubre de 2018, el Papa Francisco aceptó la renuncia del Cardenal Donald Wuerl, de 78 años, del gobierno pastoral de la Arquidiócesis de Washington.

El Cardenal Wuerl había presentado su renuncia hace casi tres años, cuando alcanzó la edad de jubilación para los obispos de 75. Al aceptar su renuncia, el Papa Francisco nombró al Cardenal Wuerl como administrador apostólico para supervisar la Arquidiócesis hasta que se nombrara un sucesor. El Cardenal Wuerl sirvió como arzobispo de Washington desde 2006 hasta 2018.

La Arquidiócesis de Washington está conformada por 2.104 millas cuadradas y tiene una población total de 2.994.625 personas de las cuales 658.818, equivalente al 22 por ciento, son católicas.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement on the Announcement of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory to the Archdiocese of Washington
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_115692" align="alignright" width="350"] Photo: Michael Mickle[/caption]

An estimated 7,000 people gathered at the state Capitol for the first Virginia March for Life on Wednesday, April 3.

"Today, you are in exactly the right place doing what needs to be done, which is pray," Bishop Knestout told more than 2,500 people who attended Mass at the Richmond Convention Center prior to the March. "Only God can turn the current culture around. We have gone down a dark road in this country and need the light of Christ to lead us," he continued.

To view Bishop's full homily, visit our Vimeo channel.

If you were unable to attend the Mass for Life, you can now watch the full video on Vimeo.

[caption id="attachment_115693" align="alignleft" width="350"] Photo: Michael MIckle[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_115694" align="alignright" width="350"] Photo: Michael Mickle[/caption]

 

 

 
                    [post_title] => Virginia March for Life Draws 7,000
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-25 11:03:22
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                    [post_content] => The seventh annual Diocesan Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 23, at St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg, which had both an English-language and a Spanish track, drew 300 people to learn about a myriad of topics on the Catholic faith. Monsignor Walter Barrett Jr., a pastor in the Richmond Diocese, covered such topics as fatherhood, racism and his personal faith journey that led to priesthood. Colorado theologian, author and speaker Scott Powell, addressed how a loving God calls us to be in a deeper relationship with him; and in his homily at an opening Mass, Bishop Barry C. Knestout spoke about the application of the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.

[caption id="attachment_115475" align="alignleft" width="397"] E. Martin Labat, right, a parishioner at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk, shares information about the Knights of Peter Claver with Paul Fletcher, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Presentation, Suffolk. (Photo/Jennifer Neville)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_115476" align="alignright" width="396"] Monsignor Walter Barrett Jr., one of the keynote speakers, speaks about fatherhood, racism and his personal faith journey at the Diocesan Men’s Conference, Saturday, March 23. (Photo/E. Martin Labat, Labat Photography)[/caption]

 

 
                    [post_title] => Catholic Men's Conference Draws 300 Participants
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                    [post_content] => Here is the full Rosary for Healing and Protection led by Bishop Knestout on Tuesday, April 2.





The Rosary for Healing and Protection Livestream begins at 10 a.m. Please view the rosary guide for the Prayer for Healing and to follow along.


 

 



In his Sept. 14, 2018 Pastoral Letter, “From Tragedy to Hope,” Bishop Barry C. Knestout wrote, “prayer must accompany us through every stage of our actions…”

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Office of Safe Environment will host a Rosary for Healing and Protection at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2.

Bishop Knestout will lead the rosary, which will be streamed live for anyone wishing to participate. The video will be available on our diocesan webpage and YouTube Channel.

Our meditation will be on the Sorrowful Mysteries: Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying the Cross and the Crucifixion.

Please join us as we pray for all those who have been touched by abuse. Together, we walk the journey of healing.

*Please check back with this page for any updates regarding the livestream.
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-19 16:33:56
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 18, 2019



Bishop Barry C. Knestout has appointed Ms. Kelly Lazzara as Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, effective June 17, 2019. Ms. Lazzara will replace the current Superintendent, Ray Honeycutt, who will retire on June 30, 2019.

“I would like to build upon and strengthen the wonderful position we’re already in,” said Ms. Lazzara. “Ray achieved a lot with the centralization of our schools, and I look to continue that philosophy and to grow to best support our students.”

The Diocese of Richmond, a body of over 8,500 total students enrolled in 29 elementary, middle and high schools, became the first diocesan school system in the country to earn accreditation from AdvancED in 2003.

“We are a unified and cohesive group with the same goal in mind, wanting what is truly best for the students of our diocese,” said Ms. Lazzara. “One thing we can continue to work on is being in better and constant touch with all of our schools and making sure we are meeting their individual needs, because the individual schools being strong makes us stronger as a system.”

Lazzara, who has served as Associate Superintendent of School Operations for the diocese since 2017, brings 15 years of Catholic education leadership experience to her new role. She has previously served as principal for Star of the Sea Catholic School in Virginia Beach and in administrative roles in the Catholic dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg.

“I am deeply honored and blessed to serve the families, students and schools of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. I am grateful for the education I have received as a former student and now as an administrator in the Catholic school system. I look forward to working with the many dedicated educators within our diocese to continue building upon the foundation of a strong faith based education for our students,” said Ms. Lazzara.

In her role as Superintendent, Ms. Lazzara is appointed to the Bishop’s Cabinet and will work in partnership with the Diocesan Advisory School Board, a consultative board to the Bishop of Richmond and Superintendent of Schools.

Ms. Lazzara graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and English and holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from Seton Hill University.
                    [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Announces New Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-14 15:07:51
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                    [post_content] => March 14, 2019

WASHINGTON—After California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on executions, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, FL, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed gratitude for the decision as a step to further the recognition of the inherent dignity of all human life.

The full statement follows:

"We join the California Catholic Conference and all people of good will in welcoming California Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration issuing a moratorium on the use of the death penalty in his state. We are grateful and urge California lawmakers to take the next logical step to repeal the death penalty to bring a permanent end to this practice. 

“In his 2015 address to the U.S. Congress, Pope Francis called for 'the global abolition of the death penalty,' as he explained, 'I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. . . . [A] just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.'  Today’s decision is a wise step in better orienting the criminal justice system to recognize the inherent dignity of all human life.”
###
                    [post_title] => Bishops’ Conference Committee Chairman Welcomes Governor of California’s Declaration of Moratorium on Death Penalty
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-08 19:02:13
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 8, 2019

The Diocese of Richmond has received a notice from the Diocese of Corpus Christi (Texas) that Fr. Leo Guarnieri, a retired priest of the Diocese of Richmond, has been accused of sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult. The allegation(s) were reported to the Diocese of Richmond, March 7, 2019.

The incident is alleged to have occurred in Texas where Fr. Guarnieri currently resides in his retirement. Fr. Guarnieri denies the allegation.

Following the report of the allegation, Fr. Guarnieri’s faculties have been suspended which means he cannot present himself as priest in good standing nor administer sacraments pending a review.

Fr. Guarnieri was ordained as a priest for the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1977. He served as a chaplain for the Archdiocese of Military Services in subsequent years and incardinated into the Diocese of Richmond in 1994. Upon his retirement from the military in 1999, he served in the Diocese of Richmond as pastor for Church of Saint Therese in Gloucester and as administrator of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in West Point until he retired in 2009.

The Diocese of Richmond urges individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email vac@richmonddiocese.org to report sexual abuse.

 

 
###
                    [post_title] => Notice Regarding Rev. Leo J. Guarnieri, Retired
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-06 16:35:35
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                    [post_content] => March 6, 2019

WASHINGTON—After tornadoes killed more than 20 people in Lee County, Alabama, and caused destruction in Georgia and surrounding states over the weekend, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, FL, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed sorrow for those in mourning and encouraged hope and generous support at the beginning of the Lenten season.

The full statement follows:

"It is with heavy hearts that we continue to learn about the destruction in Alabama and Georgia from tornadoes over the weekend.  At the time of this writing, there are 23 confirmed dead in Alabama, including three children, many more missing, and miles of destruction of homes and communities.  We offer prayers for the victims and their grieving families and friends.  Now is the time to offer assistance in any way we can to those facing great difficulties.  One way to do this is by donating to Catholic Charities and other organizations that are working to provide emergency needs, and to help rebuild.

Our hope, in this Lenten season, as always, is in the Lord of life who has conquered death.  May the Lord grant eternal rest to those who have died, and may the Holy Spirit work through all of us to give comfort to those who are grieving with generosity and love."

Donations can be made to Catholic Charities USA at https://catholiccharitiesusa.org.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishops’ Conference President and Domestic Justice Committee Chairman Express Sorrow, Urge Prayer and Support, After Deadly Tornadoes Hit Alabama and Damage Other States in the Southeast
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                    [post_date] => 2019-03-01 15:13:39
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                    [post_content] => By Jeff Caruso, Executive Director, Virginia Catholic Conference

On Monday, February 25, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (BAASPA). Virginia’s U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine voted against the bill. After the vote, Senator Kaine called the bill “extremely misleading” and “unjustified and unnecessary.”

Senator Kaine’s comments serve as a distraction to what the bill provides: concrete protections for extremely vulnerable infants who survive an abortion. If we cannot all agree that these most vulnerable children deserve specific protections under the law, then who does deserve such protections? In their joint statement after the vote, Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout stated they were “dismayed and outraged that Virginia’s U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine voted against this critical lifesaving legislation.” They noted, “That this bill did not pass unanimously – let alone even pass at all – is appalling and beyond comprehension.”

In light of the shocking action in New York – and possibly other states to follow – to remove legal protections for infants born alive during abortions, the BAASPA is clearly and critically needed now more than ever. The previously passed Born-Alive Infants Protection Act was a good start, but it was insufficient. The 2002 measure codified into law that newborns, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, are legally recognized as persons from the moment of birth if they show any signs of life. However, the 2002 law has no enforcement provision or specific protective measures for these infants. The BAASPA, on the other hand, provides clear expectations of care, requirements for transfer from abortion facility to hospital, mandatory reporting, private right of action and criminal penalties. The need for clear legal protections for these infants’ lives must be met head-on, and the BAASPA was the way to get there.

According to a February 2019 “Responses to Objections” publication by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities on the BAASPA, “Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of abortion-performing doctors who did in fact leave a baby to die after a ‘failed’ abortion.” The piece cites the infamous case of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who bragged about “snipping” the spines of newly born babies. It also mentions cases in which babies were wrapped in blankets and set aside to die, or stuffed into plastic sacks to suffocate. “Survivors,” the publication notes, “have poignantly told their stories of being dumped in a bucket of formaldehyde in a utility closet, saved from strangulation, and other direct and indirect methods of ensuring the ‘abortion’ is completed.”

The BAASPA rightly insists that a doctor must – in the best interest of the child – provide the same care for a newborn child born of an abortion as he or she would for any other child born at that same gestational age. It also provides enforcement measures to protect these most vulnerable infants and the legal teeth necessary to hold doctors accountable. As the USCCB notes, “The bill does not mandate futile care or override the judgment of a doctor about whether treatment is in the best interest of the child, but it does insist that such an evaluation must be made, and it must be made in a hospital setting by someone who has not been paid to end the life of this same child.” How can we trust an abortionist to protect a newborn after he or she was paid to kill the child and failed?

There is nothing misleading, unjustified or unnecessary about this bill; it provides lifesaving justice for these infants and demonstrates our national resolve to end infanticide.
                    [post_title] => The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Clearly and critically needed
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                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-27 18:36:46
                    [post_content] => February 27, 2019

WASHINGTON–Monday night, the Senate failed to advance the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.  The Senate rejected a motion to advance the bill on a vote of 53 to 44 with 3 not voting.  In the Senate, 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and pass a bill.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement in response:

“There should be no bill easier for the Senate to pass than one that makes clear that killing newborn babies is wrong and should not be tolerated. That even one senator, let alone 44 senators voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, is an injustice that should horrify and anger the American people and commit us to decisive political action. A vote against this bill is a vote to extend Roe v. Wade’s license for killing unborn children to killing newborn babies. The American people, the vast majority of whom support this bill, must demand justice for innocent children.”
###
                    [post_title] => Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Says Senate Rejection of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act should horrify and anger the American people
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                    [post_date] => 2019-02-26 08:50:39
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                    [post_content] => The following is a Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) statement regarding the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

February 25, 2019

We are deeply dismayed and astounded that the U.S. Senate has failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 311). It is a matter of common sense and basic human decency to require, as S. 311 would have, that any health care practitioner present when a child is born alive following an abortion give the same degree of care to preserve the life and health of the child as would be given to any other newborn. That this bill did not pass unanimously – let alone even pass at all – is appalling and beyond comprehension. We are dismayed and outraged that Virginia’s U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine voted against this critical lifesaving legislation.

We urge the Senate to reconsider its decision as soon as possible.

This joint statement has been issued by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, and Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond.

The VCC statement is available here.

 

-----------Translation-----------

Estamos profundamente consternados y atónitos que el Senado haya fallado en contra de la ley de Protección a los Sobrevivientes del Aborto Nacidos Vivos (S. 311). Requerir esto es una cuestión de sentido común y dignidad humana tal como el S. 311 lo habría hecho, que cualquier profesional de salud que esta presente cuando el infante nace vivo depuse del aborto, este proporcionaría la misma atención que haría a cualquier recién nacido para preservar la vida y la salud. Que el fallo de esta ley no fue unánime – y peor aun que hayan fallado a favor - es terrible e incomprensible. Nos quedamos consternados e indignados que los Senadores de Virginia, Warner y Kaine, votaran en contra de esta legislación critica de salvaguardar la vida.

Instamos al Senado a reconsiderar esta decisión lo antes posible.
                    [post_title] => Virginia Bishops’ Statement on U.S. Senate’s Failure to Pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
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                    [post_date] => 2019-02-24 12:56:41
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-24 17:56:41
                    [post_content] => 
February 24, 2019


ROME—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement on the final day of a four day meeting attended by Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences from across the globe.


Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:


"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18


"These have been challenging, fruitful days. The witness of survivors revealed for us, again, the deep wound in the Body of Christ.  Listening to their testimonies transforms your heart.  I saw that in the faces of my brother bishops. We owe survivors an unyielding vigilance that we may never fail them again.


How then to bind the wounds?  Intensify the Dallas Charter.  Pope Francis, whom I want to thank for this assembly, called us to ‘concrete and effective measures.’ A range of presenters from cardinals to other bishops to religious sisters to lay women spoke about a code of conduct for bishops, the need to establish specific protocols for handling accusations against bishops, user-friendly reporting mechanisms, and the essential role transparency must play in the healing process.


Achieving these goals will require the active involvement and collaboration of the laity.  The Church needs their prayers, expertise, and ideas.  As we have learned from diocesan review boards, a comprehensive range of skills is required to assess allegations and to ensure that local policies and procedures are regularly reviewed so that our healing response continues to be effective. All of the models discussed this week rely upon the good help of God’s people.


I and the bishops of the United States felt affirmed in the work that is underway. Enhanced by what I experienced here, we will prepare to advance proposals, in communion with the Holy See, in each of these areas so that my brother bishops can consider them at our June General Assembly. There is an urgency in the voice of the survivors to which we must always respond. I am also aware that our next steps can be a solid foundation from which to serve also seminarians, religious women, and all those who might live under the threat of sexual abuse or the abuse of power.


In our faith, we experience the agony of  Good Friday. It can cause a sense of isolation and abandonment, but the Resurrection is God’s healing promise. In binding the wounds now before us, we will encounter the Risen Lord. In Him alone is all hope and healing.


May I also add a sincere word of thanks to the many who prayed for me and for all that this meeting be a success."

###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement at Close of Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church
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                    [post_date] => 2019-02-17 12:19:08
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-17 17:19:08
                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: February 17, 2019

“The Holy See’s announcement, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, is a clear indicator that sexual abuse against a child or adult by those even at the highest level in the Church is intolerable. I pray this action by the Holy Father is one step to help victims of abuse move forward from the hurt and pain they have experienced.

My personal affection for the people of the Archdiocese of Washington goes hand in hand with my concern for victims and survivors, my shame and disappointment in the failures of church leadership and my commitment to restoring the trust of the faithful in the Diocese of Richmond. As I mentioned in my most recent letter to the faithful in our diocese earlier this week, “be assured I will do all in my power to restore your trust and to make our Church an authentic witness to the Gospel…..”

I ask you to pray for the healing of all victims and their families and to the victims who suffered abuse by Theodore McCarrick. I ask you also to keep in your prayers our Church and to continually ask God’s grace upon the clergy in our diocese who are serving with dignity, grace and integrity.

May we all heal and work unceasingly to answer the call for spiritual renewal in our Church.”
###
                    [post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout Regarding Holy See Judgement on Theodore McCarrick
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                    [post_date] => 2019-02-16 10:34:27
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                    [post_content] => February 16, 2019

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding Theodore McCarrick.

Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows:

“The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated. No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church.  For all those McCarrick abused, I pray this judgement will be one small step, among many, toward healing. For us bishops, it strengthens our resolve to hold ourselves accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to Pope Francis for the determined way he has led the Church’s response.

If you have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of someone within the Catholic Church, I urge you to contact local law enforcement and your local diocese or eparchy.  Victims Assistance Coordinators are available to help.  We are committed to healing and reconciliation.”
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement on Theodore McCarrick in Response to Judgement by the Holy See
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                    [post_date] => 2019-02-01 10:02:35
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                    [post_content] => February 1, 2019

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, KS and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities has issued the following statement in response to the introduction of a bill in the Virginia legislature that would allow a baby to be aborted at nine months.  Although the bill was defeated there, a similar bill was passed by the New York legislature and signed into law by its Governor.

Archbishop Naumann’s full statement follows:

“A Virginia lawmaker has introduced a bill which would allow a baby to be aborted at nine months, even if the mother is just about to give birth. This legislation shocks the conscience and is made more egregious by the Governor of Virginia suggesting the permissibility of denying care to infants born alive during the abortion. This senseless disrespect for new human life is horrifying. We join the bishops of Virginia in urging all people of good will to stand up to protect unborn and born infants from legislation that would permit their gruesome deaths.”
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Chairman on Pro-Life Activities Calls All People of Good Will to Stand Up and Protect Unborn and Born Infants
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-31 14:48:12
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-01-31 19:48:12
                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: January 31, 2019



Horrific. Outrageous. Vicious. Those words were in my heart as I heard about the proposed legislation that would enable expanding the brutal practice of abortion. There is no place in a civil society for this sort of thought and action. Equally disheartening and reprehensible are the comments made by Virginia’s Governor and the legislator who proposed such a bill. The discussion a mother and doctor should have is in the best interest of the child as to how we can preserve and not destroy life.

We should not be legislating in favor of abortion, let alone third trimester abortions at all. All our actions and decisions should be life-giving.

“Each human being has value and is not a means to an end. Each human being is loved by God, and equally treasured.”

Less than two weeks ago, I spoke those words in my homily at the closing of the Vigil for Life Mass in Washington D.C, just prior to the March for Life. I joined hundreds from our Diocese who marched in unison with thousands of others from across this nation to bear witness to the value and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

We must give thanks to God for the gift of human life and be unwavering in protecting this gift in all its stages from conception to natural death. As Catholics in the United States, we do this through prayer but also through our advocacy efforts on the national, state and local levels. We see these efforts visibly through the March for Life, but also by using our voices when public policy threatens the dignity of human life.

Now more than ever, it’s important to raise our voices when we see such threats and injustices on the most vulnerable in our society. I encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to visit the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) and sign up for the Conference’s advocacy network. There you will receive information regarding these matters and how you can advocate best on behalf of the most vulnerable.

I pray that through using our voices in the public square we will help end such immoral legislation that threatens human life.
###
For more about the latest measures the VCC advocated against click this link: https://vacatholic.org/action-center/

For more about the VCC and how to use your voice in matters of public policy, click this link: https://vacatholic.org
                    [post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout Regarding Recent and Extreme Abortion Legislation in Virginia
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-30 12:10:43
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                    [post_content] => January 30, 2019



Bishop Barry C. Knestout told more than 60 participants in a diocesan evangelization summit that “Encounter the Joy of the Gospel and Set the World Ablaze” will serve as an important part of spiritual preparation for the Diocese of Richmond’s bicentennial in 2020.

He said that in reflecting about what could be done in that regard, he looked at the plan that had been developed.

“What is a good spiritual, practical celebration for our anniversary?” he said during the summit, Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Pastoral Center. “Reviewing what has occurred, here was this evangelization plan. We can adapt or adjust it as needed.”

“Encounter the Joy of the Gospel” was issued in 2014 as a multi-step evangelization program for the diocese.

Bishop Knestout noted that in undertaking the New Evangelization, the Catholic community already had its mission.

“We don’t have to figure out a new mission. It was given to us by Christ. The New Evangelization involves a new ardor, new energy, new initiatives and efforts. How do we best bring the Good News to bear on that circumstance so it is transformative. So others can benefit from it.”

The gathering, organized by the Office for Evangelization, featured representatives of national evangelization organizations: James Carrano of Evangelical Catholic; Eileen Piper of FOCUS; Matt Rudolph of Amazing Parish; and Jonathan Lewis, assistant secretary for pastoral ministry from the Archdiocese of Washington who participated in the October Synod of Bishops on Youth.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Speaks on Evangelization at Diocesan Summit
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-28 14:43:45
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                    [post_content] => January 28, 2019

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services USA and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, have issued the following statement in response to the January 27 bombings in and around the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the Philippine island of Sulu in Jolo, Philippines.

The full statement follows:

“The Catholic bishops of the Philippines have condemned these attacks as ‘an act of terrorism’ and asked Christians to pray for the victims and ‘join hands with all peace-loving Muslim and indigenous people against violent extremism.’ The bombings, which occurred as people attended Mass, have been condemned by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo and Archbishop Angelito Lampon as being the ‘action of evil people with utter disregard for the sacredness of human life.’

The bishops of the United States stand in solidarity and prayer with these victims and join the bishops of the Philippines in condemning such senseless acts of violence. We invite Catholics and all men and women of good will to do the same.”
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Conference with Chairman of Bishops’ International Justice Committee Condemn Philippine Cathedral Bombings as “Act of Terrorism”
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-18 14:55:49
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                    [post_content] => January 18, 2019

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City called on the faithful "to pray for an end to the human rights abuse of abortion, and for a culture of life, where through God’s grace all will come to know they are made in His Divine Image.”

His statement on January 18 marks the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states. Archbishop Naumann, who gave the opening prayer at the March for Life the same day, chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Protecting the life of the unborn children is the pre-eminent human rights issue of our time, not only because of the sheer magnitude of the numbers, but because abortion attacks the sanctuary of life, the family,” wrote Archbishop Naumann. “Every abortion not only destroys the life of an innocent child, but it wounds and scars mothers and fathers...in reality, the welfare of parents and their child are always intimately linked.”

Naumann also made it clear that pro-life Catholics “are concerned about the life and dignity of the human person wherever it is threatened or diminished,” and highlighted the sexual abuse crisis within the Church as an example of “grave injustice” to this dignity. “The abuse of children or minors upends the pro-life ethic,” the Archbishop explained, because it is an “egregious offense against the dignity of the human person.”

The Archbishop spoke of a Church “devastated by the scandal of sexual misconduct by clergy and of past instances of the failure of bishops to respond with compassion to victims of abuse and to protect adequately the members of their flock.” He urged the Church and the faithful to “seek justice for all of God’s children.”

“We must do all we can to be God’s witnesses of merciful love in the world,” the Archbishop continued. “We know and give thanks for the great dignity God has given to us from the moment of conception, to be made in his image. We also must pray for the grace to remind others of this inherent dignity, in our words and in our actions.”

The Archbishop encouraged all Catholics to take part in the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn on January 22: “Let us pray that we can be great and effective witnesses for life, witnesses for love, witnesses for mercy.”

The full text of Archbishop Naumann's message is available online at http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/2019/2019-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-roe-vs-wade.cfm
###
                    [post_title] => Pro-Life Committee Chairman’s Roe v. Wade Anniversary Statement Encourages Faithful to be “Witnesses of Merciful Love”
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-18 14:54:51
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-01-18 19:54:51
                    [post_content] => January 18, 2019

WASHINGTON—Today, President Trump reiterated his enduring support for pro-life laws or policies. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities responded with the following statement:

“As Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, I commend President Trump for announcing at today’s March for Life that he will oppose repealing or weakening any existing pro-life laws or policies. These pro-life laws and policies reflect the convictions of millions of Americans, many of whom attended today’s March, that taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortions, or organizations that promote abortion, or participate in any way in the deliberate destruction of unborn human life.

We are deeply grateful for the President’s pro-life commitment, and for all the actions this administration has taken to protect unborn children and their mothers from the violence of abortion. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to advance policies that value human life and dignity from conception to natural death.”
###
                    [post_title] => President Trump Announces Commitment to Uphold Pro-Life Laws
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                    [post_date_gmt] => 2019-01-18 16:35:51
                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_113993" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout delivers the homily during the closing Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)[/caption]

January 18, 2019

Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — Bishop Barry C. Knestout quoted from Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien to make a pro-life point during his homily at the Friday, Jan. 18 Mass that closed the Vigil for Life.

"In J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings,' there is a passage where Boromir, a lord of Gondor, is tempted by the Ring of Power. He holds it up, while being tempted to use its power to defend his people, and he says: 'The ring! Is it not a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing? So small a thing!'"

But those small things can be big deals, Bishop Knestout said at the Mass, celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

He pointed to three small things: the splitting of the atom, the invention of the microchip, and the development of the birth control pill.

With the first, "unbelievable destructive power is unleashed when that stability and union of the atom is broken," Bishop Knestout said. "When these are in their right relationship, stability and peace are the result." When they are not, he added, the result can be destruction "almost beyond our imagination."

Because of the microchip's ubiquitousness, "communication and communicator are divided," he said. "Before this technology, both communicator and communication were present at the same time, and you must deal with the person in front of you — not some anonymous, abstract entity or idea that can be attacked or discarded easily."

With the pill, Bishop Knestout said, "life and love, husband and wife are divided. Union and communion with one another and with God is broken. From this is unleashed the destruction of the family, right relationships between human beings. What results are broken families, societies and cultures."

Bishop Knestout remarked on how Washington, site of the March for Life, has also been the site of division.

"We celebrate this Mass for Life just a few months after the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of 'Humanae Vitae,'" which proscribed the use of artificial contraception, he said.

"We celebrate this Mass for Life in the city of Washington, the nation's capital, where the pill was approved by the FDA in 1960, where the American 'Humanae Vitae' crisis was centered in 1968, where the Supreme Court decided that abortion was a constitutionally protected right in 1973, and where the sexual abuse and Church leadership crisis has been centered in 2018," Bishop Knestout added.

"It is a strange fate that these have all occurred here, but it has a lesson for us. These secular and ecclesial crises can be linked together through a small but challenging teaching."

Many of the things St. Paul VI predicted "if society came to accept the idea that the unitive and procreative ends of marriage could be separated" have come to pass, Bishop Knestout said.

The bishop included among them "the general lowering of morals in society," "the objectification and attacks on the dignity of women," "widespread pornography, and addiction to it," and "coercion by the state in matters of reproduction and family life."

"Promiscuity, abortion, in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, homosexual activity, same-sex marriage, partial-birth abortion, sex-selection abortions, genetic abnormality abortion — all flow from this division," he said.

The "remedy" Bishop Knestout suggested: "We must return to the Gospel, and the teachings of Christ. ... The remedy is embracing the face of God in each person and embracing what the Church teaches about human life. When we do that, we need not fear the dark of night, or the discord of nations."

 
                    [post_title] => 'So small a thing' can be a big deal, Bishop Knestout says at march vigil's end
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-18 09:33:15
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                    [post_content] => January 18, 2019

Bishop Barry C. Knestout is pleased to announce the creation of the Diocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries, effective January 15, 2019. The formulation of this office combines the ministries of: Hispanic, Asian, and Native American offices in coordination with the Office for Black Catholics, in order to merge and strengthen administrative resources, operations and effectively serve the pastoral needs of the growing and diverse ethnic communities that are part of the Diocese of Richmond.

“Each ethnic ministry will continue to support and serve its communities through numerous cultural events and outreach initiatives.  By working together and sharing resources, the Office of Ethnic Ministries will help to foster a culture of mutual appreciation, enable spiritual encounters where individuals can feel welcomed in their parish communities, and encourage an appreciation for our differences as followers of Christ,” said Sister Inma Cuesta, CMS, Director of the Office of Ethnic Ministries. “I am grateful for Bishop Knestout’s support and for this opportunity to provide administrative guidance for this new office structure.”

While maintaining current staffing levels, the Office of Ethnic Ministries consists of a Director, an Outreach Coordinator for Asian Ministry, two Associate Directors supporting Hispanic Ministry, Administrative Assistant support, and ongoing support for the Director of the Office for Black Catholics.

The diocesan website is updated to reflect this new diocesan office and includes information about its mission, the work of each ethnic ministry and how it will promote and work to assist parishes.

For questions about the Office of Ethnic Ministries, please contact Sister Inma Cuesta, CMS, Director of Ethnic Ministries, (804) 622-5128.
###
-------------------translation-------------------
La Diócesis de Richmond anuncia la Oficina de Ministerios Étnicos
18 de enero de 2019

El obispo Barry C. Knestout anuncia la creación de la oficina diocesana de Ministerios Étnicos, vigente a partir del 15 de enero de 2019. Esta oficina combina los ministerios de la oficina hispana, asiática e indígena en coordinación con la oficina para Black Catholics, para unir y fortalecer los recursos administrativos, las operaciones y atender eficazmente las necesidades pastorales de las diversas comunidades étnicas en constante crecimiento que forman parte de la diócesis de Richmond.

“Cada ministerio étnico continuará apoyando y sirviendo a sus comunidades a través de numerosos eventos culturales e iniciativas de extensión. Trabajando juntos y compartiendo recursos, la oficina de Ministerios Étnicos ayudará a fomentar una cultura de mutuo aprecio, facilitará encuentros espirituales donde las personas puedan sentirse bienvenidas en sus comunidades parroquiales y fomentará una apreciación de nuestras diferencias como seguidores de Cristo", dijo la Hna. Inma Cuesta, CMS, directora de la oficina de Ministerios Étnicos. "Estoy agradecida por el apoyo del obispo Knestout y por esta oportunidad de proporcionar orientación administrativa para esta nueva estructura”.

Mientras mantiene el mismo personal, la oficina de Ministerios Étnicos consiste en un director, un coordinador para el ministerio asiático, dos directores asociados que apoyan el ministerio hispano, el apoyo del asistente administrativo y el apoyo continuo para el director de la oficina de Black Catholics.

El sitio web diocesano esta actualizado para reflejar esta nueva oficina diocesana e incluye información sobre su misión, el trabajo de cada ministerio étnico y cómo promoverá y asistirá a las parroquias.

Si tiene preguntas sobre la oficina de Ministerios Étnicos, comuníquese con la Hna. Inma Cuesta, CMS, Directora de Ministerios Étnicos, (804) 622-5128.
###
 
                    [post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Announces Office of Ethnic Ministries
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-16 10:41:23
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                    [post_content] => January 16, 2019

WASHINGTON—National Catholic Schools Week 2019 (CSW) will be observed in dioceses around the country January 27–February 2. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.

As Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, Oakland, newly elected chairman of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Catholic Education said, “Young people today need Catholic education more than ever. In a world where truth, beauty and goodness are considered all but subjective, the Way, Truth and Life offered us in Jesus Christ are our only source of direction, clarity and hope. Furthermore, being rooted in faith does not endanger the academic quality of Catholic schools, but in fact is their very motivation for excellence in all things.”

Nearly 1.8 million students are currently educated in 6,352 Catholic schools in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities around the country. Students receive an education that helps them become critical thinkers, strong communicators and active members of society, thus equipping them for higher education, a competitive work environment, and most importantly, living a Christian life of virtue in a challenging society.  “Following Christ’s example of loving and serving all people, Catholic schools proudly provide a well-rounded education to disadvantaged families, new arrivals to America and to all who seek a seat in our schools. Since the inception of Catholic schools in our country, we have always sought to welcome families of all backgrounds while maintaining our principles and teaching in a spirit of charity,” Bishop Barber said.

The observance of CSW began in 1974. Schools and parishes around the country will hold activities such as Masses, open houses, and family gatherings to celebrate the communities they represent.  The week also highlights the educational and community successes of Catholic schools nationwide. Ninety nine percent of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 86 percent of Catholic school graduates attend college.  This percentage has been consistent for over 20 years.

For the second year, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) will lead the Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools, in partnership with FACTS Management, January 29, 12 PM EST through January 30, 12 PM EST. This 24-hour period is one way to support development programs in Catholic schools throughout the country.  Scheduled during National Catholic Schools Week, this Day of Giving is a perfect time for individuals to give to their local Catholic schools. In 2018, more than $850,000 was donated to 539 participating Catholic schools, six dioceses and NCEA.  For more information on the Day of Giving, please go to www.NCEA.org/csw/manygifts.

Catholic schools and the many members of Catholic school communities will share their Catholic Schools Week celebrations on social media using #CSW19. The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the Secretariat of Catholic Education will also highlight Catholic education’s strengths, successes and stories on their Twitter profiles: @NCEATalk and @USCCBCatholicEd, respectively. More information on the Committee on Catholic Education and other resources are available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/ and www.NCEA.org/csw.
###
                    [post_title] => National Catholic Schools Week Begins January 27-February 2; With the Theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-15 14:26:40
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                    [post_content] => January 15, 2019

WASHINGTON–In response to Monday’s federal court ruling from Pennsylvania granting a nationwide injunction barring the broadened moral and religious exemption to the HHS mandate, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s court ruling freezing these common-sense regulations leaves those with conscientious or religious objections to the HHS mandate out in the cold.  In a free country, no one should be forced to facilitate or fund things like contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs and devices, which go against their core beliefs. We pray that this decision will be appealed and that future courts will respect the free exercise arguments of the Little Sisters of the Poor and so many others who simply seek the freedom to serve their neighbors without the threat of massive government fines hanging over their heads.”
###
                    [post_title] => Bishops Express Dismay at Court Ruling Enjoining Moral and Religious Exemption to HHS Mandate
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-11 16:21:32
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: January 11, 2019

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has received confirmation that it remains in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, received notice of compliance from StoneBridge Business Partners, Rochester, N.Y., which conducts the yearly audits for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of Child and Youth Protection. The diocese is audited annually between July 1 and June 30. For the 2018 audit, the diocese participated in the on-site audit process.

“Since the last audit period, the Diocese of Richmond has significantly strengthened the Safe Environment Office by hiring an on-site Victims Assistance/Safe Environment Coordinator and incorporating new technology to assist with efficiency for the background screening process when volunteers register for VIRTUS,” said Ms. Maryjane Fuller, Director for the Diocesan Safe Environment Office. “Volunteers are now prompted electronically to review the Code of Conduct and submit a background check request for a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults training session. By enhancing this process, it will allow for better management for parishes and schools in the Diocese.”

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2002 to establish guidelines for investigating and resolving allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Diocesan Safe Environment Office ensures that Charter standards are continually met within the Diocese of Richmond.

The audit gathers data on VIRTUS Child Protection training, background screenings for all clergy, employees and volunteers who have any interaction with children, information on assistance provided to victims of abuse and any new allegations or investigations of abuse that occur that year.

The audit of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 reported the following statistics:

 	
Since October 2004, the Diocese has held 3,223 child protection training sessions, known as VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children for Adults. In 2018, there were 292 training sessions.
 	
Some 57,266 individuals have participated and 150 facilitators have lead VIRTUS training sessions since its introduction in 2004.
 	
During the July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018 audit period, the diocese reported 32,103 active participants in the Safe Environment program. Participants are considered active if they attend VIRTUS and are up-to-date on background screening. Participants include all clergy, parish and school employees as well as volunteers who work with minors and the vulnerable.

More information on the Diocese of Richmond’s Safe Environment Program is available online.

###
                    [post_title] => 2018 Independent Audit Determines Catholic Diocese of Richmond Remains in Compliance with Child Protection Charter
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                    [post_date] => 2019-01-11 13:34:51
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                    [post_content] => January 10, 2019

WASHINGTON—The National Prayer Vigil for Life will be held from Thursday afternoon, January 17 to Friday morning, January 18, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Over 20,000 pilgrims from around the nation will gather at the Shrine to pray for an end to abortion before the annual March for Life, taking place the following day. The Vigil marks the 46th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy. Since those decisions, over 60 million abortions have been performed legally in the United States.

The principal celebrant and homilist at the Vigil Opening Mass will be Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, KS, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Many of the nation's bishops and priests will concelebrate with him in the Basilica's Great Upper Church from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Vigil continues in the Crypt Church with confessions, a National Rosary for Life, Byzantine Rite Night Prayer, and Holy Hours led by seminarians throughout the night and into the next morning. Morning Prayer on Friday, January 18, begins at 6:00 a.m. in the Crypt Church, followed by Benediction at 6:30 a.m. The Vigil's Closing Mass will take place at 7:30 a.m. in the Great Upper Church, with Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond as principal celebrant and homilist.

“Again, this year, the Vatican has granted that a plenary indulgence may be obtained under the usual conditions by participating in the National Prayer Vigil for Life, as well as the other sacred celebrations surrounding the March for Life,” said Kat Talalas, assistant director for pro-life communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “This is a special opportunity for grace offered to pilgrims for their witness, prayer, and sacrifice.”

For those seeking Sacramental Reconciliation while on site, confessions will be heard in Our Lady of Hostyn Chapel of the Crypt Church over the course of nine hours before and after the Opening Mass. See www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/national-prayer-vigil-for-life-schedule.cfm for additional details.

"We also invite all the faithful nationwide to join in prayer for 9 Days for Life, from January 14-22," Talalas continued. "Over 100,000 people have already signed up to pray this novena for the respect of human life. Even if you cannot attend the Prayer Vigil or the March, you can always remain united in the cause of life through prayer.”

The National Prayer Vigil for Life is co-sponsored by the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and The Catholic University of America.

Media are welcome to attend the Opening Mass and interview pilgrims taking part in the 14-hour Vigil.

Media should check in at the Basilica's Great Upper Church sacristy and present press credentials to Jacquelyn Hayes or a designated Basilica press representative to receive a press pass. Advance registration is preferred. Footage from the Mass may also be obtained by satellite feed courtesy of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). For coordinates, or to register, contact Jacquelyn Hayes, director of communications for the Basilica, at 202-281-0615 or jhayes@bnsic.org

For more details on the overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life and some of the other pro-life events in the Washington, DC area, visit www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events. To join -- and help spread the word about -- 9 Days for Life, visit www.9daysforlife.com.
###
                    [post_title] => National Prayer Vigil for Life Taking Place in Nation’s Capital, January 17-18; Plenary Indulgence May be Obtained
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                    [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_113758" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Va., attends a prayer service in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mundelein Seminary Jan. 2 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Illinois, near Chicago. The U.S. bishops began their Jan. 2-8 retreat at the seminary, suggested by Pope Francis in September, which comes as the bishops work to rebuild trust among the faithful as questions continue to revolve around their handling of clergy sex abuse. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)[/caption]

January 3, 2019

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Bishops have received a letter from Pope Francis as they gather in northern Illinois at Mundelein Seminary this week. The weeklong retreat is taking place at the invitation of Pope Francis who has asked all bishops in the United States to pause in prayer as the Church seeks to respond to the signs of the times.

The Preacher to the Papal Household, Capuchin Friar Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., is directing the retreat under the theme of “He appointed Twelve, to be with Him and to Send Out to Preach” based on Mark 3:14. The structure of the retreat includes time for quiet reflection, including silent meal times, daily Mass, time for personal and communal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, vespers, and an opportunity for confession. No ordinary business is being conducted during the retreat.

Mundelein Seminary, located on the campus of the University of St. Mary of the Lake, is the principal seminary and school of theology for the formation of priests in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and educates nearly 200 seminarians from 34 dioceses across the country and around the world.

Pope Francis’s full letter can be found here in both English and Spanish.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), sent the following message on behalf of the U.S. bishops upon the opening of the retreat.

The Cardinal’s full message follows:

Most Holy Father:

As the bishops of the United States gather today in prayer, we humbly ask Your Holiness to pray for us that we may draw closer to one another and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this closeness, we seek to find the wisdom and strength necessary to meet the great challenges ahead. We carry with us these days the pain and hope of all who may feel let down by the Church. Yet, we find ourselves grateful for the reminder that the future does not rest with any of us alone, but rather belongs to God. Hope is to be found in Christ. In Him, hope becomes unshakable.

Holy Father, we also draw near to you in our prayer and ministry. Your witness to those suffering around the world strengthens us. May our days together reflect the communion of the Universal Church.
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Receive Letter from Pope Francis As They Gather for Spiritual Retreat; Cardinal Daniel DiNardo Offers Message to Holy Father on Behalf of U.S. Bishops
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-20 16:12:59
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-12-20 21:12:59
                    [post_content] => December 20, 2018

WASHINGTON—Following the passage of the FIRST STEP Act in the U.S. Senate this week, Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of Venice, FL, and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, praised the Senate for passing the bill and encouraged the House to do likewise.

The full statement is as follows:

“I am grateful to the members and staff in the U.S. Senate, especially Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senators Mike Lee, Dick Durbin, and Cory Booker, for years of hard work and bipartisan collaboration that culminated in the resounding passage of the FIRST STEP Act last night.  I am also grateful to President Trump and his staff for their strong support and advocacy for this legislation.

The FIRST STEP Act contains several much-needed reforms for the federal prison system, including sentencing reform, strongly limiting the practice of shackling pregnant women in prison, establishing a maximum geographical distance between prisoners and their families, enhancing compassionate release for terminally ill and elderly prisoners, assisting returning citizens with obtaining government identification documents, and fixing the time credit system.  The bill also reauthorizes the Second Chance Act which will provide important resources for reentering citizens after release from incarceration.  I am very grateful to Senator Lankford for resolving a religious liberty concern that arose in a late version of the bill, correcting the issue prior to final passage. The bill contains many more fine provisions which will help foster a more just and merciful criminal justice system.

Today, the House of Representatives has an opportunity to pass this improved version of the bill and send it to the President for his signature.  Our nation’s criminal justice system is in need of reform, and this legislation is a worthy “first step” in the right direction and a model of bipartisan collaboration and good policy making.  As we approach the Nativity of our Lord, we are reminded of the need to promote justice and mercy in our society.  In this spirit, I call on the House to take up this legislation and pass the FIRST STEP Act."
###
                    [post_title] => Bishops’ Conference Praises Senate for Passage of the FIRST STEP Act and Encourages Passage in the House 
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-20 10:24:48
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                    [post_content] => December 20, 2018


WASHINGTON—On January 14, 2019, thousands of Catholics across the country will join in prayer for “9 Days for Life.” The prayer campaign, sponsored by the Committee on Pro Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, leads up to the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The novena and day of prayer are a time of recollection and reparation in observation of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade—the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the United States.


The overarching intention of the novena is that all human life will be respected. Each day of the “9 Days for Life” novena highlights a related topic and provides a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions.


Participants can subscribe to receive the daily prayers at www.9daysforlife.com.


WHO:             Since 2013 over 100,000 Catholics have joined together to pray this annual novena for the respect of human life sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through prayer and sacrifice, we can help build a culture of life.


WHEN:          9 Days for Life will run Monday, January 14 – Tuesday, January 22, 2019.


WHAT:           9daysforlife.com is the dedicated website for joining the novena and for accessing resources. Participants can receive the novena by downloading the free 9 Days for Life app, or by subscribing to daily emails or text messages. (A printable version is also available online.) Those who join the campaign are invited to pray a multi-faceted novena that includes a new intention, brief reflection, related information, and suggested actions for each day.


WHERE:        For additional information and updates on ways to get involved, please visit 9daysforlife.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

###
                    [post_title] => Thousands of U.S. Catholics Prepare for Launch of “9 Days for Life” Campaign on January 14
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-19 12:52:35
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                    [post_content] => 
December 19, 2018

Ray Honeycutt, Superintendent of the Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Catholic Schools since February 2017, will resign his position effective June 30, 2019.


Mr. Honeycutt joined the diocese in 2009 as principal of St. Bridget Catholic School, Richmond. In 2015, he accepted the position of associate superintendent for Diocesan Catholic Schools and was appointed interim superintendent in 2016.


Bishop Knestout is most grateful for Mr. Honeycutt’s dedication and outstanding leadership in Catholic education during his tenure with the Diocese of Richmond.


A comprehensive search for the position will commence in the near future to ensure a smooth transition.


###
                    [post_title] => Ray Honeycutt, Superintendent of the Diocese of Richmond's Office of Catholic Schools
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-14 12:29:04
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                    [post_content] => Richmond’s Deaneries

Updated dean appointments, effective Dec. 14, 2018.

The following pastors serve as deans:

Deanery 1 – Very Rev. W. Daniel Beeman, V.F., pastor of Holy Trinity in Norfolk and Vicar for Catholic Mission and Identity

Parishes: Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Norfolk), Blessed Sacrament (Norfolk), Christ the King (Norfolk), Holy Trinity (Norfolk), Sacred Heart (Norfolk), Saint Andrew the Apostle (Chincoteague), Saint Charles (Cape Charles), Saint Matthew (Virginia Beach), Saint Peter the Apostle (Onley), Saint Pius X (Norfolk)

 

Deanery 2 – Very Rev. Daniel J. Malingumu, V.F., pastor of Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach

Parishes: Anglican/Roman Catholic Community of Holy Apostles (Virginia Beach), Church of the Ascension (Virginia Beach), Church of the Holy Family (Virginia Beach), Church of the Holy Spirit (Virginia Beach), Saint Gregory the Great (Virginia Beach), Saint John the Apostle (Virginia Beach), Saint Luke (Virginia Beach), Saint Nicholas (Virginia Beach), Star of the Sea (Virginia Beach)

 

Deanery 3 – Very Rev. Romeo D. Jazmin, V.F., pastor of Prince of Peace in Chesapeake

Parishes: Church of Saint Therese (Chesapeake), Church of the Good Shepherd (Smithfield), Church of the Holy Angels (Portsmouth), Church of the Resurrection (Portsmouth), Prince of Peace (Chesapeake), Saint Benedict (Chesapeake), Saint Jude (Franklin), Saint Mark (Virginia Beach), Saint Mary (Chesapeake), Saint Mary of the Presentation (Suffolk), Saint Paul (Portsmouth), Saint Stephen Martyr (Chesapeake), Shrine of the Infant of Prague (Wakefield)

 

Deanery 4 – Very Rev. John David Ramsey, V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newport News

Parishes: Immaculate Conception (Hampton), Our Lady of Lavang – Vietnam (Norfolk), Our Lady of Lavang – Vietnam (Hampton), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Newport News), Saint Jerome (Newport News), Saint Joseph (Hampton), Saint Kateri (Tabb), Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Fort Monroe), Saint Rose of Lima & Korean Martyrs (Hampton), Saint Vincent de Paul (Newport News)

 

Deanery 5 – Very Rev. Gerald S. Kaggwa, V.F., pastor of Church of Francis de Sales in Mathews and Church of the Visitation in Topping

Parishes: Church of Francis de Sales (Mathews), Church of Saint Therese (Gloucester), Church of the Visitation (Middlesex), Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (West Point), Saint Bede (Williamsburg), Saint Joan of Arc (Yorktown), Saint Olaf (Norge)

 

Deanery 6 – Very Rev. Monsignor Patrick D. Golden, V.F., rector of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond

Parishes: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond), Church of the Redeemer (Mechanicsville), Holy Rosary (Richmond), Saint Elizabeth (Richmond), Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (Quinton), Saint John (Highland Springs), Saint Patrick (Richmond), Saint Paul (Richmond), Saint Peter (Richmond), Saint Timothy (Tappahannock)

 

Deanery 7 – Very Rev. James J. Begley, Jr., V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Richmond

Parishes: Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs (Richmond), Our Lady of Lourdes (Richmond), Saint Ann (Ashland), Saint Benedict (Richmond), Saint Bridget (Richmond), Saint Mary (Richmond), Saint Mary of the Annunciation (Ladysmith), Saint Michael (Glen Allen)

 

Deanery 8 – Very Rev. John C. Kazibwe, V.F., pastor of Church of the Epiphany in Richmond

Parishes: Church of the Epiphany (Richmond), Good Samaritan (Amelia), Sacred Heart (Richmond), Saint Edward the Confessor (Richmond), Saint Gabriel (Chesterfield), Saint John Neumann (Powhatan), Saint Joseph (Richmond), Saint Kim Taegon (Richmond)

 

Deanery 9 – Very Rev. Daniel A. Cogut, V.F., pastor of Saint Ann in Colonial Heights

Parishes: Church of the Sacred Heart (Prince George), Good Shepherd  (South Hill), Saint Ann (Colonial Heights), Saint Augustine (Richmond), Saint Catherine of Siena (Clarksville), Saint James (Hopewell), Saint John (Dinwiddie), Saint Joseph (Petersburg), Saint Paschal Baylon (South Boston), Saint Peter the Apostle (Lake Gaston), Saint Richard (Emporia)

 

Deanery 10 – Very Rev. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi, V.F., pastor of Holy Comforter in Charlottesville and Crozet Catholic Community in Crozet

Parishes: Crozet Catholic Community Mission (Crozet), Holy Comforter (Charlottesville), Immaculate Conception (Buckner), Incarnation (Charlottesville), Saint Francis of Assisi (Amherst), Saint George (Scottsville), Saint Joseph's Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel  (Columbia), Saint Jude (Mineral), Saint Mary (Lovingston), Saint Thomas Aquinas (Charlottesville), Saints Peter & Paul (Palmyra)

Deanery 11 – Very Rev. Silvio Kaberia, V.F., pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Harrisonburg

Parishes: Blessed Sacrament (Harrisonburg), Holy Infant (Elkton), Saint Francis of Assisi (Staunton), Saint John the Evangelist (Waynesboro), Shepherd of the Hills (Quinque)

 

Deanery 12 – Very Rev. Kenneth J. Shuping, V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Salem and Saint Gerard in Roanoke

Parishes: Church of the Transfiguration (Fincastle), Our Lady of Nazareth (Roanoke), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Salem), Sacred Heart (Covington), Saint Andrew (Roanoke), Saint Gerard (Roanoke), Saint John the Evangelist (New Castle), Saint Joseph (Clifton Forge), Saint Patrick (Lexington), Shrine of the Sacred Heart (Hot Springs)

 

Deanery 13 – Very Rev. Anthony O. Senyah, V.F., pastor of Holy Spirit in Christiansburg and Holy Family in Pearisburg

Parishes: All Saints (Floyd), Holy Family (Pearisburg), Holy Spirit (Christiansburg), Risen Lord (Stuart), Saint Edward Mission (Pulaski), Saint Joseph (Woodlawn), Saint Jude (Radford), Saint Mary (Blacksburg), Saint Mary the Mother of God  (Wytheville)

 

Deanery 14 – Very Rev. Francis Xavier Musolooza, V.F., pastor of Christ the King in Abingdon and Saint John in Marion

Parishes: Christ the King (Abingdon), Good Shepherd (Lebanon), Holy Spirit Catholic Community  (Jonesville), Sacred Heart (Big Stone Gap), Saint Anne (Bristol), Saint Anthony (Norton), Saint Bernard (Gate City), Saint John (Marion), Saint Joseph (Clintwood), Saint Mary (Coeburn), Saint Patrick (Dungannon), Saint Therese (Saint Paul), The Church of Saint Elizabeth of Holy Family Parish (Pocahontas), The Church of Saint Joseph of Holy Family Parish (Grundy), The Church of Saint Mary of Holy Family Parish  (Richlands), The Church of Saint Theresa of Holy Family Parish  (Tazewell)

Deanery 15 – Very Rev. Salvador Anonuevo, V.F., pastor of Holy Name of Mary in Bedford and Resurrection in Moneta

Parishes: Holy Cross (Lynchburg), Holy Name of Mary (Bedford), Immaculate Heart of Mary (Blackstone), Our Lady of Peace (Appomattox), Resurrection (Moneta), Sacred Heart (Meherrin), Sacred Heart  (Danville), Saint Francis of Assisi (Rocky Mount), Saint Joseph (Martinsville), Saint Theresa (Farmville), Saint Thomas More (Lynchburg), Saint Victoria (Hurt)
                    [post_title] => Updated Diocese of Richmond Dean Assignments
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-03 16:31:16
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                    [post_content] => December 3, 2018

WASHINGTON--Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“We join with people across the nation as we mourn the passing of President George H.W. Bush. We remember with gratitude this great man who spent his life selflessly in service of his country.  With an unwavering commitment to building bridges of peace and ensuring our nation's freedoms, he also inspired many as a devoted husband, father and family patriarch.

On behalf of my brother bishops of the United States, we pray for the repose of the soul of our forty-first president as we remember a life well lived.

We also offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for his bereaved family and all those who mourn his passing.  May you find peace and comfort in the consoling love of Jesus Christ.”
###
Declaración del Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos en relación a la muerte del Presidente George H.W. Bush

3 de diciembre de 2018

WASHINGTON— El Cardenal Daniel N. DiNardo, Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston y Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, emitió un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento del Presidente George Herbert Walker Bush.

La declaración completa del Cardenal DiNardo es la siguiente:

“Nos unimos a las personas de todo el país al lamentar el fallecimiento del Presidente George H.W. Bush. Recordamos con gratitud a este gran hombre que pasó su vida desinteresadamente al servicio de su país. Con un compromiso inquebrantable de construir puentes de paz y garantizar las libertades de nuestra nación, también inspiró a muchos como un devoto esposo, padre y patriarca de la familia.

En nombre de mis hermanos Obispos de Estados Unidos, oramos por el descanso del alma de nuestro cuadragésimo primer presidente al recordar una vida bien vivida. También ofrecemos nuestras más sinceras condolencias y oraciones por su familia afligida y por todos aquellos que lloran su muerte. Que encuentren paz y consuelo en el amor consolador de Jesucristo".
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement on the Death of President George H.W. Bush
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                    [post_date] => 2018-12-03 13:21:29
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                    [post_content] => December 3, 2018

Following a series of conversations throughout the diocese with clergy and lay leadership from the Black Catholic community, Bishop Barry Knestout is pleased to announce that Deacon Charles Williams has accepted the position of Interim Director, Office for Black Catholics effective December 1, 2018.

As interim director, Deacon Williams will continue the mission of the Office by seeking opportunities for ongoing inclusion and participation of Black Catholics within the life of the diocese, overseeing a pastoral planning process to effectively serve this community, and providing a renewed focus on the New Evangelization within the African American community.

Concurrent with this new role, Deacon Williams will continue in his assignment as permanent deacon at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and his supporting role with diocesan prison ministry efforts.

We welcome Deacon Williams in his new role and ask for prayers as he carries out the historic mission of this Office.
###
                    [post_title] => Deacon Charles Williams Accepts Position of Interim Director, Office for Black Catholics
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                    [post_date] => 2018-11-19 13:22:46
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: November 19, 2018

[caption id="attachment_113161" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout attends the USCCB 2018 Fall General Assembly, Nov. 12-14, in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)[/caption]

“The Church has no greater charge than the protection of children. I am hopeful that, despite our not acting upon specific measures related to the abuse scandal, the discussions which took place during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops about bishops’ accountability regarding clergy sexual abuse will be the foundation for concrete action — not only for the Church in the United States, but for the Church universal.

Child protection is not only a parish, diocesan and national concern in our Church, but it is a concern for the Church throughout the world. So, when our Holy Father meets with the presidents of bishops’ conferences in February, they will be looking at protecting ALL children and making ALL bishops accountable for what they do in this regard.

Be assured we are continuing to move forward with the commitment I made to the faithful of our diocese in September:

 	
to make public the names of those priests from our diocese who received credible and substantiated allegations of abuse;
 	
to have a full, extensive audit of clergy files by an independent entity, with oversight from the Diocesan Review Board, which will hold us accountable; and
 	
to establish an abuse victims’ assistance fund for counseling aid to those who have experienced abuse from clergy.

Please continue to pray for victims of abuse and for our Church as we heal and work unceasingly to answer the call for reform and renewal and to prevent such a scourge from ever occurring again.”

Read the President of the U.S.C.C.B Statement Following the Close of the Fall General Session in Baltimore Nov. 12-14.
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following the Close of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Public Sessions at the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore
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November 14, 2018



BALTIMORE—On the final day of the public sessions of the U.S. Bishops fall general assembly in Baltimore, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered the following remarks.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full address follows:

“Brothers, I opened the meeting expressing some disappointment. I end it with hope.

My hope is first of all grounded in Christ, who desires that the Church be purified and that our efforts bear fruit.

In late summer on your behalf, I expressed our renewed fraternal affection for our Holy Father. In September the Administrative Committee expressed for all of us our “love, obedience and loyalty” for Pope Francis. Now together with you today, gathered in Baltimore in Plenary Assembly, we the members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pledge to His Holiness our loyalty and devotion in these difficult days. I am sure that, under the leadership of Pope Francis, the conversation that the global Church will have in February will help us eradicate the evil of sexual abuse from our Church. It will make our local efforts more global and the global perspective will help us here.

Brothers, you and the speakers we have heard from have given me direction and consensus. I will take it as a springboard for action. Listening is essential, but listening must inform decisive action. Let me take this moment to thank the many survivors and experts who have given us such good counsel and direction these last few days.

When the summer’s news first broke, we committed to three goals: to do what we could to get to the bottom of the Archbishop McCarrick situation; to make reporting of abuse and misconduct by bishops easier; and, to develop a means of holding ourselves accountable that was genuinely independent, duly authorized, and had substantial lay involvement.

Now, we are on course to accomplish these goals. That is the direction that you and the survivors of abuse across our country have given me for the February meeting in Rome. More than that, in the days prior to the meeting of episcopal conference presidents, the Task Force I established this week will convert that direction into specific action steps. Some of those actions steps include:

 	
A process for investigating complaints against bishops reported through a third-party compliance hotline. We will complete a proposal for a single national lay commission and a proposal for a national network relying upon the established diocesan review boards, with their lay expertise, to be overseen by the metropolitan or senior suffragan.
 	
Finalizing the Standards of Accountability for Bishops.
 	
Finalizing the Protocol for Removed Bishops.
 	
Studying national guidelines for the publication of lists of names of those clerics facing substantiated claims of abuse.
 	
Supporting the fair and timely completion of the various investigations into the situation surrounding Archbishop McCarrick and publication of their results. We are grateful for the Holy See’s Statement of October 6 in this regard.

We leave this place committed to taking the strongest possible actions at the earliest possible moment. We will do so in communion with the Universal Church. Moving forward in concert with the Church around the world will make the Church in the United States stronger, and will make the global Church stronger.

But our hope for true and deep reform ultimately lies in more than excellent systems, as essential as these are. It requires holiness: the deeply held conviction of the truths of the Gospel, and the eager readiness to be transformed by those truths in all aspects of life.

As the nuncio reminded us on Monday, “if the Church is to reform herself and her structures, then the reform must spring from her mission of making known Christ, the Son of the Living God.” No system of governance or oversight, however excellent and necessary, suffices alone to make us, weak as we all are, able to live up to the high calling we have received in Christ.

We must recommit to holiness and to the mission of the Church.

Brothers, I have heard you today. I am confident that in unity with the Holy Father and in conversation with the Universal Church in February we will move forward.

There is more to be done, but what we have done is a sign of hope.

Commending everything to the intercession of Our Lady, we pray together . . .

Hail Mary…"
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Makes Statement at Close of Public Sessions; Fall General Assembly, Baltimore Nov. 12-14
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                    [post_date] => 2018-11-14 15:32:21
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                    [post_content] => Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

 

BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved a statement against racism Nov. 14 during their fall general meeting at Baltimore.

The document, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love — A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” passed 241-3 with one abstention. It required a two-thirds vote by all bishops, or 183 votes, for passage.

“Despite many promising strides made in our country, the ugly cancer of racism still infects our nation,” the pastoral letter says. “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love,” it adds.

[caption id="attachment_113163" align="alignright" width="400"] CNS photo/Bob Roller[/caption]

Bishops speaking on the pastoral gave clear consent to the letter’s message.

“This statement is very important and very timely,” said Bishop John E. Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky. He appreciated that the letter took note of the racism suffered by African-Americans and Native Americans, “two pieces of our national history that we have not reconciled.”

“This will be a great, fruitful document for discussion,” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, in whose diocese the violence-laden “Unite the Right” rally was held last year. Bishop Knestout added the diocese has already conducted listening sessions on racism.

Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Alabama, what he called “ground zero for the civil rights movement,” said the pastoral’s message is needed, as the civil rights movement “began 60 years ago and we’re still working on achieving the goals in this document.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, said he was grateful for the pastoral’s declaration that “an attack against the dignity of the human person is an attack the dignity of life itself.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix said the letter will be welcome among Native Americans, who populate 11 missions in the diocese, African-Americans in Arizona — “I think we were the last of the 50 states to be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday,” he noted — and Hispanics, who make up 80 percent of all diocesan Catholics under age 20.

“This is very important for our people and our youth to know the history of racism,” he added.

Bishop Shelton T. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, said an electronic copy of “Open Wide Our Hearts” would be posted “somewhat immediately,” with a print version available around Thanksgiving.

“Also, there will be resources available immediately” now that the pastoral letter has been approved, including Catholic school resources for kindergarten through 12th grade, added the bishop, who also is chair of the bishops’ Subcommittee on African American Affairs.

[caption id="attachment_113161" align="alignright" width="400"] CNS photo/Bob Roller[/caption]

“‘Open Wide Our Hearts’ conveys the bishops’ grave concern about the rise of racist attitudes in society,” Bishop Fabre said Nov. 13, when the pastoral was put on the floor of the bishops’ meeting. It also “offers practical suggestions for individuals, families and communities,” he said.

“Every racist act — every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity or place of origin — is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God,” it adds.

“Racial profiling frequently targets Hispanics for selective immigration enforcement practices, and African-Americans for suspected criminal activity. There is also the growing fear and harassment of persons from majority Muslim countries. Extreme nationalist ideologies are feeding the American public discourse with xenophobic rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants and refugees.”

“Personal sin is freely chosen,” a notion that would seem to include racism, said retired Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Nov. 13, but “social sin is collective blindness. There is sin as deed and sin as illness. It’s a pervasive illness that runs through a culture.” Bishop Fabre responded that the proposed letter refers to institutional and structural racism.

An amendment from Bishop Ramirez to include this language in the pastoral was accepted by the bishops’ Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, which guided the document’s preparation.

Bishop Curtis J. Guillory of Beaumont, Texas, said Nov. 13 the pastoral “gives us a wonderful opportunity to educate, to convert,” adding that, given recent incidents, the document should give “consideration to our Jewish brothers and sisters.” Bishop Fabre replied that while anti-Semitism is mentioned in the document, future materials will focus on anti-Semitism.

A proposed amendment to the pastoral to include the Confederate battle flag in the pastoral alongside nooses and swastikas as symbols of hatred was rejected by the committee.

“Nooses and swastikas are widely recognized signs of hatred, the committee commented, but “while for many the Confederate flag is also a sign of hatred and segregation, some still claim it as a sign of heritage.”
                    [post_title] => Bishops Approve Pastoral Letter Against Racism
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                    [post_date] => 2018-11-13 11:12:11
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                    [post_content] => November 13, 2018

BALTIMORE—On Tuesday, November 13, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' independent lay advisory panel on the protection of children and young people delivered a special report to the body of U.S. bishops regarding the abuse crisis in the Church.  In an address to the bishops who have gathered in Baltimore for the annual fall general assembly, National Review Board Chairman Francesco Cesareo, Ph.D., outlined key reforms and urged action. The report calls for broadening the scope of the Charter on the Protection of Children and Young People to include bishops; the publication of complete lists of credibly accused clergy in all dioceses; improving the audit process; and enhancing accountability for bishops regarding cases of abuse.

You can find the full report here: www.usccb.org/about/child-and-youth-protection/upload/National-Review-Board-Special-Report-to-the-Body-of-Bishops-November-2018.pdf
###
                    [post_title] => National Review Board Urges Need to Broaden the Scope of the Charter to Include Bishops; Lay Panel Urges Reform to Improve Transparency and Enhance Accountability
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                    [post_date] => 2018-11-13 08:43:34
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-11-13 13:43:34
                    [post_content] => Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service

BALTIMORE — At the urging of the Vatican, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will not vote on two proposals they were to discuss at their Baltimore meeting regarding their response to the clergy sex abuse crisis.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, informed the bishops as they opened their fall general assembly Nov. 12 that the Vatican wanted the bishops to delay any vote until after a February meeting with the pope and presidents of the bishops’ conferences around the world that will focus on addressing clergy abuse.

Affected are proposed standards of episcopal conduct and the formation of a special commission for review of complaints against bishops for violations of the standards.

Cardinal DiNardo said he was disappointed that no action would be taken during the assembly, but that he was hopeful that the delay “will improve our response to the crisis we face.”

The cardinal’s announcement came two days after Pope Francis met with Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, at the Vatican. Archbishop Pierre returned to the United States Nov. 11 in time for the first day of the U.S. bishops’ general fall assembly in Baltimore.

However, at a midday news conference, Cardinal DiNardo said the request to delay action came from the Congregation for Bishops.

The assembly planned to move forward with discussion of both proposals from the bishop’s Administrative Committee.

The Administrative Committee consists of the officers, chairmen and regional representatives of the USCCB. The committee, which meets in March and September, is the highest authority of the USCCB outside of the full body of bishops when they meet for their fall and spring general assemblies.

In response, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago suggested the general assembly move forward with its discussion of the two proposals. He also called for a special assembly in March to weigh and vote on the measures after being informed by the outcome of the February meeting in Rome.

“It is clear that the Holy See is taking seriously the abuse crisis in the Church,” Cardinal Cupich said, adding that the February meeting was a “watershed moment” in Church history.

“We need to be clear where we stand and tell our people where we stand,” he said.

Later in the morning session, just before the assembly adjourned for a day of prayer and penitence, Cardinal DiNardo opened his presidential address pointing to the weakness within the Church that has led to the clergy abuse crisis.

Repeatedly citing the words of St. Augustine, he said “in order that weakness might become strong, strength became weak.”

He called for action to lift the entire brotherhood of bishops from a place of weakness that has allowed the clergy sex abuse crisis to exist. While there were to be no votes on specific action at the meeting, he said the deliberations the bishops would undertake would set them on the route to healing for the Church and for victims of abuse.

He also held up his own weakness to victims, saying: “Where I have not been watchful or alert to your needs, wherever I have failed, I am deeply sorry.”

Cardinal DiNardo urged the bishops to root themselves in the life and teaching of Jesus to lead the Church and the victims of abuse to healing. He also called for the bishops to focus on the needs of victims so that “our example not lead a single person away from the Lord.”

He also said that the bishops must be as accountable as anyone else in ministry in the Church and that they, like priests and other Church workers, must adhere to the same standards of conduct identified in the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

“Whether we will be remembered as guardians of the abused or of the abuser will be determined by our action beginning this week and the months ahead. Let us draw near to Christ today sacrificing him our own ambitions and promptly submit ourselves totally to what he demands of us both in love and justice,” he said.

In his seven-minute address, the cardinal said that he read that St. Augustine warned there are two extremes that pose dangers to the faithful  despair and presumption.

“We and the faithful can fall into despair believing that there is no hope for the Church or (for) good change in the Church. We can also believe that there are no hopes for healing from these sins,” he said.

“But we must always remember that there is a thing called trusting faith and it leads us on our current journey. This trusting faith provides us roots, roots for a living memory. Our people need this living memory of hope,” he said.

Presumption can lull the Church into inactivity, he added, “by presuming that this will blow over, that things simply return to normal on their own. Some would say this is entirely a crisis of the past, and it is not. We must never victimize survivors over again by demanding that hey heal on our timeline.”

While the majority of abuse incidents occurred decades ago, the pain among victims “is daily and present,” he continued and warned against leaving behind people who have been hurt by clergy.

“In justice we must search for every child of God whose innocence is lost to a horrific predator at any time decades ago or this very day,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

He explained that healing can result through forgiveness, adding, “Let us not only be willing but also ready and eager to ask for forgiveness.”

“Combating the evil of sexual assault in the Church will require all our spiritual and physical resources,” he said. “We must draw near to Christ in our sorrow, in humility and in contrition to better hear his voice and discern his will. It is only after listening that we can carry out the changes needed, the changes the people of God are rightfully demanding.”
                    [post_title] => Vatican Asks Bishops to Delay Vote on Sex Abuse Response Proposals
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Knestout will participate in the annual LARCUM Conference, which brings together people from Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Methodist backgrounds in Charlottesville from November 30-December 1. This year’s theme is Praying, Believing, Doing: An Ecumenism of Liturgy and Life.

View the event brochure and schedule of events: https://bit.ly/2B1pyqd

Find more information and register online: http://virginialarcum.org/
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Will Attend 2018 LARCUM Conference
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                    [post_content] => 




October 29, 2018

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 12-14.

The assembly will begin with an address by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre.  The body of bishops will then adjourn to an on-site chapel for a full day of spiritual discernment and prayer.  This will be followed by a Mass celebrated Monday evening at the site of the assembly.

During the assembly the bishops will discuss and vote on a series of concrete measures to respond to the abuse crisis, including those approved for the agenda at the September meeting of the Administrative Committee, such as a third-party reporting mechanism, standards of conduct for bishops, and protocols for bishops resigned or removed because of abuse.  The bishops will also hear reports from the National Advisory Council and National Review Board.

The assembly will also vote on the Pastoral Letter Against Racism and will also hear a report on the 15th Ordinary Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.  The bishops will also vote on the 2019 budget.

The bishops will also vote for a Conference Treasurer-elect, new chairmen of the Committee on Catholic Education, and new chairmen-elect of the following five USCCB committees: Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, Committee on Divine Worship, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, and the Committee on Migration.

There will also be a voice vote on the cause for canonization for Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA.

Public sessions of general assembly discussions and votes as well as portions of the day of spiritual discernment will be available via livestream at:   http://www.usccb.org/live

News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials will be posted to this page: www.usccb.org/meetings as soon as possible.

Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media can use the hashtag #USCCB18 and follow on Twitter (@USCCB) as well as on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usccb) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/usccb).

Media outlets interested in taking the meeting’s satellite feed may request coordinates by email. Live stream and satellite feed is expected to run Monday, 12, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Eastern, Tuesday, November 13, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Eastern and Wednesday, November 14, 11a.m.-6p.m.  The assembly will be live streamed on the Internet and will be available via satellite for broadcasters wishing to air it. The live stream will be available at:  http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/usccb-general-assembly-live-stream.cfm.


###



                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops To Meet Nov. 12-14 in Baltimore; Will Address Abuse Crisis and Action Items; Assembly to be Live Streamed, Live Tweeted, Carried Via Satellite
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-30 08:45:47
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                    [post_content] => October 29, 2018

WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, and Sister Donna Markham OP PhD, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA issued the following statement urging all people of goodwill to speak and act with compassion towards those migrating north and seeking refuge from violence and poverty.

The full statement follows:

“As Catholic agencies assisting poor and vulnerable migrants in the United States and around the world, we are deeply saddened by the violence, injustice, and deteriorating economic conditions forcing many people to flee their homes in Central America. While nations have the right to protect their borders, this right comes with responsibilities: governments must enforce laws proportionately, treat all people humanely, and provide due process.

We affirm that seeking asylum is not a crime. We urge all governments to abide by international law and existing domestic laws that protect those seeking safe haven and ensure that all those who are returned to their home country are protected and repatriated safely.

Furthermore, we strongly advocate for continued U.S. investments to address the underlying causes of violence and lack of opportunity in Central America. Our presence throughout the Americas has convinced us that migration is a regional issue that requires a comprehensive, regional solution. An enforcement-only approach does not address nor solve the larger root causes that cause people to flee their countries in search of protection.

As Christians, we must answer the call to act with compassion towards those in need and to work together to find humane solutions that honor the rule of law and respect the dignity of human life.”
###
                    [post_title] => Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration and Presidents of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA Urge Humane Action Towards Those Seeking Protection
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-26 15:40:55
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                    [post_content] => In anticipation of Election Day on November 6, Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout have issued a statement offering principles and observations to the faithful of their dioceses on exercising the right to vote with a conscience formed through prayer, attentiveness to the Church’s teachings, and understanding issues and candidates’ positions on them.

See their statement in English here and in Spanish here.

The bishops’ statement as well as other voter resources can also be found at www.vacatholic.org.

If you are not a member of the Conference's advocacy network, click here to receive regular Conference email alerts and updates.

In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.

 
                    [post_title] => Bishops Urge Voters to be Citizens Faithful to the Lord
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-24 15:44:18
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release - October 24, 2018

Today, Attorney General Mark Herring publicly announced his office’s investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy in Virginia.  The Diocese of Arlington and the Diocese of Richmond assure the faithful and the public that we are cooperating with the Attorney General’s office. Any instance of child sexual abuse is intolerable and gravely immoral. We hope that this process will bring healing for all victims and confirm our commitment to accountability and justice.

Having met with victims, we know that such abuse is unforgettable and many carry that burden with them throughout their lives. We continue to welcome the opportunity to meet personally with victims, to hear their stories, and to support them in their journey toward healing.

Prior to being contacted by the Attorney General, both dioceses began internal investigative processes using independent investigators tasked with reviewing all diocesan clergy files. We promised to publish a list of all priests and deacons against whom credible and substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made, and we renew that promise. We will continue these efforts and ensure it does not impede the Attorney General’s investigation.

In keeping with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, established in 2002, we report every allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to legal authorities. Each accusation is also brought before a diocesan Review Board, composed mostly of lay people. We thoroughly vet clergy and staff and train them to identify suspicious behavior and report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. Volunteers who interact with children also go through this process.

We encourage anyone aware of misconduct or abuse on the part of clergy or staff of either diocese to notify legal authorities and utilize the hotline established by the Attorney General: http://www.virginiaclergyhotline.com/  In addition, victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Arlington or the Diocese of Richmond are invited to contact the respective diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator who is available to help victims/survivors make a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese, arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative, and to obtain support for the needs of the individual and families.

The diocesan child protection policies are online at:

arlingtondiocese.org/childprotection

https://richmonddiocese.org/child_protection_virtus/

Richmond's Victim Assistance Coordinator
###
 

_________________________________

Declaración conjunta de Monseñor Michael F. Burbidge (Obispo de la Diócesis de Arlington) y de Monseñor Barry C. Knestout (Obispo de la Diócesis de Richmond) en respuesta a la investigación del Fiscal General

Para publicación inmediata
24 de octubre de 2018

Hoy, el Fiscal General Mark Herring anunció públicamente la investigación que realizará su oficina sobre las acusaciones de abuso sexual de menores por miembros del clero en Virginia.  La Diócesis de Arlington y la Diócesis de Richmond les aseguran a los fieles y al público que estamos cooperando con la Fiscalía General. Todo caso de abuso sexual infantil es intolerable y gravemente inmoral. Esperamos que este proceso redunde en la sanación de todas las víctimas y confirme nuestro compromiso con la rendición de cuentas y la justicia.

Tras habernos reunido con las víctimas, sabemos que ese abuso es inolvidable y que muchas de ellas llevan esa carga durante toda la vida.  Seguimos valorando la oportunidad de reunirnos personalmente con las víctimas, oír sus relatos y apoyarlas en su camino hacia la sanación.

Antes de que el Fiscal General se comunicara con nosotros, ambas diócesis habían comenzado los procesos de investigación internamente con especialistas independientes cuya tarea es la de examinar todos los archivos del clero diocesano. Prometimos publicar una lista de todos los sacerdotes y diáconos contra quienes se hubieran hecho acusaciones de abuso sexual de menores documentadas y dignas de credibilidad, y renovamos esa promesa. Seguiremos desplegando estos esfuerzos y les aseguramos que esto no impide la investigación del Fiscal General. De conformidad con el Estatuto para la protección de niños y jóvenes establecido en el año 2002, denunciamos todas las acusaciones de abuso sexual de menores a las autoridades judiciales. Cada acusación se presenta también ante una Junta Diocesana de Examen, formada sobre todo por personas laicas.  Investigamos minuciosamente a los miembros del clero y al personal, los capacitamos para identificar cualquier comportamiento sospechoso y denunciamos toda acusación de abuso sexual de un menor.  Los voluntarios que interactúan con los niños también pasan por este proceso.

Instamos a cualquier persona que tenga conocimiento de una conducta indebida o de un abuso por parte de un miembro del clero o del personal de cualquiera de nuestras diócesis que informe a las autoridades judiciales y utilice la línea directa establecida por el Fiscal General: http://www.virginiaclergyhotline.com/ Además, invitamos a las víctimas del abuso sexual en la Diócesis de Arlington o la Diócesis de Richmond a comunicarse con su respectivo Coordinador Diocesano de Asistencia a las Víctimas, quien está disponible para ayudarles a ellas y a los sobrevivientes a presentar una denuncia formal de abuso ante las diócesis, convocar una reunión personal con el obispo o su representante y obtener apoyo para las necesidades de la persona y de las familias.

Las políticas sobre protección de menores de ambas diócesis pueden consultarse en línea en los siguientes enlaces:

arlingtondiocese.org/childprotection

https://richmonddiocese.org/child_protection_virtus/
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                    [post_content] => 
More than 40 people gathered to pray the rosary with Bishop Barry C. Knestout in front of a Richmond Planned Parenthood clinic, Tuesday, Oct. 23. The vigil was part of 40 Days for Life, a national effort in which participants pray for an end to abortion. According to organizers, this was the first time a bishop of the Diocese of Richmond had joined the group in prayer.
Calling abortion a “scourge” on America, Bishop Knestout encouraged the group to continue praying for an end to abortion and to promote the sanctity of life in how they live their daily lives. He thanked them for the commitment they have made on behalf of the unborn.
There are six 40 Days for Life campaigns in the Diocese of Richmond at this time. In addition to Richmond, campaigns are being held in Charlottesville, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Bristol.
Since 40 Days for Life’s inception in 2007, Richmond has been part of every campaign. Two are done each year; the spring campaign is held at the abortion facility at Grove and the Boulevard and the fall campaign at Planned Parenthood on Hamilton.

 

 
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-23 12:24:41
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                    [post_content] => October 23, 2018

WASHINGTON— At the invitation of Pope Francis, the Bishops of the United States will gather for a spiritual retreat set to take place at Mundelein Seminary in the Archdiocese of Chicago.  The bishops will gather in prayer and unity for seven days, from January 2-8, as brothers in the Episcopacy.

“The Holy Father has kindly offered the preacher to the Papal Household, Reverend Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., to serve as the retreat director as we come together to pray on the intense matters before us.  For this, I am grateful,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  “I am also grateful to Cardinal Blase Cupich for his kind offer to use the campus of Mundelein Seminary as the location for this retreat.”

The announcement comes after Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo met with the Pope earlier this month as part of a regularly scheduled Curia visit. The retreat takes place as the U.S. bishops continue their work to address the current U.S. clergy sex abuse crisis.  In September, the U.S. bishops Administrative Committee http://www.usccb.org/news/2018/18-152.cfm announced an action plan including a third-party reporting mechanism, standards of conduct for bishops, and protocols for bishops resigned or removed because of abuse.
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Will Gather for Seven Days of Prayer and Reflection at Invitation of Pope Francis
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-12 11:50:31
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                    [post_content] => October 12, 2018

“Today, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as archbishop of Washington.

Having assisted Cardinal Wuerl for nearly a decade with the many events of the Archdiocese, including coordinating the Archdiocesan Synod and 75th Anniversary celebration, implementing programs for the New Evangelization, and as co-chair of the committees to coordinate two papal visits, I know him to be a dedicated bishop who is devoted to and fully focused on ministering to the people of God. My experience with him in Washington was as an effective teacher, as one who fostered the unity of the Church, love for the sacraments especially the Eucharist and as one who provided careful oversight for charitable works of the Archdiocese.

As I said on the day of my announcement as Bishop of Richmond: Cardinal Wuerl has taught me the importance of seeking the best from myself and the people around me who serve the mission of the Church, to proclaim the faith, to celebrate the sacraments and to serve in charity. For this, I am profoundly grateful.

I have great love and affection for the Archdiocese of Washington, for the faithful, and for those I’ve worked with and encountered there. I ask everyone to pray for the people of the archdiocese and for Cardinal Wuerl during this time of transition. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide, inspire, and assist our beloved Church during this time.”
###
                    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout’s Statement Regarding Pope Francis Acceptance of Cardinal Wuerl’s Resignation
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-12 08:40:06
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                    [post_content] => October 12, 2018

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Washington.

The resignation was publicized in Washington, DC, October 12, 2018, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Cardinal Wuerl had presented his resignation almost three years ago, when he reached the retirement age for bishops of 75.

In April 2008, Cardinal Wuerl hosted in Washington, Pope Benedict XVI and in September, 2015, Pope Francis for their first pastoral visits to the United States. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to help direct the October 2012 Synod of Bishops on The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. Cardinal Wuerl was also appointed by Pope Francis as a member of both the 2014 and the 2015 Synods on the Family.

The Cardinal was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and received graduate degrees from The Catholic University of America, the Gregorian University in Rome and a doctorate in theology from the University of Saint Thomas in Rome. He was ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II on January 6, 1986, in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. He served as Auxiliary Bishop in Seattle until 1987 and then as Bishop of Pittsburgh for 18 years until his appointment to Washington. His titular church in Rome is Saint Peter in Chains.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl was born November 12, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., earning a bachelor's degree (1962) and master's degree (1963) in philosophy. He continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and earned a master's degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1967, also in Rome.

He was ordained a priest on December 17, 1966.

From 1981 to 1985, he was rector of Saint Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh. On November 30, 1985 he was appointed titular Bishop of Rosemarkie and Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle. Pope John Paul ordained him a bishop on January 6, 1986. On February 12, 1988, he was installed as Bishop of Pittsburgh. He was appointed Archbishop of Washington on May 16, 2006.

He holds honorary degrees from eleven universities and is a Knight of Malta, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus.

Cardinal Wuerl served previously as Chairman of the Doctrine Committee for the USCCB and has served on other various USCCB committees.

The Archdiocese of Washington is comprised of 2,104 square miles and has a total population of 2,867,377 million of which 630,823 or 22 percent, are Catholic.
###
                    [post_title] => Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-08 10:54:35
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                    [post_content] => 7 de octubre de 2018

ROMA— El Cardenal Daniel N. DiNardo, Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston y Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB, por sus siglas en inglés) recibe con agrado el reciente anuncio de la Santa Sede que describe los pasos para garantizar que los fieles estén protegidos contra el mal de la agresión sexual.

El comunicado completo del Cardenal DiNardo es el siguiente:

“En nombre de mis hermanos obispos en los Estados Unidos, recibo con agrado la declaración de este 6 de octubre de la Santa Sede que describe los pasos adicionales que el Papa Francisco está dando para garantizar que los fieles estén protegidos contra el mal de la agresión sexual. La ‘urgente invitación del Santo Padre a unir fuerzas para combatir el grave flagelo de los abusos dentro y fuera de la Iglesia’ ha sido y seguirá siendo diligentemente aceptada por los obispos de los Estados Unidos.

“La verdad va a asegurar que los terribles pecados del pasado no se repitan. La valentía de los sobrevivientes de abusos que dieron a conocer primero la horrible verdad de los abusos sexuales debe continuar siendo igualado por nuestro coraje como pastores para responder con justicia. El Papa Francisco se hace eco del llamado de Cristo para estar con los sobrevivientes en su momento de necesidad. Respondamos simplemente. '¡Sí Señor!'

“Los obispos de los Estados Unidos ofrecemos nuestras oraciones y solidaridad con el Santo Padre. Instamos a todos en la Iglesia, especialmente a los obispos, a reafirmar nuestra comunión con el Papa Francisco, que es el garante visible de la comunión de la Iglesia Católica. Nos unimos en oración y servicio con Su Santidad mientras guía a la Iglesia a encontrarse con nuestros hermanos y hermanas en su sufrimiento. Con el corazón de un pastor, el Santo Padre nos llama a un camino de curación”.
###
                    [post_title] => El Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos recibe con agrado el anuncio de la Santa Sede sobre los pasos adicionales que está dando para que los fieles estén protegidos contra el mal de la agresión sexual
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-08 08:46:22
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                    [post_content] => October 7, 2018

ROME—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), is welcoming the recent announcement by the Holy See outlining steps to ensure the faithful are protected by the evil of sexual assault.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“On behalf of my brother bishops in the United States, I welcome the statement of October 6 from the Holy See which outlines additional steps Pope Francis is taking to ensure the faithful are protected from the evil of sexual assault.  The Holy Father’s ‘pressing invitation to unite forces to fight the grave scourge of abuse within the Church and beyond’ has been and will continue to be diligently accepted by the bishops of the United States.

“The truth will ensure terrible sins of the past are not repeated.  The courage of abuse survivors who first brought the horrific truth of sexual abuse to light must continue to be matched by our courage as pastors to respond in justice.  Pope Francis echoes the call of Christ to be with survivors in their time of need. Let us respond simply. ‘Yes, Lord!’

“The bishops of the United States offer our prayers and solidarity for the Holy Father. We urge all in the Church, particularly the bishops, to reaffirm our communion with Pope Francis who is the visible guarantor of the communion of the Catholic church. We unite in prayer and service with His Holiness as he leads the Church to meet our brothers and sisters in their suffering. With a pastor’s heart, the Holy Father calls us to a path of healing.”
###
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops' Conference Welcomes Steps Holy See is Taking to Ensure Faithful are Protected from the Evil of Sexual Abuse
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                    [post_date] => 2018-10-01 11:02:47
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                    [post_content] => 1 de octubre de 2018

WASHINGTON— El Arzobispo Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Arzobispo de San Antonio y Presidente del Comité para la Diversidad Cultural en la Iglesia de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) emitió un comunicado con motivo de la conclusión del V Encuentro Nacional de la Pastoral Hispana/Latina que se realizó en Grapevine, Texas, del 20 al 23 de septiembre.

El texto completo del comunicado del Arzobispo García-Siller es el siguiente:

Hermanos y Hermanas,

¡Qué maravilloso Quinto Encuentro Nacional de la Pastoral Hispana/Latina el que tuvimos en Grapevine, Texas, del 20 al 23 de septiembre! Para nosotros los Obispos fue al mismo tiempo una experiencia que nos llena de humildad y fue inspirador presenciar y participar en este evento lleno de gracia que culminó un proceso de varios años. Cuatro días de oración, intercambio y aprendizaje revelaron a un pueblo de Dios vivo en el amor de Jesús. El proceso ahora continúa con la misión de llevar a nuestras comunidades y diócesis lo que experimentamos en el V Encuentro Nacional.

Construir “una cultura de encuentro que reviva la esperanza”. Con este llamado, el Papa Francisco dio la bienvenida al V Encuentro a unas 3.200 personas provenientes de más de 160 diócesis y unas 200 organizaciones católicas de todo el país. Después de transmitirse el video con el mensaje del Santo Padre, el Nuncio Apostólico para Estados Unidos, Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, nos invitó a salir de nuestra zona de confort y a convertirnos en fermento de comunión. Nosotros, los delegados al V Encuentro, Obispos y pueblo caminando juntos, agradecidos llevamos este encargo a nuestras comunidades llenos de un espíritu misionero.

El proceso del V Encuentro, y especialmente la reunión nacional, pasará a la historia como un momento especial de gracia para la Iglesia en Estados Unidos en estos tiempos turbulentos y difíciles. Como el Cardenal Daniel DiNardo, Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, acertadamente expresó en sus palabras de bienvenida: "En medio de esta oscuridad, el Encuentro es una luz que brilla e ilumina el camino a seguir. El entusiasmo, la pasión, el amor y la alegría del proceso de Encuentro es un medio de gracia, un regalo para nosotros mientras nos esforzamos por reconstruir la Iglesia”.

Un momento especial del V Encuentro Nacional fue la participación de cientos de jóvenes adultos que nos brindaron esperanza con su entusiasmo y coraje, testimonio de fe y compromiso con la Iglesia. A medida que el proceso de Encuentro continúa, esperamos que se dé la bienvenida a su energía, sus dones y talentos para el servicio de toda la Iglesia.

Esta experiencia en la cima de la montaña de la Providencia de Dios, del amor de Cristo por su Iglesia, nos motiva, y ahora estamos más dispuestos a ser la Iglesia que Cristo quiere que seamos. Miles de católicos han regresado a casa llenos de fe para compartir sus experiencias con aquellos cuyas voces representaban y con todos los que no pudieron asistir. De esta manera, el Espíritu Santo multiplicará las gracias de renovación y conversión.

Estoy agradecido con todos aquellos que hicieron posible este V Encuentro, desde los pastores y coordinadores parroquiales hasta los equipos diocesanos y regionales. Agradezco a todas las organizaciones nacionales y patrocinadores que nos acompañaron y apoyaron hasta aquí. Estoy agradecido con mis hermanos obispos, quienes han acompañado a su pueblo en este proceso a nivel local y en el V Encuentro Nacional. Les pido su continuo apoyo y oraciones ahora que el proceso del V Encuentro entra en una nueva fase de implementación.

Al reunirse las diversas culturas y regiones geográficas, el Cuerpo de Cristo se fortalece con los diferentes dones de sus miembros individuales. En fidelidad a Cristo y en comunión con el Sucesor de Pedro, abierto a los impulsos del Espíritu y bajo la mirada misericordiosa de la Santísima Virgen María, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Madre de las Américas, usemos esa fuerza para compartir la alegría del Evangelio con todos los que necesitan del amor y la misericordia de Dios.
###
                    [post_title] => Delegados al V Encuentro enviados a construir una cultura de encuentro que reviva la esperanza
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                    [post_content] => October 1, 2018

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Archbishop of San Antonio and chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement today following the close of the V National Encuentro that took place September 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas.

Archbishop García-Siller’s full statement follows:

Brothers and Sisters,

What a wonderful Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry we had in Grapevine, Texas, September 20-23! For us bishops it was both humbling and awe-inspiring to witness and participate in this grace-filled event that culminated a process of several years.  Four days of prayer, sharing, listening, and learning revealed a people of God alive in the love of Jesus. The process now continues with the charge to take back to our communities and dioceses what we experienced at the National V Encuentro.

Build “a culture of encounter that rekindles hope.” With this call, Pope Francis welcomed the nearly 3,200 people from more than 160 dioceses and over 200 Catholic organizations from around the country to the V Encuentro. Following the Holy Father’s video message, his Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, invited us to go forth out of our comfort zone and become leaven of communion. We, the delegates to the V Encuentro, bishops and people together, gratefully take this charge back to our communities filled with a missionary spirit.

The V Encuentro process, and specially the national gathering, will go down in history as a special moment of grace for the Church in the United States in these turbulent and difficult times. As Cardenal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops aptly put it in his welcoming remarks: “Amidst this darkness, the Encuentro is a light that shines and illuminates the way forward. The enthusiasm, the passion, the love, and the joy of the Encuentro process is a means of grace, a gift to us as we rebuild the Church.”

A special highlight of the National V Encuentro was the participation of hundreds of young adults who brought us hope with their enthusiasm and courage, witness of faith and commitment to the Church.  As the process of Encuentro continues, may we welcome their energy, their gifts and talents for the service of the entire Church.

This mountaintop experience of God’s Providence, of the love of Christ for his Church, impels us and we are now readier to be the Church Christ wants us to be.  Thousands of faithful have returned home to share their experience with those whose voices they represented and with everyone unable to attend. In this way, the Holy Spirit will multiply the graces of renewal and conversion.

I am grateful to all who made this V Encuentro possible, from the pastors and parish coordinators to the diocesan and regional teams. I am grateful for all the national organizations and sponsors that accompanied and supported us thus far.  And I am grateful to my brother bishops who have accompanied their people in this process locally and at the National V Encuentro. I ask for your continued support and prayers as the process of the V Encuentro enters now a new phase of implementation.

Coming together across cultures and geographic regions, the Body of Christ draws strength from the diverse gifts of its individual members.  In fidelity to Christ and in communion with the successor of Peter, open to the impulses of the Spirit and under the merciful gaze of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas, let us use that strength to share the hope of the Gospel with all who are in need of God’s love and mercy.
###
                    [post_title] => V Encuentro Delegates Charged with Building a Culture of Encounter that Rekindles Hope
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                    [post_content] => September 27, 2018

The Diocese of Richmond has been reorganized into 15 deaneries, effective September 27, 2018. The deaneries were established through a canonical decree by Bishop Knestout which was officially announced on the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul, the Diocese's patron saint. You can read Bishop's announcement letter here.

The Richmond Diocese is divided into three vicariates, and each vicariate will include five deaneries. The new structure replaces the LPAs (Local Planning Areas) that were used as a result of the 2008 Pastoral Planning process and to encourage collaboration among parishes. Every parish, Catholic school, and campus ministry is now assigned to a deanery.

As a result of this change, some parishes have switched vicariates. View the new deanery structure in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond here.

Bishop Knestout has appointed a dean to serve each deanery. The dean, also known as a vicar forane, is a pastor who was nominated by clergy within their respective deanery. The 15 deans selected to serve will assist with annual parish visits within their deaneries, work with pastors, deacons, parish staff and the laity, and help communicate Bishop Knestout’s pastoral messages and concerns.

“I am appreciative of the support and additional responsibilities the deans have assumed and I am thankful for their commitment in assisting me,” said Bishop Knestout. “Given the size of the diocese, this structure, with regular reports from the deans, will assist me and the Episcopal Vicars to assess the local needs of the parishes and keep me informed of the various parish programs and ministries in order to best serve the people of our local Church.”

Bishop Knestout spoke of the deanery structure which he initially discussed in a June letter to the faithful of the Richmond Diocese.

Deans will receive training on a variety of topics in late October to assist them in their new role. The appointments of deans are effective Nov. 1, 2018.

“I look forward to working with the new deans and know their experience and insights will be a great value to me in the pastoral care and governance of the diocese,” said Bishop Knestout.

Richmond’s Deaneries

The following pastors were named deans:

(These appointments have been updated, effective Dec. 14, 2018.)

Deanery 1 – Very Rev. Joseph H. Metzger, III, V.F., pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Norfolk

Parishes: Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Norfolk), Blessed Sacrament (Norfolk), Christ the King (Norfolk), Holy Trinity (Norfolk), Sacred Heart (Norfolk), Saint Andrew the Apostle (Chincoteague), Saint Charles (Cape Charles), Saint Matthew (Virginia Beach), Saint Peter the Apostle (Onley), Saint Pius X (Norfolk

 

Deanery 2 – Very Rev. Daniel J. Malingumu, V.F., pastor of Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach

Parishes: Anglican/Roman Catholic Community of Holy Apostles (Virginia Beach), Church of the Ascension (Virginia Beach), Church of the Holy Family (Virginia Beach), Church of the Holy Spirit (Virginia Beach), Saint Gregory the Great (Virginia Beach), Saint John the Apostle (Virginia Beach), Saint Luke (Virginia Beach), Saint Nicholas (Virginia Beach), Star of the Sea (Virginia Beach)

 

Deanery 3 – Very Rev. Romeo D. Jazmin, V.F., pastor of Prince of Peace in Chesapeake

Parishes: Church of Saint Therese (Chesapeake), Church of the Good Shepherd (Smithfield), Church of the Holy Angels (Portsmouth), Church of the Resurrection (Portsmouth), Prince of Peace (Chesapeake), Saint Benedict (Chesapeake), Saint Jude (Franklin), Saint Mark (Virginia Beach), Saint Mary (Chesapeake), Saint Mary of the Presentation (Suffolk), Saint Paul (Portsmouth), Saint Stephen Martyr (Chesapeake), Shrine of the Infant of Prague (Wakefield)

 

Deanery 4 – Very Rev. John David Ramsey, V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newport News

Parishes: Immaculate Conception (Hampton), Our Lady of Lavang – Vietnam (Norfolk), Our Lady of Lavang – Vietnam (Hampton), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Newport News), Saint Jerome (Newport News), Saint Joseph (Hampton), Saint Kateri (Tabb), Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Fort Monroe), Saint Rose of Lima & Korean Martyrs (Hampton), Saint Vincent de Paul (Newport News

 

Deanery 5 – Very Rev. Gerald S. Kaggwa, V.F., pastor of Church of Francis de Sales in Mathews and Church of the Visitation in Topping

Parishes: Church of Francis de Sales (Mathews), Church of Saint Therese (Gloucester), Church of the Visitation (Middlesex), Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (West Point), Saint Bede (Williamsburg), Saint Joan of Arc (Yorktown), Saint Olaf (Norge)

 

Deanery 6 – Very Rev. Monsignor Patrick D. Golden, V.F., rector of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond

Parishes: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond), Church of the Redeemer (Mechanicsville), Holy Rosary (Richmond), Saint Elizabeth (Richmond), Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (Quinton), Saint John (Highland Springs), Saint Patrick (Richmond), Saint Paul (Richmond), Saint Peter (Richmond), Saint Timothy (Tappahannock)

 

Deanery 7 – Very Rev. James J. Begley, Jr., V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Richmond

Parishes: Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs (Richmond), Our Lady of Lourdes (Richmond), Saint Ann (Ashland), Saint Benedict (Richmond), Saint Bridget (Richmond), Saint Mary (Richmond), Saint Mary of the Annunciation (Ladysmith), Saint Michael (Glen Allen)

 

Deanery 8 – Very Rev. John C. Kazibwe, V.F., pastor of Church of the Epiphany in Richmond

Parishes: Church of the Epiphany (Richmond), Good Samaritan (Amelia), Sacred Heart (Richmond), Saint Edward the Confessor (Richmond), Saint Gabriel (Chesterfield), Saint John Neumann (Powhatan), Saint Joseph (Richmond), Saint Kim Taegon (Richmond)

 

Deanery 9 – Very Rev. Daniel A. Cogut, V.F., pastor of Saint Ann in Colonial Heights

Parishes: Church of the Sacred Heart (Prince George), Good Shepherd  (South Hill), Saint Ann (Colonial Heights), Saint Augustine (Richmond), Saint Catherine of Siena (Clarksville), Saint James (Hopewell), Saint John (Dinwiddie), Saint Joseph (Petersburg), Saint Paschal Baylon (South Boston), Saint Peter the Apostle (Lake Gaston), Saint Richard (Emporia)

 

Deanery 10 – Very Rev. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi, V.F., pastor of Holy Comforter in Charlottesville and Crozet Catholic Community in Crozet

Parishes: Crozet Catholic Community Mission (Crozet), Holy Comforter (Charlottesville), Immaculate Conception (Buckner), Incarnation (Charlottesville), Saint Francis of Assisi (Amherst), Saint George (Scottsville), Saint Joseph's Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel  (Columbia), Saint Jude (Mineral), Saint Mary (Lovingston), Saint Thomas Aquinas (Charlottesville), Saints Peter & Paul (Palmyra)

Deanery 11 – Very Rev. Silvio Kaberia, V.F., pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Harrisonburg

Parishes: Blessed Sacrament (Harrisonburg), Holy Infant (Elkton), Saint Francis of Assisi (Staunton), Saint John the Evangelist (Waynesboro), Shepherd of the Hills (Quinque)

 

Deanery 12 – Very Rev. Kenneth J. Shuping, V.F., pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Salem and Saint Gerard in Roanoke

Parishes: Church of the Transfiguration (Fincastle), Our Lady of Nazareth (Roanoke), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Salem), Sacred Heart (Covington), Saint Andrew (Roanoke), Saint Gerard (Roanoke), Saint John the Evangelist (New Castle), Saint Joseph (Clifton Forge), Saint Patrick (Lexington), Shrine of the Sacred Heart (Hot Springs)

 

Deanery 13 – Very Rev. Anthony O. Senyah, V.F., pastor of Holy Spirit in Christiansburg and Holy Family in Pearisburg

Parishes: All Saints (Floyd), Holy Family (Pearisburg), Holy Spirit (Christiansburg), Risen Lord (Stuart), Saint Edward Mission  (Pulaski), Saint Joseph (Woodlawn), Saint Jude (Radford), Saint Mary (Blacksburg), Saint Mary the Mother of God  (Wytheville)

 

Deanery 14 – Very Rev. Francis Xavier Musolooza, V.F., pastor of Christ the King in Abingdon and Saint John in Marion

Parishes: Christ the King (Abingdon), Good Shepherd (Lebanon), Holy Spirit Catholic Community  (Jonesville), Sacred Heart (Big Stone Gap), Saint Anne (Bristol), Saint Anthony (Norton), Saint Bernard (Gate City), Saint John (Marion), Saint Joseph (Clintwood), Saint Mary (Coeburn), Saint Patrick (Dungannon), Saint Therese (Saint Paul), The Church of Saint Elizabeth of Holy Family Parish (Pocahontas), The Church of Saint Joseph of Holy Family Parish (Grundy), The Church of Saint Mary of Holy Family Parish  (Richlands), The Church of Saint Theresa of Holy Family Parish  (Tazewell)

Deanery 15 – Very Rev. Salvador Anonuevo, V.F., pastor of Holy Name of Mary in Bedford and Resurrection in Moneta

Parishes: Holy Cross (Lynchburg), Holy Name of Mary (Bedford), Immaculate Heart of Mary (Blackstone), Our Lady of Peace (Appomattox), Resurrection (Moneta), Sacred Heart (Meherrin), Sacred Heart  (Danville), Saint Francis of Assisi (Rocky Mount), Saint Joseph (Martinsville), Saint Theresa (Farmville), Saint Thomas More (Lynchburg), Saint Victoria (Hurt)
                    [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Reorganized as Deaneries; Replace LPAs
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                    [post_content] => 

September 23, 2018  



WASHINGTON--On September 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that dramatically alters certain longstanding government policies related to legal immigrants’ access to essential safety net programs.  



Bishop Joe Vasquez, Chair of the Committee on Migration and Bishop of Austin, Texas, together with Bishop Frank Dewane, Chair of Committee on Domestic and Social Development and Bishop of Venice, Florida stated:  



“Yesterday’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking undercuts decades of administrative policies and guidelines on how immigrants are treated by the United States government. This further compounds strict eligibility guidelines already in place preventing many immigrants from receiving federal aid. While just beginning to review the Proposed Rule, upon initial analysis, it appears that this will be very harmful to families, raising fear among immigrant families already struggling to fulfill the American Dream. Further, it is likely to prevent families from accessing important medical and social services vital to public health and welfare.” 



# # #  


                    [post_title] => Statement in Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Immigrants and Public Benefits
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                    [post_date] => 2018-09-19 15:48:31
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-19 19:48:31
                    [post_content] => September 19, 2018

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.”

Turning to the Lord

“When each of us was ordained as a bishop, we were told:

‘Keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you to shepherd the Church of God.’

We, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, assembled last week in Washington at this time of shame and sorrow.  Some bishops, by their actions or their failures to act, have caused great harm to both individuals and the Church as a whole. They have used their authority and power to manipulate and sexually abuse others. They have allowed the fear of scandal to replace genuine concern and care for those who have been victimized by abusers.  For this, we again ask forgiveness from both the Lord and those who have been harmed. Turning to the Lord for strength, we must and will do better.

The Administrative Committee took the following actions within its authority:

1. Approved the establishment of a third-party reporting system that will receive confidentially, by phone and online, complaints of sexual abuse of minors by a bishop and sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with adults by a bishop and will direct those complaints to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority and, as required by applicable law, to civil authorities.

2. Instructed the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance to develop proposals for policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of sexual abuse of minors or sexual harassment of or misconduct with adults, including seminarians and priests.

3. Initiated the process of developing a Code of Conduct for bishops regarding the sexual abuse of a minor; sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with an adult; or negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases.

4. Supported a full investigation into the situation surrounding Archbishop McCarrick, including his alleged assaults on minors, priests, and seminarians, as well any responses made to those allegations.  Such an investigation should rely upon lay experts in relevant fields, such as law enforcement and social services.

This is only a beginning.  Consultation with a broad range of concerned parents, experts, and other laity along with clergy and religious will yield additional, specific measures to be taken to repair the scandal and restore justice. We humbly welcome and are grateful for the assistance of the whole people of God in holding us accountable.

As these initiatives get underway, the Administrative Committee invites each of our brother bishops to join us in acts of prayer and penance.  This is a time of deep examination of conscience for each bishop. We cannot content ourselves that our response to sexual assault within the Church has been sufficient.  Scripture must be our guide forward, “be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

In all of this, we do not want anyone – ourselves included – to lose sight of those who have suffered from those who have acted or failed to act as the Gospel demanded. For survivors of sexual abuse, these days may re-open deep wounds. Support is available from the Church and within the community.  Victims Assistance Coordinators are available in every diocese to help you find resources. We are grateful to hundreds of dedicated people who, since the adoption of the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, have been working with the Church to support survivors and prevent future abuse.

To anyone who has been abused, never hesitate to also contact local law enforcement.  If you don’t feel comfortable for any reason with the Church providing help, your diocese can connect you with appropriate community services. With compassion and without judgement, the bishops of the United States pledge to heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.

Acting in communion with the Holy Father, with whom we once again renew our love, obedience, and loyalty, we make our own the prayer of Pope Francis in his August 20 letter to the people of God, “May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace of conversion and the interior anointing needed to express before these crimes of abuse our compunction and our resolve courageously to combat them.”
###
                    [post_title] => U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee Statement on Sex Abuse Scandals: Committee Releases Actions to be Taken
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                    [post_date] => 2018-09-17 20:27:34
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-18 00:27:34
                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: September 17, 2018

Diocese of Richmond Notifies Civil Authorities of Decades Old Sexual Abuse Allegation Involving Former Priest

The Diocese of Richmond was made aware of an allegation of sexual abuse through the attorney of the victim. According to the adult male’s account, when he was a minor in the 1970s, then Rev. John P. Blankenship sexually abused him. At that time, Blankenship was pastor at St. John’s Catholic Church in Highland Springs.

The Diocese notified the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney of the allegation and will cooperate fully with the civil authorities should an investigation proceed.

Blankenship was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Richmond in 1963. He was removed from active priestly ministry in 2002 and dismissed from the priesthood in 2007. Blankenship was previously prosecuted on other charges which is public record. He does not receive any financial assistance from the diocese.

Prior to his dismissal from the priesthood, Blankenship served as a transitional deacon of Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke; associate pastor of Sacred Heart in Winchester; associate pastor of St. Agnes in Arlington; associate pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe; associate pastor of St. Mary in Richmond; pastor of St. John in Highland Springs; pastor of Sacred Heart in Prince George Co; and as the chaplain for the Federal Corrections Facility in Petersburg before he was removed from ministry.

The Diocese of Richmond is committed to ensuring that a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable individuals is provided within all diocesan institutions and ministries.

If clergy or church personnel are suspected of committing abuse, please call the civil authorities in your area first and then call the confidential Diocese of Richmond Victim’s Assistance Reporting Line at 1-877-887-9603.
###
                    [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Notifies Civil Authorities of Decades Old Sexual Abuse Allegation Involving Former Priest
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                    [post_date] => 2018-09-14 14:16:00
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                    [post_content] => 

Many of us know the benefits of a Catholic education. But did you know that there is actually research behind the integral role that
Catholic schools play in urban communities like Richmond?

Join Dr. Eugene Trani, President Emeritus of VCU, and guest speakers Mrs. Wanda Wallin, Principal of All Saints Catholic School and Mr. Joseph Whitmore, Principal of Saint Joseph Catholic School, for this important discussion. The event is free and open to the public, hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 18th
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Cabell Library Lecture Hall, Room 303
901 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA

 
                    [post_title] => The Importance of Our Urban Catholic Schools: Free Event at VCU
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                    [post_date] => 2018-09-12 16:04:32
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                    [post_content] => September 14, 2018

The National Hurricane Center says that the path of Hurricane Florence has shifted and will make landfall farther south into the Carolinas.

The Diocese of Richmond will hold both weekend events at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond:
The Mass of Atonement, Friday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., and the Ordination of Permanent Deacons, Sat. Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m.

The Mass of Atonement will be streamed live from the Cathedral, and you can view the Mass on the Diocese webpage, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Visit www.richmonddiocese.org to find the links.

The Ordination of Permanent Deacons will not be livestreamed; however, coverage of the Mass will be provided in The Catholic Virginian.

Hazardous conditions are still possible in Virginia. Due to the size of the storm, you are urged to check with your local and state emergency management websites  for further updates on conditions in Virginia. Please also monitor the Virginia Department of Transportation for the latest information on road and travel conditions.

Additionally, Bishop Knestout is planning regional Mass of Atonement services in the coming weeks around the Commonwealth. More information will be provided at a later time and posted on the diocese webpage.

We continue to keep all who are in the path of Hurricane Florence in our prayers.
                    [post_title] => Weather Update: Mass of Atonement and Ordination of Permanent Deacons
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                    [post_date] => 2018-09-07 13:37:21
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                    [post_content] => Statement Regarding Diocese of Harrisburg’s List of Clergy and Seminarians Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child

Information published by the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., in early August 2018, regarding clergy and seminarians of that diocese who were part of the allegations of sexual abuse of children identified within the release of that report a Fr. John Bostwick III, as a priest of the Diocese of Richmond who’d served in Harrisburg.

John Bostwick III was removed from active priestly ministry in the Diocese of Richmond in 1996. Since that date, he is not permitted to serve as a priest.

The Diocese of Richmond is concerned for all victims of abuse and their families and encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of clergy or an employee to notify the civil authorities as well as the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) at 1-877-887-9603 or by email at vac@richmonddiocese.org

 
                    [post_title] => Statement Regarding Diocese of Harrisburg’s List of Clergy and Seminarians Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child
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                    [post_date] => 2018-08-28 12:57:30
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-28 16:57:30
                    [post_content] => August 28, 2018

WASHINGTON—The National Review Board (NRB) has issued the following in response to the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report and recent allegations against Archbishop McCarrick. In the statement, the NRB calls for a lay-lead investigation into all allegations of sexual misconduct within the Church as well as strengthening the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Established in 2002, the purpose of the National Review Board is to work collaboratively with the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People in preventing the sexual abuse of minors in the United States by persons in the service of the Church.

The full National Review Board statement follows:

"While the policies and procedures that have been implemented by the Church since 2002 to address the sexual abuse of minors by the clergy have resulted in a significant decrease of such abuse, the revelations of horrific incidents of abuse in the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, along with the abuse perpetrated by Archbishop McCarrick point to a systemic problem within the Church that can no longer be ignored or tolerated by the episcopacy in the United States.  The National Review Board has for several years expressed its concern that bishops not become complacent in their response to sexual abuse by the clergy. The recent revelations make it clear that the problem is much deeper.  We are saddened, angry, and hurt by what we have learned in the past few weeks. The evil of the crimes that have been perpetrated reaching into the highest levels of the hierarchy will not be stemmed simply by the creation of new committees, policies, or procedures. What needs to happen is a genuine change in the Church's culture, specifically among the bishops themselves. This evil has resulted from a loss of moral leadership and an abuse of power that led to a culture of silence that enabled these incidents to occur. Intimidation, fear, and the misuse of authority created an environment that was taken advantage of by clerics, including bishops, causing harm to minors, seminarians, and those most vulnerable.  The culture of silence enabled the abuse to go on virtually unchecked. Trust was betrayed for the victims/survivors of the abuse; the entire Body of Christ was betrayed in turn by these crimes and the failure to act.

"The National Review Board firmly believes, as has been expressed by several bishops in recent days, that the episcopacy needs to be held accountable for these past actions, and in the future, for being complicit, either directly or indirectly, in the sexual abuse of the vulnerable. Holding bishops accountable will require an independent review into the actions of the bishop when an allegation comes to light. The only way to ensure the independence of such a review is to entrust this to the laity, as recently suggested by Cardinal DiNardo. The NRB, composed exclusively of lay members, would be the logical group to be involved in this task. Establishing an anonymous whistleblower policy, as is found in corporations, higher education and other institutions in both the public and private sector, that would be independent of the hierarchy with participation by the laity, perhaps the NRB, who would report allegations to the local bishop, local law enforcement, the nuncio and Rome, needs to be established immediately. Another problem that needs to be addressed is the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter has been helpful in the Church's response to sexual abuse by the clergy.  However, the Charter should be understood as a living document that is in constant need of revision based on what we have learned and experienced over the years, as well as current new realities. The members of the NRB have on numerous occasions pointed out the weaknesses in the Charter given its deliberate ambiguity and its lack of inclusion of bishops. During the most recent revision process of the Charter, many of the recommendations made by the NRB to strengthen the Charter were not incorporated for a variety of reasons. These recommendations need to be re-considered in light of the current situation, as well as the inclusion of bishops in the Charter. The NRB also believes that the statement of Episcopal Commitment is ineffective and needs to be revised into a meaningful, actionable commitment. In particular, the notion of "fraternal correction" must outline concrete steps that will be taken when a bishop is alleged to have committed sexual abuse or has failed to respond immediately and without hesitation when a cleric is accused of sexual abuse. To ensure that bishops undertake their obligation to act decisively when they have knowledge of incidences of sexual abuse committed by the clergy or their brother bishops, there must be substantive formation of newly appointed bishops on their responsibility as moral leaders within the Church, especially in responding to sexual abuse, something which is currently lacking.

"Since its creation in the Charter, the NRB has sought to provide its advice to the bishops to assist them in addressing the sexual abuse of minors. We will continue to work with the bishops, particularly in responding to Cardinal DiNardo's request for the NRB's assistance in the proposed investigation he has called for regarding recent revelations. In the coming weeks, the NRB will consider what recommendations to make to the bishops in light of that request. We recognize that the overwhelming majority of our current bishops have, and continue to, take the sexual abuse of minors seriously and who act accordingly by adhering to the Charter, some even going beyond these basic requirements. However, every time one bishop fails to act, the entire episcopate is tainted. It is time for the laity to assume courageous leadership to help the Church respond and to heal and for the bishops to listen carefully to our recommendations. We need not only to pray for the Church and most especially for the victims/survivors and their families who have been wounded by this terrible scourge, but we must take concrete action to address the systemic problems underlying the problem of sexual abuse in the Church."
                    [post_title] => Statement from the National Review Board
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                    [post_date] => 2018-08-27 15:46:30
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                    [post_content] => August 27, 2018

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of abuse] challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice.’

“On August 1st, I promised that USCCB would exercise the full extent of its authority, and would advocate before those with greater authority, to pursue the many questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick.  On August 16th, I called for an Apostolic Visitation, working in concert with a national lay commission granted independent authority, to seek the truth.  Yesterday, I convened our Executive Committee once again, and it reaffirmed the call for a prompt and thorough examination into how the grave moral failings of a brother bishop could have been tolerated for so long and proven no impediment to his advancement.

“The recent letter of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò brings particular focus and urgency to this examination.  The questions raised deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence. Without those answers, innocent men may be tainted by false accusation and the guilty may be left to repeat sins of the past.

“I am eager for an audience with the Holy Father to earn his support for our plan of action.  That plan includes more detailed proposals to: seek out these answers, make reporting of abuse and misconduct by bishops easier, and improve procedures for resolving complaints against bishops.  Inspired by his recent letter to the people of God, and hismotu proprio of two years ago, As a Loving Mother, I am confident Pope Francis shares our desire for greater effectiveness and transparency in the matter of disciplining bishops. We renew our fraternal affection for the Holy Father in these difficult days.

“To the survivors of abuse and the families who have lost a loved one to abuse, I am sorry.  You are no longer alone.  Since 2002, hundreds of professionally trained staff across the country have been working with the Church to support survivors and prevent future abuse.  Nationwide, the Church has a zero-tolerance policy toward priests and deacons who abuse, safe environment training, background checks for those working around children, victim assistance coordinators, prompt reporting to civil authorities, and lay review boards in dioceses.

“In other ways, we have failed you.  This is especially true for adults being sexually harassed by those in positions of power, and for any abuse or harassment perpetrated by a bishop.  We will do better. The more she is buffeted by storms, the more I am reminded that the Church’s firm foundation is Jesus Christ.  The failures of men cannot diminish the light of the Gospel.  Lord, by the help of your mercy, show us the way to salvation.”

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                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment for Greater Effectiveness and Transparency in Disciplining Bishops
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                    [post_content] => For Immediate Release: August 22, 2018

Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following U.S. Bishops’ Announcement on a Plan to Involve Laity, Experts, and the Vatican to Resolve and Address “Moral Catastrophe”

 On Aug. 16, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, announced a statement detailing initial steps of a plan of action that would involve laity, experts and the Vatican following the recent Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, released Aug. 14, 2018, and the allegations surrounding Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.  In November, the full plan is expected to be presented to all U.S. Bishops when they meet for the general assembly in Baltimore. The following is Bishop Knestout’s statement on the groundwork and proposed goals that have been presented:

 “First, I offer my deepest regret and sorrow to all who have been hurt and affected by abuse at the hands of clergy and who may be reliving the trauma of abuse as a result of the details that have come out last week. I am greatly aware that apologies are not enough.

I join my voice along with many others who are calling for authentic and comprehensive reform in light of the crisis our Church is facing.  Only through action can we make the changes necessary to help our Church.  I fully support the Bishops’ call for a full investigation of questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick.  In addition, I fully support the implementation of steps needed to improve reporting of misconduct and abuse by bishops, and I am also in favor of effective reforms and enhanced procedures to resolve complaints against bishops in a timely, fair and transparent manner.  I remain committed to always ensuring the protection of children within the ministry of the Church of Richmond.

While change is urgently needed, the reforms proposed will occur as a result of a process, and its development will require time.  Be assured I will be involved with other bishops and lay advisers in the refinement of that plan as it is presented and through discussions at our conference meeting in November.

Here at home, I want you to know that I have read all the messages that have come to my office, and I am aware of your revulsion about what has occurred.  I know your patience has worn thin.  Yet, I ask for your patience and that you give me the opportunity to review and assess the Diocese of Richmond’s policies and records, as well as the reporting and response to claims that are brought forward.  Once I have completed the review and assessment, I will act upon what I learn in a straightforward and transparent way.

I respectfully ask you to please keep our Church in your daily prayers – especially victims of abuse.  I also ask you to pray for our priests who serve so nobly and well.  I commend us all to the protection of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.”
# # #
En Español

Declaración del Obispo Barry C. Knestout después del anuncio de los Obispos de los Estados Unidos sobre un plan para involucrar laicos, expertos y el Vaticano a resolver y abordar la "catástrofe moral"

El 16 de agosto, el presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB), el cardenal Daniel N. DiNardo de Galveston-Houston, anunció una declaración detallando los pasos iniciales de un plan de acción que involucrará a laicos, expertos y al Vaticano después del Gran Reporte del Jurado de Pensilvania, publicado el 14 de agosto de 2018, y las acusaciones alrededor del arzobispo Theodore McCarrick. En noviembre, se espera que el plan completo se presente a todos los obispos de los Estados Unidos cuando se reúnan para la asamblea general en Baltimore. Lo siguiente es la declaración del Mons. Knestout sobre las bases y los objetivos propuestas que se han presentado:

"Primero, ofrezco mi más profundo pesar y dolor a todos los que han sido heridos y afectados por el abuso de manos del clero y los que pueden estar reviviendo el trauma del abuso como resultado de los detalles que han salido esta última semana. Soy muy consciente de que las disculpas no son suficientes."

Uno mi voz a muchos otros que piden una reforma auténtica e integral a la luz de la crisis que enfrenta nuestra Iglesia. Solo a través de la acción podemos hacer los cambios necesarios para ayudar a nuestra Iglesia. Apoyo totalmente el llamado de los obispos para una investigación completa de las cuestiones que rodean al arzobispo McCarrick. Además, apoyo totalmente la implementación de los pasos necesarios para mejorar la presentación de informes de mala conducta y abuso por parte de obispos, y también estoy a favor de reformas efectivas y procedimientos mejorados para resolver quejas contra obispos de manera oportuna, justa y transparente. Sigo comprometido de siempre asegurar la protección de los niños dentro del ministerio de la Iglesia de Richmond.

Pese a que urgentemente se necesita un cambio, requerirá un tiempo para que ocurran las reformas propuestas y su desarrollo. Tengan la seguridad de que participaré activamente con los otros obispos y los consejeros laicos en los detalles de ese plan tal como se presenta y por medio de las discusiones en nuestra reunión de la conferencia en noviembre.

Aquí en casa, quiero que sepan que he leído todos los mensajes que han llegado a mi oficina, y estoy consciente del horror que sienten sobre lo que ha ocurrido. Sé que su paciencia se ha agotado. Sin embargo, pido su paciencia y que usted me de la oportunidad de revisar y evaluar las políticas y registros de la Diócesis de Richmond, incluyendo la presentación de informes y la respuesta a los reclamos que se presentan. Una vez que haya completado la revisión y evaluación, actuaré de acuerdo a lo aprendido de una manera directa y transparente.

Respetuosamente, les pido que guarden nuestra Iglesia en sus oraciones diarias, especialmente a las víctimas de abuso. Yo también les pido que oren por nuestros sacerdotes que sirven noblemente. Los encomiendo a todos bajo la protección de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción ."
# # #
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following U.S. Bishops’ Announcement on a Plan to Address “Moral Catastrophe”
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                    [post_content] => August 16, 2018

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a plan that will involve laity, experts, and the Vatican. A more developed plan will be presented to the full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in November.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Two weeks ago, I shared with you my sadness, anger, and shame over the recent revelations concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.  Those sentiments continue and are deepened in light of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report.  We are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that are so evident in the recent report.  Earlier this week, the USCCB Executive Committee met again and established an outline of these necessary changes.

The Executive Committee has established three goals: (1) an investigation into the questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick; (2) an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops; and (3) advocacy for more effective resolution of future complaints.  These goals will be pursued according to three criteria:  proper independence, sufficient authority, and substantial leadership by laity.

We have already begun to develop a concrete plan for accomplishing these goals, relying upon consultation with experts, laity, and clergy, as well as the Vatican.  We will present this plan to the full body of bishops in our November meeting.  In addition, I will travel to Rome to present these goals and criteria to the Holy See, and to urge further concrete steps based on them.

The overarching goal in all of this is stronger protections against predators in the Church and anyone who would conceal them, protections that will hold bishops to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Allow me to briefly elaborate on the goals and criteria that we have identified.

The first goal is a full investigation of questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick.  These answers are necessary to prevent a recurrence, and so help to protect minors, seminarians, and others who are vulnerable in the future.  We will therefore invite the Vatican to conduct an Apostolic Visitation to address these questions, in concert with a group of predominantly lay people identified for their expertise by members of the National Review Board and empowered to act.

The second goal is to make reporting of abuse and misconduct by bishops easier.  Our 2002 “Statement of Episcopal Commitment” does not make clear what avenue victims themselves should follow in reporting abuse or other sexual misconduct by bishops.  We need to update this document.  We also need to develop and widely promote reliable third-party reporting mechanisms.  Such tools already exist in many dioceses and in the public sector and we are already examining specific options.

The third goal is to advocate for better procedures to resolve complaints against bishops.  For example, the canonical procedures that follow a complaint will be studied with an eye toward concrete proposals to make them more prompt, fair, and transparent and to specify what constraints may be imposed on bishops at each stage of that process.

We will pursue these goals according to three criteria.

The first criterion is genuine independence.  Any mechanism for addressing any complaint against a bishop must be free from bias or undue influence by a bishop.  Our structures must preclude bishops from deterring complaints against them, from hampering their investigation, or from skewing their resolution.

The second criterion relates to authority in the Church.  Because only the Pope has authority to discipline or remove bishops, we will assure that our measures will both respect that authority and protect the vulnerable from the abuse of ecclesial power.

Our third criterion is substantial involvement of the laity.  Lay people bring expertise in areas of investigation, law enforcement, psychology, and other relevant disciplines, and their presence reinforces our commitment to the first criterion of independence.

Finally, I apologize and humbly ask your forgiveness for what my brother bishops and I have done and failed to do.  Whatever the details may turn out to be regarding Archbishop McCarrick or the many abuses in Pennsylvania (or anywhere else), we already know that one root cause is the failure of episcopal leadership.  The result was that scores of beloved children of God were abandoned to face an abuse of power alone.  This is a moral catastrophe.  It is also part of this catastrophe that so many faithful priests who are pursuing holiness and serving with integrity are tainted by this failure.

We firmly resolve, with the help of God’s grace, never to repeat it. I have no illusions about the degree to which trust in the bishops has been damaged by these past sins and failures.  It will take work to rebuild that trust.  What I have outlined here is only the beginning; other steps will follow.  I will keep you informed of our progress toward these goals.

Let me ask you to hold us to all of these resolutions.  Let me also ask you to pray for us, that we will take this time to reflect, repent, and recommit ourselves to holiness of life and to conform our lives even more to Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops' Conference Announces Effort That Will Involve Laity, Experts, and the Vatican stating, “Let me ask you to hold us to all of these resolutions,” as U.S. Bishops’ Offer Firm Resolve to Address “Moral Catastrophe”
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                    [post_content] => Bishop Knestout will celebrate nine regional Masses of Atonement with the faithful. The Masses begin at 7:30 P.M. at the locations and times provided below except where otherwise noted. All are welcome.

 	
Christ the King, Abingdon--Thursday, October 4
 	
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem--Friday, October 5
 	
Resurrection, Moneta--Saturday, October 6 **
 	
Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville--Tuesday, October 9
 	
Saint Stephen Martyr, Chesapeake--Thursday, October 11
 	
Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach--Friday, October 12
 	
Saint Francis of Assisi, Staunton--Thursday, October 18
 	
Saint Jerome, Newport News--Tuesday, October 23
 	
Saint Joseph, Petersburg--Wednesday, October 24

**This Mass will start at Noon 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

If you were unable to be with us for the Mass of Atonement on September 14, you can now view the full mass by clicking here: Mass of Atonement Video

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Mass of Atonement
"If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Friday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m., Bishop Knestout will preside at the Mass of Atonement for victims of abuse held on the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross. The celebration of the Mass is the first of several steps Bishop Knestout is taking in response to the present crisis facing the Church.

“Prayer must accompany us through every stage of our actions or responses to the present crisis…” wrote Bishop Knestout in a Pastoral Letter written to the Clergy and Lay Faithful of the Diocese. To read his entire pastoral letter and the the additional steps called for by Bishop, click the link: https://bit.ly/2xb7Y0R

As part of the Mass of Atonement, Bishop will remove the symbols of his office and prostrate himself before the cross and altar during the service. The prostration, similar to the prostration at the Good Friday liturgy, signifies contrition, humility, reverence, deep anguish for the suffering Christ, and too, the grief and sorrow of the Church. For more on the Mass, please click on the worship booklet below.

If you are unable to join us for The Mass of Atonement at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, you can watch the Mass while it's live streamed here and on our YouTube Channel.

 

                      

Worship Aid                                      A Prayer for Healing for Victims of Abuse

_______________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: August 15, 2018

I am profoundly aware of the hurt and anger the Catholic faithful and the community at large are feeling in light of the recent report of abuse by Church leadership and now with the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report on abuse in the Church. Those revelations further erode trust in Church leaders and in the Church as a whole. I am praying for all who have been abused.

Our Church — especially its bishops — must continually seek forgiveness for our failures from those who have suffered as a result of those failures.

To open ourselves to the grace we need to overcome this scourge upon our Church, we must prayerfully seek healing and reconciliation with all who have been hurt. As a step in this process, I am inviting the faithful to come and pray with me for all victims of abuse at a Mass of Atonement, Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond.

We will pray for all victims of abuse, express sorrow for the failure of Church leaders, seek forgiveness for our sins, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the ongoing healing of the People of God.

During the seven months I have been bishop, I have asked for a review of the process and procedures currently in place for reporting and responding to all abuse. I am encouraged by the work of our Diocesan Review Board, a committee of lay and clergy members who have assisted our diocese for the last 16 years, in assessing accusations of child abuse and the suitability for ministry of the accused.

I am firmly committed, as Bishop of the Richmond Diocese, to addressing accusations of abuse quickly and transparently. Be assured, we will continue to make protection of the most vulnerable a priority in our parishes, schools and throughout our diocese.
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                    [post_content] => A year following the violence that took place in Charlottesville as a result of protests and counter-protests, the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout offers the following statement:

"As we draw closer to the weekend and the one-year mark of Aug. 12th which will once again draw national and local attention, I pray that it will not be approached with provocative rhetoric but provide an opportunity for prayer and dialogue about racism, and the action needed to overcome it.”

“Racism is a sin. As the U.S. Bishops wrote in 1979 – ‘a sin that divides the human family.’ Prayer -- individually and as a faith community -- is a start in addressing racism and to help heal from the effects of racism, but it cannot be an occasional act and it shouldn’t be confined to one day.”

“It is my sincere hope that all remain safe in these coming days and throughout the weekend, and may the Holy Spirit be a source of strength and comfort for the families and friends who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one.”

“I pray that during this time when we are challenged by divisions that we commit to praying, listening, learning, thinking and working for peace, justice and an end to racism."

“I ask all the faithful of the diocese to join me in asking for the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, to pray with me for unity and peace in our communities.”
                                                                                   ###
You can read more of Bishop Knestout’s reflections in his “Christ Our Hope” column.
En Español:

Declaración de Su Excmo. y Rvdmo. Sr. Barry C Knestout sobre Charlottesville: Un año más tarde

Un año después de la violencia en Charlottesville debido a las protestas y contra-protestas Mons. Knestout ofrece lo siguiente:

“A medida que se acerca el fin de semana y el primer aniversario del 12 de agosto que nos llamará atención local y nacional, ruego que este día no sea una ocasión de retórica provocativa sino una oportunidad para oración y dialogo sobre racismo y la acción necesaria para superarlo.”

“El Racismo es un pecado. Como dijeron los obispos de EE. UU. en 1979, ‘es un pecado de divide la familia humana’. La oración – por individuos y por la comunidad de fe- es un comienzo en tratar el problema de racismo, pero no debería ser algo ocasional o solamente un día particular.”

“Es mi sincero deseo que todos se quedan seguros en estos días y por todo el fin de semana, y que el Espíritu Santo sea una fuente de fortaleza y consuelo para todas las familias y todos los amigos que lloren la perdida de sus seres queridos.”

“Ruego que, en este tiempo en que nos sentimos interpelados por la división, nos comprometamos a orar, escuchar, aprender, pensar, y luchar por la paz, la justica, y el fin de racismo.”

“Pido a todos los fieles de la Diócesis de Richmond que se unan conmigo y por la intercesión de Nuestra Sra. de la inmaculada Concepción, Patrona de los Estados Unidos, que oremos por la unidad y la paz en nuestras comunidades.”
 ###
 
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement on Charlottesville: A Year Later
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                    [post_content] => August 2, 2018

WASHINGTON—Following the publication of the revised section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the death penalty, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, welcomed the change and echoed the call to end the death penalty in the United States.

The full statement follows:

"Today, we welcome the Holy Father’s decision to revise the Catechism and its explanation of the Church’s teaching on the death penalty.  All human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and the dignity bestowed on them by the Creator cannot be extinguished, even by grave sin, such that all persons, from conception until natural death possess inalienable dignity and value that points to their origin as sons and daughters of God.  The new section in the Catechism is consistent with the statements of Pope Francis’ teaching on the death penalty, including his 2015 address to the U.S. Congress, as well as the statements of his predecessors.  Pope Benedict the XVI urged ‘the attention of society’s leaders to the need to make every effort to eliminate the death penalty,’ and Pope St. John Paul II observed that ‘Not even a murderer loses his personal dignity, and God himself pledges to guarantee this.”

“For decades, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for the end of the death penalty in the United States.  As the revised Catechism states, “more effective systems of detention…which ensure the due protection of citizens: exist, ones that also maintain the human dignity of all.  It is our hope that today’s announcement will bring new attention to this critical issue, and speed along the end of this practice, which, as Pope Francis has said, in the light of the Gospel, is ‘inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.’”
                    [post_title] => Domestic Justice Chairman Welcomes Change in Catechism Calling for Abolition of the Death Penalty
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                    [post_content] => August 1, 2018

 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement noting the steps the U.S. Bishops Conference will take in addressing the failures of the Church in protecting the people of God.

Cardinal DiNardo's full statement follows:

“The accusations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick reveal a grievous moral failure within the Church. They cause bishops anger, sadness, and shame; I know they do in me. They compel bishops to ask, as I do, what more could have been done to protect the People of God.  Both the abuses themselves, and the fact that they have remained undisclosed for decades, have caused great harm to people’s lives and represent grave moral failures of judgement on the part of Church leaders.

These failures raise serious questions. Why weren’t these allegations of sins against chastity and human dignity disclosed when they were first brought to Church officials? Why wasn’t this egregious situation addressed decades sooner and with justice? What must our seminaries do to protect the freedom to discern a priestly vocation without being subject to misuse of power?

Archbishop McCarrick will rightly face the judgement of a canonical process at the Holy See regarding the allegations against him, but there are also steps we should be taking as the Church here in the United States. Having prayed about this, I have convened the USCCB Executive Committee.  This meeting was the first of many among bishops that will extend into our Administrative Committee meeting in September and our General Assembly in November. All of these discussions will be oriented toward discerning the right course of action for the USCCB. This work will take some time but allow me to stress these four points immediately.

First, I encourage my brother bishops as they stand ready in our local dioceses to respond with compassion and justice to anyone who has been sexually abused or harassed by anyone in the Church.  We should do whatever we can to accompany them.

Second, I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment by anyone in the Church to come forward.  Where the incident may rise to the level of a crime, please also contact local law enforcement.

Third, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will pursue the many questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick’s conduct to the full extent of its authority; and where that authority finds its limits, the Conference will advocate with those who do have the authority.  One way or the other, we are determined to find the truth in this matter.

Finally, we bishops recognize that a spiritual conversion is needed as we seek to restore the right relationship among us and with the Lord. Our Church is suffering from a crisis of sexual morality. The way forward must involve learning from past sins.

Let us pray for God’s wisdom and strength for renewal as we follow St. Paul’s instruction: ‘Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect’ (Romans 12:2).”
                    [post_title] => President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement on Course of Action Responding to Moral Failures of Judgement on the Part of Church Leaders
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-30 08:49:54
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                    [post_content] => 
                    [post_title] => Letter to the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-28 10:49:32
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                    [post_content] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement on Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Resignation from College of Cardinals

July 28, 2018

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon Pope Francis’s acceptance of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s resignation from the College of Cardinals. Pope Francis has also imposed on Cardinal McCarrick, suspension ad divinis and has directed him to observe a life of prayer and penance in seclusion until the completion of the canonical process.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“I thank the Holy Father for his leadership in taking this important step. It reflects the priority the Holy Father places on the need for protection and care for all our people and the way failures in this area affect the life of the Church in the United States.”
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement on Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Resignation from College of Cardinals
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-28 10:44:04
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                    [post_content] => Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick from College of Cardinals 

July 28, 2018

 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, from the College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis has also imposed on Cardinal McCarrick suspension ad divinis and directs him to observe a life of prayer and penance in seclusion until the completion of the canonical process.

The statement of this resignation and these stipulations was publicized in Rome on July 28, 2018.
                    [post_title] => Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick from College of Cardinals
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-25 09:52:47
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                    [post_content] => July 25, 2018

WASHINGTON— In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s papal encyclical, Humanae Vitae, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement. Originally published in 1968, Blessed Paul VI's letter promotes the whole human person in the context of marital love that respects both the spiritual and physical dimensions of man and woman, which is faithful, generous, and life-giving.

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:

“Fifty years ago, today, Blessed Paul VI issued the Encyclical Humanae Vitae. In it, he reaffirmed the beautiful truth that a husband and wife are called to give themselves completely to each other. Marriage reflects the love of God, which is faithful, generous, and life-giving. Through their vocation, spouses cooperate with God by being open to new human life.

Blessed Paul VI, who bore the criticism of Humanae Vitae with charity and patience, courageously affirmed that when we love as God designed, we experience true freedom and joy. He has also been proven correct in his warnings about the consequences of ignoring the true meaning of married love.

On this anniversary, I encourage all to read and prayerfully reflect upon this Encyclical, and be open to the gift of its timeless truths.

We wait in joyful anticipation for the canonization of Paul VI in October.”

For more information and resources on Humanae Vitae, please visit www.usccb.org/HV50.
                    [post_title] => President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-20 15:46:16
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-20 19:46:16
                    [post_content] => July 19, 2018

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement today inviting all people of good will to join in a prayer campaign that the change in the U.S. Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.

Cardinal Dolan’s full statement follows:

“As soon as Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, pro-abortion groups began lobbying the U.S. Senate to reject any nominee who does not promise to endorse Roe v. Wade. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops does not support or oppose the confirmation of any presidential nominee, we can and should raise grave concerns about a confirmation process which is being grossly distorted by efforts to subject judicial nominees to a litmus test of support for Roe v. Wade. And we must pray.

Each Friday, from August 3 - September 28, 2018, I urge all people of good will to join me in prayer that this change in the U.S. Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life. The USCCB Call to Prayer network will share prayers and educational resources and an invitation to fast on Fridays for this intention.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for the healing of our nation and our people from decades of abortion on demand.”

Call to Prayer materials will be accessible at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/take-action-now/call-to-prayer/legal-protection-of-human-life.cfm. Those wishing to join this nine-week prayer effort can sign up at www.usccb.org/pray to participate in this and subsequent Call to Prayer initiatives via email or text message.
                    [post_title] => Chairman of U.S. Bishops' Conference Committee on Pro-Life Activities Calls for National Prayer Effort that Every Human Being is Protected in Law and Welcomed in Life
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                    [post_date] => 2018-07-18 10:22:55
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                    [post_content] => 




July 17, 2018





WASHINGTON— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Africa has approved 54 grants totaling $1.4 million in funding to support dioceses and pastoral projects across the African continent.

Projects slated to receive funding through the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa include the following:

●  In Lesotho, Radio Maria offers Christian educational programs designed to enrich the faith and improve the lives of its listeners. This grant will help Radio Maria to install three new transmitting stations, which will allow their programs to reach the entire Lesotho population.

●  In Ghana, the Diocese of Wa's newly established Child Protection Office seeks to create a new culture where safeguarding children is the responsibility of all. This grant will support the diocese to organize training for the Diocesan and School Child Protection Teams, clergy, religious and pastoral agents. The workshops will convey information and create sensitivity on protection of children and vulnerable adults, promote creation of safe environments for children, offer skill development, and help the diocese develop policies, as well as liaise with government and civil society on child protection.

●  In Rwanda, the Episcopal Conference continues to promote reconciliation and peace education following the genocide. This grant will allow the Conference to translate conflict prevention materials into the local language of Kinyarwanda to be used within Catholic schools across the country.

"Through the generous support of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, the Catholics of the United States show that we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Africa and recognize their courageous commitment to peace, justice, reconciliation, and Christian hope throughout the continent," said Cardinal Joseph Tobin, CSsR, of Newark, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa.

Additional areas of funding include seminarian and religious formation, evangelization, family ministries, and lay leadership training.

The Subcommittee on the Church in Africa oversees the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa as part of the USCCB Committee on National Collections. It allocates revenue received from the Solidarity Fund, which is a voluntary collection, as pastoral grants to episcopal conferences and their regional associations in Africa. To learn more about the work of the Subcommittee visit www.usccb.org/africa.









                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops Approved $1.4 million in Funding for Church in Africa
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-29 11:44:10
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                    [post_content] => (Richmond, VA)  Bishop Barry C. Knestout issued the following statement June 29 regarding the shooting in Annapolis, Maryland.
“We in the Diocese of Richmond are united in our prayer for the victims of the shooting in Annapolis, Maryland, on Thursday. We ask our Lord to comfort and give consolation to their families and friends who have lost so much. As Catholics and Christians, we are deeply concerned and pray for an end to violence in our communities.”
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry Knestout's Statement regarding shooting in Annapolis, Maryland
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-22 10:02:09
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                    [post_content] => (Richmond, VA)  Bishop Barry C. Knestout issued the following statement June 22 regarding the reports of abuse at Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton.

“We are greatly concerned about reports of abuse of undocumented immigrant teens that may have occurred at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center in Staunton.

“We support Gov. Ralph Northam and Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner in their call for an investigation into the abuse six Latino teens have said, in sworn statements, they endured at the facility between 2015 and 2018.

“If the accusations that the teens were stripped, handcuffed, beaten and left in cold cells are true, those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“Furthermore, the situation is another indication that we are in desperate need of immigration reform — especially our care for and treatment of undocumented immigrants. There is no excuse for inhumane treatment of anyone who comes to our country.

“We reiterate the teaching of the Catholic Church: Every person has basic human rights and is entitled to have basic human needs met — food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. The policies of our government should ensure those rights are respected and those needs are met.”
                    [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout's Statement regarding reports of abuse at juvenile center
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-20 17:06:03
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                    [post_content] => His Excellency, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, has appointed Reverend Michael G. Boehling, a priest of the Diocese of Richmond, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia effective July 1, 2018. Father Boehling will also continue as Vicar for Vocations.

The son of the late Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Beverley Boehling, Father Boehling and his twin brother were born on August 19, 1969.  Along with their five older siblings, they were raised in Roanoke, Virginia, and attended Our Lady of Nazareth parish.

Father Boehling graduated from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke and entered Hampden-Sydney College near Farmville. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and subsequently worked in sales management for Lucent Technologies for nine years prior to entering priestly formation for the Diocese of Richmond.

In the Fall of 2000, Father Boehling entered seminary at Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  He was ordained a Transitional Deacon at Our Lady of Nazareth parish in May 2005.  Upon completion of his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree in 2006, Father Boehling was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo on June 10, 2006, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

Since ordination, Father Boehling has served as Parochial Vicar (2006-2007) and as Pastor (2007-2010) of the Cluster Parishes of Portsmouth and Chesapeake: Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth; Church of the Resurrection, Portsmouth; Saint Mary, Chesapeake; and Saint Paul, Portsmouth.  On July 1, 2010, he was appointed Vicar for Vocations.  Additionally, on July 1, 2011, he was appointed Vicar for Pastoral Services.  Father Boehling has served on various committees and diocesan advisory bodies including Bishop’s Administrative Advisory Council, Diocesan Priests Council, and the Priest Personnel Board.  In January 2018, Bishop Knestout assigned Father Boehling as Priest Secretary and Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop.   He will continue to serve His Excellency in this capacity until the new assignment begins on July 1, 2018.
                    [post_title] => Reverend Michael Boehling appointed Vicar General
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-15 13:51:52
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                    [post_content] => June 13, 2018

Fort Lauderdale, FL—"At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life. The Attorney General's recent decision elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. These vulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domestic violence in their home country. This decision negates decades of precedents that have provided protection to women fleeing domestic violence. Unless overturned, the decision will erode the capacity of asylum to save lives, particularly in cases that involve asylum seekers who are persecuted by private actors. We urge courts and policy makers to respect and enhance, not erode, the potential of our asylum system to preserve and protect the right to life.

Additionally, I join Bishop Joe Vásquez, Chairman of USCCB's Committee on Migration, in condemning the continued use of family separation at the U.S./Mexico border as an implementation of the Administration's zero tolerance policy. Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral."
                    [post_title] => USCCB statement from Cardinal DiNardo on Asylum Seekers and Migration
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-14 11:22:43
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                    [post_content] => The Very Reverend Monsignor Mark Richard Lane, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, will retire on July 1, 2018.  A faithful priest of the Diocese for 44 years, Msgr. Lane will continue to live and work in the area while retired from his administrative roles.

Born on May 19, 1947, in Manhattan, New York, Msgr. Lane was educated at St. Bridget Elementary School and Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Mary Seminary in Catonsville, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1970. Msgr. Lane attended St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated with a Masters in Sacred Theology in 1974. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Walter Sullivan on May 4, 1974, at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Virginia.  In 1977, he received a Masters in Church Administration from Catholic University of America. He attended Andover-Newton Theological School where he received a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Psychotherapy in 1987.

Msgr. Lane has served in the following parishes: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond (1974-76); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem (1981-82); St. Ann, Ashland (1983-84). Msgr. Lane worked as Secretary to Bishop Walter Sullivan (1974-1976) and Secretary to the Diocesan Tribunal in Richmond (1974-1976). He was Vice Officialis (1977-1980), and founder of the Tidewater Tribunal. He also had a private counseling practice for many years in Richmond, Virginia, while assisting in local Richmond parishes and the University of Richmond campus ministry.

On June 7, 2004, Msgr. Lane was named Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Richmond and began the new program for permanent deacon formation and organized the Permanent Deacon Council. Msgr. Lane also served on the Bishop’s Administrative Advisory Council, as a member of the Council of Priests, and as member of the Priest Personnel Committee and the Mental Health Team and on the Diocesan Review Board and the Priest Retirement Committee. He was appointed Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI on April 19, 2008. On November 8, 2011, Msgr. Lane was named Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo. After the death of Bishop DiLorenzo, Msgr. Lane served as Diocesan Administrator from August 22, 2017, until the Installation of Bishop Barry Knestout as the 13th Bishop of Richmond on January 12, 2018. Bishop Knestout re-appointed Msgr. Lane as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.
                    [post_title] => Monsignor Mark Lane to Retire
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-12 16:05:36
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-06-12 20:05:36
                    [post_content] => The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, has announced the following appointments, effective July 11, 2018, unless otherwise noted:

Pastoral Center Administration

Msgr. Mark Richard Lane from Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia to Retired Status, effective July 1, 2018.

Father Michael Boehling from Vicar for Vocations and Priest Secretary to Bishop Knestout to Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, and continuing as Vicar for Vocations, effective July 1, 2018.

Father Sean Prince from Pastor of Immaculate Conception, Hampton, and Director for the Office of Worship to Priest Secretary to Bishop Knestout and continuing as Director for the Office of Worship.

 

Pastors

Father Wayne Ball, J.C.L. from full time in the Tribunal, to Pastor and Moderator of St. Augustine, Richmond, and continuing working in the Tribunal.

 Father John A. Grace from Chaplain at Siena Heights University, Adrian Campus, Michigan, to Pastor of Immaculate Conception, Hampton.

 Father Daniel Malingumu from Pastor of Church of the Ascension and Administrator of St. Matthew, Virginia Beach, to remaining Pastor of Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach.

 Father Steve McNally from Pastor of Sacred Heart, Covington; St. Joseph, Clifton Forge; Church of the Transfiguration, Fincastle; and St. John the Evangelist, New Castle, to continuing his role as Pastor of Church of the Transfiguration, Fincastle, and St. John the Evangelist, New Castle.

 Father Marlon Portillo-Muñoz from Pastor of St. Augustine, Richmond, to Pastor in solidum of St. Augustine, Richmond.

 

Administrators

Father James Arsenault from Parochial Vicar at St. Elizabeth, Richmond, to Administrator of St. Elizabeth, Richmond.

Father Joseph Goldsmith from Parochial Vicar and Chaplain at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Newport News, to Administrator of St. John Nepomucene, Dinwiddie; St. James the Greater, Hopewell; and Church of the Sacred Heart, Prince George County.

Father G. Leoval Coquia Guadalupe from Chaplain at Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach, to Administrator of Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach.

Father Christopher Hess from Pastor of Sacred Heart, Prince George County; St. John Nepomucene, Dinwiddie; and St. James the Greater, Hopewell, to Administrator of St. Anne, Bristol; St. Bernard, Gate City; and St. Patrick, Dungannon.

Father Augustine Kalule Lukenge from Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena, Clarksville, to Administrator of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Hot Spring; Sacred Heart, Covington; and St. Joseph, Clifton Forge.

Father Stephen Opoku-Boaheng from Chaplain at St. Matthew, Virginia Beach, to Administrator of St. Matthew, Virginia Beach.

Msgr. Raphael Peprah from Administrator of St. Luke, Virginia Beach, and Administrator of Church of the Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach, to remaining Administrator of St. Luke, Virginia Beach.

 

Parochial Vicars

Father Eric Baffour Asamoah from Administrator of St. Anne in Bristol, to Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena, Clarksville; St. Paschal Baylon, South Boston; and Good Shepherd, South Hill.

Father John R. Baab, ordained on June 2, Parochial Vicar at Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach, effective June 2, 2018.

Father James P. O’Reilly, ordained on June 2, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Nazareth Parish in Roanoke, effective June 2, 2018.

Father Nicholas E. Redmond, ordained on June 2, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Newport News, effective June 2, 2018.

 

Retired

Father Tom Collins from Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart, Covington; St. Joseph, Clifton Forge; and Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Hot Springs, to Retired Status, to live in residence and to help Sacred Heart, Covington; St. Joseph, Clifton Forge; and Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Hot Springs.

 
                    [post_title] => Priest Assignments 2018
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-05 09:29:33
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-06-05 13:29:33
                    [post_content] => June 4, 2018

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The case involves a Christian baker named Jack Phillips who declined in 2012 to create a custom wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony. State officials sought to compel Phillips to create such cakes under Colorado’s public accommodations law. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Phillips under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., of Philadelphia, Chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following joint statement:

“Today’s decision confirms that people of faith should not suffer discrimination on account of their deeply held religious beliefs, but instead should be respected by government officials. This extends to creative professionals, such as Jack Phillips, who seek to serve the Lord in every aspect of their daily lives. In a pluralistic society like ours, true tolerance allows people with different viewpoints to be free to live out their beliefs, even if those beliefs are unpopular with the government.”

The USCCB filed an amicus curiae brief supporting Masterpiece Cakeshop, which can be found here: http://www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/amicus-briefs/upload/16-111-tsac-USCCB.pdf.
                    [post_title] => USCCB Chairmen Applaud Supreme Court’s Respect for Religious Liberty in Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision
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                    [post_date] => 2018-06-01 12:52:26
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                    [post_content] => June 1, 2018

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security has recently acknowledged implementation of the policy. . . of separating families arriving at the U.S./Mexico Border. Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued the following statement in response:

"Forcibly separating children from their mothers and fathers is ineffective to the goals of deterrence and safety and contrary to our Catholic values. Family unity is a cornerstone of our American immigration system and a foundational element of Catholic teaching. 'Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.' (Psalm 127:3) Children are not instruments of deterrence but a blessing from God.

Rupturing the bond between parent and child causes scientifically-proven trauma that often leads to irreparable emotional scarring. Accordingly, children should always be placed in the least restrictive setting: a safe, family environment, ideally with their own families.

My brother bishops and I understand the need for the security of our borders and country, but separating arriving families at the U.S./Mexico border does not allay security concerns. Children and families will continue to take the enormous risks of migration—including family separation—because the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle remain: community or state-sanctioned violence, gang recruitment, poverty, and a lack of educational opportunity. Any policies should address these factors first as we seek to repair our broken immigration system."
                    [post_title] => U.S. Bishops’ Migration Chairman Urges Administration to Keep Families Together
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                    [post_date] => 2018-05-31 15:16:21
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-05-31 19:16:21
                    [post_content] => Bishop Barry Knestout appeared on the Christian Broadcasting Network TV program, “The 700 Club” Thursday, May 31, with host, Christian broadcaster, Dr. Pat Robertson.



Bishop Barry C. Knestout was a guest of Dr. Pat Robertson on “The 700 Club,” Thursday, May 31, on the Christian Broadcasting Network. Bishop Knestout and Dr. Robertson spoke about the New Evangelization proposed by Blessed Pope Paul VI, and promoted by St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. The bishop noted all of those popes had the same message.

“The first work of the Church is to evangelize; that’s the heart of the work of the Church — to get out and to express that Good News. It’s the disciples’ words: ‘We have seen the Lord and he has risen from the dead’ —to be able to express that to the world around us because it’s the new life that is offered to all who encounter that, to overcome sin and all who encounter the damage done by sin in the world around us,” the bishop said.

Bishop Knestout said the New Evangelization was returning to the roots of the Church.

“We are revisiting how it was done in the early Church, how we are bringing to bear on how we express the faith and live the faith,” he said.

Bishop Knestout continued, “Pope Francis is really encouraging us — all of us — to manifest the faith, to be witnesses of the faith, to bring an expression of the encounter we have had with the Lord — a very personal encounter. We are called to go out and give the Good News.”

The bishop noted why it is important to witness the faith.

“People will listen to witnesses more than teachers,” he said. “They’ll listen to teachers if they’re good witnesses of the faith.”

In answer to Dr. Robertson’s final question regarding the Charismatic Renewal and that impact it had upon Bishop Knestout’s dad, the bishop said, “He was transformed by that. He had a great experience of the faith, and that was an inspiration for me in my vocation.”



You can watch here.
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                    [post_date] => 2018-05-18 15:57:19
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                    [post_content] => May 18, 2018

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement in the aftermath of the Santa Fe High School shooting:

“Our community and our local church joins an ever-growing list of those impacted by the evil of gun violence. I extend my heartfelt prayers, along with my brother bishops, for all of those who have died, their families and friends, those who were injured, and for our local community. Sadly, I must yet again point out the obvious brokenness in our culture and society, such that children who went to school this morning to learn and teachers who went to inspire them will not come home. We as a nation must, here and now, say definitively: no more death! Our Lord is the Lord of life. May He be with us in our sorrow and show us how to honor the precious gift of life and live in peace.”

 
                    [post_title] => President of U.S. Bishops Conference Responds to Santa Fe High School Shooting
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                    [post_date] => 2018-05-15 10:15:55
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                    [post_content] => Continuing Pastoral Year Assignments
Anthony Ferguson - Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Newport News, Fr. John David Ramsey
Julio Reyes - Saint Francis, Amherst and Saint Mary, Lovingston, Fr. Carlos Lerma

Pastoral Year Assignments
Phil Decker - Saint Joseph, Petersburg, Fr. Brian Capuano
Tom Lawrence - Saint Mary, Blacksburg, Fr. John Asare
John Minnich - Saint Bede, Williamsburg, Msgr. Tim Keeney
Kevin Riedel - Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Newport News, Fr. John David Ramsey

Summer Parish Assignments
Tochi Iwuji - Farmville Cluster, Fr. Stefan Migac
Chris Masla - Saint John the Apostle, Virginia Beach, Fr. Rob Cole
Dan Molochko - Epiphany, Richmond, Fr. John Kazibwe
Kyle O'Connor - Cathedral, Richmond, Msgr. Patrick Golden
Cassidy Stinson - Richmond Cluster, Fr. Gino Rossi
Marton Lonart - Sacred Heart, Danville, Fr. Jonathan Goertz
Dillon Bruce - Saint Andrew, Roanoke, Fr. Kevin Segerblom
Armando Herrera - Military Service with Archdiocese for the Military Services
Alex Jimenez - Holy Trinity, Norfolk, Fr. Dan Beeman
Joseph Kauflin - Blessed Sacrament, Harrisonburg, Fr. Silvio Kaberia
Patrick Walsh - Saint Ann, Colonial Heights, Fr. Danny Cogut
Luke Fitzgerald - Holy Rosary, Richmond, Fr. David Stanfill
William Buckley - Holy Family, Virginia Beach, Fr. Eric Ayers
Chris Weyer - Saint Francis of Assisi, Staunton, Fr. Joseph Wamala
David Arellano - Saint Francis of Assisi, Rocky Mount - College Intern, Fr. Mark White
William Douglas - Holy Trinity, Norfolk - College Intern, Fr. Dan Beeman
Andrew Clark - Holy Family, Virginia Beach - College Intern, Fr. Eric Ayers
Gregory Guifoyle - College Seminarian Home for the Summer
Robert Kincaid - College Seminarian Home for the Summer
Samuel Hill - College Seminarian Home for the Summer

 

 
                    [post_title] => 2018 Seminarian Parish Assignments
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                    [post_date] => 2018-04-18 10:45:21
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                    [post_content] => 

Richmond, Va. – The following is a statement from The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond, where Bishop Emeritus David E. Foley served as Auxiliary Bishop from 1986-1994 before his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham.

“I met Bishop Foley a number of years ago when he served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington. I was a teenager during the same years that my father was Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Washington. Since that time, I had met or encountered him on numerous occasions in my capacity as Vicar General and later Auxiliary Bishop in Washington. I remember Bishop Foley as a man of great kindness and gentle disposition. Yet, I know he also provided pastoral care as Auxiliary Bishop here in the Diocese of Richmond and later as the Bishop of Birmingham with a firm and competent hand. It is with sorrow that I heard of his passing and join with all the clergy, religious, and people of the Diocese of Richmond, in our common hope in the Resurrection, offering the assurance of prayers, to Bishop Foley’s family, friends and to the people of the Church of Birmingham.”
###
                    [post_title] => Statement from His Excellency, The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, on the Death of Bishop Emeritus David E. Foley
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                    [post_date] => 2018-04-09 14:39:27
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                    [post_content] => President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Welcomes Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation on Holiness in the Contemporary World; Rejoice and Be Glad 

April 9, 2018 

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is welcoming the release of Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (Rejoice and Be Glad), subtitled “On the Call to Holiness in the Contemporary World.” In his statement, Cardinal DiNardo expresses his deep gratitude to the Holy Father for the exhortation and the call for each Christian to “acknowledge and be open to what God wants them to be.” 

In the introduction to the exhortation, the Pope emphasizes that the goal of his exhortation is to “repropose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities.” 

An apostolic exhortation is considered the second-highest form of papal teaching after an encyclical letter. Since his election, Pope Francis has issued two other exhortations: “Evangelii Gaudium” (Joy of the Gospel) in 2013 and “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love) in 2016. 

Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement on “Gaudete et Exsultate” follows: 

“I want to personally express my deep gratitude to the Holy Father for his powerful, straightforward words in Gaudete et Exsultate. In this exhortation, Pope Francis is very clear – he is doing his duty as the Vicar of Christ, by strongly urging each and every Christian to freely, and without any qualifications, acknowledge and be open to what God wants them to be – that is ‘to be holy, as He is holy’ (1 Pet 1:15). The mission entrusted to each of us in the waters of baptism was simple – by God’s grace and power, we are called to become saints. 

‘Do not be afraid of holiness (no. 32).’ These words of the Holy Father jumped out at me when I first read them. In a way, each one of us has a fear of striving for holiness – a fear that we would be mocked, ignored, or even hated by others because we would stand out. Yet that is what the Lord has called each and every person to! Pope Francis calls us out: A Christian cannot think of his or her mission on earth without seeing it as a path of holiness, for ‘this is the will of God, your sanctification (I Thess 4:3) (no. 19).’ 

The Holy Father describes how holiness comes through the daily struggles each of us face. In the ordinary course of each day, the Pope reminds us, ‘We need to recognize and combat our aggressive and selfish inclinations, and not let them take root’ (no. 114). Yet, he says, this ‘battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives’ (no. 158). 

One paragraph in particular points out the continuing need we have for civility in all our interactions, especially in the media. ‘Christians too,’ the Holy Father writes, ‘can be caught up in networks of verbal violence through the internet and the various forums of digital communication.’ This can be true even in Catholic media (no. 115). Even in our heated disagreements with one another, we always need to remember that it is God who judges, not man (James 4:12).’ 

In the light of Easter joy, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, I encourage every Christian to rekindle their baptismal call to be holy by reading this wonderful exhortation by Pope Francis, especially the beautiful section on the Beatitudes. Through an exploration of the Beatitudes, and by offering examples of how to live out our call to holiness in everyday life, the Holy Father has given us a wonderful tool for renewing our love for God and for each other.” 

The USCCB has made the exhortation available for order online at http://store.usccb.org/rejoice-and-be-glad-p/7-599.htm. 

The Vatican has also posted the exhortation online at http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html.
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                    [post_date] => 2018-04-03 12:07:48
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                    [post_content] => April 3, 2018

WASHINGTON—On April 4th at 7:05 pm (EDT), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will join in solidarity with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by tolling the Shrine’s bells 39 times to honor the number of years Dr. King lived on earth.

At that time, the USCCB and the Shrine will join with numerous other churches and schools across the nation tolling bells in homage to Dr. King’s legacy and his many contributions including the principle of non-violent resistance. The moment is also an opportunity for us to pause and reflect individually on what we are doing to build the culture of love, respect and peace to which the Gospel calls us and to also ask ourselves how we seek to help our brothers and sisters still suffering under the weight of racism.

April 4th also marks 50 years since the Rev. Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.  The bells in honor of his life will initially ring first at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and The King Center, located in Atlanta, at 6:01pm (CDT). Bells will then chime in the City of Memphis at 6:03 p.m. (CDT), and then nationally at 6:05 p.m. (CDT), and internationally at 6:07 p.m. (CDT).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will also broadcast the tolling of the bells live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/usccb/.

The King Center has also planned a series of events to mark this historic year with the theme MLK50 Forward: Together We win with Love for Humanity. For more information on The King Center’s events please visit www.MLK50Forward.org.
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                    [post_content] => Join His Excellency, Bishop Barry Knestout, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart during Holy Week.

Begins March 25th with Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday.

Chrism Mass is March 26th at 6:00 pm
Holy Thursday, March 29th at 7 pm, we remember the Lord's Last Supper and Institution of the Eucharist.
Good Friday, March 30th at 7 pm, we remember the Passion and Death of Our Lord.
Easter Vigil, March 31st at 8 pm, we welcome hundreds of new members into the life of our Church.
Easter Sunday, April 1st at 11 am, we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior.

May you have a blessed Holy Week.

To find a parish near you and the times for these sacred liturgies, search here.

 
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            [233] => WP_Post Object
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-23 14:20:49
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-23 18:20:49
                    [post_content] => Dear Pastors, Senior Pastoral Associates and Administrators:

The Diocese of Richmond has grant funds available from its Home Mission Program, funded by the annual collection for Home Missions and the Annual Appeal. These funds are available to mission parishes (a list of these parishes can be found on the diocesan website under the Propagation of the Faith). Other small parishes (small parishes are those with ordinary income of less than $250,000) may apply. Mission parishes will be given priority.

Grant funds are limited for use to making repairs and minor capital expenditures. Grants normally do not exceed $10,000. Parishes applying are expected to participate in the cost to the extent of 20% of the total project cost. It is suggested that you contact the Office of the Director of Real Estate at the Diocese for any assistance and guidance on the project.

In order to be considered for a grant, the grant application on the Diocesan Website under Propagation of the Faith, Documents) must be fully completed and submitted by May 11, 2018 to the Office of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith.

Please note:  Grant eligibility does not guarantee the receipt of funds, but rather that you are eligible to apply.  Actual funding will be based on need, use, and total grant funds available.  Funding depends on the number of applications received.

Grant awards will be announced by June 15, 2018 with funding to recipients available by the first week of July 2018. If you have any questions, please call Deacon Bob Griffin at 804-622-5258 or email: bgriffin@richmonddiocese.org.

 
                    [post_title] => Home Missions Grant Application Deadline is May 11, 2018
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-22 14:36:55
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-22 18:36:55
                    [post_content] => March 22, 2018

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, chair of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, reacted with deep disappointment to the news that a very modest but critical piece of legislation—the Conscience Protection Act—was not included in the 2018 appropriations bill just released by Congress.

The full statement follows:

“The failure of Congress to include the Conscience Protection Act in the 2018 omnibus appropriations bill is deeply disappointing. The CPA is an extraordinarily modest bill that proposes almost no change to existing conscience protection laws on abortion—laws that receive wide public and bi-partisan support. The CPA simply proposes to provide victims of discrimination with the ability to defend their rights in court to help ensure that no one is forced to participate in abortion. Those inside and outside of Congress who worked to defeat the CPA have placed themselves squarely into the category of extremists who insist that all Americans must be forced to participate in the violent act of abortion. We call on Congress not to give up until this critical legislation is enacted.”
                    [post_title] => U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Chairmen Deeply Disappointed by Congress’ Failure to Enact the Conscience Protection Act
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                    [ID] => 109257
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-20 14:46:26
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-20 18:46:26
                    [post_content] => March 20, 2018

Dear friends in Christ:

I am pleased to invite you to attend the annual Chrism Mass on Monday, March 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.  This invitation is extended to all the Clergy, Parishioners, the Elect, Confirmation Candidates, and Sponsors.

The annual Chrism Mass is a unique opportunity for priests to gather in unity with the bishop to publicly witness and renew their vocation to priesthood.  The Chrism Mass also provides an opportunity to catechize the lay faithful about the use and effects of the Holy Oils and Chrism in the Sacramental life of the Catholic Church.  I encourage you to make every effort to attend.

You are also welcome to enjoy an informal Open House including a self-guided tour of the Cathedral and the Museum of Virginia Catholic History beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Following the 6 o’clock Mass, there will be light refreshments in the Virginia Commonwealth University, Shafer Dining Hall, located on the North side of the Cathedral.

I look forward to celebrating the Chrism Mass with all of you.  May God bless you and those you love with every good gift.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout

Bishop of Richmond
                    [post_title] => Chrism Mass Invitation
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-15 09:02:23
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-15 13:02:23
                    [post_content] => Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Marshall Banks who died on March 11th. A permanent deacon of the Diocese of Richmond for 15 years, Deacon Banks served at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart until his retirement in 2015.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:
At the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart​ 18 N. Laurel Street, Richmond, VA
Visitation on Friday, March 23, at 4:00 PM
Prayer Vigil on Friday, March 23 at 7:00 PM
Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 AM
Reception to follow at Bliley's, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

See Facebook post here.
                    [post_title] => Deacon Marshall Banks Funeral Arrangements
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-06 11:22:02
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-06 16:22:02
                    [post_content] => Chairmen Call Faithful to Prayer and Action Urging Congress to Enact the Conscience Protection Act

March 6, 2018

WASHINGTON–Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, chair of the USCCB's Committee for Religious Liberty urge the faithful to flood Congress with emails and calls asking for enactment of the Conscience Protection Act as part of the 2018 funding bill and to pray for this outcome. Congress is currently considering whether to include the Conscience Protection Act in must-pass government funding legislation, and a decision on the Conscience Protection Act's inclusion will be made prior to March 23, 2018.

The joint statement follows:

"Increasing and fierce attacks on conscience rights regarding abortion cry out for an immediate remedy. Nurses and other health care providers and institutions are being forced to choose between participating in abortions or leaving health care altogether. Churches and pro-life Americans are being forced to provide coverage for elective abortions—including late-term abortions—in their health care plans. Opponents and supporters of abortion should be able to agree that no one should be forced to participate in abortion. Congress must remedy this problem by enacting the Conscience Protection Act now as part of the FY 2018 funding bill.

We call on all the faithful to pray and to act by emailing and calling Congress in the coming week especially on Monday, March 12 with the message that enacting the Conscience Protection Act is urgently needed to protect Americans from being forced to violate their deeply held convictions about respect for human life. Your calls and emails to your Members of Congress really do make a difference, so please act now to protect conscience rights!"

Members of Congress can be reached by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and asking to be connected with your representative or senator. Or you can email and call your Members of Congress quickly and easily at . . . https://www.humanlifeaction.org/take-action?vvsrc=/campaigns/49865/respond. . . .

The USCCB has also created a video. . . available on its YouTube channel and Facebook.com/USCCB.

For additional information and videos featuring nurses who were forced by their employers to choose between their jobs and participating in abortions go to www.usccb.org/conscience.

 

Presidentes llaman a fieles a la oración y la acción para instar al Congreso a promulgar Ley de Protección de la Conciencia

 6 de marzo de 2018

WASHINGTON—El cardenal Timothy M. Dolan de Nueva York, presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB), y el arzobispo Joseph E. Kurtz de Louisville, presidente del Comité para la Libertad Religiosa de la USCCB, instan a los fieles a inundar el Congreso con correos electrónicos y llamadas pidiendo la promulgación de la Ley de Protección de la Conciencia como parte del proyecto de ley de financiamiento 2018 y orar por este resultado. El Congreso está actualmente considerando la posibilidad de incluir la Ley de Protección de la Conciencia en la legislación de financiamiento obligatorio del gobierno, y se tomará una decisión sobre la inclusión de la Ley de Protección de la Conciencia antes del 23 de marzo de 2018.

La declaración conjunta sigue a continuación:

“Los crecientes y feroces ataques contra los derechos de conciencia en relación con el aborto claman por un remedio inmediato. Las enfermeras y otros proveedores e instituciones de atención médica están siendo obligados a elegir entre participar en abortos o abandonar por completo la atención médica. Las iglesias y los estadounidenses pro-vida están siendo obligados a proporcionar cobertura para abortos electivos, incluidos abortos tardíos, en sus planes de atención médica. Los opositores y partidarios del aborto deben ponerse de acuerdo en que nadie debe ser obligado a participar en un aborto. El Congreso debe remediar este problema promulgando ahora la Ley de Protección de la Conciencia como parte del proyecto de ley de financiamiento del año fiscal 2018.

 

Pedimos a todos los fieles que oren y actúen enviando correos electrónicos y llamando al Congreso durante la próxima semana, especialmente el lunes 12 de marzo, con el mensaje de que es urgente promulgar la Ley de Protección de la Conciencia para proteger a los estadounidenses de ser obligados a violar sus convicciones más profundas sobre el respeto por la vida humana. Sus llamadas y correos electrónicos a sus miembros del Congreso realmente marcan la diferencia, ¡así que actúen ahora para proteger los derechos de conciencia!”

Los miembros del Congreso pueden ser contactados llamando a la central telefónica del Capitolio de los Estados Unidos al (202) 224-3121 y solicitando ser puesto en comunicación con su representante o senador. O bien puede enviar un correo electrónico y llamar a sus miembros del Congreso de manera rápida y sencilla desde www.bit.ly/support-cpa.

La USCCB también ha creado un video disponible en su canal de YouTube y Facebook.com/USCCB.

Para obtener información adicional y videos con enfermeras que fueron obligadas por sus empleadores a elegir entre sus trabajos y participar en abortos, visite www.usccb.org/conscience.
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                    [post_date] => 2018-03-05 10:14:36
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-03-05 15:14:36
                    [post_content] => Collection Supports International Relief and Solidarity Efforts 

WASHINGTON—The annual Catholic Relief Services Collection will be held in many dioceses across the country on Sunday, March 11.

The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement for victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters; development projects to improve living conditions for the poor; legal and support services for poor immigrants; peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and advocacy on behalf of the powerless.

"Christ is standing at the door of our hearts, knocking, seeking relief from pain and suffering around the world. He comes to us bearing the disguise of vulnerable immigrants and refugees, the poor and marginalized, the sick and lonely. The Catholic Relief Services Collection is an opportunity to respond and comfort Christ as we see him in our brothers and sisters," said Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on National Collections. "This collection represents our community of faith at work in the world, saving souls and improving lives."

Entities within the USCCB that receive support include the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, the Department of Justice Peace and Human Development, and the Department of Migration and Refugee Services. Other Catholic organizations that receive funds are Catholic Relief Services. . . , Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.. . . , and the Holy Father's Relief Fund. The USCCB Administrative Committee is responsible for grant-making from this national collection.

More information about The Catholic Relief Services Collection is available at www.usccb.org/catholic-relief. Resources for the collection can be found at: www.usccb.org/catholic-relief/collection.
                    [post_title] => Annual Catholic Relief Services Collection to Be Held on March 11
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                    [post_date] => 2018-02-24 13:52:27
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-24 18:52:27
                    [post_content] => WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), along with USCCB vice-president, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration, have issued a call to U.S. Catholics and people of good will across the nation to take part in a "Call-in-Day" on February 26 for the Protection of Dreamers.

With the March 5th deadline looming, we ask once again that Members of Congress show the leadership necessary to find a just and humane solution for these young people, who daily face mounting anxiety and uncertainty.

Therefore, the bishops are asking individuals to contact their Members of Congress to urge them to:

 	
Protect Dreamers from deportation
 	
To provide them a path to citizenship
 	
And, to avoid any damage to existing protections for families and unaccompanied minors in the process

To take part in the Call-In-Day to Protect Dreamers, please contact your Members of Congress by calling 855-589-5698 and visiting https://justiceforimmigrants.org/what-we-are-working-on/immigration/daca-resource-page/ (English and Spanish downloads are available).

The USCCB has also created a series of videos available on its YouTube channel and Facebook.com/USCCB.

For more information on how you can further support Dreamers, please visit

https://justiceforimmigrants.org/ and https://www.sharejourney.org/. . . .
                    [post_title] => National Call-in Day for the Protection of Dreamers, Feb. 26
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                    [post_date] => 2018-02-22 09:16:39
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                    [post_content] => U.S. Catholic Bishops Chairman of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Offers Condolences on the Death of the Rev. Billy Graham

February 21, 2018

WASHINGTON—His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, has issued the following statement on receiving the news of the Rev. Billy Graham's death:

"Headlines today will describe Billy Graham as the preacher to millions and the advisor of presidents but first and foremost, he was a man of deep Christian faith. Committed to the Gospel, his personal witness and preaching of Jesus Christ touched the hearts of Americans spanning many generations.

In a particular way, Catholics feel the loss of one of the greatest pastors of our time. His ecumenical approach in ministry helped to forge bonds of friendship and understanding between Catholics and Protestants. He reminded us that what we had in common in Christ was greater than what divided us.

We pray for God to comfort his family and we join Christians throughout the nation and the world who pray today with blessed assurance, 'Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master!'" (Matt 25:23)
                    [post_title] => On the Death of the Rev. Billy Graham
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                    [post_date] => 2018-02-15 08:06:28
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-15 13:06:28
                    [post_content] => WASHINGTON—Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for prayer and healing.

The full statement is as follows:

"We are deeply saddened by the shootings in Broward County, Florida, and by the needless and tragic loss of life. May the mercy of God comfort the grieving families and sustain the wounded in their healing. Catholics and many other Christians have begun the journey of Lent today. I encourage us to unite our prayers and sacrifices for the healing and consolation of all those who have been affected by violence in these last weeks and for a conversion of heart, that our communities and nation will be marked by peace. I pray also for unity in seeking to build toward a society with fewer tragedies caused by senseless gun violence. Our hope is in the Lord, as he promised after his resurrection, 'behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age' (Mt. 28:20)."
                    [post_title] => Reaction to Shooting at Florida High School from Bishop Conference President
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                    [post_date] => 2018-01-30 09:43:42
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                    [post_content] => January 29, 2018

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities called the Senate’s failure to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act “appalling”. The bill proposes to ban abortions starting at 20 weeks after fertilization.

“The U.S. Senate’s failure to adopt the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting abortions at 20 weeks post-fertilization, is appalling. Abortions performed in the second half of pregnancy usually involve brutally dismembering a defenseless unborn child, while also posing serious dangers to his or her mother. The Senate’s rejection of this common-sense legislation is radically out of step with most Americans. Opinion polls consistently show that a strong majority of the public opposes late-term abortions—including those who self-identify as ‘pro-choice’. Furthermore, the United States is currently one of only seven countries that allows abortions beyond 20-weeks. The other six are North Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada and the Netherlands. The Senate must rethink its extreme stance on late-term abortions. I call upon the public to tell the Senate that this vote is absolutely unacceptable.”

---

Keywords:  U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), U.S. House of Representatives, Congress, abortion, late-term abortion, viability, Roe v. Wade, fetal organ harvesting, civil rights, pro-life, 20-week abortion ban

 

###

 

Media Contact:

Judy Keane

202-541-3200

 

18-022
Sec,DD,DP,DioNews,CathPress,CNS
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                    [post_content] => Pope Francis on Wednesday released his message for World Communications Day, which is held annually on the Sunday before Pentecost, falling this year on 13 May 2018. Read his message here.
                    [post_title] => Pope Francis releases 2018 World Communications Day message
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                    [post_date] => 2018-01-29 16:36:41
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                    [post_content] => WASHINGTON—As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) is releasing the results of a survey taken of the most recent Profession Class of 2017 conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). The survey results have been released to coincide with the annual celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life, which will be celebrated in the Church on Friday, February 2, 2018 and in parishes on the weekend of February 3-4, 2018.

Commenting on the World Day for Consecrated Life, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark and Chair of the USCCB's Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations states: "For twenty-one years, the Church has designated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas Day, as an appropriate moment to thank God for the gift of consecrated life. Jesus is manifest as 'light of revelation for the Gentiles' and 'glory for God's people, Israel.' Consecrated men and women reflect this light as witnesses of Jesus in a world that is often shrouded in shadow. They are the glory of God's people. We pray for the perseverance of consecrated men and women and ask God to continue enriching the Church with their unique vocation."

The survey polled women and men religious who professed perpetual vows in 2017 in a religious congregation, province, or monastery based in the U.S. CARA received a response from 600 of 768 major superiors for an overall response rate of 78 percent among religious institutes.

Of these 216 identified women and men religious, a total of 100 sisters and nuns and 51 brothers and priests responded to the survey. These 51 men may include some brothers who intend to pursue studies leading to priestly ordination. This represents a response rate of 73 percent of the 208 potential members of the Profession Class of 2017 that were reported to CARA by major superiors.

Some of the major findings of the report are:

 	
Nearly nine in ten or 86 percent of responding religious regularly participated in some type of private prayer activity before they entered their religious institute. About two-thirds participated in Eucharistic Adoration, prayed the rosary, or attended retreats before entering. Nearly six in ten participated in spiritual direction before entering.
 	
Most religious did not report that educational debt delayed their application for entrance to their institute. Among the 4 percent who did report having educational debt, however, they averaged about 4 years of delay while they paid down an average of $29,100 in educational debt.
 	
The average age of responding religious is 41. Half of the responding religious are age 36 or younger. The youngest is 24 and the oldest is 86.
 	
Two-thirds of responding religious (64 percent) identify as white, more than one in six (18 percent) identifies as Asian, and more than one in ten (11 percent) identifies as Hispanic.
 	
Most responding religious (67 percent) were born in the U.S. Of those born outside the United States, the most common country of origin is Vietnam.
 	
Among those identifying as Hispanic/Latino almost six in ten (62 percent) are foreign born. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian seven in ten are predominantly foreign born. Nearly all identifying as Caucasian/White (94 percent) are U.S. born.
 	
One-half of responding religious attended a Catholic elementary school, more than four in ten (44 percent) attended a Catholic high school, and a near equal proportion (43 percent) attended a Catholic college before entering their religious institute.
 	
On average, responding religious report that they were 19 years old when they first considered a vocation to religious life, but half were 18 or younger when they first did so.
 	
Nearly nine in ten (87 percent) responding religious report that someone encouraged them to consider a vocation to religious life.
 	
Over four in ten reports that a parish priest (43 percent) encouraged their vocation.
 	
Half say they were encouraged to consider a vocation by a religious sister or brother. Women religious were more likely than men religious to do so.
 	
Over four in ten (41 percent) report that they were encouraged to consider a vocation by their friends.

The entire survey and press release, General Intercessions and a bulletin quote for the World Day for Consecrated Life, as well as more information on the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations can be found at www.usccb.org/consecratedlife.
                    [post_title] => World Day for Consecrated Life, February 2
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                    [post_date] => 2018-01-26 08:13:24
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                    [post_content] => WASHINGTON—National Catholic Schools Week 2018 (CSW) will be observed in dioceses around the country January 28–February 3. This year's theme, "Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.," focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education.

As Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, of Youngstown, Ohio, chairman of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Catholic Education said, "Catholic schools provide an invaluable service to young people, their families, and our nation by helping to form women and men with the sharp intellects, broad perspectives and big hearts who bring their best to communities near and far. Jesus Christ came to change hearts and to serve – one person at a time – and so Catholic schools invite students to encounter Christ, to be changed by Him, and love God by serving others with all of their heart, mind, soul and strength."

One way Catholic school students have been challenged to "learn, serve, lead and succeed" this academic year has been through the National Catholic Educational Association's (NCEA) "Student to Student" campaign. In August, NCEA began a national campaign that invited Catholic school families to donate at least $1 toward the "Student to Student: A Catholic School Response to Hurricane Harvey" campaign to help those Catholic school communities hardest hit by the events in the United States, the Caribbean and U.S. territories. The campaign was eventually renamed "Student to Student: A Catholic School Response to Hurricane Relief 2017" to include those that followed Harvey and the wildfires in the west. As of last month, 826 Catholic schools from across the country donated more than $600,000 to this solidarity effort. 300 students at Lumen Christi High School in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, for example, put on a taco lunch and raised more than $900. NCEA has begun the process of disbursing funds to Catholic arch/dioceses affected by recent natural disasters, beginning with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Nearly 1.9 million students are currently educated in 6,429 Catholic schools in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities around the country. Students receive an education that prepares them for higher education, a competitive work environment, and most importantly, living a Christian life of virtue in a challenging society. "Since their founding in our country, Catholic schools have provided a well-rounded education to disadvantaged families, new arrivals to America and to all who seek a seat in our schools. We have always sought to welcome families of all backgrounds while maintaining our principles and teaching in a spirit of charity," Bishop Murry said.

The observance of CSW began in 1974. Schools and parishes around the country will hold activities such as Masses, open houses, and pot luck gatherings to celebrate the communities they represent. The week also highlights the educational and community successes of Catholic schools nationwide. Ninety nine percent of students graduate from high school and 86 percent of Catholic school graduates attend college.  This percentage has been consistent over the past 20 years.

More information on the Committee on Catholic Education and other resources are available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/ and www.NCEA.org/csw. . . . Catholic Schools Week can also be followed on Twitter @USCCBCatholicEd, @NCEATalk, and throughout social media via #CSW18.
                    [post_title] => Catholic Schools Week 2018, January 28-February 3
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                    [post_date] => 2018-01-18 17:29:59
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2018-01-18 22:29:59
                    [post_content] => Richmond, VA - His Excellency, the Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond, announced the following clergy appointments, for a term of six months, effective immediately:

Very Reverend Monsignor Mark Richard Lane, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Reverend Timothy M. Kuhneman, Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy.

Reverend Monsignor R. Francis Muench, Judicial Vicar, Chancellor, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Vicariate.

Reverend Monsignor Walter Barrett, Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Vicariate.

Reverend Kevin Segerblom, Episcopal Vicar for the Western Vicariate.

Reverend Michael G. Boehling, Priest-Secretary and Master of Ceremonies, and Episcopal Vicar for Vocations.

Reverend W. Daniel Beeman, Episcopal Vicar Catholic Schools' Mission and Identity.

Reverend Brian W. Capuano, Associate Director and Promoter of Vocations, and continuing as Pastor of Saint Joseph in Petersburg.
                    [post_title] => The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Announces Clergy Appointments
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