Thematic Framework of the 2021-2024 USCCB Strategic Plan

Thematic Framework of the 2021–2024 USCCB Strategic Plan

he Gospel of Christ and the teach- the provision of inputs by bishops on the ings of his Church guide the work 2021-24 USCCB Strategic Priorities. These Tof the United States Conference of inputs were used to draft Strategic Priorities, Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The work of the which were provisionally approved by the Conference is rooted in three general mission full body of bishops at the June 2019 General goals and organized into three key areas of Meeting and then fully approved at the responsibility: (1) to act collaboratively and November 2019 General Meeting. This was consistently on vital issues confronting the followed by the drafting of operational plans Church and society; (2) to foster communion by the USCCB committees, subcommittees with the Church in other nations, within the and departments that began in July 2019 Church universal, under the leadership of its and was originally completed in January supreme pastor, the Bishop of Rome; and (3) 2020. Operational plans were submitted to offer appropriate assistance to each bishop with the intention of the presentation of the in fulfilling his particular ministry in the local final version before the body of bishops for Church. This report is a window into the their approval in November 2020 at their 2021-2024 USCCB Strategic Plan and an November plenary. invitation to join the work of the Church at the national level in the United States. The theme chosen for the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, “Created Anew by the Body and Blood Developing a comprehensive strategic plan for of Christ: Source of Our Healing and Hope” an organization that works on and addresses emerged as the result of listening sessions such a wide breadth of issues is a significant with bishops, the National Advisory Council, undertaking. The 2021-2024 USCCB Strategic and groups of priests, religious, and lay Plan includes more than 235 objectives and people. The groups were asked to reflect on 869 individual activities, each one compre- the challenges and opportunities facing the hensive and complex in their own right. Church in the four years ahead. The most The work is carried out by approximately 45 commonly heard and heavily discussed issues committees, subcommittees and departments among the groups naturally formed the over- at the USCCB. The strategic plan invites more arching theme of the strategic plan that will than 1,800 partners—individuals and organi- guide the USCCB for the next four years. zations—from within the Conference and the broader community of faith into a collabora- In March 2020, shortly after the operational tion that serves the common good. plans were submitted for approval, the world was abruptly faced with a major disrup- Through active participation of the bishops, tion due to the widespread outbreak of the USCCB staff and volunteer consultants, the novel coronavirus, which the World Health development process for the strategic plan Organization declared a global pandemic on takes two full years. In the case of the 2021- March 11. Within a matter of weeks, every 2024 plan, it began in November 2018 with aspect of life was impacted as daily routines

2 were forcibly disrupted in order to curb The CPP working group met on April 15, exposure to the virus and limit its spread. 2020 and developed a new “Pandemic In the United States, local and state “stay- Recovery” strategic priority and agreed to at-home” ordinances forced employers to allow for adjustments to the strategic plan. deploy telework plans, schools switched to The Conference’s Executive Committee online instruction, retail and service-oriented expressed full support, and USCCB businesses were closed or reduced to a min- Committees reviewed their operational plans imal scale, and sporting and cultural events in light of the new strategic priority and were cancelled to prevent large gatherings of emphasis areas to determine if there were people. In all too many cases, employers faced additions or revisions that were appropriate. the difficult task of having to furlough or lay off staff. As Committees worked on exploring the need for revisions to their plans, the May 25 Severe limitations on gatherings impacted death of George Floyd spurred national and houses of worship and non-profit operations. international uproar. The incident sparked Parishes were closed. The public celebration protests nationwide against excessive use of of Mass was suspended. The availability of police force, and the subject of racism was the sacraments to the faithful was severely brought to the forefront with calls for deeper limited. In dioceses across the country, the reflection and meaningful, lasting social financial impact of church closures had an reform. This was another cataclysmic series of immediate and detrimental impact on parish events that would call for the Church to stand ministries, schools, and diocesan operations in solidarity with all those peacefully seeking as offertory collections were halted and racial justice. parishioners faced abrupt income reductions or sudden job loss. The revisions made to the strategic plan in June 2020, therefore, include both these As the duration of the suspension of regu- global events that have rapidly reshaped the lar activity was unclear, the Committee on world in which the Church must continue to Priorities and Plans (CPP) considered how proclaim the Gospel message. the USCCB would incorporate this new reality into the proximate strategic plan, as The five strategic priorities identified by the submitting and implementing a plan with bishops and each of the specific empha- no mention of COVID-19 would neither sis areas that will guide the bulk of the represent the will of the bishops nor fulfill Conference’s work are defined as follows: the mission of the Conference. It was clear • Evangelization: Form a band of joyful that an emergent priority was keeping the missionary disciples. Church spiritually close in a time of physical distance. In late March, the CPP chair- • Life and Dignity of the Human Person: man formed a COVID-19 Impact Working Serve the common good as a leaven in a Group that would develop a strategic priority free society. and accompanying emphasis areas on the • Protect and Heal God’s Children: Restore pandemic to allow for the amendments of integrity, foster virtue. operational plans.

3 • Vocations: Equip all Christ’s disciples for While each of the initiatives and activities in mission. the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan have components that bridge multiple strategic priorities and • Pandemic Recovery: Promote the heal- emphasis areas, the select highlights below are ing of the personal, spiritual, and soci- meant to give a sampling of the wide-encom- etal wounds of COVID-19 through passing work of the Conference. the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician.

4 Five Strategic Priorities

Evangelization Form a band of joyful missionary disciples.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person Serve the common good as a leaven in a free society.

Protect and Heal God’s Children Restore integrity, foster virtue.

Vocations Equip all Christ’s disciples for mission.

Pandemic Recovery Promote the healing of the personal, spiritual, and societal wounds of COVID-19 through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician.

5 Evangelization: Form a band of joyful missionary disciples. As Christians, we are called to bring the membership has shifted Gospel message of Christ to the world though to reflect a more cul- word and action. Every day, the Catholic turally diverse body of Church in the United States lives out this call faith. In order to help to evangelize at the local level in communities ministers and educators across the country through her parish min- in their outreach to youth and young adults, istries, education, health care, and social ser- the Committee for Cultural Diversity in the vices. The USCCB’s initiatives, activities, and Church will continue to work with the Youth advocacy through its committees, subcommit- and Young Adult Ministry office within the tees and offices uphold the strategic priority of Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life evangelization, with special emphasis on the and Youth in the production of intercultural following areas: materials about Christus Vivit, the post-synodal apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis • Evangelize a culture in need of hope, released after the 2018 Synod of Bishops on especially the religiously unaffiliated. young people, faith and vocational discern- • Invite and empower youth/ ment. With this exhortation, along with (1) young adults to become missionary the insight and information gathered as part disciples. of the V Encuentro process with Hispanic- Latino young people (2017-2019) and (2) the • Foster an evangelizing focus in cat- National Dialogue collaborative initiative with echesis and Catholic schools. youth and young adult ministries (2017-2020), the Church has been challenged to think anew • Communicate more effectively how the of its work with young people as synodal, faith transforms lives. pastoral, popular, and missionary/vocational • Offer our society an account for the hope through a methodology of discernment and that is within us. accompaniment with a non-judgmental, com- passionate, and hopeful spirit. • Acknowledge and welcome the gifts and talents that the Hispanic community Pastors, pastoral leaders, families, and engaged brings to Christ’s Church. youth and young adults are called to be “pro- tagonists” in the Church and in society—with an impact of transforming parish and diocesan The following highlights are a efforts to reach and accompany young people. sampling of the Conference’s This new national framework would draw work in these emphasis areas. together experts to work with the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth with a process of communication and dissemina- Supporting a Culturally tion following up from World Youth Day 2022 Diverse Faith Body of Youth and the following 2-3 years in order to create and Young Adults this guiding vision for our Church. As the demographic makeup of the Church in the United States has changed, parish

6 celebrate the blending of the Catholic faith Strengthening Missionary and Native American culture and its gifts in Discipleship of Asian and enriching the spirituality of the first peoples Pacific Island Catholics of the Americas. Saint Juan Diego was chosen because of his closeness to Our Lady of A national encounter for Asian and Pacific Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Island Catholics and those who minister among them will aim to strengthen missionary discipleship and unity amidst diversity National Eucharistic Congress in the U.S. Catholic Church. This gathering The Committee for Evangelization and will be through the collaboration with mul- Catechesis is coordinating the effort to tiple offices within the Conference, bishops, explore, plan and execute a National national ministry networks, Asian and Pacific Eucharistic Congress. Declining Mass atten- Island organizations, national, diocesan and dance, the lack of understanding of the real parish leaders, and representatives of Catholic presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and organizations who serve Asian and Pacific increasing religious disaffiliation are major Islanders to welcome and integrate the faithful challenges facing the Church today. The com- of this community to live a faith-filled life in mittee has recognized that the return to the the Catholic Church. Eucharist as the “source and summit” of who As a follow-up to the V Encuentro process, we are and what we do as Catholics is key to the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs will revitalization. Such a renewal would require review the operational plans and activities work at every level of Church: the parish, the of the USCCB contained in the 2021-2024 diocese, the region, and the nation—to reeval- Strategic Plan and develop a thorough state- uate all of her activities from the celebration ment and pastoral plan for Hispanic minis- of the Mass and the preaching of a homily to try, so the Church in the United States may its ministries, social programs, evangeliza- strengthen and enhance this ministry over the tion of the unaffiliated, and advocacy in the next ten to fifteen years. A working docu- public square. The framework for developing ment will be created first and reviewed by the programs and resources will follow the three Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs with the great transcendentals to provide formation in intention of having the statement and pastoral these crucial areas: Catechesis and Apologetics plan used during the Raices y Alas Congress in (Truth); Devotion and Worship (Beauty); September 2021. Conversion and Mission (Goodness). By first focusing on best practices for parish-based National Day of Prayer to renewal around the Eucharist and then sharing recommendations for diocesan and/or Celebrate Native American regional Eucharistic conferences, these dioce- Culture and Gifts san and regional initiatives could then lead to The Subcommittee for Native American a national event in 2024 to inspire participants Affairs is working on the development of a to return to their parishes and dioceses with National Day of Prayer to be observed on the a renewed Eucharistic focus as they proclaim Feast of Saint Juan Diego. The intention is the Gospel through the corporal and spiritual to make Catholic Native American Ministry works of mercy. more visible and have an opportunity to

7 movement towards youth and young adults’ African National Eucharistic calling as missionary disciples, transforming Congress their churches, their local communities, and The African National Eucharistic Congress society at large by concrete actions. (ANEC) is a gathering of African Catholics in the United States every five years to cel- Assisting the Church in ebrate their Catholic faith and strengthen Central and Eastern Europe their response to be missionary disciples. Following decades of communist oppression The Committee for Cultural Diversity in the and persecution, the National Collection Church will collaborate with other USCCB to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern committees to support the next ANEC, Europe was established to help the Church in planned for 2021, to explore best practices Eastern Europe rebuild their churches from and to find ways to respond to the growing physical infrastructures to renewed pastoral pastoral needs of African Catholics, such as and organizational capacity. In collabora- (1) strengthening their faith, marriages, and tion with the Diocesan Fiscal Management family life, (2) nurturing their vocations to the Conference (DFMC), Villanova Church priesthood, religious life, and lay ministry, and Management Program, and select local dio- (3) supporting the parish communities that ceses, the Subcommittee for Aid to the Church welcome them. in Central and Eastern Europe has been able to provide a rich experience of exchange for World Youth Day diocesan financial managers from nine out More than one million youth and young of twenty-eight countries it serves through adults from around the globe will converge on the annual national collection. The experi- Lisbon in summer 2022 for the next interna- ences have covered management and pastoral tional World Youth Day (WYD), convened by topics such as diocesan finances, stewardship, the Holy Father. Leading up to this moment of Catholic universities, and special ministries encounter, the Committee on Laity, Marriage, such as post-abortion counseling. Participants Family Life and Youth will coordinate the are able to return to their home countries United States’ participation. This massive inspired by the best practices demonstrated in undertaking will include the development of the U.S. and seek creative solutions to the their resources and tools for the pilgrim experience local challenges. through catechetical, spiritual, and practical preparation leading up to WYD, as well as continued evangelization and vocational

8 Life and Dignity of the Human Person: Serve the common good as a leaven in a free society. From conception to natural death, the Church National Catholic teaches that the sanctity of human life must be Anti-Racism upheld with special concern for the vulnera- Gathering ble: the unborn, the elderly, the sick, and those with disabilities; the poor; migrants and refu- The Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism had gees; and those who are marginalized or perse- the framework and plans underway for a cuted. As a key theme of his pontificate, Pope national gathering of Catholic lay leadership Francis continuously reminds us to minister to and clergy in [Date/Location] with the goal those in the peripheries, and through the stra- of educating, raising awareness, and having tegic priority of upholding the life and dignity a forum for authentic and transformational of the human person, the bishops are placing conversion of heart and mind while building a special emphasis on the following areas: capacity for understanding. The gathering has a renewed sense of importance and urgency • Work to heal the scourge of hatred based with the killing of George Floyd that re-awak- on race and/or religion. ened the national conscience on the issue • Protect and defend the dignity of migrants of racism in America. The incident sparked and refugees, of the poor and those on protests against the excessive use of police the peripheries. force, but it also fueled intense, renewed calls for meaningful and lasting social reform. The • Defend the right to life for all people espe- Church will have an important role to play to cially the unborn, elderly, sick, dying and ensure America’s long journey toward freedom persons with disabilities; and fight the and justice for all is finally completed. The advance of abortion, infanticide, assisted national gathering [which has been adjusted to suicide, euthanasia, and the death penalty. take place as a virtual event in the wake of the pandemic] will seek to engage campus min- • Defend and secure religious liberty and isters and administrators, as well as catechists freedom of association. and teachers in Catholic K-12 schools on • Foster reverence for God’s creation, our the Church’s history regarding race. There is common home. an additional educational track designed for seminarians and priests on how and when to • Articulate a convincing anthro- preach homilies on racism. pology of the human person, male and female, as proclaimed Reconciliation and Atonement by faith and affirmed by science and right reason. The ethnic and demographic shift of the Church in the United States has also meant that in some instances, communities no lon- The following highlights are a ger reflect an original parish’s predominant sampling of the Conference’s community. A reconciliation and atonement work in these emphasis areas. initiative by the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism focuses on helping the Church and its members navigate communal healing caused

9 by racial disparities. There will be liturgical, providers and Asian Pacific organizations theological, and pastoral resources for com- around the country, an effort is underway to munities and parishes created as a part of this raise awareness, provide educational and out- reconciliation and atonement project. reach activities, and engage the Asian community in grassroots advocacy for the protection 50th Anniversary of the of life and dignity in their communities. Catholic Campaign for Human Development Pastoral Visit with Migrant Farmworkers Since its founding a half-century ago, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Each year, a pastoral visit is made to migrant (CCHD) has strengthened social justice efforts workers in different areas of the country to in communities and has touched and empow- see and to hear the reality faced by those ered the lives of low-income individuals across who work in the U.S. agricultural fields and the country. The campaign’s 50th anniversary industries. The visit allows the members of the provides an opportunity for reflection on the Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, founding and the history of the campaign, its Refugees and Travelers to express the U.S. ongoing work, achievements, and its future. bishops’ care and concern for them and artic- The gathering was initially planned as an ulate the moral concern of the Church in the in-person celebration from May 12-14, 2021 in United States regarding immigration to better Chicago, but it has been changed to a virtual seek avenues toward addressing the challenges event to gather in solidarity and look back on and difficulties confronting immigrants. the Campaign’s founding, its history, and the Through continued engagement with the challenges it has faced. In addition to celebrat- migrant workers—listening to their needs and ing CCHD’s achievements, it will also be an advocating for dignified working and living important time to look forward and shape the conditions—the Church is able to strengthen future of the Campaign. A key component of its solidarity with immigrants and understand the gathering will be listening to the voices of the needs of the migrant farm workers, as people who live on the margins of our soci- well as recommend best practices and identify ety: people from diverse communities with priorities, pastoral care and advocacy. different lived experiences. Living out the call of Pope Francis for the Church to minister to Parental Choice in Education those “on the peripheries,” this gathering will Parental choice in education allows families to seek to connect, learn, and find new ways to have access to state or federally funded schol- work for social justice and promote human arships to attend the school that best meets the dignity in our communities. needs of their child. As of 2020, there is only one federal education choice program (limited Human Trafficking to residents of Washington, DC), and there Asians are among the vulnerable and are fifty-five programs in twenty-six states at-risk population of migrants, refugees, (plus Puerto Rico) at the state/local level. The displaced persons, and those who are traf- Church teaches that “parents who have the ficked. Through a collaborative effort among primary and inalienable right and duty to USCCB offices such as Migration and Refugee educate their children must enjoy true liberty Services, and Justice, Peace and Human in their choice of schools” (Gravissimum edu- Development, as well as with Catholic service cationis), but also that choice is not sufficient

10 if recourses are not made available. Therefore, Relations—is developing resources and tools the Committee on Catholic Education has for educating diocesan superintendents and prioritized expanding parental choice at the school administrators, as well as parents and state and federal level. This initiative will be the faithful in the pews, as well as developing enhanced through parental outreach, building outreach efforts that support ongoing vigilance awareness within the Catholic community, and policy advocacy to uphold and protect advocacy and ensuring the public policy what has been called our “First Freedom.” around these types of programs uphold Catholic schools’ autonomy to teach and hire Walking with Moms in Need according to their mission, protecting religious liberties and upholding Church teachings. Pope Francis reminds us that our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of Educating on Christian the sea of indifference.” Pregnant and parent- ing moms in need are in our parishes and our Anthropology neighborhoods, and everyone in the parish A convincing and authentic Christian anthro- community should know where to refer a pology lies at the heart of understanding pregnant woman for lifesaving support. The the Church’s teaching on issues surrounding 25th anniversary year of Pope John Paul II’s sexuality, gender, and racism. It is vital that encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Catholic schools become more intentional Life) gives us an opportunity to assess, expand, about it, which will necessitate ongoing and communicate resources to pregnant moms teacher and administrator formation. The and families in need. In the ongoing effort to Committee on Catholic Education—work- uphold the dignity of human life through both ing with other USCCB standing commit- word and action, the Committee for Pro-Life tees (Evangelization and Catechesis; Laity, Activities is inviting parishes, through the sup- Marriage, Family Life and Youth; Clergy, port of their bishop, to join a nationwide effort Consecrated Life Life and Vocations; Ad Hoc entitled: “Walking with Moms in Need: A Committee Against Racism)—seeks to sup- Year of Service.” Initially envisioned for March port school leaders by creating and compiling 25, 2020 to March 25, 2021, many dioceses resources that would include webinars and have been using alternative launch dates due workshops aimed at deepening the under- to COVID-19. The committee has developed standing of Christian anthropology. educational, pastoral, and action-oriented resources for parish use, such as tools to Protecting Religious Freedom document an inventory of local resources for pregnant mothers in need; ideas for improving In recent times, there have been several parish responses; prayers for building a culture attempts to curb the religious liberty of of life and a civilization of love; reflections on Catholic institutions. For Catholic schools, the teachings of Evangelium vitae, Evangelii whether in response to legislative actions gaudium, and Laudato si’. The hope is that or judicial decisions, school leaders and this Year of Service will kick off a multi-year parents need resources about the issue effort at the local, diocesan and national levels, and tools for advocacy. The Committee on to better reach and assist pregnant women Catholic Education—in collaboration with in need. the Committee for Religious Liberty and the offices for General Counsel and Government

11 Protect and Heal God’s Children: Restore integrity, foster virtue. The Catholic Church has confronted the The following scandal of sexual abuse. The U.S. bishops highlights are a have expressed their commitment to helping survivors find healing and hope, and dioceses sampling of the across the country have worked to put policies Conference’s work and programs in place to protect young people in these emphasis areas. and to create safe environments in parishes, schools and other Church ministries. As the Abuse Prevention and Safe issue of leadership and bishop accountability Environment Training began to take center stage, Pope Francis convened the heads of bishops’ conferences from In its ongoing efforts to end child sexual around the world for a summit on the protec- abuse—and out of concern for the protection tion of minors in the Church and he issued his of all of God’s children—the Secretariat of motu propio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You Are the Cultural Diversity in the Church will be facil- Light of the World”), which set new rules and itating a dialogue between the Office of Child procedures to ensure that the world’s bishops and Youth Protection, diocesan safe environ- and religious superiors would be held account- ment directors, and the leaders of particular able for allegations made against them for Catholic ethnic and cultural groups. The either committing abuse or mishandling abuse purpose of this dialogue is to discern cultur- claims. As part of the ongoing commitment to ally appropriate ways to conduct child protec- restoring the trust of the faithful and working tion and safe environment trainings and enlist toward the goal of ending the scourge of child community leaders in abuse prevention and sexual abuse—not only in the Church but in identification, as well as encourage reporting the wider society—protecting and healing of abuse and promote the healing of abuse sur- God’s children is a strategic priority for the vivors. As part of this effort, existing services U.S. bishops, with special emphasis on the and resources will be identified, and there will following areas: be an effort made to encourage the sharing of these resources and know-how between the • Create and maintain safe environments dioceses so that healing of victims and abuse through sound policies and procedures. prevention can better reach all linguistic and • Extend and ensure effective collabora- cultural communities. tion with the laity. Sharing best practices and • Cultivate an ever‐deepening spiritual- encouraging ongoing dia- ity of chastity and virtue. logue on child and youth • Nurture courageous and transpar- protection ent reflection and leadership. Though Vos estis lux mundi, the Holy Father • Accompany survivors and embrace their set new rules and procedures to ensure that witness. the world’s bishops and religious superiors

12 would be held accountable for allegations made against them for either committing Continuing education and abuse or mishandling abuse claims. As part of awareness for clergy the U.S. bishops’ ongoing commitment to end Recognizing that ongoing education, aware- the scourge of child sexual abuse, ongoing dia- ness, training, and vigilance is necessary in logue and the sharing of lessons learned and the area of child and youth protection, the best practices is paramount. The Committee Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and on Protection of Children and Young People Vocations will consult and collaborate with the will attend or host an international child Committee on the Protection of Children and and youth protection conference. Providing Young People to provide practical resources resources to English-speaking episcopal for the initial and ongoing formation of priests conferences and exchanging ideas and sharing and deacons related to the protection of chil- best practices in the area of child and youth dren and youth. protection benefits all.

13 Vocations: Equip all Christ’s disciples for mission. Encouraging, supporting, and educating on national organizations the Church’s teachings and its pastoral needs with a vocations mission, with regard to vocations is a vital part of the and youth and young work of the bishops. Each person is called to adults to enhance their fully live out their vocation, whether it is to ministries. the priesthood, diaconate, or consecrated life, or through marriage and family life, as well as Promoting and Strengthening single life. As part of the ongoing work of the Marriage and the Family Church to foster and embrace one’s vocation, equipping all of Christ’s disciples for mission Each year, National Marriage Week (February is a key priority for the bishops with special 7-14) and World Marriage Sunday (second emphasis in the following areas: Sunday of February) provide the opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and • Foster lifelong discernment and forma- love that begins with supporting, promoting tion to fulfill one’s God‐given vocation. and upholding marriage and the family. The Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life • Prepare for and sustain the living out of and Youth (LMFLY) chooses a theme each marriage and family life. year and provides tools for diocesan ministry • Create a culture that nurtures Consecrated leaders and clergy to encourage participa- Life and Holy Orders. tion in dioceses and parishes, such as virtual retreats for couples, preaching resources for • Encourage the laity in their mission to clergy, and a bulletin insert in English and evangelize society. Spanish. A social media kit is also provided to dioceses and parishes to use with their own The following highlights are a media channels. sampling of the Conference’s World Meeting of Families work in these emphasis areas. The World Meeting of Families (WMOF) Fostering Vocations in the started by St. John Paul II is an international African American Community gathering of families held every three years. To encourage more families to participate from The Subcommittee for African American the United States, the LMFLY staff are plan- Affairs will be focused on increasing form- ning to pilot a comprehensive project to assist ing clergy, lay leaders, and solid allies in the families and groups with resources for pil- African American community for the evange- grimage planning. These resources will include lization of African American Catholics and for prayer and reflection guides, handbooks for promotion of vocations. Part of this initiative travel safety and other useful information, as would be to research, examine and synthesize well as materials to assist diocesan and par- both best practices and deterrents to promot- ish leaders in their efforts to coordinate local ing vocations within the Black Catholic com- events around the WMOF with the hopes that munity and to provide helpful information more families will be able to access the riches to the bishops, seminary rectors, vocations and blessings of this international gathering. directors, diocesan staff, Catholic educators,

14 Pandemic Recovery: Promote the healing of the personal, spiritual, and societal wounds of COVID-19 through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician. The world in which the Church proclaims Equipping the the Gospel has changed with the COVID-19 Church to minister during a pandemic, and once the recovery process pandemic and in a post-pan- begins, additional changes will be needed to adjust to a new reality. The impact of the pandemic world demic touches upon every aspect of our lives. The Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life Stay-at-home orders and limits on gatherings and Vocations (CCLV) will collaborate with have meant that even operational aspects of organizations dedicated to ongoing clergy the Church’s ministry need to be re-evalu- formation to incorporate into the annual ated. With no guarantee that 2020 will see the theme—particularly at annual conferences— end of this pandemic, thoughts turn to what the support of those in the clerical state, Church ministry will look like in the long- focusing on the Eucharist and on recovery term and what adjustments may be needed. after the pandemic. Additionally, CCLV will With that in mind, one of the key priorities host a meeting with experts in the field of for the bishops focuses on pandemic recovery ongoing formation to discuss drafting the sec- with special emphasis in the following areas: ond edition of the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests, taking into account new • Foster the efforts of dioceses and parishes circumstances revealed in the life of priests to recover from the destructive power of by the stresses of the novel coronavirus. In COVID-19 upon the body, mind, and soul doing so, CCLV hopes to identify new mea- especially among the poor. sures and assist in existing efforts to prepare • Identify new measures and assist in clergy to minister effectively in the face of the existing efforts to be prepared to minister next potential pandemic or existential threat. effectively in the face of the next potential Additionally, in a unified effort to continue its pandemic or existential threat. ministry and evangelization efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee • Invite the faithful to share in the triumph on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs will of the Cross over all destructive forces by continue to dialogue with different Christian encountering the Lord Jesus in Holy Mass denominations to share best practices for and being renewed in the healing power of ministry and evangelization. The Committee the Body and Blood of Christ. on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth (LMFLY) will be enhancing its marriage and The following highlights are a family ministry efforts, as well as support- sampling of the Conference’s ing its lay ecclesial ministers in light of the work in these emphasis areas. circumstances and stresses caused by ongoing economic, mental, emotional, and spiritual impacts.

15 Pandemic recovery and dis- The Church’s works continue proportionately impacted The Church’s works of social justice, evan- communities gelization, education, and national and local The Committee for Cultural Diversity in the institutional development must continue, Church will facilitate consultation on par- despite a global pandemic. In order to effec- ticular issues and participation in various tively carry out our mission as Catholics, we collaborative projects with an emphasis on need to combine resources in order to support (1) supporting pandemic recovery efforts, the Church and those in need. The novel coro- especially among the communities that have navirus knows no bounds, and the COVID-19 been disproportionately impacted, as well as pandemic hit each and every community. The (2) preparedness to minister in the face of weekly offertory was not available with the future threats. parish closures, and parishes that did not have electronic giving options (or parishioners who Catholic education during a usually give electronically) found themselves in an especially difficult position. Across the global pandemic board, there were faithful parishioners who The financial impact of the closure of churches lost their jobs or saw drastic income loss as a has had an immediate and detrimental impact result of the pandemic that made it difficult to on the parish schools, as weekly offertory continue financially contributing to their par- collections were halted and some parishioners ish. The Committee on National Collections faced abrupt income reductions or sudden job has been working with the dioceses to pro- loss. The Committee on Catholic Education mote options to assist with financial recovery, has continued its advocacy efforts through including e-giving platforms. One specific the state Catholic conferences in support example of the way that the Committee is of legislative and regulatory initiatives that preparing for pandemic recovery efforts is impact Catholic schools, including school the adjustments made by the Subcommittee choice and funding, emergency financial aid on Catholic Home Missions to include the for families, governmental aid to assist finan- procurement of personal protective equipment cially challenged schools, and the health and (PPE) as an acceptable use of the grants. safety of students, teachers and staff related to the pandemic. As plans are made to re-open schools amidst uncertainty with the ongoing spread of the virus, the Committee is working on resources to prepare diocesan education leadership on health and safety measures in Catholic schools.

16 Created Anew by the Body and Blood of Christ: Source of Our Healing and Hope Throughout these pages, you can uncover the Francis spoke to God for us all, “You are call- architectural plan for the Holy Father’s beloved ing on us to seize this time of trial as a time of field hospital in the United States. They show choosing. It is not the time of your judgment, how the United States Conference of Catholic but of our judgement: a time to choose what Bishops will help bind the wounds—physical matters and what passes away, a time to sepa- and spiritual—that are so present in society rate what is necessary from what is not.” today. Bringing the real presence of Christ to those hungering for God’s healing mercy is our This has been the task of writing and updating commitment to every soul in need of hope. our strategic plan during these times. We set These pages are an invitation to Catholics, about this work guided by the wisdom of St. Christians and people of good will to join the Luke found in chapter 14 of his Gospel. saving work of serving our sisters and broth- Which of you wishing to construct a ers. As Pope Francis has said, “If we act as one tower does not first sit down and calcu- people, even in the face of other epidemics late the cost to see if there is enough for that threaten us, we can make a real impact.” its completion? Otherwise, after laying This strategic framework was written by more the foundation and finding himself than 300 bishops, 1,800 collaborators, and unable to finish the work the onlook- more than three dozen committees, subcom- ers should laugh at him and say, “This mittees, ad hoc committees, secretariats, and one began to build but did not have the offices of the Conference. The work reveals resources to finish.” the Holy Spirit animating more than 230 Now, with our preparations done, let us go objectives and nearly 900 activities—all for the forth and renew our sacred commitment to purpose of building the Kingdom of God. bring the hope of our resurrected Lord to During his extraordinary Urbi et Orbi message the world. at the height of the global pandemic, Pope

The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Chairman Committee on Priorities and Plans