Bishops to deal with liturgy, lay ministry, death penalty in November

Published: 2005-10-12

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When the U.S. bishops meet in November, major items on their agenda will include decisions on a statement about lay ecclesial ministry, a new text of Scripture readings for Masses with children and a new statement calling for an end to the use of the death penalty in the United States. The annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will be held in Washington Nov. 14-17. Also on the agenda are the election of a new USCCB general secretary, the election of chairmen-elect for seven USCCB committees and approval of 2006 priorities, plans and budget for the USCCB. The proposed statement on lay ecclesial ministry, "Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord," is intended as a "foundational document" on one of the most significant phenomena to emerge in the church since the Second Vatican Council -- the rapid growth of lay ministerial leaders collaborating with the priests and deacons as an integral part of parish and diocesan life.

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