Bishops facing a loaded agenda

The USCCB released the rundown for their Fall meeting, and it’s laden with hot button issues, so this ought to be compelling to follow.

The agenda will include: approval of a reorganization plan for their national conference; approval of a revision of the Lectionary for Mass for selected days in the season of Advent, and a directory for music and the liturgy for use in the dioceses of the United States; approval of two documents from their Doctrine Committee- a proposed statement on receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist worthily, and proposed guidelines for ministry to persons with a homosexual inclination; and a document from the Pro-Life Committee offering pastoral guidance on the Church’s teaching concerning contraception, linked with a culture of life.

That’s the most loaded agenda I can recall them addressing at one time in a while. Reception of the Eucharist covers the whole media fiasco over pro-abortion Catholic politicians receiving Communion. Ministry to homosexuals sure needs to be defined and clarified courageously. And the Church’s teaching on contraception no less so, because people either don’t know it, or they don’t want to believe it.

Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life told Life Site News that

the real test will be in applying the teachings on contraception both in our personal lives and by priests in parishes.  “Will the priests, will the people use them, is the real question…”

That may largely depend on how the bishops transmit those teachings. This will be a good meeting to watch.