Vol. 1, No. 45. Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Please note the Diocese of Tucson offices will be closed Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and Friday, Nov. 23..

At the Fall General Assembly

Along with what I believe to be the vast majority of my brother bishops, I was looking forward to finalizing plans to establish a new and better reporting protocol for bishops accused of misconduct. We were all taken by surprise by the Holy See's request that we not take formal action on the issue until after February's international meeting at the Vatican with the heads of bishops conferences around the world. As an American I'm frustrated by the delay.

As a Catholic—a word that means "universal"—I recognize some wisdom in joining ourselves with Catholics around the world in addressing the issues. I think the American Church has much to offer the Universal Church, and we are indeed being watched by the world. My hope is that in following the Holy Father's approach we will end up serving not only our own people but Catholics around the world. For now the work continues as we dig into deliberations about how best to protect the vulnerable, honor and support victims, and hold Church leadership properly accountable. Indeed, today's dialog has been incredibly helpful as models for accountability evolve.

A few words about Monday's meeting. The day was focused primarily on prayer and reflection and it was exceptionally fruitful. However, hearing the deeply moving and insightful words of two victims was equally critical for our efforts. Tuesday, we reviewed a draft pastoral letter on racism, a critically important work that's been in process for years. I pray it passes before we adjourn.

For those interested, the meeting is being live-streamed on various sites. As noted above, our deliberations continue and I believe we are laying a solid foundation for the near future. Please keep the bishops, and especially your own, in prayer.

If possible, take a few minutes to watch the livestream of the assembly.  You may find it interesting, or of value in your own understanding of the assembly.  Visit http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/usccb-general-assembly/  to view the assembly livestreamed.

Catholic Community Services Gala

Following the USSCB Assembly, both Bishop Emeritus Gerald F. Kicanas and I will be attending the annual CCS Gala, this year celebrating the organization's 85th Anniversary on Saturday at the El Conquistador Resort

Following the theme, "Family Matters, 85 Years of Strengthening Family," the 2018 Honorees are Mary E. Cochran, M.D., of Mesquite Pediatrics, Kay Sullivan, President of Salpointe Catholic High School and Msgr. Thomas P. Cahalane, pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish. 

Congratulations to each of these honorees.

Upcoming:

Sun., Dec. 2: First Sunday of Advent

Sat., Dec. 8: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This is a Holy Day of Obligation

Weds., Dec. 12:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe