Bishops gear up for annual collection

OTTAWA - Canada’s bishops hope the faithful will generously support its work as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual collection approaches the weekend of Sept. 26.

“The primary purpose of the collection is to help the dioceses in Canada meet their annual per capital contribution to the CCCB,” said conference president Bishop Pierre Morissette in an Aug. 9 letter. “This is the conference’s main source of financing.”

Each diocese is assessed on a per capita basis for its contribution to the running of the bishops’ secretariat of 40 staff members and the work the bishops do in common, whether it is government relations, those with other episcopal conferences or the Holy See.

The bishops’ conference is involved in national and international pastoral activities in areas that include “social justice, ecumenical and interfaith relations, collaboration with aboriginal peoples, life and family issues, liturgy, catechesis, doctrine and relations with Catholic associations and movements,” Morissette wrote.

“The CCCB also provides the bishops with a forum to share their experiences, insights and reflections on the major events and issues that shape the Church and modern society.”

He noted the 65-year old conference needs to “continue updating and renewing its structures and resources.”  Through their support, the faithful contribute to the unity of the Body of Christ.

In a mail-out that included a parish bulletin, the CCCB sent out a document highlighting its activities over the past year, including efforts to collaborate with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to revise its mandate and operations in light of the Pope’s social justice encyclical Caritas et Veritate, relief efforts for the Church and society of Haiti, devastated by a massive earthquake, and to bring about peace in the Middle East.

The CCCB also established an ad hoc committee committed to developing a strategy for the promotion of a culture of life and family in Canada, and were active in the debate on end-of-life issues, opposing euthanasia and promoting palliative care.

The CCCB is also busy preparing for the reception of the new English translation of the Roman Missal, which is expected to be in use by Advent 2011.