The 2023 Pope St. John 23rd Awardees were chosen during the annual planning meeting of the Leadership Team held January 10-12 in San Diego. We will announce the awardees in the e-bulletin, beginning today with the selection of the AUSCP Founding Fathers as award recipients.

There were 27 priests who gathered at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago in August of 2011 and decided to form the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests (AUSCP). It was founded to be the pastoral and collegial voice of its member priests. Inspired by the teachings of Vatican II, one of the main goals has always been to keep the Spirit of Vatican II alive, and presently, to promote the agenda of Pope Francis with his call to embrace synodality.

Seven of the Founding Fathers have gone to their eternal rest. At the June Assembly we will honor the remaining 20. We hope many of them can be present for the award ceremony. We also hope many of YOU will be able to join us to honor the Founding Fathers.

Cardinal McElroy Calls for Inclusion & Conversion

Cardinal McElroy spoke to a gathering at the University of San Diego on January 28th. He said, "The current synodal process seeks an outcome far beyond the issuance of new documents, or even a moment of change, but rather an ongoing process of reform and renewal that constantly enhances ecclesial life from the parish to the diocese to the world church." (NCR Online by Brynn Shaffer) McElroy's talk was the closing plenary at the two-day conference, "Re-Imagining the World: Saint Francis and Pope Francis."

Discussion Series on Racism - Join our 4-week discussion series which begins this week. See below in the list of webinars.

Paulist Press offers a number of different reflection booklets for Lent. You can access more information HERE.

Loyola Press: Take time each day for Living Lent Daily, and prepare your heart for a new appreciation of the journey to Easter. Sign up to receive the daily messages via e-mail from Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023, through Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. The messages will come from the Year in Our Church from Loyola Press. Living Lent Daily | Loyola Press

The Beatitudes: A Cautionary Tale - Treat yourself to a new perspective on the Beatitudes through the eyes of a woman.

Assembly Costs: $495 registration, includes room and board for 3 nights (June 12,13,14); $480 if registered online before April 1; $450 if registered by check before April 1; $325 commuter fee (includes meals, talks and banquet); $65 extra night’s lodging

The following webinars are coming soon! Please sign up for those that you would like to attend.

Unless indicated otherwise, You can register for the webinars by clicking HERE.

Discussion Series on Racism

This is part of the three-year strategic plan to combat racism provided by the AUSCP Anti-racism Team. Prepare for Lent by joining us in taking Step 3: Self-Activate in Year One of our Strategic Plan on Anti-racism. Two series will be offered; Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoon:

Monday February 6, 13, 20, & 27 (7-8:30pm EST) or

Wednesday February 1, 8, 15, & 22 (1-2:30pm EST)

You need not have attended previous groups and are free to switch between these as you wish. The sessions will be moderated by Rev. John Judie, and Susan and Paul Sherman. To register, contact Paul Sherman at: (sherman.paul@twc.com)

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Conversations on Vaican II

Awakening the “People of God” Vatican II Image

In the Here & Now

The Vatican II AUSCP Working Group invites you to a zoom conversation focusing on ways the “People of God” image of Vatican II’s Constitution on the Church interfaces with the synod Continental Document—title heading: “Enlarge the space of your Tent”. (The Continental Document has synthesized synod input from world bishops’ conferences and other groups.)

If you were unable to join us on January 30th, there is another chance to participate on February 8 at 6 PM CT/7 PM ET:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89523180498

Meeting ID: 895 2318 0498

We ask you to read the Continental Document before the meeting. We also welcome your inviting others to join in, especially persons involved in parish and other ministries—whether members of AUSCP or not. Looking forward to a stimulating conversation.

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Renewal of Religious Life and Mission Activity

Starting on Wednesday, March 1 @ 4pm ET we will continue our Vatican II webinar series regarding "Our Mission of Leavening Humankind in Today's World". This series will address two documents of the Council, The Renewal of Religious Life (Perfectae Caritatis) and Mission Activity (Ad Gentes). This series will consist of 6 one-hour sessions followed with continuing dialogue by those interested. The dates are March 1,8,15,22,29 and April 5, all at 4-5pm ET.

The presenter will again be theologian Joseph Torma, Ph.D. with Bob Bonnot serving as moderator. Dr. Torma will present 2-3 segments with group dialogues between each segment.

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Other Webinars/Activities that might be of interest to you:

Synod: Second intercontinental on-line course on to start soon, February 6 - March 26. “History, Theology and Ministerial Practice of Synodality” is offered free for laity, religious, and clergy who want to learn more about ministerial practices in a Synodal Church from various intercultural and intercontinental perspectives. More than 100,000 people participated in the first course worldwide. Register HERE.

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The following webinars of 2022 are available for viewing:

(Links to past videos can be found on the AUSCP website: www.auscp.org)

The Synodal Process: An aid to facilitating synodal sessions

Let’s Take Earth Day Seriously: Session 1 - April 13

Let's Take Earth Day Seriously: Session 2 - April 20

Christians in the Holy Land: Part 3

Christians in the Holy Land: Part 4

Leavening Humankind in Today's World: Mission of the Laity

Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 4

Catholic Discordance

Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 4

Leavening Humankind in Today's World: Formation and Ministry of Bishops and Priests

Session 1 , Session 2, Session 3, Session 4, Session 5, Session 6

First Church: A Practical Theology of the Family as Domestic Church - S ession 1, Session 2, Session 3, Session 4, Session 5, Session 6

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