WASHINGTON (June 3, 2003) -— The June General Meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops begins on Thursday, June 19, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency Union Station in St. Louis.

With regard to media coverage, the current schedule is as follows:

Thursday Morning Session: Open to the news media and followed by a news conference dealing with the items presented at that session.

Thursday Afternoon: Executive Session not open to media.

Thursday Evening: News Briefing for media at 5:15 pm with Bishop Gregory.

Friday Morning: Open to news media. Debate and vote on the National Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States and a brief report by the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse on the implementation of the Charter. The remainder of Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning will be in Executive Session, not open to media.

There are no news conferences or press briefings on Friday or Saturday.

In addition to the two documents and presentations already mentioned the agenda includes:

Presentation of proposals to allow committees to begin preparing the following:

• A foundational document offering theological and pastoral reflection and guidance on the formation and preparation of lay ecclesial ministers
  
• A document that will provide practical resources for implementing "From Words to Deeds" to promote collaboration between clergy and women
  
• A document which seeks to apply Catholic social teaching to the challenges affecting agriculture at this time
  
• A brief pastoral letter on the theology of mission based on "Redemptoris Missio"
  
  Oral reports on:
  
• Native American Catholics
  
• New Covenant Initiative
  
• ICEL statutes

For media inquiries, e-mail us at commdept@usccb.org
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