Bishops to consecrate United States to Sacred Heart

The consecration on June 11 will take place in anticipations of celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

To prepare for the occasion, the bishops will have time at their 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, to hear reflections on the Sacred Heart from several of their brother bishops before the special Mass of consecration, which will be livestreamed on the USCCB YouTube channel.

The bishops’ livestream event is intended to be a catalyst to encourage parishes and individuals to participate in the America 250 commemoration by contributing to 250 hours of Eucharistic Adoration and/or 250 works of mercy.

Other items expected to be on the bishops’ plenary agenda are elements of a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass and the 2025 Roman Missal-Liturgy of the Hours Supplement for approval by the body of bishops, as well as a revision to the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People”, which attempts to balance care of and sensitivity to victim-survivors with an awareness of due process and the rights of the accused. It takes into account recent Vatican documents and canon law updates.

The bishops will also discuss synod implementation and evaluation, Catholic prison ministry, World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, and guidance for Catholic colleges and universities on theological and pastoral principles.

FULL STORY

U.S. Bishops to Meet June 10-12 in Orlando; Assembly to Be Live Streamed (USCCB)