
Statement of USCCB President on Executive Orders Signed by the President
January 22, 2025
WASHINGTON - In response to this week’s Executive Orders signed by President Trump, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:
“Many of the issues President Trump addresses in his recent Executive Orders, along with what may be issued in the coming days, are matters on which the Church has much to offer. Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us. Other provisions in the Executive Orders can be seen in a more positive light, such as recognizing the truth about each human person as male or female.
“I wish to reiterate that the Catholic Church is not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops’ conference. No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church’s teachings remain unchanged. It is our hope that the leadership of our Country will reconsider those actions which disregard not only the human dignity of a few, but of us all.
“Following the ancient tradition, Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope. As Christians, our hope is always in Jesus Christ, who guides us through storm and calm weather. He is the source of all truth. Our prayer is one of hope that, as a Nation blessed with many gifts, our actions demonstrate a genuine care for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, including the unborn, the poor, the elderly and infirm, and migrants and refugees. The just Judge expects nothing less.”
The USCCB will publish additional information pertaining to specific Executive Orders on usccb.org.
Media Contact:
USCCB Public Affairs
202-541-3200
View this release on the USCCB website.
A robust spiritual life indicates a strong relationship with God because, without Christ, we can do nothing. We should desire to have a strong spiritual life and encourage others to grow in their own spiritual lives.
Formed has an array of resources for parish leaders. These resources will jump-start the spiritual life of you and your parishioners so that they may abide more abundantly in the life of Christ.
Formed has an array of resources for parish leaders. These resources will jump-start the spiritual life of you and your parishioners so that they may abide more abundantly in the life of Christ.
Challenges of Living the Catholic Faith
In the world we live in, it is difficult to live out our identity as Catholics. Living the Catholic life out as a teen, living it out in relationship, living it out in discerning a career or a vocation, and living it out in marriage is bound to cause questions.
See the resources and suggestions below for how to have these conversations and encounter these difficult topics.
Resources for Addressing Difficult Topics
See the resources and suggestions below for how to have these conversations and encounter these difficult topics.
Resources for Addressing Difficult Topics
The Catholic Parent
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Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.
~ Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel
~ Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel
What is the RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a gradual process of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Christian community providing individuals the space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the RCIA provides an extended period of prayer, study, and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and the parish community.
Who is the RCIA for?
In the RCIA individuals reflect and learn about what is means to be a part of the Catholic Christian community – who we are, what we believe, how we celebrate and pray, how we relate with one another and with God. Based on the gradual transformation of each individual, the RCIA accompanies and celebrates the journey to faith of each individual.
The process begins with a period of inquiry for those who have felt called to consider the Catholic faith. Here you will find an open space to ask questions about what Catholics hold and believe while meeting others striving to live Gospel values. Know that initial inquiry does not necessarily commit you to initiation.
Where can I find out more information? Contact our parish office for more information.
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a gradual process of conversion and initiation into the Catholic Christian community providing individuals the space to encounter God and respond to His invitation to a new way of life in the Catholic faith. Grounded in a respect for the personal faith journey of each individual, the RCIA provides an extended period of prayer, study, and fellowship in which each individual has the opportunity to grow in relationship with God and the parish community.
Who is the RCIA for?
- Persons who have never been baptized and wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (Holy Communion) in the Catholic Church.
- Persons who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
- Baptized Catholics who have not completed their initiation; by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
In the RCIA individuals reflect and learn about what is means to be a part of the Catholic Christian community – who we are, what we believe, how we celebrate and pray, how we relate with one another and with God. Based on the gradual transformation of each individual, the RCIA accompanies and celebrates the journey to faith of each individual.
The process begins with a period of inquiry for those who have felt called to consider the Catholic faith. Here you will find an open space to ask questions about what Catholics hold and believe while meeting others striving to live Gospel values. Know that initial inquiry does not necessarily commit you to initiation.
Where can I find out more information? Contact our parish office for more information.
Awakening

A Crossroads in Time Book by Claudia McAdamIn
this work of Biblical historical fiction, Ronni is a 21st-century American teenage girl who has lost her faith following the deaths of her father and brother, both of whom died saving the life of someone she doesn’t deem worthy. She can’t understand the concept of sacrifice—even Jesus’s death on the cross. Then one day, she wakes up 5,000 miles away from home...2,000 years in the past. How she got here, she doesn’t know. But she’s in Jerusalem, the week of the crucifixion of Jesus. She has three days to try to stop his death. The question is, can she do it? Should she? This young adult novel is appropriate for readers from middle-school through adult.
Age Range: 8 and up

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Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076 Parish office Phone: 831-722-2665 / Fax: 831-722-8305 Email: [email protected] / web: www.olhcchurch.org Office closed on Monday February 17, 2025 In observance for President's Day Office Hours / Horas de Oficina Monday-Friday / Lunes-Viernes 9:00am to 12:30pm 1:30pm to 5:00pm |