Bishops downsize national conference, reduce assessments

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- In a far-reaching move the U.S. bishops voted Nov. 14 to restructure their national operations significantly.
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Another key to the reorganization has been to focus conference efforts more closely on a few top priorities established by the bishops.

The five priority goals the bishops adopted for the 2008-2011 planning cycle are:
-- Implementation of the pastoral initiative on marriage.
-- Faith formation focused on sacramental practice.
-- Priestly and religious vocations.
-- Life and dignity of the human person.
-- Recognition of cultural diversity, with special emphasis on Hispanic ministry, "in the spirit of Encuentro."