Save the Date. On March 25, 2026, Catholics from across CA will gather in our state’s Capitol for a day of prayer, prophetic witness, and advocacy. We invite parish and diocesan leaders, students and schools, ministries and teams to join CA bishops and parishioners. Together, we uplift vulnerable populations, build sustainable communities, cultivate strong and healthy families, advance educational excellence, and embrace our mission to serve. Register below—additional details will follow. 

BALTIMORE – As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in twelve years the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops. The last one issued in 2013 was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.

Under the regulations pertaining to statements and publications of the Conference, a “Special Message” may only be issued at plenary assemblies, and they are statements which the President of the Conference, the Administrative Committee, or the general membership consider to be appropriate in view of the circumstances at the time. To show the consensus of the body, a Special Message must receive two-thirds of the Conference members present and voting at the plenary in order to pass. In a vote of 216 votes in favor, 5 votes against, and 3 abstentions, the bishops overwhelmingly approved the Special Message, with sustained applause of the body following the vote.

Read the full text of the bishops’ Special Pastoral Message below.

The Catholic bishops of California invite you to celebrate the beauty and goodness of marriage and family through Radiate Love — a new 96-page book capturing two years of reflections, prayers, saints, and activities from the statewide initiative of the same name.

Now available for pre-order in English and Spanish, this splendid resource helps families become living witnesses of God’s love in their homes and communities.

Special Pre-Order Offer
From now through December 1, pre-order Radiate Love from Our Sunday Visitor at an exclusive 70% discount off the list price of $4.95 when purchased by the case — saving over $500 per case! Delivery will take place in January 2026.

Share the Gift of Love
Stock up for your parish or ministry, and follow the California bishops’ lead by giving a copy to every couple at Mass on World Marriage Day, February 8. Your gesture of pastoral care will bless countless couples — and remind them that the Church desires their marriage to thrive as a radiant sign of God’s love.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has awarded CCC Director of Pastoral Engagement Ken Johnson-Mondragón and Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, with the 2025 Encuentros Award. The awards were presented on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during the USCCB November Assembly in Washington, DC.

The announcement was made by Bishop Oscar Cantú, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, at the 2025 annual conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM).

Photo by Stefanie Miles © USCCB.

Ken Johnson-Mondragón receives recognition as a Pioneer in Research for his 25 years of transformative leadership in Hispanic/Latino ministry. As the former Director of the National Research and Resource Center for Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Instituto Fe y Vida and a member of the National Team that led the implementation of V Encuentro, Johnson-Mondragón has produced groundbreaking statistical reports and curriculum resources that have shaped ministry across the nation. He currently serves as the first-ever Director of Pastoral Engagement at the California Catholic Conference.

Sister Norma Pimentel is honored as an Accompanier for her extraordinary dedication to restoring human dignity to immigrants and asylum seekers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

"I give glory and thanks to God that the gifts entrusted to me have proven to be useful in service to the Church and her mission, first among Hispanic/Latino Catholics across the country, and now for the faithful in California," said Johnson-Mondragón.

The Encuentros Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Catholic Church in the United States.

The Jubilee of the Poor: The Catholic Church is celebrating a Jubilee Year, which began on Christmas Eve 2024 and will conclude on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2026. This year's Jubilee theme is "Pilgrims of Hope." The Holy See also designated a number of Jubilee Days throughout 2025 to recognize and celebrate different groups of people and various ministries in the Church. The Jubilee of the Poor will be held this Sunday, November 16, 2025, which is also the ninth World Day of the Poor. In honoring the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable during the Jubilee Year, we are celebrating the dignity of each person and the contributions each person makes to this world. Additional resources can be found on the USCCB website.

Angelus News is inviting readers to share their personal experiences of graces received during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. 

Inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Hope does not disappoint,” (Rm 5,5), the campaign seeks to gather true and original anecdotes or brief testimonies about an experience of faith during this Holy Year, including miracles, conversions, or simply answered prayers in the context of the Jubilee. 

Submissions are limited to one per person and should be personal in nature, concisely written, and previously unpublished. 

Winning submissions chosen by Angelus editors will be published in a December 2025 or January 2026 issue of Angelus looking back at the Jubilee Year, which officially ends Jan. 6, 2026. Winners will also receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a free one-year subscription to Angelus. 

You Are Not Alone Initiative

In response to the growing fear and instability caused by increased immigration enforcement and the threat of mass deportations, the Catholic Church has launched the You Are Not Alone initiative to assure migrants and their families that the Church stands with them, offering pastoral support and accompaniment during this difficult time. Learn More

Novena for Religious Freedom

In celebrating Christ our King, we pray that all people have the freedom to authentically seek God and build his kingdom. May Catholics have the courage to put the truth of the gospel and fidelity to the Church above partisan politics. Pray today with the Novena, and find resources for the other days of the Novena and the Feast of Christ the King. Download Resources Here

U.S. bishops hope for continued revival in next National Eucharistic Congress approved for 2029 

The U.S. bishops have given the green light to hold the 11th National Eucharistic Congress in the summer of 2029, in a Nov. 12 vote on the final public day of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Fall Plenary Assembly. Read Full Article on Angelus News