For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the entire group of U.S. bishops is gathering in Baltimore for the annual fall general assembly, and the Grand Rapids Diocese is asking people to pray for them as they meet.

“Pray for our U.S. bishops as they gather this week for the Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, the first in-person meeting of the full body of bishops since November 2019,” the Grand Rapids Diocese tweeted on Nov. 15.

According to the Diocese of Grand Rapids, the conference involves the U.S. Conference of Bishops and takes place annually at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, with this event occurring from Nov. 15-18. Baltimore is the location for the first and oldest diocese in the country. The last scheduled meeting was June 2020 and it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The meetings are held semi-annually and the November 2020 and June 2021 meetings were held virtually.

The assembly includes Grand Rapids Bishop David Walkowiak. It will open with an address by Archbishop Christopher Pierre, who is the Papal Nuncio to the United States. There will also be words from Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles who is the president of the USCCB.

Some subjects discussed and voted on include committee members, passing a 2022 budget and the practice of Holy Communion for those who support abortion, such as President Joe Biden, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The bishops will also hear from the National Advisory Council, which is set up for consultation on action items, as well as other reports before the administrative committee.

A report by the National Catholic Reporter said officials involved in the conference have declined to answer whether vaccines are required, but journalists attending have not been asked to bring their vaccination card. 

Those attending include bishops, diocese officials, staff members and journalists. Masks will be required at the event, as there is a mandate in the city of Baltimore. Chieko Noguchi, who is the director of public affairs at the conference, said testing will be voluntary but rapid tests will be available.

“We have received positive feedback from bishops who are looking forward to gathering for the first time in two years to talk, pray and discuss business together,” Noguchi told the National Catholic Reporter.