Pope Calls for Collection, Prayers and Works of Mercy in Light of Global Pandemic
(Solidarity)
Pope Francis has established an emergency fund at the Pontifical Mission Societies, and Bishop Zinkula is asking members of our diocese to contribute. Twenty-five percent of these contributions will remain in the diocese to address the local needs of those most affected by the pandemic. You'll find detailed information about how to contribute in next week's issue of the Catholic Messenger.
In addition, the Pope has called for us to join with other faith traditions in a day of prayer, fasting and works of charity on May 14. This article at America Magazine explains how this plan came about and talks about the Pope's current thoughts on the pandemic's impact and the global response.
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COVID-19 Numbers and the People Behind Them
(Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
We will not have final numbers for quite some time, but initial numbers from an April survey by the Pew Research Center clearly show why much help is needed for the many impacted by the pandemic.
- 43% of U.S. adults say they or someone in their household has lost a job or taken a cut in pay due to the outbreak - 52% among lower income adults
- 23% of lower income adults have a 3-month emergency fund set aside as compared to 48% of middle-income and 75% of upper-income adults
The data show the disproportionate impact on lower socioeconomic status individuals and families, which is typical of any crisis. Perhaps this is why Christ counsels us to provide aid to "the least of these."
Learn Something New - Lunch & Learn
(The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers)
From the Diocese of Davenport Social Action Office: The next Lunch and Learn session, Supporting Those in Essential Roles, will be Thursday, May 7, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Sharing their experience and insight into the impact of COVID-19 on workers in our diocesan communities:
- Father Guillermo Treviño, Jr., parochial vicar at St. Joseph in West Liberty, St. Bernadette in West Branch and St. Patrick in Iowa City.
- Rafael Morataya, Executive Director of the Center for Worker Justice.
- Paul Iversen, Labor Educator at the University of Iowa Labor Center.
Lunch and Learns use Zoom videoconferencing, so you can connect by calling or using the internet on a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Visit https://bit.ly/DioDavLunchLearn for more information or to sign up.
Pope Francis calls us to reflect, pray and take action during Laudato Si' Week. (Click image to play video)
Save the Date - Laudato Si' Week
(Care for Creation)
Pope Francis invites us to commemorate the 5th anniversary of his encyclical Laudato Si’ from May 16-24. (See video above.) During Laudato Si' Week, we are encouraged to reflect, pray and take action for a more sustainable future. You can find more information and resources at the Laudato Si’ Week website.
Recommended Reading - Immigrant Workers Have Never Been More Important to Our Wellbeing
(The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers)
A recent blog entry at Polaris Project expresses concern for immigrants working in U.S. agriculture with H-2A visas. The visas allow them to work here for up to 3 years, but tie them to a specific company. In some cases, unscrupulous businesses take advantage of them through wage theft, poor living working conditions or other mistreatment. Embassy interviews for many applicants from Mexico have been waived, meaning they are not provided information about their rights or the number for the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline prior to beginning work. This leaves workers important to our food system vulnerable. Read more here.
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- May 7-15 - Novena to St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers and Catholic Rural Life, offered virtually this year.
- May 10 - Walking with Moms in Need, Mother's Day Activities.
- May 14 - Day of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Mercy with other faith traditions in response to the pandemic.
- May 15 - Rice Bowl and CCHD Grant Deadlines. All grants must be in the Social Action Office by 4:00 PM.
- May 16-24 - Laudato Si’ week.
. . . I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
- James 2:18We may wonder sometimes why, with so much need right here in our communities, we are asked to help global neighbors through things like the Pope's Covid-19 emergency fund or support for Catholic Relief Services. In a recent interview by National Public Radio (NPR), Mark Green, former USAID administrator and current executive director of the McCain Institute, stated quite succinctly, "We have to care about what takes place in the far reaches of the world." Problems in the rest of the world have an impact on life here at home. He explains that when we do not engage in regions lacking the same capacity as our country "the challenges will come to us." If you would like to listen to this interview, you will find it here.
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Expand Your Horizons - Walking with Moms
(Life and Dignity of the Human Person)
From the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, USCCB: As part of Walking with Moms, this Mother’s Day weekend, May 10, we invite you to join us in offering a spiritual bouquet to Our Blessed Mother. Use or adapt the suggestions in this sample activity guide to offer a spiritual bouquet to Our Lady in your own homes.
Call to Action
(Care for God's Creation, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
From Sierra Club: Can you can take some time to send a personal message to the EPA to stop rolling back public health protections during a health crisis? Several recent actions put the public at risk of increased pollution, and now Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) are being significantly weakened. Recent medical research shows people exposed to this air pollution are more vulnerable to COVID-19. These changes are especially harmful for pregnant women and children, and for those living in communities located near power plants.
Sierra Club makes it easy to submit a public comment opposing the EPA’s proposed rule. They include a box where you can tell why this change matters to you or someone you know - maybe you, a family member or friend struggles with asthma, COPD or emphysema and will be impacted by particulates in air pollution. There is power in stories and a personalized comment always means more.
From Diocese of Davenport Social Action Office: How are food pantries in your area doing? With the increase in unemployment due to COVID-19 lots of people are relying on food pantries, including many who have never required assistance before. With the increased demand, and in many cases a decrease in donations, many pantries struggle to meet the need. If you are able, consider sending a few dollars in support of your local pantry.
A Reminder That CRS is There
Even before the pandemic, children around the world were suffering due to the trauma of wars and forced migration. Catholic Relief Services has been there for them and their families. This short animation below from CRS conveys the experience of displacement and upheaval from the perspective of a child, as well as what is possible through the CRS response. Some illustrations are based on real drawings by refugee and displaced children.
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