Inside this issue
• Public Celebration of Mass Suspended throughout California
• Online Catholic Mass & Spiritual Resources during COVID-19 (and Anytime!)
• Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
• USCCB President's Reflection and Prayer During Coronavirus
• Coronavirus and Legal Immigration
• California Legislature in Recess
• Census 2020
• California Catholic Conference Office Closed
Public Celebration of Mass Suspended throughout California
In response to unprecedented measures taken by California and the nation to slow the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), every Roman Catholic Diocese in the state has suspended the public celebration of Mass. Catholics around the world are in the season of Lent - in preparation for Easter, the most holy Feast of the liturgical year - making this necessary move particularly heartbreaking.
"This is an extraordinary step for the 11 million Catholics in the Golden State," said Andrew Rivas, executive director of the California Catholic Conference. "Every Bishop in California recognized the public health threat posed by the infection but also appreciated the need for spiritual and emotional support in such a challenging time.
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Online Catholic Mass & Spiritual Resources during COVID-19 (and Anytime!)
During the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these online resources will help maintain our spiritual practices and cope with a difficult time.
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Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
While it is remarkable that so many Californians are confined to their homes to stop the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, it is fortunate that social media and communication technology makes it easier than ever to reach out to others who might be anxious.
How do you stay healthy - spiritually, physically and emotionally - during such an unusual time?
From a faith perspective, the resources available online are tremendous. Many people already get an email with a daily reading or a short reflection. Such practices are especially widespread during Lent.
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USCCB President's Reflection and Prayer During Coronavirus
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued a reflection and prayer regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Coronavirus and Legal Immigration
The Trump Administration has expanded the public benefit programs that would deem a legal migrant ineligible for admission to the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that move in January.
It's important to note, however, that the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stated that medical treatment related to COVID-19 "will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis." Read the USCIS statement here.
Please note that as the public charge rule is related to legal immigrants seeking status changes and/or visas. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily closed to the public effectively curtailing all immigration activity - EXCEPT for enforcement.
Regardless of immigration status, if you are ill do not hesitate to seek medical advice.
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California Legislature in Recess
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Legislature has jointly voted to approve a recess in both the Senate and the Assembly until April 13, 2020, at which time the recess may be extended.
The resolution also specified that the Legislature may recall itself from the joint recess by joint proclamation of the President pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly.
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Census 2020
U.S. Census forms are now being delivered to communities throughout the country. Participation in the census is vital to help ensure there is accurate data about communities and the services that they need.
While there are many questions, rumors, and fear regarding the participation of immigrants and refugees in the 2020 Census, it's important to note that the USCCB urges all people, regardless of citizenship, to participate.
There is anxiety pertaining particularly to the safety of personal information in the Census, but the U.S. government has strict statutory rules regarding the privacy of Census respondents' data. Justice For Immigrants has backgrounders available in English and Spanish to address some of those concerns.
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California Catholic Conference Office Closed
California Catholic Conference staff, like most of California, is working remotely for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
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March 20, 2020
Vol. 13 No. 10
California Catholic Conference
En Español
Our God is near and asks us to be near to one another. Perhaps right now we cannot draw near physically to others for fear of contagion, but we can reawaken in ourselves a habit of drawing near to others through prayer and mutual help. #HomilySantaMarta
- @Pontifex
Pope Francis's Prayer to Mary during the Coronavirus Pandemic
O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
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