March 31, 2020 — Annapolis, MD
CORONAVIRUS CHURCH AND STATE RESOURCE HUB
The restrictions on outside activities tightened in Maryland on March 31 as part of the state's effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. In response, the Maryland Catholic Conference has created a COVID-19 resource hub <[link removed]>, with links for spiritual resources and online Masses, as well as government information and resources.
Read more... <[link removed]>
BOOST APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 24
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The deadline to apply for a BOOST scholarship is Friday, April 24, at midnight. The scholarships, available to qualifying low-income students, will assist parents in sending their children to a non-public school for the 2020-21 school year.
"As of today, the application deadline for BOOST has not changed. We encourage parents to fill out their applications as soon as possible. This program is a great opportunity for parents whose children currently attend public school, as well as those with children in a Catholic school who are struggling with tuition," said Garrett O'Day, deputy director of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
Read more... <[link removed]>
"HE IS RISEN AND LIVING BY OUR SIDE"
Pope Francis prayed for an end of the COVID-19 pandemic, standing alone in St. Peter's Square on a rainy March 27, and offered a rare Urbi et Orbi blessing. An excerpt from his beautiful meditation:
"The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest, invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours when everything seems to be floundering. The Lord awakens so as to reawaken and revive our Easter faith. We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love. In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our side. The Lord asks us from his cross to rediscover the life that awaits us, to look towards those who look to us, to strengthen, recognize and foster the grace that lives within us. Let us not quench the wavering flame (cf. Is 42:3) that never falters, and let us allow hope to be rekindled.
"Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring. It means finding the courage to create spaces where everyone can recognize that they are called, and to allow new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity. By his cross we have been saved in order to embrace hope and let it strengthen and sustain all measures and all possible avenues for helping us protect ourselves and others. Embracing the Lord in order to embrace hope: that is the strength of faith, which frees us from fear and gives us hope."
Read his full message HERE <[link removed]>.
GET INVOLVED
JOIN THE CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK
Learn more about the Catholic Advocacy Network and how you can take action on important issues in Maryland: CLICK HERE. <[link removed]>
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
The Maryland Catholic Conference is still looking for volunteers to serve as Parish Legislative Ambassadors for some parishes. If you are passionate about the work we do and want to help us speak up on important issues in Maryland, please sign up to volunteer!
To sign-up to volunteer CLICK HERE. <[link removed]>
STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
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