April 7, 2020 — Annapolis, MD
FEDERAL AND STATE RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 RELIEF
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to deeply impact families, schools, and businesses throughout the world, including here in Maryland, federal and state leaders have taken action to try to ease the impact.
“The Federal CARES Act and Families First Coronavirus Act, as well as increased assistance made available by the State of Maryland, could offer significant benefits for families, schools, and businesses,” said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
“We are continuing to assess and monitor the legislation and assistance programs and do all that we can to ensure nonprofits and schools, including our Catholic programs, are able to access available funds,” she added.
READ MORE <[link removed]>about how these resources will impact you.
NATIONAL GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER
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Catholics across the United States are invited to pray together on Good Friday.
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will lead us as a nation in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart <[link removed]> to seek healing for all who are unwell, wisdom for those whose work is halting the spread of coronavirus, and strength for all God’s children. Please join in on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, 12 noon (eastern time)
- Watch and participate online <[link removed]>
- Text of Litany of the Sacred Heart: English <[link removed]> | Spanish <[link removed]>
The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See has given permission for a plenary indulgence <[link removed]> for those who join Archbishop Gomez in this prayer.
HOLY WEEK ONLINE
While we will not be able to gather in churches this Holy Week, we can join together virtually through prayer, online liturgies with our bishops and in our parishes, and by giving back to help our parishes and neighbors in need. These links will help you plan your Holy Week:
- Archdiocese of Baltimore: online Mass schedule <[link removed]> and parish giving <[link removed]>
- Archdiocese of Washington: online Mass schedule <[link removed]> and parish giving <[link removed]>
- Diocese of Wilmington: online Mass schedule <[link removed]> and giving opportunities <[link removed]>
CATHOLIC CHARITIES VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is holding a Holy Week Virtual Food Drive <[link removed]> this week to replenish the shelves at SHARE, the Southern Maryland Food Bank, and other food pantries.
With more people out of work and everyone social distancing, parish food pantries, Catholic Charities and other nonprofits are feeling the pressure. If you are able to help, check with your parish or Catholic Charities, including Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Baltimore <[link removed]>, Diocese of Wilmington <[link removed]> or Archdiocese of Washington.
In addition, the Knights of Columbus today announced a multi-million-dollar food drive and delivery operation to support food banks in 20 cities, including initial $50,000 donations to food banks in Baltimore and Washington, DC and is encouraging its members to volunteer at food banks and help deliver food to those in need.
CATHOLIC MINISTRIES ON HEALTH CARE FRONT LINES
Catholic health care providers across Maryland are on the front lines of responding to medical needs related to COVID-19 through testing, care and, at Mercy Medical Center, fast-tracking the construction of a 32-bed acute care unit <[link removed]> that will open this summer.
Holy Cross Health (Montgomery County) has an online wish list of needs, such as personal protective equipment, including masks (that meet certain criteria) and supplies. Learn more here <[link removed]>.
Catholic schools are doing their part to keep these front-line workers safe, with families and local organizations using the schools’ 3-D printers to make face shields <[link removed]> for hospital and other health care use. St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis also partnered with a local company to produce respirators and masks.
Women religious, such as the Little Sisters of the Poor and Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, and lay staff at Catholic nursing homes and senior residences across Maryland also are implementing safety measures to protect residents, many of whom are low income or medically fragile. Please keep them and their needs in prayer.
Visit our COVID-19 <[link removed]> page for updated Church and government resources on prayer, giving, support, and assistance, and a video to make your own mask with a cloth and rubber bands.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. We want to thank the nearly 70,000 people who have completed education and background checks to work with minors in parishes, schools and ministries sponsored by the three (arch)dioceses in Maryland. Learn more about what we do to protect children here <[link removed]> and watch Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory’s Mass 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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Maryland Catholic Conference - 10 Francis St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
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