Inside this issue
• COVID-19 Updates on Restriction Rollbacks and Assistance
• Appreciation for Health Care Workers
• National Crime Victims' Week
• Pope's Letter Sends Praise and Asks for Universal Wage Consideration
• 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
• Pope Francis' Prayer to Mary for the Coronavirus
COVID-19 Updates on Restriction Rollbacks and Assistance
The CCC continues to post daily updates of the Governor's briefings on the state's COVID-19 response and two new items are of particular importance this week.
For the first time since statewide shelter-in-place orders were issued, Governor Newsom laid out preliminary guidelines of what needs to be in place for restrictions to begin to be eased. Those guidelines include the ability to monitor and protect communities through testing; prevent infection in vulnerable communities; the ability of health systems to handle surges and provide therapeutics to meet demand; the ability for schools, businesses, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and the ability to determine when to reinstitute measures if necessary.
Continue Reading
Top
Appreciation for Health Care Workers
San Bernardino Bishop Gerald Barnes is praising healthcare workers for their contributions and willingness to "assist in these scary, and at times, hopeless circumstances."
"I am profoundly grateful to all of you for the work you do," Bishop Barnes said in a released statement. "You remain compassionate, kind and present to the sick and dying. I know many of you go beyond the call of duty to bring comfort and relief to those who are dying, lonely and in need of solace. You are the faces of Jesus to the sick and dying, sharing the love of God and spreading the good news of God's kingdom without words but through your actions."
Read more here.
Top
National Crime Victims' Week
Catholic dioceses in California will join in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2020, to raise awareness of victims' right and services. The commemoration is an annual event established in 1981 to draw attention to the people and families whose lives have been affected by violent crime.
This year's theme is Seek Justice, Ensure Victims' Rights, Inspire Hope.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, California dioceses actively work to promote healing opportunities for individuals and communities. While outreach activities may look different this year as a result of the pandemic, Restorative Justice offices of the state's dioceses normally offer special events, classes, and reflection on the meaning and application of restorative justice in today's society. In addition, masses and prayer vigils are usually dedicated to the cause.
Continue Reading
Top
Pope's Letter Sends Praise and Asks for Universal Wage Consideration
Several California bishops praised Pope Francis' Easter Sunday letter to leaders of grassroots movements around the world for showing the love of Christ to so many through their "noble and essential" work. Significantly, the Holy Father suggested this might be the time to investigate a universal wage to address structural inequities that leave so many unable to support themselves.
The group, who has met with the Pope in the past, is collectively known as the World Meeting of Popular Movements, a "truly an invisible army, fighting in the most dangerous trenches; an army whose only weapons are solidarity, hope, and community spirit, all revitalizing at a time when no one can save themselves alone," according to Pope Francis' letter.
Continue Reading
Top
50th Anniversary of Earth Day
This coming Wednesday, April 22, will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States. On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million Americans - approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time - took to the street in hundreds of cities around the country to protest environmental degradation and call for a new way forward for our planet.
The result: Earth Day awareness and activism have led to the Clean Air, Clear Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
As Catholics, we are deeply committed to our environment and our home. The California Conference of Catholic Bishops released Care for the Common Home last year, calling for a spiritual conversion that respects our common home and cares for all.
Continue Reading
Top
Pope Francis' Prayer to Mary for the Coronavirus
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus' pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father's will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas - we who are put to the test - and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Top
April 17, 2020
Vol. 13 No. 14
California Catholic Conference
En Español
Jesus' resurrection shows us that death does not have the last world; life does. Christ has been raised, so it is possible to have a positive outlook on every event of our existence, even the most difficult ones and those charged with anguish and uncertainty.
- @Pontifex
COVID-19 Policy Updates
Click here for recaps of Governor Newsom's daily COVID-19 briefings.
DIOCESAN ANNOUNCENTS
ONLINE GIVING
ONLINE MASSES
Follow Us On...
You are currently subscribed to a mailing list of California Catholic Conference. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
