April 29, 2020 — Annapolis, MD
WHAT IF STAY-IN-PLACE COULD MEAN RISK?
Stay-in-place orders are meant to reduce contact between people and control the spread of COVID-19, but what happens when stay-in-place leaves people vulnerable?
Chaplains and volunteers with Catholic prison ministry across Maryland have been concerned about the risk of COVID-19 for incarcerated youth and adults.
The order by Governor Larry Hogan <[link removed]> in mid-April to allow expedited release of inmates who are considered not to pose a threat to public safety, such those who are elderly, pregnant, or non-violent, was welcomed to reduce crowding and health risks.
“My office has received so many calls concerning their incarcerated family members that I was overwhelmed. It was truly a blessing,” Deacon Seigfried Presberry said after the governor's order was enacted. He is the coordinator for prison ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Maryland Catholic Conference participates in two state coalitions that focus on reforms to the system of justice. Garrett O'Day, deputy director for the Conference, noted, "The Maryland Catholic Conference has taken positions previously on legislation that is in line with Gov. Hogan’s order, such as commonsense measures allowing for geriatric parole and protection for pregnant inmates.”
On April 27, the Maryland Department for Juvenile Services announced that 200 youth being held for non-violent or misdemeanor reasons had been released. Five young people and 11 staff previously had tested positive for COVID-19.
Fr. Mike Bryant, who has worked in prison ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington since the 1980s and who continues to serve as a volunteer chaplain, said the reason prisons are a particular concern ... <[link removed]>
READ MORE HERE <[link removed]>
CONSECRATION OF U.S. TO MARY
As our nation struggles with the current crisis, the bishops of the United States and Canada will renew our nations’ consecration to the Blessed Mother on Friday, May 1. The nation originally was consecrated <[link removed]> to Our Lady by Baltimore Bishop (later Archbishop) John Carroll at the Basilica in Baltimore in 1846.
We all are invited to join the U.S. bishops in prayer for Our Lady’s protection of the vulnerable, healing of the sick, and wisdom for those working to cure COVID-19.
JOIN: Friday, May 1, 3 p.m. (eastern)
- National Consecration (USCCB president) <[link removed]>
WORSHIP AID: English <[link removed]> | Spanish <[link removed]>
- Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori <[link removed]>
- Washington Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory <[link removed]>
ONE CHURCH, ONE FAMILY INITIATIVE
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is inviting parishioners who have lost someone to COVID-19 to memorialize their loved one as part of the “One Church, One Family” initiative.
“Given our inability to gather for our traditional rituals, it is all the more urgent to unite in prayer as one church family for those who have died,” Bishop Parker told the Catholic Review. “Knowing that many of the victims of the coronavirus are dying without the presence of their loved ones, our ability to unite in prayer for them is even more significant.”
LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT NAMES HERE <[link removed]>
COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE
Please visit the Maryland Catholic Conference COVID-19 <[link removed]>page for links to online Masses, diocesan COVID-19 information, Catholic Charities, schools, government resources, and more, and follow us on social media.
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES
Pope Francis invites Catholics to “rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home” during May, writing that “…contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial.” The Holy Father has written two prayers that he encourages Catholics to include at the end.
READ MORE <[link removed]> | Holy Father's prayers <[link removed]> | How to pray the rosary <[link removed]>
World Day of Prayer for Vocations is Sunday, May 3: Please keep vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and the permanent diaconate in your prayers this weekend.
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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