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 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 ...
READ MORE HERE
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 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)
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
COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE
Please visit the Maryland Catholic
Conference COVID-19 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 | Holy Father's prayers | How to pray the rosary
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.
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.
STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
  
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