|
Businesses, sporting events and schools remained shuttered across the country this week. Another 3.8 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits as lawmakers remain focused on stabilizing the economy and looking to provide relief for constituents and state and local governments.
Congress was initially scheduled to return to Washington on May 4th, but the House announced that they will wait another week to return, citing advice from the Capitol physician who warned they could be at risk. The Senate is still set to return next week and will take up judicial confirmation hearings. Once both chambers reconvene, the next COVID-19 relief package will be the top priority. House leadership is expected to propose nearly $1 trillion in funding for states and local governments facing budgetary catastrophes.
Catholic Charities USA will continue to advocate for the next legislation concerning COVID-19 bill, we will promote benefits to those we serve; benefits to keep our charities operating and benefits to our donors. We expect to see this legislation in early May and hope that it is completed by the end of May.
For the sixth straight week, more than a million Americans filed for unemployment benefits, bringing the total of new claims to more than 30 million. The continued increase in the rate of unemployment comes on the heels of the Commerce Department reporting gross domestic product (GDP) declined at a 4.8% rate in the first quarter. This dour report brings to an end the longest expansion in the nation's history.
Faith and the Common Good
Today for the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we offer a prayer for all workers especially those who are serving those impacted by the coronavirus and those who may have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Prayer to St Joseph for workers and those seeking employment
Silent and well-known carpenter in Nazareth, model of workers, by the work of your hands you gave your contribution to the work of the Creator, you earned your living, and you provided for the needs of the Holy Family. Intercede for all workers, in the difficulties of their daily lives especially for the unemployed, in their anxieties for tomorrow, so that through the guidance of God, the great Architect and Builder, they all may use their strength and talents to make visible God's new creation, to offer a concrete service to society, and to earn wages worthy of their efforts. With confidence and trust we make this prayer through Jesus. Amen.
Join Catholic Rural Life for a Virtual Novena to St. Isidore
This year, Catholic Rural Life is hosting a virtual novena for the hundreds of people who regularly join together for a very special Novena to St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers and Catholic Rural Life. This will be an opportunity to pray for the farmers, farmworkers, and all who are involved in food production and distribution, especially during this global pandemic.
The novena will begin on Thursday, May 7, and conclude on Friday, May 15, the Feast of St. Isidore, with virtual Mass on a farm in Texas. Each day a Bishop from the CRL Board of Directors will lead us through the novena, lifting up all the intentions of rural communities throughout our country.
For more information and to see the schedule, click here
Trivia
Who was the first Asian-American woman in space?
Dana Sebastian-Duncan was the first to identify Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink as the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress. Patsy Takemoto Mink was first elected in 1965 and the second time in 1990. When she returned in 1990, she was an ardent defender of the social welfare state.
Please send your answers to socialpolicy@catholiccharitiesusa.org
Please share the weekly with your friends, family and networks so that we can build a movement of solidarity for those most in need!
You can also access advocacy opportunities through our advocacy and policy page.
Stay connected with our work to end poverty, follow us on Twitter at @CCharitiesUSA.
If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty you can contribute here. |
