Inside this issue
• Outspoken Catholic Response to Death of George Floyd
• Parishes Gradually Reopening
• Important Legislative Alerts - Act Now!
• Resources for Racial Justice
• COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Outspoken Catholic Response to Death of George Floyd
Bishops throughout the country and the state have responded to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who was suffocated while being restrained by police in Minneapolis last week despite calling out for help.
"I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country," said USCCB President and Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez.
Floyd's death sparked protests and demonstrations across the country, with many becoming destructive and some violent. Many cities were under curfew orders to and the National Guard was deployed in many cities.
"The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable," Archbishop Gomez said.
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Parishes Gradually Reopening
Most dioceses in the state have now released plans to re-open parishes with new health and safety protocols in place, and some have parishes that are already open. Churches are taking appropriate social distancing measures, limiting seating to 25 percent of capacity or 100, asking for worshippers to wear masks and disinfecting between services.
Dioceses have been working in conjunction with local public health officials to determine the timing and new measures necessary to help keep parishioners safe amidst the threat of COVID-19. Local measures may differ depending on infection rates, parish capabilities and other factors.
Click here to find your diocese and the latest news on openings and precautions.
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Important Legislative Alerts - Act Now!
Please contact your representative and the governor on these issues if you have not already:
In the Governor's May Revision of his budget, he proposes eliminating funding for Community Based Adult Services (CBAS). While the state is faced with fiscal uncertainty because of the pandemic, this move would cost far more than it saves, as seniors would be forced into expensive care facilities. Please ask your Senator and Assembly Member to reject the Governor's proposal to eliminate this funding and allow these adults to stay at home with the people who love them.
The CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit) tackles California's poverty crisis by providing much-needed assistance to working families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. While California has made improvements to the credit since it was established in 2015, one population continues to be excluded: those who file their taxes with a federally assigned Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Please join in asking our legislative leadership and Governor to expand the EITC benefits for the undocumented with ITINS in the budget negotiations that are going on right now. Urge our elected officials to allow those with a federally assigned ITIN or a Social Security Number to claim EITC.
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Resources for Racial Justice
While we all eagerly await the return of public Masses, an ad-hoc group of medical and infectious disease experts have come together to outline a road-map for dioceses to use in re-opening parishes throughout the state.
From USCCB: Violent actions against African Americans have become all too common. When we witness those actions, such as the one that took the life of George Floyd, we know it is our responsibility to respond. Our faith calls us to speak out against racism and work to transform structures that continue to disregard the equal dignity of all people. Find resources below to help pray, learn, and act together to transform our hearts, our policies, and our country.
Watch Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, share the statement of the committee chairmen.
Pray
Utilize this Prayer for Racial Healing for Our Land or one of the many others available on our website.
Learn
Read and study the Bishops' recent pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts (y en Español), and utilize our study guide to deepen your prayer and learning.
Act
Share and discuss resources with your community including backgrounders, like this one on systemic racism, educational materials for classrooms, and scripture reflections.
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COVID-19 Updates and Resources
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June 5, 2020
Vol. 13 No. 20
California Catholic Conference
En Español
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life." @Pontifex
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