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All eyes are fixated on the presidential election as both candidates remain short of the 270 electoral vote threshold to clinch the race as of this writing. Unemployment claims remain at historic levels while COVID-19 cases are spiking across the country.
Regardless of the election outcome, the president and new Congress will need to continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Congress left town without reaching an agreement on a new coronavirus aid package. Once they return, negotiations are expected to resume. Catholic Charities USA has called on our elected officials to come together and reach an agreement for the millions of families struggling due to the coronavirus and the nonprofits serving them. In a joint statement and subsequent letter to Congress, CCUSA President and CEO Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD said, "With a resurgence in COVID cases and continued high unemployment, Catholic Charities' are overwhelmed by the sheer number of individuals coming to them for help. The ability for nonprofits such as ours to provide basic needs, such as food and housing assistance, is not sustainable long-term without federal support." You can read the full statement and find a link to the letter here.
Concerns are heightened as the U.S. is reaching record high daily cases. Yesterday the U.S. reported 121,000 new coronavirus cases the highest single daily total since the start of the pandemic. Across 43 states new infections are continuing to climb. The spike in cases threatens to further stifle economic activity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate in October fell to 6.9 percent from 7.9 percent in September. The U.S. economy added 638,000 jobs in October with job gains coming in the auto and manufacturing sectors. The news comes on the heels of a report that another 751,000 people filed unemployment claims and over 362,000 workers applied for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program. New claims of close to 1 million have remained consistent over the last few weeks.
Faith and the Common Good
Across the nation, there is anxiety due to many things including the coronavirus and the elections. At this time, it helps to turn to a mystic saint like St. Teresa of Avila.
Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila
No need for fear
Or deep despair
Seekers of God
Receive his care.
No need for fear
Or deep despair
We are at home
And God is there.
Trivia
What did the Supreme Court of the United States decide in November 1956?
Please send your answers to socialpolicy@catholiccharitiesusa.org
On October 23rd, the trivia question was, "What is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church in the United States during the month of November and was started in November 1990?
Sr. Laura Leming, FMI, Ph.D. at the University of Dayton was the first to answer Black Catholic History month. This month, our Church honors the men and women of African descent who have pioneered the Catholic faith. Black Catholics have had a huge impact on the history and traditions of Christianity.
On July 24, 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States designated November as Black Catholic History Month to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics. Two commemorative dates fall within this month, Saint Augustine's Birthday (November 13) and Saint Martin de Porres' Feast Day (November 3). More importantly, November not only marks a time when we pray for all saints and souls in loving remembrance, but also a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Here are some links to learn more about Black Catholics
· Black Catholic History
· Black Catholics who are on the path to sainthood.
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. |
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