RECOSS releases a video to help COVID-19 ravaged communities; the USCCB reacts to new DACA restrictions; vacancies in the prison chaplain program; and demand equitable relief funds for Catholic Schools in this issue of Insights.
Video Assists COVID-19 Ravaged Latino Communities
As the number of COVID-19 infections has surged in California, the virus has been especially devastating for Latinos, particularly in the Central Valley and other farming communities.
The Latino population makes up a large number of essential workers, putting them at higher risk for contracting the virus. In addition, Latinos also make up largest number of agricultural workers, and many of them often live in crowded housing arrangements and carpool on long commutes to fields for work. Access to healthcare can also be challenging.
The Region XI Commission on the Spanish Speaking (RECOSS) has released a video (Facebook/ YouTube) to help support, guide, and minimize the impacts of COVID-19 in Latino communities.
The message includes encouragement for those in Latino communities to take the virus seriously in deference to faith and love of neighbor, advising to avoid family visits, meetings and other large gatherings, especially in enclosed spaces. It also gives guidelines on who to contact if employers are not following correct protection and where to seek mental health resources. View the video on Facebook or YouTube.
In addition, dioceses are in the process of preparing a box of resources for members of Latino communities that will feature information including food security, immigration, homeschooling and eviction services. Check with the Archdioceses for more.
USCCB Reacts to New DACA Program Restrictions
The USCCB released a statement this week in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s memorandum on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The new regulations would cut DACA’s youth work authorization from two years to one year and would not allow new program applicants effective immediately.
The memorandum was issued in response to the recent 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down the Trump Administration’s September 2017 attempt to end the DACA program.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Administration continues to push forward to end DACA. The Catholic Church in the United States has long advocated for the Dreamers and we will continue to stand with them. Many were brought to this country as infants and young children and they have grown up in our schools and parishes and now are making important contributions in the Church and in almost every area of American life,” the statement reads.
Read more at USCCB.org.
Catholic Prison Chaplain Vacancies
A vital role in the pursuit of restorative justice, prison chaplains serve in a desperately needed capacity in California prisons, bringing hope and Christ’s love to those who are often hopeless.
There are currently vacancies for prison chaplains at San Quentin State Prison, Pleasant Valley State Prison, and Salinas Valley State Prison.
Prison chaplains are state-employed positions open to qualified ordained and laypersons alike. The applicant must have the endorsement of the local bishop where the institution is located.
You can find the state application form, job specifications, Catholic Church requirements and more on www.restorejustice.com/chaplains.
Demand Equitable Relief Funds for Catholic Schools
We need your help to ensure that Catholic Schools have access to emergency relief funds. There are millions of dollars for Catholic school students at stake!
The CARES Act is an emergency relief bill passed by Congress earlier this Spring – and it included $13B in funding for K-12 schools to respond to the devastation of the Coronavirus.
The law included “equitable services” language, meaning all schools get to participate in the program equitably – even all private schools.
Some states decided to ignore the equitable services provision, denying aid to Catholic schools. Without equitable services in this time of emergency, many Catholic schools will not have the resources to keep their children safe and healthy, or to maintain continuity in their students’ education under the CARES Act.
Click here now to demand equitable services for all Catholic Schools!
On the Web:
Planned Parenthood Founder Removed from Street Sign – Planned Parenthood of Greater New York announced that it will remove founder Margaret Sanger’s name from its Manhattan health clinic and urge New York City leaders to remove her name from a street sign near the clinic because of her “harmful connections to the eugenics movement.”
Pope: Youth Should Encourage Elderly – Pope Francis asked young people Sunday to reach out to the elderly, especially those in nursing homes, to send a message of encouragement amid the loneliness of the coronavirus pandemic.
Online Courses on St. Serra – The Archdiocese of San Francisco is holding online courses on St. Junípero Serra, who has historically been revered as the “Apostle of California.” Click here to learn more.
Job Opportunities – The Diocese of San Jose is seeking a Stewardship and Development Director to develop priorities and objectives for fundraising and stewardship for the Diocese. Click here to learn more and apply.
Men and women who pray know that hope is stronger than discouragement. They believe that love is more powerful than death, and that love will surely triumph one day, even if it be in times and ways we do not know. @Pontifex