March 16, 2020

The Coronavirus is dominating our lives right now. During this national emergency, we want to remember each other, accompany each other through this difficult time, and be in solidarity with all the missions we support around the world.

1)      How are you doing through this coronavirus emergency?

2)      One member has asked about bringing people over from other countries for the Mission       Appeal season (usually May – September). Have you discussed those issues?

3)      How has this virus impacted your missions?

Let us know by sending a note to uscma@uscatholicmission.org. We will gather the responses, and other news sources, to update you about what is happening with other members and missions around the world through a spontaneous newsletter and on Facebook.

Just a few closing thoughts.

1)      Uncertainty. We live in a time of tremendous uncertainty. How do we respond as missionary-disciples?

2)      See. Who are on the peripheries today? I am struck that 75% of America’s elderly live alone, are at highest risk of catching the virus, and may have no one to check in on them, help them get groceries, and just accompany them through this emergency.

3)      Witness. This virus knows no border, race, gender, economic class, or politics. We belong to each other. Perhaps God is opening a space in our hearts and minds to hear Jesus’ prayer in a new way – “so that they may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21).

4)      Restoration. With human production and travel declining, perhaps this virus is giving the earth a “breather.”

5)      Stewardship. Let’s use this time as an extended sabbath. Slow down. Ponder deeply. Speak your truth. Cultivate friendships.

May we accompany one another as missionary-disciples and may we be in solidarity with missions all over the world.

 

The Coronavirus is taking its toll. We want to come together in a spirit of accompaniment and solidarity to support one another, explore the issues, and make good use of this time.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 19, 2020 (Feast of St. Joseph) at 1 pm ET, noon CT, 11 MT, and 10 PT. This is a video call. Instructions below the agenda. You can always call in if you cannot do the video.

Agenda

1. Prayer
2. Accompaniment – How are we doing?
3. Solidarity – What’s going on?
   1. What are we supposed to do with ourselves during this national health emergency?
   2. Update on Volunteers – trying to care for the volunteers and the challenges of recruitment.
   3. Scheduling Mission Appeals – any suggestions on bringing international people into the USA?
   4. What is a “mission” response to this health emergency?
   5. How do we keep “mission” as a part of the Church landscape?
4. Future Topics
5. Next Date