“So, do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
During this time of uncertainty with COVID–19, we ask ourselves how we can help in the face of this devastation. By responding to the grace of God and being the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to others in hope and love.
Renewing your own spirit is the first start in helping others.
Spending time with God through daily online mass, prayer, devotions, praying the rosary are a good way to start. I also found these three articles enlightened my heart:
On National website:
- Adventures with Anne – National President Anne Marie Gorman, April 1, 2020
- WUWCO Monthly Message – April 2020
- CCBC
The second is by being aware of who your neighbours are and what their needs are.
Members may be experiencing feelings of loneliness as they are in self-isolation or social distancing themselves from others. How can we reach out to them at this difficult time?
Communication
Connect with members & executive throughout this coronavirus crisis
- Send texts, emails, phone calls
- Video chat through Skype, Hangouts or Zoom
- Resurrect your phone tree
- Send virtual cards, GIFs (animated images), funny memes
- Become Facebook friends
- Wave to them through the window
- Synchronise watching a favourite TV show together via text
- Share positive news & acts of kindness within your community
Spiritual
- Encourage prayer partners in the councils
- Encourage sharing of emotions/how are you doing
- Encourage members to join in the weekly Candlelight Prayer Vigil designed by Teresa DiFalco, First Vice/Spiritual Development Chair at 7:00 pm on Wednesday evenings
- Encourage members to read certain Bible passages, books, recommend certain religious website or apps etc.
Community Support
- Volunteer your time
- Offer help with groceries, errands
- Support those in a financial crunch
- Give donations to the local food bank
President’s Reports
As they say, “the show must go on.” Even though the convention has been cancelled an Annual Convention Report book will still be distributed to all parish councils. The deadline for President’s reports has been extended to April 15, 2020. The format for the President’s report is outlined in Directive #3.
Frances Lovering Award
As of April 1, there has been no nominations for the Frances Lovering Award for 2020. There are many well deserving members who should be recognized for their service to the League, their parish and their community. Please consider nominating one member of your council for this special distinction. Nomination forms can be found on the website and the deadline has been extended to May 1, 2020.
We all need our Sisters in the League during this time of crisis and what better way than to come together in faith, love and hope.
“Let us witness hope to each other and so become the beacon of light during these uncertain times.”
Hope, Gratitude, & Solidarity – A message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
May we follow in the footsteps of Mary…as we travel this road together!
Joyce Cotter
President-Elect / Organization Chair
Catholic Women’s League – Hamilton Diocese