Catholic agencies step in to help minors at US-Mexico border
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio set up over 2,000 cots to care for unaccompanied migrant children
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A young migrant waits for his turn to take a shower at the Donna Department of Homeland Security holding facility, the main detention center for unaccompanied children in the Rio Grande Valley in Donna, Texas, on March 30. (Photo: AFP)
As the United States took in almost 19,000 migrant children, labeled unaccompanied minors, in March, faith-based organizations such as Catholic Charities throughout the country have been doing their part to help.
In Texas, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio set up over 2,000 cots for their guests at the Freeman Coliseum to welcome and care for unaccompanied migrant children, the organization said March 30 on its website.
US Catholic coalition calls for Covid-19 vaccines for all
The group emphasizes the need for vaccine equity in the United States and around the world
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A nurse prepares the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at a site targeting vulnerable communities in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: AFP)
On World Health Day, April 7, a new group of 31 American Catholic organizations encouraged people to get Covid-19 vaccines as an act of charity and solidarity with others.
The group also emphasized the need for vaccine equity in the United States and around the world. This is a clarion call for us to act, said Mercy Sister Mary Haddad, president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, noting the significance of announcing formation of the group on World Health Day and stressing the role faith-based providers can play as the world makes initial steps to recover from the global pandemic.
Felician Sr. Maria Louise Edwards visits a man experiencing homelessness in Pomona, California. (Courtesy of Felician Sisters)
As the pandemic provoked shutdowns across the United States in March 2020, Jason s stress level began to climb. He had to handle cash as an essential employee selling car parts at an AutoZone in McKinney, Texas, a state with no mask mandate. His precarious health asthma, sarcoidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies put him at a higher risk of serious illness should he contract COVID-19.
As his hours dwindled at work, Jason s ability to pay his bills began to depend on the opportunity to mow someone s grass for quick cash or sell whatever he could find that was sitting in his garage: the tools he still needed, or the motorcycle, which was worth twice what he sold it for. On June 8, 2020, he lost his job.
Apr. 8, 2021 Catholic News Service As the U.S. took in almost 19,000 migrant children, labeled unaccompanied minors, in March, faith-based organizations such as Catholic Charities throughout the U.S. have been doing their part to help. In Texas, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio set up over 2,000 cots for their guests at the Freeman Coliseum to welcome and care for unaccompanied migrant children, the organization said March 30 on its website. Staff as well as volunteers from local churches have assembled hygiene kits of toothpaste and soap to give to minors who have been allowed into the country at its southern border with Mexico and are waiting to be reunited with family or who will soon go live with sponsors.
Holy Cross will honor four individuals with honorary degrees this May.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Representative to the United Nations, and Dr. Michael Collins ’77, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, will receive honorary degrees at the College’s 175th Commencement on May 21. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will deliver the commencement address and Dr. Collins will offer a reflection for our graduates.
Separately, Reverend David Beckmann, one of the foremost U.S. advocates for people struggling with hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world, and Sister Donna Markham, president of Catholic Charities USA, will receive honorary degrees and speak during a special virtual Convocation event for our graduating Class of 2020 on May 22. Valedictorian Kerry Shortell will also be a featured speaker.