A PROVEN FOUNDATION FOR FRUITFUL MINISTRY
CONGRESS X PLAN OF ACTION
Most Reverend John H. Ricard, S.S.J.
President of the Board of Trustees
(Article: Page 10 of 19)
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HIV / AIDS
 Christ cares for those who suffer from illness and
compels us to reach out to those who are suffering from H.I.V. and A.I.D.S.,
along with their caregivers, families, and friends. Doing so is in keeping with
our understanding of being a sacramental people who extend the ministry of
Christ. The Church's ministry continues to address issues of adequate medical
care in addition to appropriate pastoral care.
We must continue to educate our communities about
the scope of the epidemic. This includes promoting effective methods of
prevention in keeping with Catholic moral teaching, which upholds the dignity of
every human being and a responsible use of our freedom.
As Catholics we are called to respond to all
suffering as Jesus did - with love and care. We are called to respect the
dignity of every human person and to bring strength and courage to those who
live with this disease.
CONTINUING OUR SOLIDARITY IN ACTION (2007-2012)
Goal #1
The Church is to be an active sign of compassion, offering healing and breaking
down the social stigma and prejudice that have been attached to people with
HIV/AIDS.
Steps to Achieve Goal #1
#1: At a minimum it is recommended that every parish develop an AIDS
ministry.
#2: Ministry begins with a faith community
praying daily for those infected with the disease and for their families and
love ones who care for them. Only then will persons living with HIV/AIDS feel
safe to come forward to seek the Church's pastoral care.
#3: Our pastoral focus can include, in a very
personal way, providing home visits, transportation, respite care or childcare.
It is important at such times to listen to people with HIV/AIDS and their
families and allow them to articulate their own needs rather than assume we know
what these needs are.
Goal #2
We will respond to the call of the USCCB to form bonds of global solidarity with
Africa.
Step to Achieve Goal #2
Invite Catholic Relief Services to make a parish presentation on opportunities
for involvement.
SACRAMENTAL FOUNDATIONS THAT HELP OUR EFFORTS TO BEAR FRUIT
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick ~ The Church continues to show
concrete concern for those who are suffering from illness, their families,
friends, and caregivers. By reaching out to people suffering from HIV and AIDS
and their caregivers, we invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to protect those
who are suffering from anxiety, discouragement, and temptation and to provide
peace and fortitude.
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