A Report from the NBCC Commission on HIV and AIDS

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Full Special Report Article Index

"I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me."
Matthew 24:37-40

NBCC Commission on HIV and AIDS is committed to the education of parishes and individuals to increase interest and involvement with HIV and AIDS issues. The goal of the commission is to provide AIDS awareness, education, and support. The Commission is guided in its work by commissioners who are pastoral leaders, health professionals, educators, and community activist.

We have been reminded forcibly about the stark and tragic quantitative dimensions of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. AIDS is a human and global crisis of unimaginable proportions. Over 20 million people have already died of AIDS. An estimated 195,890 African Americans live with the disease. About 40,000 people are diagnosed each year with HIV, 50 percent of the new infections occur among African Americans. That number has not decreased in the past decade, although AIDS cases have, primarily because new treatments delay the conversion of HIV to AIDS. Infection numbers have not gone down primarily because of denial, don't look sick, can't see disease, and stigma.

Our goal is to make the parishes a part of the solution helping to lead the way in fighting HIV and AIDS. Even with the diversity within Black communities, the parish is still a trusted institution and are uniquely positioned to open discussion of the more sensitive dimensions of the pandemic.

We believe as Christians and Catholics we can do more to demonstrate the love, compassion, and caring for those affected and adapting to changing realities;

We believe we can bring our God-given action-oriented talents and resources to fight this terrible disease, and

We believe we can mobilize Black Catholic communities to join in stopping the increase of HIV through talking about AIDS and avoiding risky behaviors, testing, and treatment.

The Commission supports the development of culturally relevant programs through our vision of five (5) ideal states: Ideal State 1. Increase involvement of priests, deacons, religious, and laity in HIV and AIDS ministry and mobilize parish support for those infected or affected by the disease; Ideal State 2. Advocate for the inclusion of HIV and AIDS on the United States Bishops' list of issues and concerns before the U.S. Congress, Ideal State 3. Bring together those on the "frontline" to share knowledge, resources, and our commitment to stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, and Ideal State 4. Foster a catechesis in chastity and self discipline in Elementary, Middle, High School, and College

In preparing for the 10th National Black Catholic Congress, to be held July, 2007, the Commission is interested in hearing your success stories, and even concerns, in responding to the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Black communities. We especially are in need of best practices in the following areas:

The Church, the community, and caregivers ...

Programs which

• Encourage and support parish members in becoming involved with an AIDS ministry.
• Inspire and Instruct parish groups, community groups and individuals through a variety of programs and presentations based on the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Educate the community on domestic and international issues which have significant moral and human dimensions on the HIV and AIDS crisis
• Inform about caregiving opportunities, ministry models, counseling and support groups.
• Provide educational materials, for parents, teachers and caregivers of children in grades 3-6.

the patients, volunteers, and caregivers ...

Programs which

• Train compassionate caregivers for individuals with HIV/AIDS and those in their care.
• Offer healing, compassion and support in a pastoral setting, and
• Provide opportunities for counseling and support through small group experiences.

Members of the HIV and AIDS Commission are:

Dr. Beverly A. Carroll, Mr. Dean F. Blietz, Mrs. Martha Carter-Bailey, Mrs. Mary L. Leisring, Mr. Michael Scott, Mrs. Karen Tibbs-Nnawulezi, Ms. Arnetta Wilson, Mrs. Patty A. January, Ms. Rachelle Martin and Very Rev. Glenn D. Parker, C.Ss.R.

Please send your best practices information to the Secretariat for African American Catholics, 3211 Fourth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017 or email bcarter@usccb.org

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