Letter to the Faithful for May 2020 with 2 New Prayers to Mary

CARTA DEL SANTO PADRE FRANCISCO A TODOS LOS FIELES PARA EL MES DE MAYO DE 2020

Strong in the Face of Tribulation - The Church in Communion: A Sure Support in Time of Trial -  a collection of prayers, intercessions and homilies to help sustain the Church’s sense of communion amid the coronavirus pandemic.

FUERTES EN LA TRIBULACIÓN - La comunión de la Iglesia, ayuda en el tiempo de prueba

URBI ET ORBI (3/27/20)

LITANY OF SUPPLICATION
HOMILY
>Video

LETANÍAS DE SÚPLICA
HOMILÍA
>Video

PRAYER TO MARY

O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.

You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

(translation by Catholic News Service)

On April 25, the Holy Father asked us all to pray the rosary every day during May so that we might be united in prayer to end the pandemic. In addition, he composed two prayers that might be used at the conclusion of the rosary.  Links to his letter and the text of those two prayers are found below.

Letter of Pope Francis to the Faithful
First Prayer to Our Lady
Second Prayer to Our Lady

Textos en Español 

The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a number of steps being taken to keep people in their homes by protecting renters and homeowners who are still experiencing shocks from the pandemic and its economic fallout. While the nationwide eviction moratorium was extended until July 31, it is important to access the various resources described below as sson as possible:

• Until July 31, individuals can present a “declaration form” to their landlord stating that they cannot pay rent due to lost income or high expenses. Everyone on the lease needs to sign the form. You can check eligibility and find the form at this website. A moratorium is just a pause on payments; individuals must still pay or face eviction when the moratorium is lifted. That is why it is important to direct members of your community to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program which can pay back rent and other expenses, depending on what your local area covers.
• The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can provide up to 18 months back rent, utilities, moving expenses, late fees, and other expenses. Specific coverage and income eligibility limits depend on where you live. Visit this website to find out specific information and start your application process in your community.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a set of resources to help renters understand more about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 
• Individuals can connect with a HUD-Approved housing counselor by going to this HUD website or by calling (800) 569-4287.
• Individuals at risk of losing their home or need support related to housing should visit https://www.usa.gov/finding-home or https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/ .

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide. "At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters," said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate."

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. 
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.  
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

For more information about this assistance, visit
 COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.

"If this pandemic does not shake us out of our post-modern cultural and moral and spiritual lethargy, what will? Pope Francis is throwing the Catholic Church and the whole world a lifeline. Will we grab it?" (NCR)

THE ENCYCLICAL
"Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation."

Fratelli tutti (English: On Fraternity and Social Friendship)
Fratelli tutti (Spanish: Sobre la Fraternidad y la Amistad Social)

Vatican's Long Summary of the Encyclical
Vatican's Short Summary of the Encyclical

Vatican Website Dedicated to Fratelli tutti

Resources for Pope Francis’ New Encyclical on Human Fraternity and Solidarity (Georgetown's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life)

POPE FRANCIS' CATECHESIS ON COVID-19 - "To Heal the World"
Summary article by America magazine
Catechesis #1 - Introduction (Aug 5)
Catechesis #2 - Faith and human dignity (Aug 12)
Catechesis #3 -The preferential option for the poor and the virtue of charity (Aug 19)
Catechesis #4 - The universal destnation of goods and the virtue of hope (Aug 26)
Catechesis #5 - Solidarity and the virtue of faith (Sept 2)
Catechesis #6 - Love and the common good (Sept 9)
Catechesis #7 - Care of the common home and contemplative dimension (Sept 16)
Catechesis #8 - Subsidiarity and the virtue of hope (Sept 23)
Catechesis #9 - Preparing the future together with Jesus who saves and heals (Sept 30)

• Hear Fr. Hennen tackle this tough issue in his homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent.
• Watch as Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, offers his thoughts on the pandemic.

FROM THE DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT

Diocesan Booklet: Prayer at Home on Sundays (includes Act of Spiritual Commmunion)
>English versions: (English-1 page spread) (English-booklet) (English-small)
>Español 
>Kinh Nguyện Ngày Chúa Nhật Tại Nhà [Vietnamese]

Rites in an Emergency (includes Baptism in Danger of Death, Act of Perfect Contrition, Plenary Indulgence, Prayers at the Time of Death)
>English versions: (English-1 page spread) (English-booklet) (English-small)
     >Indulgences: an explanation
     >Acts of Perfect Contrition (Archdioceses of New York and New Orleans)
>Español
     >Indulgencias: una explanación 
     >Acto de Perfecto de Contrición
>Nghi Thức trong Trường Hợp Khẩn Cấp [Vietnamese]
     >Ơn Đại Xá
     >Ăn Năn Tội Cách Trọn

Resources for Children (K-8)
>Prayers-Book
>Prayers-Page
>Oraciones-Español-Libro
>Oraciones-Español-Página
>Những lời cầu nguyện cho Học sinh Mẫu giáo đến Lớp Tám (Booklet Format)
>Những lời cầu nguyện cho Học sinh Mẫu giáo đến Lớp Tám (Single Page Format)

Coping with COVID - a Printable Zine for Kids
-NPR story
-Video instructions on folding the "Zine"

Faith Formation at Home:
>Faith Formation and Children
>Faith Formation and Families

Year of Saint Joseph - Diocesan Page

ONE CALL / UNA VOCACIÓN - Social Distancing Ministry Resource Hub
A collection of resources and tools -- for prayer, formation, and commuinication -- drawn from a variety of publishers, media, authors, and other sources, for parishes working to provide formation, prayer, and connection to their communities. An excellent site!

OTHER PRAYER RESOURCES

A Prayer Amid an Epidemic
Una Oracion por el Coronavirus - En Español
Una Preghiera per il Coronavirus - In Italiano
Une prière pour le coronavirus - En Français
《为冠状病毒疫情祷告》- In Chinese
코로나바이러스 극복을 위한 기도 - In Korean

Prayer for a Pandemic

National Day of Mourning and Lament
-links to toolkit and other resources, including Prayers

Praying for Our Beloved Dead
From the FDLC: "Keep in Mind: Prayers and Practices for Remembering the Dead" - 
Resources from the Catholic Health Association
Daily Prayer from LTP

Liturgical Press
Multiple resources for praying together while we're apart. 
>PrayTell Blog's COVID-19 resource page.
>A Litany for the Dying, the Departed, and the Grieving
>Praying Together, Praying Apart: At-Home Prayers for Times of Healing, Illness, and Death
>Little Rock Scripture Study: Resources for On-Line Bible Study

From LTP:
>Virtual Gatherings (including virtual retreats and Stations of the Cross)
>Celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours / La Liturgia de las Horas
>Prayer and Connection in Times of Crisis / Orar y conectar en tiepmpos de crisis
>Flyer: How Deep the Mystery: An Enlivening Look at Mass (Free on-line class)
>Catechumeneon: Virtual Conversations on Christian Initiation
        ​​​​​Downloadable Flyer
        Registration Link
        Invitation Video

TeamRCIA
>What do RCIA teams do with the elect now that baptisms are postponed?
>RCIA in the Easter Season: How to continue forming elect, catechumens, and candidates

Liturgy of the Hours Adapted for Use at Home
From Diana Macalintal's blog, Liturgy.Life.

Liturgy of the Hours (iBreviary)
Click here for a printable QR code linking to their web page with the Liturgy of the Hours prayer for the current hour.

Liturgy of the Hours
Find morning, daytime, evening and night prayers online.

College of Preachers (UK)
The College of Preachers (UK) is offering a free on-line workshop on preaching at baptisms, weddings, and funerals on June 11.

A People of Hope
Catholic Theological Union (Chicago) is offering free lectures each Tuesday.

LiturgyHelp - Personal and Family Prayer
In this time of crisis, we are providing Catholics with access to a range of prayer resources for personal and family prayer.

Association of Catholic Publishers

• Prayer resources for families
• Resources for Prayer and Engagement during Coronavirus

Resources from the Pastoral Center 
In English and Español.

Resources from Bayard
Prayer and faith formation. 

RENEW International
On-line faith-sharing and webinars.

From the Dominicans at Aquinas Institute
List of Dominican reflections and resourcs

Archdiocese of Chicago
>Office of Parish Vitality and Mission
>Pray 5x/Day
Cardinal Cupich has instructed that parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago ring their bells 5 times per day, in order to call the people to prayer. Each time (9am, 12noon, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm) is associated with a specific intention. The resource that the link takes you to is from St. Giles parish.

Pray the Rosary
Pray along with videos for all of the mysteries of the Rosary.

Light a candle online
Light a digital candle and share your prayer intentions from your home.

Prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Courtesy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

‘Apart But Not Alone: Hope and Strength in a Time of Crisis and Fear’
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Dermot Farrell, Bishop of Ossory, Ireland.

MASSES BEING STREAMED ON-LINE

A reflection on "Spiritual Communion" by Dr. Corinne Winter.

Another reflection on "Spiritual Communion" from the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Within the Diocese (link to the Messenger website)
>Masses in English
>Misas en Español

Outside the Diocese

Crisis Hotlines (see also the Iowa Resources below)

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
  • En Español 1-888-628-9454
  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
  • Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
• NAMI Crisis hotlines:  
  • Dallas 24/7 1-844-428-3878
  • Warren 24/7 1-844-258-8858
• Crisis Text Line 24/7: HOME to 741741 to connect to a counselor
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress helpline 24/7 365 days: 1-800-985-5990
• Mental Health - Your Life Iowa Statewide Crisis Line (855) 581-8111

Pastoral Care

Resources from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD)
Includes a number of links to mental health and caregiver support, resources for the deaf community, on-line faith formation resources and activities (including adaptive learning and special needs resources), and resources for helping kids cope with this outbreak.

Catholic Healthcare Association
Catholic health care is on the front lines responding to the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. During this time, we pray for all those affected by the virus.

Faith & Common Sense: The Catholic Response to an Epidemic
A pamphlet from OSV.

Christian Century 
10 guidelines for pastoral care during the coronavirus outbreak

Workers' Rights / HR

The University of Iowa Labor Center
COVID-19 resources for workers in English / recursos en Español para trabajadores 

SHRM - Resources for HR

Mental Health

Diocese of Davenport Employee Assistance Program: 1-800-383-7900

Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Dubuque
Resources for taking care of our behavioral/emotional health at this time.
>Mental Health Minute (Videos)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
>COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
>COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) INFORMACION Y RECURSOS

Stress on the Farm
A program to specifically address stress on the farm from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Learn more about signs of depression and suicide, and how you can encourage a friend or family member to seek help.

Your Life Iowa
When symptoms associated with your anxiety have affected your ability to function in some part of your life, it’s time to reach out. Reach out to your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns. Many insurers are covering telehealth for mental health services at this time. You can also connect by live chat, text (855-895-8398) or phone (855-581-8111).

The National Child Trauma Stress Network
These resources will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak or pandemic might affect your family— both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope in times of public health emergencies.

Dealing with anxiety during a time of crisis
An article written by Robert Agnoli, LCSW, CPAIP (Deacon Frank's brother) for his local paper, and posted here with his permission.

Grieving the End of the School Year
Another article written by Robert Agnoli, LCSW, CPAIP (Deacon Frank's brother) for his local paper, and posted here with his permission. While the article references the clsoing of schools in Illinois for the rest of the academic year, it applies to Iowa as well.

How to Cope with the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19
From the GoodTherapy Blog

Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak Cut
From the WHO

Coping with Anxiety about COVID-19
From the IDPH

Mental Health America
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources

From the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
>Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health
>Tips for Survivors of a Disasteror Other Trauma
>Preparation for Older Adults

SHRM - Resources for HR

Understand Your COVID-19 RIsks

COVID-19 PUBLIC HOTLINE: For Iowans with questions about COVID-19, a public hotline is open 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431 (Español disponible)

RENTAL/EVICTION ASSISTANCE: Through the Iowa Finance Authority.
Link: https://www.iowafinance.com/covid-19-iowa-eviction-and-foreclosure-prevention-program/

MENTAL HEALTH
https://covidrecoveryiowa.org/ An effort by the Iowa Department of Health, in coordination with FEMA, to provide free mental health assistance, 24/7.   Telephone: 1-844-775-9276.
 
https://humanrights.iowa.gov/iowa-latino-bilingual-andor-bi-cultural-mental-health-providers  Iowa Department of Human Rights links to multi-city, multilingual mental health assistance.

CRISIS TEXT LINE: To access the Crisis Text Line, text “TALK” to 741741
 
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE:  Call 1-800-273-8255
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522

HEALTH CARE: https://iowamobileclinic.org/ Links to the many free health screenings and services of the University of Iowa Mobile Health Clinic that is an initiative of the University of Iowa Health Services Students.  This well rounded program provides a variety of health services, does not seek immigration status information, and is available in many languages.  Call or text 319-535-2684 for an appointment.  The first call may not connect with the needed language, but the Clinic has a great record of finding needed language support for callers.
  
RECOVERY REBATE CALCULATOR: To see how much your recovery rebate will be, visit: https://taxfoundation.org/federal-coronavirus-relief-bill-cares-act/

FOOD ASSISTANCE: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/feedingiowa IDPH website with links to food banks, School meal services, senior meals and others.

FOOD PANTRIES: Find a food pantry near you at https://www.foodbankiowa.org/

GRAB N’ GO SCHOOL LUNCH: To find a location in your community go to: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

CHILDCARE: Looking for childcare during COVID-19? Go to https://dhs.iowa.gov/childcare-covid-19 to find open spots or facilities.
 
FREE LEGAL HELP: https://www.iowalegalaid.org/resource/2020-coronavirus-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know
 
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE: To apply for assistance visit: https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/liheap.
 
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE UPDATES: For the latest updates from the Iowa Governor’s office on COVID-19: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov 
 
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES: For the latest updates on coronavirus and to learn more about prevention efforts, go to the Iowa Dept. of Public Health at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: http://volunteeriowa.galaxydigital.com/

WORKERS' RIGHTS: COVID-19 resources for workers in English / recursos en Español para trabajadores at https://laborcenter.uiowa.edu/resources-workers

OTHER LANGUAGES / IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
 
Resources in Multiple Languages
https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/language-access  Links to various organizations websites with resources in multiple languages.  Importantly, videos are included which are and assistance to those who are not literate in their languages, and also include American sign language.

https://sites.google.com/embarciowa.org/embarc-crisis-response/home  Website for EMBARC, a refugee assistance organization founded and run by refugees.  This page leads to crisis hotlines in 10 different languages Burmese, Chin Dialects, French, Karen, Karenni, Kirundi, Kunama, Lingala, Spanish, and Swahili. The daily news is posted in most of those languages.

General Assistance
http://map.niwap.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project, links to available public benefits based on immigrant’s state and immigration status.

Undocumented Residents
https://humanrights.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/media/Information%20for%20Undocumented%20Iowans_0.pdf COVID-19 Information and other assistance for those unable to access other assistance due to lack of documentation

COVID-19 Language Resources

American Sign Language Videos-CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Resources for Limited English Proficient Populations
Congolese Health Partnership Videos
Coronavirus, State Website
Crescent Community Health Center-Marshallese Language
EMBARC Ethnic Minorities of Burma and Advocacy and Resource Center
Hawaii Office of Language Access-Youtube
Iowa Department of Human Rights-Language Access
Iowa Department of Public Health
Iowa Spanish Helpline 515-344-3936 
Multi-Lingual Hotline  1-877-558-2609
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa  
Test Iowa-Free COVID-19 Testing (Spanish available)

Food Insecurity

• Aging Resources - Nutrition and Wellness 
• Community Action Agencies 
• COVID-19 in Iowa - Food Resources  (flyers available in multiple languages)
• Food Bank of Iowa
• Food Pantries
• FreeFood.org - find free food resources by region
• Iowa Department of Human Services - Food Assistance
• Meals from the Heartland
•  211.org - United Way resource finder
• USDA Nutrition.gov - food assistance programs   
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• World Food Prize/Iowa Hunger Summit - The Iowa Hunger Directory