News - March 2020

Vatican City, Mar 27, 2020 / 12:19 pm (CNA).- On Friday, before an empty and rain-covered St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis held Eucharistic adoration and gave an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing, praying for the world during the coronavirus pandemic which has killed more than 25,000 people. Click above to learn more about this extraordinary event.

The Catholic Church has long advocated for international nuclear disarmament with the goal of the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. The START Treaty currently limits the nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia, who together account for over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. The agreement is set to expire in 2021 and, without it, there will be no limits on nuclear arsenals. Click above to get involved in advocacy.

The Catholic Church describes human trafficking as an affront to the God-given dignity of the human person. The Church stands resolutely against this modern-day slavery, which affects people in the U.S. and around the world. Click above to learn more and find ways to end trafficking.

Young people must be provided good nutrition to be able to pursue their dreams. Did you have the opportunity to dream? What can you do to give young people the opportunity to dream? As the coronavirus spreads around the world, many of the countries where CRS serves will struggle. Click above to get involved.

If you have availability during the weekday, please consider helping with the St. James Cathedral Kitchen dinner program. Many of their volunteers are seniors and have asked to step away for the time being due to the coronavirus. If you can volunteer once a week to prepare dinner and serve, starting at 1pm, please contact Patrick Barredo at: 206-382-4515 or pbarredo@stjames-cathedral.org.

As the coronavirus spreads in our country, we begin to see more of what it's like to live in an area where resources are scarce and outside events are beyond our control. In solidarity with refugees around the world, consider urging your member of Congress to support and cosponsor the GRACE Act, which will restore refugee resettlement numbers to their historic average of 95,000. The Administration has set current numbers at 18,000, the smallest number yet. Click above to learn more and to take action.

Maria Ana and her brothers receive one meal a day at school, so that they can focus on achieving their dreams. How was education important for your future? How can you we ensure that all young people have a chance to be educated? As the coronavirus spreads around the world, many of the countries where CRS serves will struggle. Click above to learn how you can help!

We welcomed our first guest last week! They have settled in nicely and enjoyed the warmth of the hut during the recent cold spell. We are hoping to have a second guest this week. If you are interested in volunteering with this program, contact Jennifer at jibach@olgseattle.org.

Trinh’s family are farmers in Vietnam who have been affected by climate change. What would you do if your source of nutrition was threatened? How can we support those whose livelihoods are vulnerable to weather? Visit crsricebowl.org to read more about Trinh and her family. There’s even a video! You can also try a meatless recipe from Vietnam on a Friday during Lent.

We are on our way! The keyless entry for the basement has been installed and new amenities continue to be added to the hut. Our first guest has been screened and approved by Urban League. We are hoping they are settled in by the end of the week. If you are interested in volunteering with this program, contact Jennifer at jibach@olgseattle.org.

All CYO games at Our Lady of Guadalupe are cancelled this weekend (March 6th-8th)! The Archdiocese of Seattle, overseeing CYO Athletics, is cancelling CYO sports at all King and Snohomish County parish school gyms to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. CYO and the Archdiocese will make further determinations next week as we assess our ability to resume games. We will keep everyone informed as more information becomes available. Stay safe and wash those hands everyone!

In light of the global spread of the corona virus, Archbishop Etienne asks us all to join in a prayer of intercession to Our Lady of Seattle, Undoer of Knots. Click above for the prayer and more details.

Join WHEEL/Women in Black on Wednesday, March 11 as they stand vigil for 10 homeless people, including an 8-day-old baby girl, who died outside in King County over the last five weeks. Click above for more details.

Things continue to be busy as we prepare for guests. The port-a-potty has motion-sensor puck lights installed and regular cleaning service has started. The hut now has a table, chairs, puck lights, a heater, a coffee pot, fridge, and a microwave as well as some flyers about upcoming events, a little welcome basket, etc. The key code pad is on the door so it’s now accessible to volunteers. We have some signs up and the keyless entry for the basement has been installed. Our volunteers are ready to go. All we need is the people, whom we hope will have arrived by the time you read this. Thank you to Sal for all his hard work!