Going Global with Youth — Catholic Relief Services

Volume 6, Issue 3

November 2005

Cardinal Basil Hume, a former archbishop of Westminster, once wrote: "The meaning of things, and their purpose is in part now hidden but shall in the end become clear. The choice is between the Mystery and the absurd. To embrace the Mystery is to discover the real. It is to walk towards the light, to glimpse the morning star, to catch sight from time to time of what is truly real . . . When you set yourself to look more closely, you will begin to see some sense in the darkness that surrounds you. Your eyes will begin to pick out the shape of things and persons around you. You will begin to see in them the presence of the One who gives them meaning and purpose, and that it is the One who is the explanation of them all. " (From Sebastian Sandys (ed. ) Embracing the Mystery, Prayerful Responses to AIDS. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1993. )

It is difficult indeed to make sense of the AIDS pandemic that affects all of us throughout the world. Indeed, the sheer scope of the suffering lived and endured through this pandemic challenges us at the very heart of our faith. The complexity of the issues that often prevents an effective response borders on the absurd and risks helplessness that can lead to no response at all. It is in the mystery of this pain and suffering, vulnerability and helplessness – in the absurdity of the crucifixion that endures through this disease – that we MUST bring witness to the hope, resurrection and redemption of Christ, already evidenced in the stories of many across the world who work with and on behalf of those suffering with AIDS. The mystery of AIDS is the Paschal Mystery continually unfolding before our eyes, and it is THIS mystery to which we are invited, in which we will continue to see Christ in the world today and through which we live in solidarity with all who suffer in the world.

December 1, 2005 marks another WORLD AIDS DAY. We invite you to help foster a lived solidarity with all those who are living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Numerous stories, resources and ideas are presented or linked in this issue of Going Global with Youth to help you break open this mystery to young people. As we recognize in a special way the challenge and opportunity given to us as church and world community, may God's healing spirit and unconditional love embrace all of us, sisters and brothers in one human family.

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Announements

Pakistan & India Earthquake Prayer Resource and Response On October 8, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolted Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, destroying entire villages and towns and leaving thousands isolated from any contact and help. The death toll is now estimated at more than 70,000 in Pakistan and 1,400 in India, with more than 2.5 million affected overall. Successive storms and the imposing harsh winter weather heightens the vulnerability and will only increase the suffering of our brothers and sisters living in this region. CRS invites you to pray, reflect and respond in faith in the wake of this catastrophe. As stated by our partners at JustFaith ministries, "The compassionate voice of God always calls us into oneness, especially in our moments of darkness and need. " To obtain a powerful prayer and reflection resource from JustFaith Ministries, click here.

To learn more about the CRS response to the victims of the earthquake and about how you can contribute to our efforts, click here.

New Food Fast Materials The 2006 Food Fast Coordinator's Manuals and Videos are now available. Food Fast provides an experience of faith and education that inspires youth to live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who live in hunger and poverty. It is the only hunger experience program that is based on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. To order free materials and to learn more about how you can sponsor this 24-hour retreat program in your parish or school, click here.

Fair Trade Chocolate Catholic Relief Services has launched a partnership with A Greater Gift to promote the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by marketing their products in a just and direct manner. Purchasing Divine Chocolate guarantees a fair price and long-term trading relationship which help the cocoa farmers in the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative in Ghana work their way out of poverty. These farmers are directly involved in the business decisions that affect their lives. Learn more about the world's best chocolate products and how you can support the world's first farmer-owned Fair trade chocolate company in your community by clicking here.

CCHD Multi-Media Contest for Youth The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has announced their 2005-2006 Multi-media Youth Arts Contest. This effort challenges Catholic teens and young adults to use their artistic talent to raise awareness about poverty and to illustrate how people living in poverty are working together with their churches and communities to create lasting, long-term solutions. For more information and to obtain contest materials, click here.

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Life in the Field

CRS Diocesan Director Reflects on 2005 Angola Trip During a recent trip to Angola I was able to visit CRS' Life Skills project in Lobito. We observed a class session where an Angolan CRS employee was teaching youth about the various ways HIV/AIDS can be transmitted. The class consisted of youth from 10 years old to 23 years old, males and females. During a dialogue with this class they put the questions on us, asking us very insightful and critical questions about the state of HIV/AIDS in the United States. They wanted to know why poor African Americans were more at risk for HIV/AIDS in the U.S. , than other Americans, "in a country as wealthy as yours," one young man commented. Another asked, "Can anyone receive treatment for HIV/AIDS in America?" It was an experience in humility, but it also left me hopeful. You could tell that these youth were going to advocate for change and that their compassion stretched from the poorest of the poor in Angola to the poor of North America. In a country where most are living in poverty and struggling to obtain the most basic necessities, I was challenged by their concern for my fellow citizens and humbled by their awareness and concern of racism in the United States. My understanding of global solidarity deepened in that encounter and I am grateful.

Cori Thibodeau, Catholic Social Action, Regional Director, Archdiocese of Cincinnati

To learn more about CRS' work in Angola, click here. Check out the Learning Center & Life Skills Project link on this page to learn more about CRS' work in HIV/AIDS education in Angola.

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Active Solidarity

CRS launches World AIDS Day Website CRS continues to work hand-in-hand with Catholic organizations around the world to help end the suffering and despair brought about by HIV and AIDS. CRS has launched a comprehensive website that provides valuable resources for prayer, education and understanding of the scope of the AIDS pandemic and of the work of CRS. Click here to visit the website to obtain valuable resources. Likewise, please share this information with colleagues and other professionals.

National Catholic AIDS Network The National Catholic AIDS Network is the only national Catholic organization devoted exclusively to helping the Catholic church respond to HIV and AIDS. In its effort to offer assistance for compassionate and gospel-centered response, the National Catholic AIDS Network serves as a valuable resource for education, training, programmatic resources, networking and more. Visit the National Catholic AIDS Network by clicking here.

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Called to Action

Ways You Can Respond To The Global AIDS Crisis

Global Thoughts

"Tell the parents and the adults out there to look out for their children…. .otherwise none of this would have happened. " (A reflection by Matt Hanley, CRS) Earlier this year, more than 120 Bishops from eight East African nations gathered in Kampala, Uganda to deepen their understanding of and commitment to responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the (AMECEA) region. Prior to the conference, several Bishops had the opportunity to visit Nsambya hospital for a quick tour of the impressive facility - supported by CRS - which provides clinical care to thousands affected by HIV/AIDS.

Upon arrival they were met by a colorful celebration of song and dance. But the schedule was tight as there was much to see - patients, the different wards, community outreach centers, lab and testing facilities, and so on. Seating had been prepared in an expansive garden between the wards; there all gathered for introductions, speeches, and a review of the splendid accomplishments to date: bishops, staff, along with a support group of HIV + people who had found solidarity through the Home Based Care program. One of the members of this group had volunteered to share her story, as a personal testimony. That is what I think most everyone will remember.

Alice began her remarks . . . (to read the complete reflection of this powerful story, click here).

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