Fourth Sunday of Easter
Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Amoris Laetitia Family
(Amoris laetitia is a post-synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis addressing the pastoral care of families)
Solemnity of Saint Joseph marked the fifth anniversary of the release of the Holy Father’s post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love). On that same day, Pope Francis inaugurated the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family,” which will conclude at the World Meeting of Families in Rome on June 26, 2022.
April: Child Abuse Prevention Month
5 Ways to protect your children from sexual abuse
Parents play the primary role in educating their children about sexual abuse. Here are 5 tips for teaching safety to the little ones God has entrusted to you:
- Keep it practical. Teach your children the differences between safe touches and unsafe touches.
- Tell your children that saying “no” is okay. Empower your children to say “no” if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or touches them inappropriately.
- Give your children a way to alert you. Tell your children they can use an excuse or share a special “code-word” with you to alert you about an unsafe person or situation.
- Tell your children to report an unsafe touch. Let your children know they should tell you if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe around any adult or peer. You can also identify other adults they can tell about unsafe touches.
- Tell your children you trust them. If your child makes a report to you, believe him or her. Tell them it is not their fault and that you love them. Immediately bring the allegation to the attention of public authorities.
Did You Know?
“United Together in Prayer”
We ask you, as the People of God, to unite in prayer for victims of child sexual abuse.
“A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse”
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wound
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace and justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
FEMA has begun offering assistance and relief for funeral and burial costs for families who have suffered the passing of a loved one due to COVID-19. You may already be aware of this program through print and news media, but we felt we should highlight some important information for you.
FEMA began accepting applications for COVID-19 funeral assistance on April 12, 2021. Applications are being accepted by phone through the dedicated FEMA toll-free hotline at 844-684-6333. No online applications will be accepted.
Funeral homes, cemeteries, and other third parties are not eligible to apply on behalf of a family.
Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries will make every effort to assist those Patrons requiring copies of documentation related to services provided by our facilities.
It is important to note that FEMA has issued a fraud alert advising of possible scammers reaching out to the vulnerable. All must be aware that FEMA will not directly contact individuals and does not send individual notifications.
We encourage those affected or anyone with questions, to visit the FEMA website at:
https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
World Day of Prayer for Vocations is been observed today also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes.
