OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“In the present situation in which we find ourselves living more or less isolated, we are invited to rediscover and deepen the value of the communion that unites all the members of the church … united in Christ we are never alone.” (Pope Francis, Lenten homily in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Rome, March 2020)
These comforting words from Pope Francis bring hope when thousands are struggling to cope and survive the COVID-19 outbreak. This is truly an unprecedented time in history — when religions around the world are forced to find new ways to connect with their faithful. Many of us are learning to “talk story” from afar, through virtual means. From livestreaming Masses to social media prayers and online almsgiving for the needy, it is inspiring to see how people can still come together while adhering to stringent lockdown orders and social distancing.
This is not the Lent we expected, but this is the Lent we now have to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, sacrifice, works of mercy for the common good, and acts of service to those in need. We have seen many individuals and organizations step up to feed the hungry, the kupuna, the keiki, the homebound and the homeless. Hopefully the following examples can inspire us all to rediscover the value of communion that unites us as one body in Christ. And even through our “shelter-in-place” isolation experiences, our Holy Father reminds us that “we are never alone.”
Stronger solidarity
It is ironic that social distancing practices and stay-at-home orders have brought stronger solidarity for the common good in a variety of ways. For instance, when the kupuna volunteers at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish food ministry had to “distance” themselves from participating in senior box distribution (in order to protect themselves and the elders they serve), the Hawaii Food Bank brought in younger volunteers to sustain this vital service to the most vulnerable in the Ala Moana-Kakaako area.
In Nanakuli, St. Rita Parish’s longstanding potluck for local homeless persons was about to be canceled but was instead converted to a “grab and go” bento pickup line to nourish the hungry in their area.
Maui’s St. Theresa Parish in Kihei has also been expressing solidarity through the inter-faith feeding ministry of Hale Kau Kau by delivering food to homebound elders during the shelter-in-place period.
Another new and innovative example of solidarity during this period of social distancing is the Kupuna Needs Project, which is aimed at serving those over the age of 60 and immunocompromised individuals on Oahu who are most vulnerable to the dangers of COVID-19. Organized by Boy Scout Troop 39 of the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, the initiative provides home delivery to the elderly population in need of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other geriatric needs. In its first week, Kupuna Needs trained 85 young volunteers from a dozen Oahu parishes to safely assist elders. They demonstrated that, even in the vitally necessary isolation of social distancing, “we are never alone.”
Kupuna Needs Project is working with existing food delivery efforts such as Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Malama Meals (which work in conjunction with the County Elderly Affairs Division and Community Human Services Department), as well as EPIC Ministry, a young adult initiative supported by local businesses and the Diocese of Honolulu. For more info on the Kupuna Needs Project, please visit www.kupunaneedsproject.com.
CRS Rice Bowl
While staying at home to protect each other and stop the community spread, the Lenten Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl provides ways to families and individuals to experience solidarity with those in need around the world, transforming vulnerability into a strength.
For more about Rice Bowl, please visit crsricebowl.org. During this difficult time, let us always remember, we can share communion through collaboration and experience solidarity even in isolation, because we believe “in Christ, we are never alone.”
Mahalo,
Your friends from the Office of Social Ministry
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
