For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.

John 18:37

Dear Members and Partners in Mission, 



The international aid crisis remains urgent, damaging the lives, livelihoods and future prospects of countless people across the globe.

During this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis calls upon Christians to act as "tangible signs of hope" for those who "lack the essentials of life." As a community of faith leaders committed networking, formation and advocacy for God’s mission, USCMA members offer unique insights into the human face of our global neighbors experiencing poverty, instability and hunger.

Join us in raising our voices in hope, solidarity and prayer! USCMA member Catholic Relief Services invites all people of faith to participate in a WEEK OF ACTION and HOLY WEEK FAST in solidarity with our global family.

Learn more below!

WEEK OF ACTION - April 6-12

CRS has designated April 6-12 as a national week of action to support our global family by promoting life-saving aid and assistance. Please mark your calendars with reminders to take these important actions:

Tuesday, April 8th – USCMA Social Media Advocacy Day

Share the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) action alert (English, Spanish) on your social media feeds, urging your followers, friends and partners to tell Congress to urge the administration to reverse terminations of lifesaving aid and disperse funding. Be sure to share your own testimonies of global solidarity.

Thursday, April 10^th – USCMA Congressional Call-In Day

Call or email your US Senators and Congressional Representative expressing your concern for the continuation of international assistance programs and why this issue matters to you personally. The CRS action alert provides an email script template. For phone calls, CRS provides the attached guidance and script.

The voices of people residing in states with representation in key Congressional positions have a particular impact. Use the links below to find out of your senators or representatives hold senior leadership positions or relevant committee appointments:

·      Senate Leadership

·      House Leadership

·      Senate Foreign Relations Committee

·      House Foreign Affairs Committee

·      Senate Appropriations Committee

·      House Appropriations Committee

Saturday, April 12^th – CRS National Call

Join with people of faith across the country in celebrating this week of united action for our global family.

Time: 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

Link to Join (Zoom)

Passcode: CRS2025

HOLY WEEK FAST - April 13-19

Commit to fasting in solidarity with our global neighbors experiencing hunger and instability, particularly those affected by pauses and cancellations of US international assistance.

Ideas for Fasting:

·      Eat 1-2 smalls meals per day

·      Be still/silent for 20-30 minutes each day

·      Abstain from television or streaming

·      Abstain from social media

·      Consider a 24 or 40 hour full fast

·      Consider a full Triduum fast (bread and water only Holy Thursday-Easter Vigil)

Thank you for joining USCMA and CRS in this effort of solidarity and advocacy for our global family. If you plan to participate in any of these actions, please make sure to SIGN THE PLEDGE to make your voice heard.

Visit Our Website for Mission Focused Resources!

uscatholicmission.org

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