Online groups for people grieving the loss of a loved one will begin meeting May 26 and continue at least through the end of June. The groups, an effort of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “radical hospitality” task force, are intended to allow people to talk about their experience and pray with others in the same situation, and to get the kind of comfort they would normally get from their fellow parishioners. “It’s basically to listen to people’s stories, to give them a place to have a conversation about what they have just been through,” said Cathy Walz, the archdiocese’s director of pastoral accompaniment. “In normal times, it would be someone from the parish coming over after the funeral or committal service and asking the widow how she’s doing.” The image the archdiocese is using is one of Martha and Mary, whom Jesus comforted after the death of their brother, Lazarus. Groups will meet online weekly at more than 15 times, with English, Spanish and Polish options available. Each group will be led by two or three volunteer facilitators. There are meetings scheduled in the morning, afternoon and evening and every day of the week except Sunday. “This is not counseling,” Walz said. “The role of the facilitators is to listen and to pray. We’ve heard from a number of people who are really longing for that.” Groups are scheduled to meet each week through the end of June so far, Walz said. There is no cost to participants, and the groups are open to anyone over 18 years old who has lost a loved one. Groups are expected to include about five people, in addition to the facilitators. Note: These groups are no longer active (Feb. 7, 2021).
Virtual worshippers often satisfied, but more Americans choose in-person services In the height of the pandemic, many Americans who attended in-person worship services turned to their computers and their couches instead for virtual viewing.
Catholic groups push for greater vaccine equity domestically, worldwide COVID-19 cases are now so numerous it makes little sense to wait for a numerical milestone. In the United States, the death toll is bound to pass 1 million. Worldwide, COVID-19 deaths passed 6 million on March 7, before the second anniversary of the World Health Organization’s pandemic declaration March 11, 2020.
Pope calls for urgent ‘reality check’ against misinformation about vaccines The COVID-19 pandemic calls for an urgent reality check against baseless information and for increased efforts so everyone has access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools, Pope Francis told diplomats from around the world.