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Did you know that there are over 1 ¼ million people in the USA living with HIV, the virus which causes AIDS? It is estimated that 15 to 20% of them DO NOT KNOW that they are infected with the virus. If you do not know that you have the virus, you could be spreading it to others. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Stigma, discrimination and shame---these continue to prevent people from talking about HIV, getting tested and seeking treatment.

HIV/AIDS is a health care crisis for Blacks, especially African Americans. With the present challenges of COVID, we must always REMEMBER that the HIV/AIDS pandemic also continues to devastate individuals, families and communities. On February 7th and throughout the year, please pray for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

KNOW YOUR STATUS…GET TESTED…AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GET TESTED

For more information call: 312-948-6500 or go to hivaidsservicesministry.org

Please ask your pastor and/or Liturgy Team to include a petition such as the following in the weekend liturgies on February 6th and 7th:

God of Hope, make us one as we walk in solidarity with all who live with HIV/AIDS. Encourage our hearts and open our minds. We pray

This national week of prayer calls our attention to the AIDS epidemic in the United States and the unique role that communities of faith can and are playing in AIDS prevention, education, service and advocacy. This commemorative week highlights the need for a continuous mobilization and education of faith communities to take an even greater role in the implementation of AIDS education and services within their local communities and across the nation.

The week is intended to raise awareness and strengthen our nation’s faith communities to influence social norms and thus contribute to the prevention of HIV/AIDS, reduce the associated stigma and provide compassionate support to those who are living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Members of every church, mosque, synagogue, temple, educational and health care institution and those at home are invited to join in prayer for the healing of AIDS.

In unity with this week of prayer across our nation, we offer the following from the Alexian Brothers, Bonaventure House:

Prayer to Christ the Healer

In the comfort of your love, I pour out to you, my Savior,

The memories that haunt me, the anxieties that perplex me, the fears that stifle me,

the sickness that prevails upon me, and the frustrations of all the pain that weaves

about within me.

Lord, help me to see your peace in my turmoil,

your compassion in my sorrow,

your forgiveness in my weakness,

and your love in my need.

Touch me, O Lord, with your healing power and strength.

Amen

Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS Task Force for the Archdiocese of Chicago

For more information call: (312) 948-6500 or go to hivaidsservicesministry.org

March 10th and 20th are days of national observance to encourage people to show support for persons living with HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness of its continuing impact.

March 10th, National Women and Girls’ HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, sheds light on the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Despite tremendous progress against the disease in the U.S., women remain vulnerable to the infection---especially African American and Hispanic women. There are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., and nearly 1/4th or 23% are women.

March 20th, is National Native (American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV affects thousands in these populations which have the 3rd highest rate of AIDS diagnoses in the U.S., despite having the smallest population. They are more likely to be younger than their non-native peers and have a shorter time between AIDS diagnosis and death.

KNOW YOUR STATUS…GET TESTED…AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GET TESTED

For more information call: (312) 948-6500 or go to hivaidsservicesministry.org

Please ask your pastor or liturgy team to include a suggested petition with the liturgies on the weekends of March 6/7 and/or March 20/22:

Compassionate God, strengthen all persons living with HIV/AIDA to live fully with hope and peace…We Pray.