A month ago, we might all have imagined a very different Palm Sunday. Here in Washington, the hosannas often rang out on an early, warm spring day. For my family a typical Palm Sunday saw us cleaning the rusty Weber, inviting a few friends, and marking the day by grilling the first steaks of the year – with local asparagus and buttery new potatoes.

In these uncertain times due to COVID-19, so many in our country still await the Supreme Court’s announcement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program. While the most recent relief package passed was considerably better than previous versions, we must continue to remember the immigrants in subsequent legislation.

Last week, DACA plaintiffs filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking to delay any decision amidst the current pandemic crisis. FAN released a statement as part of the Home is Here coalition who also affirmed the ask.
 
The Faith for DACA coalition is hosting a webinar this Tuesday, March 31 at 4pm ET/ 1pm PT which will highlight the unique role faith communities have to play in this critical moment, and as we share virtual actions you can join and take within 24- 48 hours of the SCOTUS announcement. Register here.

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition developed this action toolkit which includes a sample letter to the editor, message guidance, and promotional materials.

Additionally, we offer as a resource the Bipartisan Policy center, which is posting very informative podcasts on “This Week in Immigration.” Listen to these online to keep updated on the latest developments.

Because we aren't able to have our in-person gathering at EAD, the staff at FAN has decided to have a virtual check-in with our Franciscan friends whom we typically see in Washington, DC as well as anyone who hasn’t been able to make it before and is interested.

We are concerned about all of you and will miss the opportunity to be with you, but in these crazy times, a Zoom video conference call is the best we can do. We invite you to join us at the time we would have been together in Washington to gather as Franciscans and reflect on the vision of Saints Francis and Clare.

Our Zoom video call will be held Friday, April 24th at 2pm ET / 11am PT. You must register to be on the call.

We will be inviting a guest speaker to connect us with the theme of EAD weekend, which was “Imagine, God's earth and people restored.” We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and 5th anniversary of Laudato Si together!

Don’t forget to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Hope to see you all there!

As followers of nonviolent Jesus and Francis of Assisi, FAN makes gun violence prevention one of our peacemaking priorities. Because of this, we are alarmed by reports of the spike in gun sales during the novel Coronavirus pandemic. While panic food buying is discouraged, we must also deplore panic gun purchasing.

We share a digital toolkit prepared by Guns Down America to educate the public about the dangers of stockpiling weapons. As Franciscans, we add our faith voice to that of Guns Down America in calling for Stop the Coronavirus Gun Surge.

Each year, the FAN staff make a point to join a procession through the streets of Washington, DC on Good Friday along with people from other faith advocacy organizations. These processions, called the "Way of the Cross for Economic and Ecological Justice" provide a prayerful way to walk the steps of Jesus in this time of financial and ecological crisis. FAN's own Sisters Marie and Maria were both involved in developing several stations.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will be virtual and we invite our members and friends to read along with us on video conference on Friday, April 10th at 12pm ET / 9am PT. Click here to register to join us.

Each station symbolizes institutional roots of this suffering in government, in transnational corporations, in international financial institutions, in trade agreements, macroeconomic policies and financial transactions that give shape to economic activity around the world. Find more information and download the script here.

As more churches and dioceses are calling for cancellation of in-person Masses for Holy Week and Easter, we recognize the need for spiritual connection and engagement. The following is a brief list of some resources we have been made aware of and offer to you.

• Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl Lenten alms collecting program has Virtual Stations of the Cross and a Families page on their website.
• Fr. James Martin, SJ hosted a virtual pilgrimage in 2017 of the places where Jesus was born, ministered, died, and rose.
• PBS recently broadcast a documentary of Dorothy Day's journey as she followed her heart to better the lives of those on the margins. By clicking the link, you can watch it online.
• The mid-atlantic Coalition Against Modern Slavery put together this Way of the Cross which reflects on the suffering of Jesus and St. Josephine Bakhita and all who suffer slavery as victims of human trafficking.

The Catholic Climate Covenant staff has adjusted plans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’ with this REVISED version of their 2020 program, designed for use by individuals, families, and online groups.

Even if you already downloaded the original Earth Day 2020 program, by filling out the form you will have access to the revised version. The new version offers prayers, readings, a short video, reflection questions, and suggested actions.

Additionally, the Earth Day organizers are busy reinventing plans for virtual 50th anniversary celebrations. Instead of having people mobilize in the streets, the US Climate Strike Coalition has plans to hold Earth Day Live, a 72-hour, three consecutive day, livestream.

The national live stream will include a variety of programming to keep people engaged, informed, and inspired including opportunities for local organizers across the US to join us. Find more information and ideas in this Earth Day Live organizer guide.