Sunday, April 26, 2020

  

First, I just want to take a moment to thank you and so many throughout the Pax Christi USA community for your kind words and encouragement during these challenging times. Many of our members, supporters, friends and partners have written to inquire as to how our staff is holding up, what support is needed, and how you can help. If you want to learn more about the temporary protocols we have put in place for the continued operation of our national office during this time, you can find   an explanation here at this link.  Like everyone, we're doing our best to face the uncertainty of this moment. 

Our work for peace and justice continues even during this challenging time (see our  coronavirus response page here). Indeed, the pandemic has in many ways shone a light on the inequalities, injustice, racism and violence that we work to address everyday as our core mission. We encourage you to visit the website and see what we are doing together in terms of prayer, study and action to rise to the moment and play our part in assuring that the most vulnerable are cared for during this time and that we emerge from this pain and uncertainty on our way to a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. Let us use this time, in whatever way is possible, to deepen our sense of solidarity with one another, to strengthen the resilience of our Pax Christi communities, and to witness to the peace of Christ, right here, right now. 

I also want to say a special note of thanks to all who are continuing to offer their donations and make financial contributions despite the hardships many of us are facing. If you have the capacity to give, you can do so online securely at this link. And if you're not in a position to be able to give now, we understand and we value all you are doing -- whether it is taking care of those close to you, offering prayers and emotional support to friends and family, or supporting those in direct service to people who are suffering physically and economically because of the pandemic. Know that we honor the choices you make and are grateful for how you and others throughout our movement are responding with generosity and compassion in so many ways to bring a little grace in these anxious, heartbreaking times. 

Secondly, I also want to remind you that the deadline for nominating someone to be considered for the ballot for our 2020 National Council elections is tomorrow, Monday, April 27. You can read more about the  nominations process at this link .  We need your thoughtful, prayerful help in finding the best possible nominees!
Lastly, I also want to encourage you to check out a new weekly column we're running every Thursday on the website from Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace, Rev. Joe Nangle, OFM. Joe was one of the early influences to my becoming involved in Pax Christi USA; I remember eagerly reading the column he used to write for Sojourners magazine  every time I got a new copy in the mail. We're really fortunate to have him offering his words of "Hope and Challenge" each week on the website. You can read his first two columns here and here.

   In peace,

   Johnny Zokovitch
   Executive Director, Pax Christi USA
 
We know that this is a very difficult time for many of us and that there are a number of organizations who are performing direct service to provide support for people who are sick, unemployed, and otherwise struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. We honor whatever choices you make during this time and recognize that we are all in this together. If you can also contribute and help support Pax Christi USA during this time, we'd be grateful. Just click the button above to give securely and quickly online. Thank you!