World Day of the Poor Initiatives Adapt in Midst of Pandemic

The World Day of the Poor will be observed this Sunday, November 15. Though this year's initiatives will be changed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Vatican and other charitable agencies still plan to provide much-needed assistance to our most vulnerable populations. In lieu of the usual large mobile health clinic in St. Peter's Square, a smaller clinic under the colonnade in the square has been administering free COVID-19 swab tests for people who need them in order to stay at a homeless shelter or to return home abroad. Food, masks, and other needed goods are also still being distributed, just in a different fashion. Read more from this Catholic News Service article here. 

As activities worldwide are changed in the face of the pandemic, so are those in our local dioceses. As we approach the season of Advent, it is likely that we will see further guidelines and restrictions implemented to protect us in the pews. Please remember to follow your local diocesan and parish guidelines as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.