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A Call for a Bishop John Paul's Pastoral
Letter
My Dear People, (1) Ministry to the sick and suffering is one of the most fundamental and traditional components of the Church's mission: "I was ill and you comforted me." (Mt 25:36) The examples of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who built a hospital for the poor and personally nursed the sick and dying; Father Damien de Veuster, of Molokai, who ministered to those with leprosy; and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who cares for the poorest of the poor, illustrate this unselfish concern for the health and well-being of all God's people. (2) One death crisis confronting us today is the growing presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, commonly known as "AIDS." It is a crisis because the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the general population and its effects, in terms of human suffering and death, are alarming. Perhaps no institution is more capable of responding to this crisis than the Church. We are Christ's voice, his hands and his feet in the world today. As an advocate for the dignity of every human person, the Church through its members reaches out in compassion to the alienated and marginalized, extends mercy, comforts the sick and dying and consoles the bereaved. (3) The HIV virus is contracted in a number of ways; however, once infected the manner in which the virus was contracted is beside the point. We must respond to each individual with the compassion of Christ, neither compromising the truth of the Church's moral teaching, nor discriminating against those in need of healing or assistance. (4) Recognizing that AIDS is a disease which is present in our day, in our society and in our Church, we, the bishops of the United States, in 1989 issued the document, "Called to Compassion and Responsibility: A Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis." This document outlines five general areas of concern: we urge all people of good will to be attentive to compassion, to the integrity of each person, to justice, to prayer and to conversion. I encourage you, the people of the Diocese of La Crosse, to be attentive to these concerns and to acquaint yourselves with the facts concerning HIV/AIDS. Imitate the Good Shepherd, who not only sought out those who suffered and were considered cast aside, but lifted the lone sheep and supported it on his own shoulders. (5) There are other specific points to be noted in "Called to Compassion and Responsibility: A Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis." AIDS is a disease which crosses all age, ethnic and economic groups and cries for the best possible response from medicine and science. Christians have the moral responsibility to minister to persons with AIDS, and their families, with compassion, understanding and respect. This crisis demands that the Church clearly present the moral teachings on sexuality which lead to a fully integrated understanding of our God-given human sexuality. Prejudice and discrimination aimed at persons with HIV/AIDS or their families, partners or friends, is unjust and morally sinful. The development and implementation of appropriate educational
programs concerning AIDS, its spread, prevention and consequences, are urgently needed. People who have AIDS have an obligation to live in such a way so as not to expose others to the disease. (6) Out of this context I envision the following as the four basic elements of our diocesan pastoral plan: 1.prayer for persons and families affected by HIV/AIDS; 2.development of personnel to reach out in care and pastoral concern at the parish, deanery and regional level; 3.education of all concerning HIV/AIDS, including facts as well as attitudes; 4.advocacy in the broader community for persons living with HIV/AIDS. (7) HIV/AIDS is a disease that is having an impact on all people in every part of the world. Presently it is estimated that 12.9 million people have been infected with the HIV virus; 40 percent are women, and more than a million are children. Since the disease was originally identified in 1981, nearly 2.5 million people have died of AIDS worldwide. In the United States there are 1.5 million people who are infected with HIV: 12,000 to 18,000 in the state of Wisconsin. In the 19 counties of the Diocese of La Crosse, it is estimated that 900 to 1,200 peopled are infected. (8) These statistics are staggering; the human suffering involved is overwhelming. Our challenge is to respond to all suffering as Jesus did - with love and care. We are called to respect the innate dignity of every human person and to bring strength and courage to those who live with this disease. The Church is to be an active sign of compassion, offering healing and breaking down the social stigma and prejudice which has been attached to people with HIV/AIDS. (9) In our own lifetime it is probable that each of us will experience the loss of a loved one, friend or relative who has died from HIV/AIDS. Personally I have been saddened by the death of a close relative due to AIDS and have come to understand the suffering and stigma associated with this disease. Therefore, I believe our pastoral focus should be on the individuals who are dealing with this life-threatening disease, as well as on the families and loved ones who care for them. We are to treat all human beings with dignity and invite them to their rightful place within our community of faith. Diocesan, Deanery and Parish Response Diocesan (10) The Church is an example of love: "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34) The unique gifts of the Church offered to all persons living with HIV-AIDS are sacramental and spiritual support. These pastoral services cannot be offered by any other organization or institution. (11) HIV/AIDS requires a response on a diocesan, deanery and parish level. We are extremely fortunate to have access to exceptional health-care facilities throughout our diocese. Hospitals, clinics, treatment centers and continuous care for HIV/AIDS patients are accessible throughout our entire state. Though medical and therapeutic services are available, another dimension of ministry is needed. Diocesan personnel and health-care professionals should collaborate in providing training for parish ministry teams, and in creating and maintaining a network of organizations and support services throughout the diocese. Deanery (12) Deaneries, by networking with area and regional agencies, need to continue to provide care, adequate housing and moral support. We do this while honoring the right of privacy so that those living with HIV/AIDS may productively live out their lives. Parish (13) The most effective ministry and outreach to persons living with AIDS is the one-one-one contact made by individual parish members. When neighbors, associates and friends suffer a serious illness, the parish must be active in its witness as compassionate healer and friend. The response of concern and understanding acceptance towards persons living with HIV/AIDS can be urged, legislated and implored; but only individual Christians can carry out the ministry. (14) For families who suffer with HIV/AIDS, social support is required. At the parish level we can do this in a very personal way by providing home visits, transportation, respite care or child care. It is important at such times to listen to people with HIV/AIDS and their families and allow them to articulate their own needs rather than assume we know what these needs are. The Diocesan HIV/AIDS Information Manual is available to parishes and identifies referral sources for dealing with specific needs of HIV/AIDS-infected persons, their families and friends. The Four Elements of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Prayer (15) Ministry begins with a faith community praying daily. In recognizing Christ in the Eucharist and the faith community, we can then see and welcome him in all other people. Only then will persons living with HIV/AIDS feel safe to come forward to seek the church's pastoral care. (16) The first day of December has been designated "World AIDS Awareness Day." It would seem very appropriate to observe this day with special liturgies and public prayer. February 11 has been designated as the annual "World Day of the Sick." I invite all parishes to include petitions in the general intercessions on this day for those who are living with HIV/AIDS, along with the numerous other diseases and illnesses that cause deep pain and suffering for our loved ones. Petitions for people with HIV/AIDS should be included in the general intercessions. Since parish celebrations of the Sacrament of the anointing of the sick are times of healing and communal prayer for all, a special invitation to people living with HIV/AIDS could be a means of strengthening their relationship with the parish and with God. The ministry of communion to the sick, viaticum to the dying and neighborly visits are all parts of the full scope of the Church's care for all its elderly, sick and infirm in its self-understanding of the work of "pastoral care of the sick." Pastoral Ministry Teams (17) Pastoral ministry maintains bonds of rightful membership and participation in parish life, while reaching out and creating new bonds for those alienated. Persons and families whose lives are impacted by the HIV/AIDS virus need to be assured that they are accepted, loved and valued in their parish. Inclusion of people who may be rejected or marginalized by others in the broader society has long been the concern of the Christian community. (18) Parishes or clusters of parishes are to convene a group of interested individuals or identify a contact person who will receive intensive training. Programs will be provided through the cooperative effort of diocesan, regional and health-care personnel. All Christians are advocates for justice which enables people with HIV-AIDS to live out their lives with dignity and self-respect. Many of the elements listed in the previous section are those meant for parish pastoral care teams to put into place for their parish ministry. (19) I commend the health-care institutions in our diocese which both physically and spiritually care for the people who live with HIV/AIDS, as well as their families and loved ones. Sympathy, willingness and enthusiasm to minister in this difficult area are not enough. Implementing our diocesan pastoral plan relies on appropriate training and skill development which is guided by the professionals of these institutions. Education (20) I strongly urge integrating a thorough study of HIV/AIDS into adult education, Catholic schools, religious education and youth ministry programs. Information and discussion opportunities for parents, educators, clergy and pastoral care personnel are essential. These opportunities may call for new classes or they may take place within existing structures. For example, by properly educating catechists and teachers, it will be easier to share correct information on the contraction of AIDS and the pastoral response to those living with HIV/AIDS as these issues come up within existing classes. This should reduce the burden of trying to add more units to curricula that may already be overextended. However, there needs to be an intentional effort to raise consciousness by sharing accurate information on HIV/AIDS. Together we will arrive at a pastoral plan that will put aside emotion, myth, judgment and self-righteousness in order to bring Christ to all who suffer. (21) Because education assists in overcoming the fear and prejudice which often accompany this disease, we need to educate people with facts concerning HIV/AIDS. Government and public institutions have developed many resources that are readily available. Our unique task is to provide information that is in accord with God's plan. Our schools and religious education programs have excellent curricula that are age-appropriate and have a Catholic perspective, particularly the NCEA' curriculum: "AIDS: A Catholic Educational Approach to HIV." (22) The influence of continuous research and study in the area of biological and behavioral sciences compels us to remain current on the subject. It is vital and urgent that clergy, religious, seminarians, pastoral ministers and parents be properly informed on how the virus is contracted and how it can be treated. Many who contract this disease turn to their spiritual leaders and family for advice, support and spiritual healing. Advocacy (23) We need to network with existing organizations at the national, state, county and local level. We may not always be in agreement with their various approaches to prevention and treatment, but we must never withdraw from being the Church's voice in an ongoing dialogue. CONCLUSION (24) The gospel story of the Good Samaritan provides an example of how we are to be present and care for persons with HIV/AIDS. The Good Samaritan not only bound the wounds of the stranger, put him on his own beast and took him to an inn; he also provided for ongoing care. Today we who follow the Risen Savior are called to the same kind of compassionate presence and tender care for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
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August 30, 1993