How can our network - parish, diocesan, Christian, community, family - be an open Church... when we are asked to stay in our homes as much as possible?

• By applying and supporting, from a faith perspective, public health guidelines for Montreal; for Laval. ongratulations to those who are already doing it!
   
• By observing the impact on the people around us and supporting each other, thus weaving a social network of proximity. See list of Facebook groups
   
• By referring or using 211 if necessary, either through telephone or on the Internet https://www.211qc.ca/. The purpose of this multilingual help and referral service is to direct people to community resources that can provide them with food aid, legal referrals, psycho-social support, etc. The service is available in several languages. Please note that the usual resources may be temporarily unavailable or the hours may have been reduced. Information is updated as it become available.
   
• By ensuring a comforting telephone presence for isolated people we know, as Bishop Lépine encourages us to do (video message); or by referring to the diocesan spiritual support line: 1-888-305-0994 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.);
   

• By participating in solidarity actions… :

  • Join a global conversation on women`s role in environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation through the UN working group called the Feminist Women`s Action Plan.  What is your response to current situations affecting women and their participation in the solutions to sustainable development? To join a future conversation visit the sign-up page. There are three more meetings this fall (October).  

  • Find out more about the Round Table for Social Development in your neighbourhood and find out what are the priority areas for social concern in your neighbourhood. Consult this short video to learn more.  Find your local table on this map.  

  • Watch this short video on updates from countries of the Global South facing the  COVID 19 pandemic.  Using the ‘Recovering Together’ resources campaign guide, choose one of the three fundraising activities to support spreading solidarity in your circle of friends, family or parish community. 

  • Pray the Extraordinary Moment of Prayer in the time of pandemic, written by Pope Francis.

  • Take the intergenerational pledge for our common home, joining and movement for ecological conversion with thousands of other Canadians. Encourage a family member or friend of a different generation to take the pledge too!

  • Over 6 000 people signed the petition to ask the federal government to take concrete measures to strengthen the rules for businesses in the extractive industries and uphold human rights, both in Canada and abroad.   The Canadian Network of Corporate Accountability offers three suggestions to advocate for a human rights ombudsperson with real powers!  Find out how you can help.  

While respect public health guidelines, some of us may be able to:

• Donate blood;
   
• Get involved through their work: Congratulations and thanks to essential services workers! Some people with the required skills or experience in health or social services can contribute by offering their services;
   
• Get involved as a volunteer:
  • Catholic Action Montreal; at your parish, or at the St-Vincent-de-Paul;
  • By joining the Facebook group Diocesan Social Action Office – Montreal; or the social ministry in your neighbourhood (see list here);
  • Le Pont - a diocesan initiative that supports refugee claimant;
  • Tel-Aide; or, for spiritual support: SASMAD

Get involved in the campaign: Together for a just recovery!

If you wish, please share your experiences: social@diocesemontreal.org; 514-925-4300 ext:208