HIV/AIDS
December 1 marks World AIDS
Day
by Rev. Paul Schumacher
December 1, 2004, has been
designated as World AIDS Day. Initiated in 1988 by the World Summit of
Ministers of Health on AIDS, this day is intended to heighten awareness of the
human community of the AIDS crisis as well as to encourage the commitment of
governments, organizations, churches, and individuals to respond to those with
this disease. It is also a time to witness, by our words and action, the
compassion of Jesus and to pray as a people of faith and hope for the healing
of HIV/AIDS.
Did you know?....
-
One in 250 Americans is HIV positive? That 1 in
500 knows it?
A Global Perspective
The International AIDS Conferencewas held this summer in Bangkok. It brought to
the fore once again the global perspective of this disease and that we need a
more compre-hensive response to it. It would seem
that we need to move beyond a purely medical response to a more holistic
approach. We need to look to considering all the basic human needs. Think of
all those very diverse leaders at the International Conference who sat at the
same table and listened. Do we as Catholics need to gather at the table and
listen to the experiences and needs of our folks either touched by this disease
or living with it?
We who are a Eucharistic
people certainly have a compelling reason to do so. Isn’t that what God
requires?
For questions or concerns
about HIV/AIDS contact Fr. Paul Schumacher, HIV/AIDS coordinator for the Diocese of New
Ulm, 450 South Gaulke Street, Appleton, MN 56208,
(320) 289-1211.
Free HIV/AIDS testing can be arranged by calling (800) 966-9735.