World AIDS Day is an opportunity to remember those friends and loved ones who have been affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. Memory is a wonderful way to bring to life the presence of those who have moved onto the second life. St. Joseph’s Parish will offer such an opportunity by opening its doors to the entire community on World AIDS Day for a Prayer Service Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. at 1107 N. Orleans. All are welcome.
We are now into the third decade of the AIDS pandemic. This year the international theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is “Universal Access and Human Rights.” Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access (see www.avert.org/universal-access.htm) to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. As a community we recognize our responsibilities in not only supporting the physical needs of people who live HIV/AIDS, their family, friends and loved ones, but also tending to the spiritual needs of everyone that is touched by this disease.
Our community is a wonderful mosaic of religious belief, we witness our own spirituality and celebrate its Rainbow of expression. Called once again to remember our brothers and sisters who have died, and those who live withHIV, we join our prayers with many across the globe. This disease does not respect the human divide of our diversity, all communities are at risk. While we focused on science to find a cure for this disease we must not forget the healing ability of the spirit to affect the body, nor should we dismiss that part our spirituality which is at play in bringing peace to many of us who travel the road that this disease lays out before us. Please join us as we gather in a community of hope and pray for all who have been infected and affected by this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Joe Murray
St. Joseph/Immaculate Conception Parish