Looking Back and Forward
Pondering Jesus’ Words to His Disciples:
“Be
not afraid!”
I must confess to the experience of mixed emotions while preparing my letter
to present this Commemorative Book to mark two decades of service by the
National Catholic AIDS Network in response to the HIV pandemic. It is with
great joy and thanksgiving that I celebrate the comfort and hope that the
Network has brought to those living with or affected by HIV and the learning
and support we have provided to those engaged in AIDS Ministry. At the same
time, like many other supporters of and participants in the Network, I continue
to struggle with the decision to close the office and staffing of this organization
which was necessitated by lack of sufficient funds to continue such daily
operations.
It is my sincere belief that the Network effectively has implemented its stated mission: “Giving witness to the Lord Jesus Christ who brings light to all darkness, the National Catholic AIDS Network assists the Church in recognizing the pain and the unique challenges inherent in the HIV/AIDS pandemic and in living out the Gospel mandate by offering compassionate support, education, referral and technical assistance.” My “belief” has been confirmed many times over by the eloquent testimonies we have received from people whose lives and ministries have been enriched by outreach and information provided by the Network.
During its second decade of service, the Network continued to provide training opportunities and resources to those preparing to and already engaged in AIDS Ministry. We reached out strategically to those who provide pastoral ministry to persons of color since it is among these populations in the United States that the epidemic has wrought its most devastating effects. Important partners in such efforts have been the Secretariats for African American Catholics and for Hispanic Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. Government’s Leadership Campaign on AIDS. In collaboration with Caritas Internationalis, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Medical Mission Board, we strengthened our relationships with AIDS ministry colleagues in other parts of the work, particularly in developing countries. In cooperation with such organizations as the National Catholic Education Association, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, and Catholic Relief Services, we prioritized our contacts with young people, since this population is most at risk for HIV infection and since young people can and do service as leaders in response to this pandemic. We improved our communications means and published many resources, including our regular newsletter, in electronic format in order to make information available in a more timely and cost-effective manner. Our Annual Conferences provided, both for those directly affected by the virus and for those who accompany and serve them, valuable opportunities for new learning and enhancement of skills as well as for prayer and personal renewal.
The theme chosen for the 2007 Gathering of the National Catholic AIDS Network was “Be not afraid!” Primarily from the perspective of our baptismal vocation as Christians, but also as National Catholic AIDS Network colleagues, friends, and supporters, we need to deeply and carefully ponder these words, proclaimed by Jesus to His Apostles during several post-Resurrection visits. As these words ring out in our ears, we also need to deepen our discernment of God’s will on how best to preserve the mission of the Network despite our inability to maintain an office and staff. Perhaps most importantly, we cannot forget the challenge Jesus left to His Apostles — to continue and even expand the Church He had founded — not through His continued physical presence on this earth but rather through their humble struggles and efforts constantly fortified by the divine accompaniment and grace of our all-powerful and Triune God.
Please be assured of my deep thanks and prayers — and that of all my colleagues on the Network’s Board of Directors — as we seek to continue the work that God has begun in us. We are especially appreciative of the leadership provided by the two Executive Directors, Rodney DeMartini and Dan Lunney, who served the Network during our second decade of service. We thank those who, with loving generosity, offered their financial and volunteer support during these years. Most of all, we are grateful to those living with or affected by HIV since they often provided us with inspiring models of faith and hope.
In the peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rev. Robert J. Vitillo
President, Board of Directors
National Catholic AIDS Network
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