Print Issue: November 21, 2002

Workshop Nov. 22-23 Will Help Parish AIDS Ministries

By Will Thomas, Staff Intern

ATLANTA - In 2001 approximately 6,000 young people 15 to 24 years old became infected with HIV every day-that is, four to five every minute.

As this epidemic spreads, the need for AIDS ministry also increases. Imitating Jesus, some in the archdiocese have been active in helping those with HIV/AIDS, who can be ostracized as lepers were in biblical times.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, parishes, schools and Catholic organizations participated in the 12th annual AIDS Walk Atlanta.

"It gave us an opportunity to walk in solidarity with others of all walks of life, to witness to the united effort to prevent the spread of the disease AIDS," said Sister Nora Ryan, OP, director of HIV/AIDS ministry for the archdiocese. "The fight against AIDS needs us all. We've gone a long way, yet more education is needed to combat complacency. It's not a discriminating disease, it affects us all."

While volunteerism is important, education is a key component in AIDS ministry. "AIDS ministries should educate the parish on the issue, keep the awareness alive, foster compassion and bridge people to understanding," said Susan Amsden of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta. "The service part is more visible, but there is ongoing education taking place in the ministry that very few talk about."

Regina Sanford, director of AIDS ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Atlanta, stresses education for children and teens. "Many people think that it is a gay issue, and therefore they don't put a lot of emphasis on the matter. It is extremely important to educate people," said Sanford.

Hoping to promote parish ministries, the archdiocese is sponsoring an AIDS training workshop entitled, "Many Threads, One Weave," on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will be held at Emory University's Cannon Chapel, North Decatur Road and Pierce Drive, Decatur, facilitated by Father Rodney Demartini, executive director of the National Catholic AIDS Network, and Regina Kay, program coordinator.

"AIDS ministry is our witness to hope, a witness to our compassionate response to those who are suffering, and a witness to our endeavors to alleviate barriers of fear and prejudice through education and prayer," said Sister Ryan. Contact her at (404) 885-7207 or nryan@archatl.com.