Haiti in Crisis: Holy Cross Campus Offers Support and Resources

As students returned to campus in mid-January, they immediately began working on relief efforts and participating in a range of campus-wide initiatives designed to support the people of Haiti.

The Student Government Association has instituted the SGA Co-Presidential Task Force for Haiti Relief. Chaired by Andrea Pascual ’10 and Melissa Nelson ’10, the task force is planning several events to raise money for two organizations: Yéle Haiti and International Action. Student leaders estimate they will raise up to $10,000, which College President Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., has agreed to match. Events and Efforts

Feb. 8-12: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Rose Lollipop Sale The student-run Caribbean African Student Assemblage sold $1 chocolate rose lollipops on Hogan 1.

Feb. 6: Teddy Bear Toss The Class of 2012 sold teddy bears at the men’s basketball game at the Hart Center for $2 each.

Feb. 5: BSU's Black and Gold Fashion Show The Black Student Union (BSU) is donating a portion of proceeds from its annual Black and Gold Fashion Show to the task force’s relief fund.

Feb. 2: “Red and Blue Day” Feb. 2 was “Red and Blue Day” at Holy Cross. In addition to wearing the colors of the Haitian flag to show support, students and other members of the College community were invited to attend a presentation in Hogan Crossroads about Haiti and the relief efforts. The task force also sponsored a Haitian-themed evening at Kimball where up to three meal swipes were donated to the relief effort. At all events, donations were accepted. more information »

Jan. 27-29: Collage of Prayers and Wishes The task force encouraged members of the Holy Cross community to make a donation to buy a card on which they can write “prayers and wishes for Haiti.” The resulting collage was displayed as a sign of unity with the people in Haiti. more information »

Jan. 27: Ecumenical Prayer Service Many Holy Cross faculty, staff, students, and alumni have family and friends who have been affected by and are suffering in the wake of the devastating earthquake of Jan. 12. An ecumenical prayer service in support of Haitian members of the College community took place on Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. in the Mary Chapel. All members of the College community were invited. more information » Jan. 25: Collections at Masses and Services The Chaplains’ Office has designated collections for Jesuit Refugee Services at Masses and services the weekend of Jan. 23 to 24, as well as at the Mass on Jan. 25 which was celebrated by Cardinal O’Malley. The emergency effort provides lifesaving, aid, food and other urgently needed items to the Haitian people.

Jan. 23: The Edge The Bishop Healy Multicultural Society and Multicultural Peer Educators sponsored "The Edge" — a popular dance party held in Hogan Crossroads every Saturday night — during which students donated money to the Haitian relief cause. The event raised $362.

Jan 23: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Holy Cross presented “Blues on the Hill: An Evening of Jazz and Blues with 2120 South Michigan Avenue Featuring Sweet Willie D and Blue Champagne” on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom. The concert was free and open to the public; voluntary donations were accepted at the door and sent to the Jesuit Refugee Services.

Jan. 20-23: Caribbean African Student Assemblage The student-run Caribbean African Student Assemblage sold $1 ribbons on Hogan 1 from Jan. 20-23.

Prayers

A prayer after the earthquake in Haiti

Lord, at times such as this, when we realize that the ground beneath our feet is not as solid as we had imagined, we plead for your mercy.

As the things we have built crumble about us, we know too well how small we truly are on this ever-changing, ever-moving, fragile planet we call home. Yet you have promised never to forget us.

Do not forget us now.

Today, so many people are afraid. They wait in fear of the next tremor. They hear the cries of the injured amid the rubble. They roam the streets in shock at what they see. And they fill the dusty air with wails of grief and the names of missing dead.

Comfort them, Lord, in this disaster. Be their rock when the earth refuses to stand still, and shelter them under your wings when homes no longer exist.

Embrace in your arms those who died so suddenly this day. Console the hearts of those who mourn, and ease the pain of bodies on the brink of death.

Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion, we who watch from afar, as the poorest on this side of the earth find only misery upon misery. Move us to act swiftly this day, to give generously every day, to work for justice always, and to pray unceasingly for those without hope.

And once the shaking has ceased, the images of destruction have stopped filling the news, and our thoughts return to life’s daily rumblings, let us not forget that we are all your children and they, our brothers and sisters. We are all the work of your hands.

For though the mountains leave their place and the hills be tossed to the ground, your love shall never leave us, and your promise of peace will never be shaken.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever. Amen.

© 2010, Diana Macalintal, Diocese of San Jose.

In Time of Earthquake

God our Father, you set the earth on its foundation. Keep us safe from the danger of earthquakes and let us always feel the presence of your love. May we be secure in your protection and serve you with grateful hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

© International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc.

The Lectionary of the Catholic Church recommends the following scripture passages in times of earthquake: Esther C:1-4, 8-10 Lamentations 3:17-26 Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Romans 8:18-30 Romans 8:31b-39 James 1:2-4, 12 Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7 Psalm 80 Psalm 85 Psalm 123 Matthew 7:7-11 Mark 4:35-41 Luke 18:1-8 Prayer for Haiti

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.

In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.

Be with all creation; strengthen us in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. All creation returns to you in mourning and your grace guides our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.

With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.

Amen.

A Litany for the People of Haiti By Pete Mahoney, CFX

The response is: THANKS BE TO GOD!

To recognize the Spirit that dwells in Haiti, let us respond...Thanks be to God! For hope in the midst of despair, let us respond... For the hospitality of our Haitians hosts, let us respond... For Celebrations that give hope, let us respond... For the Dream of an Independent and Respected country, let us respond... For the help and concern of its Northern neighbor, let us respond... For the realization that we need Haiti, let us respond... For our eyes to be open to a mutual relationship, let us respond... For our ears to be open to the Cry of Justice, let us respond... For our mouths to speak the true story of Haiti, let us respond…

A Prayer for the People of Haiti

Out of the depths we cry to You, O God. We cry to You for our Haitian sisters and brothers. We thank You for upholding them in their suffering. Give them continuing strength and comfort. Give us love and courage to stand with them and work with them as they struggle for justice and freedom.

Keep us committed to the truth and empower us with Your Spirit of love: A love that always sees possibilities for peace founded on justice; A love that seeks justice without vengeance and retaliation; A love that reaches out to enemies, as Jesus taught us. We trust in Your continuing mercy as we bring to You our own desire to be in active solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

O Holy Spirit descend on us: we have a mission for Haiti.

Amen.

Available as a prayer Card from Pax Christi USA: (814) 453-4955 www.paxchristiusa.org

January 25, 2010|nm