The threats posed locally, nationally and internationally by the COVID-19 Coronavirus are creating isolation, fear, and uncertainty.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ calls for the Church to respond to ‘confinement with creativity’ and to ‘think of a thousand ways to be with the people so that the people don’t feel alone’, Catholic Voices has launched ‘CV Connect’.
CV Connect is a way of offering digital opportunities and resources so that isolation does not mean loneliness, fear does not mean hate and where uncertainty does not mean despair.
‘Coronavirus, Church & You’ Survey
Over 2,500 Catholics were surveyed, between 19th May and the 26th July, about their experiences and attitudes towards lockdown. The survey, which is part of a wider survey of UK Christian responses to the present crisis, was undertaken by Professor Francis Davis (University of Birmingham and Oxford), Professor Andrew Village (York St John University) and Professor Leslie Francis (University of Warwick) who collaborated with Catholic Voices to publicise the survey and produce the report.
Lockdown Interviews
Inspire & Equip
Resources and content to inspire, and equip
Websites Recommended on previous webinars
(Click on images to go to website)
Resources recommended on previous webinars
STORIES OF HOPE IN LOCKDOWN
Virtual Parish Talk
During the COVID-19 pandemic Catholic Voices are offering virtual talks for parishes during on topics such as:
Extraordinary evangelisation in extraordinary times
Spiritual Health in a Pandemic
We’re also continuing to run our usual presentations on ‘How to defend the faith without raising your voice’, ‘Principles of civil communication’, and other hot-button issues.
Talks (hosted on video conferencing software Zoom) last approximately 30 minutes followed by 20 minutes of discussion and Q&A so that everyone can be involved if they wish. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage parishioners, particularly those who might be feeling totally isolated or who are usually very active in the parish, during such a difficult time.
After our recent online session on ‘Faith In Isolation’ for the Roehampton University chaplaincy group, the lay chaplain wrote:
"As a Christian community on a university campus the change in recent times resulting in isolation has shifted the gear in our ‘normal’ life together as a community. The webinar with Brenden was a great way for us to facilitate a thought provoking faith based conversation in such uncertain times. It was extremely helpful to connect with someone outside of our bubble here and the format meant that it was an opportunity to learn from the talk and discussion and it also offered an opportunity for spiritual growth.”
We would love to have a conversation about how Catholic Voices might host a CV Connect virtual talk where you are. Please help gives us an idea of what you’re looking for by filling out the form below and a coordinator will be in touch as soon as possible: