As we approach the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, CIA is offering a Novena of online reflections.
We are still present in New Orleans and continue to build a thoughtful community amidst the ongoing need for responses against injustices or gaps in dignifying human persons. Please join us in prayer for five to ten minutes a day, as we remember, renew and rebuild.
We have also published to prayer resources for your community. Feel free to reproduce and share with others.
Approaching Labor Day it is essential to remember the workers throughout the nation and in New Orleans that still seek a just and safe workplace. The conditions in the rebuilding have been less than perfect and upholding the value and rights of the working people of the city is still a priority.
Today’s reflection on work and labor is read by Nick Albares, Coordinator of Parish Social Ministries with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Listen to our podcast here:
ACTION
If your faith group is interesting in meditating on labor further, this upcoming weekend is the perfect opportunity. Interfaith Worker Justice offers an extensive reflection and planning resource for groups to shape their own walk with workers. These resources can be accessed here.
Accompanying New Orleanians in their recovery is about supporting their own resilience and providing the tools residents need to achieve their own goals. One such project is the New Orleans Institute.
Day 8:Environmental Restoration
Day 8: Environmental Restoration
CONTEMPLATION
Much of the early focus on recovery after Hurricane Katrina was on housing in the Greater New Orleans area. Now that we have been able to see beyond some immediate needs, we notice the long-term affect of quick easy, financial decisions that have benefitted only a portion of our community. Our environment has been neglected over the years, and now it’s time to invest our time, energy, and care into healing our wounded world. CIA Agent, Caitlin Reilly shares a reflection.
Before the storm, the devastating loss of wetlands was already occurring. CIA participates annually in the placement of Christmas trees in the gulf to build up lost wetlands. The Christmas Tree Project, our effort with Bayou Rebirth, was documented by Pat Semansky and can be seen here.
Day 7: Education
Day 7: Education
CONTEMPLATION
Equitable and just education is the crux of long-term recovery. A new framework for education that equips citizens with resources for developing their communities is being built by a number of active and thoughtful people. CIA supports these efforts through offering a free space for rejuvenation, planning and conversation.
Each student has a story. Each school has a story. Each teacher has a story. Listen now to a reflection from Grace Nixon, a current Teach for America educator in the 1st grade at Akili Academy of New Orleans:
No one deserves a voice in rebuilding New Orleans schools more than the students who go to these places every single day! This is a group of students in New Orleans who want to rethink and rebuild our schools after Hurricane Katrina.
Day 6: The 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
Day 6: The 5th Anniverary of Hurricane Katrina
The Examen (or Examen of Consciousness) is a powerful method for gaining freedom in our spiritual lives. St. Ignatius of Loyola’s age-old reflection tool invites seekers to get a sense of where God continues to call them in their daily life.
Since the storm, we have been sharing this simple example of prayer with retreatants, volunteers and other visitors who have crossed our path. Today, we offer it to you online.
If you consider yourself a Katrina victim, evacuee, or survivor, this podcast may speak more to your experience.
If you are someone wanting to deepen in an experience of solidarity with those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding of New Orleans, this podcast may be more rousing for you.
Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding of New Orleans.
Day 5: Healthcare
Day 1: Healthcare
CONTEMPLATION
The fight for equitable, accessible healthcare is an ongoing struggle across the nation. At the 5th year mark we hope that recent policy change and a better funding plan can help sustain a system of care for all over a longer amount of time.CIA Agent, Anna Villanueva, shares her story as a committed Parish Nurse and Nurse at Mendoza Medical Clinic.
Listen to our podcast here:
ACTION
There is an ongoing fight to save Charity Hospital. Learn more about it here.
CIA values a strategy that confronts basic needs and encourages a wholistic and healthy development of programs addressing people’s real needs for a sustained amount of time. Our commitment to offering a free space allows people to take a breath, get nourished, and approach their situation with better clarity and purpose. Partnering with the McFarland Institute, we are able to help assess and develop plans for healthier communities.
