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In a May 20 letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, asked the governor to consider the needs of students in Catholic schools as he decides how to use emergency funding awarded to state governors' offices to meet the needs of students and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27.In a May 20 letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, asked the governor to consider the needs of students in Catholic schools as he decides how to use emergency funding awarded to state governors' offices to meet the needs of students and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27.In a May 20 letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, asked the governor to consider the needs of students in Catholic schools as he decides how to use emergency funding awarded to state governors' offices to meet the needs of students and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27.

In March, the U.S. Census Bureau mailed official notices to every household requesting participation in the 2020 Census. With an online option for the first time, as well as mail and phone options, the survey has never been easier. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

As of March 20, the bishops of all seven Florida dioceses made the difficult decision to suspend publicly attended Masses for the health and safety of priests and parishioners and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Since then, a stay-at-home order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis went into effect for the entire state of Florida.

While regularly scheduled Masses and parish gatherings are suspended in response to the coronavirus, the bishops are urging Catholics to "keep holy the Sabbath" and close to the Lord through prayer and reflection on the Word of God. Additionally, dioceses and parishes are offering opportunities for prayer and virtual Mass via live stream or video.

Pope Francis has invited Christians throughout the world to join him in prayer in response to the coronavirus pandemic. "Let us remain united. Let us make our closeness felt toward those persons who are the most lonely and tried," said the Holy Father after the March 22, Sunday Angelus.

Approved by the bishops of Florida, the Election & Political Activities Guide is intended to encourage Catholic clergy and laity to facilitate the involvement of their faith communities in appropriate election-related activities. These efforts are designed to increase parishioners' interest in the policy issues that will characterize election-year debates, focus their attention on candidate positions, and encourage them to exercise their right to vote. The document includes guidelines for parish involvement in political activities and identifies approved and prohibited activities for parishes and ministries.

As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square -- and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at individuals. When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must bear witness to a better way.