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To: Priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, principals, parish catechetical leaders, youth ministers and parish staff
From: Andy Lichtenwalner, Director, Office of Formation and Discipleship
Earlier this summer, Pope Francis, with the support of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, began a worldwide initiative to combat loneliness and strengthen intergenerational bonds in faith-filled, joyous ways. The #sendyourhug campaign encourages young people to reach out to elders in their families and communities and vice versa. The Archdiocese of Atlanta is adapting this initiative as a way to encourage reaching out across generations during this time of the pandemic and beyond.
Bishop Ned Shlesinger launched the initiative here in the archdiocese on Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 13 (yesterday), through a special message about grandparents and the important roles elders play in our lives. Visit www.evangelizationatl.com/acrossgenerations to view Bishop Shlesinger’s video message and available resources.
The Office of Formation & Discipleship (OFD) has collected online several creative ideas for how to connect across generations, especially in these challenging days of physical distancing. These ideas, as well as suggested prayers of the faithful and a social media graphic, are available online at the link above.
Please spread the word by posting the #sendyourhug graphic, provided on the resources page, and sharing your family, individual, parish or other group efforts on social media with the tag #sendyourhug or #envíatuabrazo.
For questions, please contact Mary Cohen (mcohen@archatl.com) or Bill Clarke (wclarke@archatl.com). Thank you and God bless you!
