In 2011 we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Cardinal Mahony beginning this ministry. We remain available to provide Catholic AIDS Education in English or Spanish as well as training for parish leaders, parents or teachers so they can include in their teaching plans. The model of the ministry as the US Bishops and the Holy Father calls demands…..the Samaritan Story of Jesus’ compassion.

In its ministry to and for persons with HIV/AIDS, the Church calls everyone to conversion, offers sacramental reconciliation and human consolation, seeks to assist all those who suffer; proclaims faith’s explanations of suffering, sin and death in the light of the cross and the resurrection; and accompanies those who suffer on their journey of life while helping them face death in the light of Christ.

—Called to Compassion and Responsibility
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November, 1989

The heart of our response [to those with HIV/AIDS] must be unqualified respect for the value of human life and for the dignity of the human person… By serving individual persons with AIDS… we as Church respond to the moral imperatives of our Creator.

—Cardinal Roger Mahony, 1986

Our mission is to provide liturgical, educational and networking resources and referrals. We offer pastoral care, visits, speakers, resource manuals, and training. We bring a Catholic voice to the experience of HIV/AIDS.

In 1986, Cardinal Mahony began HIV/AIDS ministry in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Fr. Brad Dusak became the first liaison between the HIV/AIDS community and the official church in Los Angeles. Bishops Zavala and Blaire have supported the development of HIV ministry in their pastoral regions. The Office of Religious Education has a task force which has been an important source of training for HIV/AIDS education and training. We dedicate this ministry to David Staffeld (RIP) whose vision, as a person with AIDS, continues to inspire us.