By Andie Gunter
A PLACE FOR ALL
CUSA, formerly known as The Catholic Union of the Sick in America, is a way for people with chronic illness or disability to care for others like themselves through an online Christian support group. Persons with a physical, emotional or mental disability, or a chronic illness, share support with one another through prayer, and written or online correspondence. The group describes itself as an apostolate of persons instead of for persons. CUSA provides a way for members to perform acts of charity for others from their homes, and other members are not simply recipients of those acts of charity. Members see themselves as being united with the Crucified Savior and participating in redemptive suffering. The organization is based on the words of St. Paul: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake” (Colossians 1:24).
CUSA began in the United States in 1947. It is modeled after similar groups in Belgium. Mrs. Robert Brunner had participated in a group in Belgium and brought the idea with her when she moved to the United States in 1939. It took several years for the idea to gain traction here. In the early days of CUSA, the groups used written letters to communicate with each other. As the use of telephones and then email grew, the mode of communication has adapted. In 1997, the membership decided to change the name from The Catholic Union of the Sick in America to simply CUSA, realizing those with disabilities did not see themselves as sick. In 2022, CUSA joined with RENEW International, which is now doing the administrative work of the organization and helping the apostolate to grow.
CUSA is made up of small groups of no more than eight people who pray and offer sacrifices for others within their group. Each group is led by an experienced member, and has a priest or deacon who serves as a Spiritual Advisor. Each group chooses a patron, a motto and an intention for which they offer their prayers and suffering.
Through a Morning Offering, CUSANs pray that God ease the isolation and frustration that is often a part of living with a disability or chronic illness. Each group also adopts intentions that include the Church’s missionary activity, people who live in precarious situations, priests and religious, the most vulnerable members of our society, those who live with the scourge or war and violence, or those who are preyed upon by others. In these ways, the members fulfill their call to mission, much the same way that St. Therese of Liseaux prayed for missionaries around the world.
In their communications, CUSANs are encouraged to share the events of their lives and how their faith guides them. Sometimes specific topics are proposed for discussion. Members are encouraged to send a message to every member of their group.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about CUSA or join a group, visit cusan.org.