During my lifetime, I have witnessed racism in many ways. I can assure you that there is no institution, system, company, or human being that exists without this painful sin. I know this is true of me! Over the past few weeks, as protesting and demonstrating have taken place in the heart of our city, I have become aware that many people do not feel they can do anything to help. It seems that the more systemic and layered the issue becomes, the more inactivity thrives. I don’t think anyone has the intention of hurting or harming. Yet, I am hearing and reading from our sisters and brothers of color that it is the silence and the desire to have things 'settle dow'” and 'return to normal' that allows racist actions and agendas to continue to thrive in our communities.
I would suggest that we CAN do something. Saint Michael was founded on the belief that dignity exists in every human being. We are a multinational, multicultural and multiracial worshiping community. We have tackled difficult issues and circumstances in the past, and we can do it with this most urgent matter, as well.
We can open our hearts to the gospel message that challenges us to approach love as Christ calls us—
love that is more than feeling the 'warm fuzzies' toward another. Jesus shows us a love that is an act of the will, and something of which we ARE capable I call on us to imagine how our parish might continue to grow by focusing on embracing and dialoguing about our different races and cultures.
I pray the Holy Spirit will guide us in this evolving initiative and that our hearts will be opened wide!
God Bless,
Fr. Dan
Racism is about all of us. And it will take all of us to make the much needed and long-overdue changes to end racism and become a world of love, compassion, and understanding, as Jesus taught us.
To address the issue of systemic racism, our parish has pulled together Catholic resources and action avenues that can assist you in learning more about our Catholic response and what you can do to be part of the change.
In the News
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) usccb.org
Watch: Prayer Vigil for Racial Acceptance(March 31, 2021) Candlelight Prayer Vigil with Archbishop Jose Gomez, Bishop Alex Aclan, and Bishop Marc Trudeau - for racial acceptance and an end to racial discrimination against Asian and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.
We go to school to learn and to be students. If we want to understand racism, it is important to approach the subject with fresh eyes— the eyes of a student eager to learn and the heart of a listener willing to be taught.
What is racism? What does the Church teach about it? Racism is systemic. Get to know the many social systems influenced by racism.
83rd Annual Tekawitha Conference July 20 - July 23, 2022 Randolph Riverfront Center | 707 2nd Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Theme: Saint Kateri, Inspire Us with Your Spirit The 83rd Annual Tekawitha Conference is their first in-person event since 2019. Throughout the 4-day gathering, participants will hear dynamic keynote presenters, participate in breakout sessions, and attend regional membership meetings, and catch a glimpse of the intersection between the vibrant Native American cultures and the Catholic faith. Though we come from many sovereign tribes and pueblos, we gather as one family in faith.
Journeying Together: A National Catholic Intercultural Encounter for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults Journeying Together is a process of dialogue and encounter focused on the Church's ministry with youth and young adults that fosters understanding and trust within and across cultural families toward a more welcoming and just community of faith.
Learn More: Journeying Together Monthly Intercultural Dialogue Sessions are part of the USCCB Journeying Together intercultural encounter process.
Network networklobby.org Advocates for Justice, Inspired by Catholic Sisters
As we work to transform our politics and our society, we must achieve racial justice and equity in every area of life. A critical step is recognizing and reversing the impacts of the racial wealth and income gap in the United States. This workshop, which includes both an informational presentation and interactive experience, explores how 12 federal policies have helped to create, sustsain, and grow the racial wealth and income gap in our nation, while also providing participants with a deeper understanding of concepts like systemic racism an white privilege.
Ways Systemic Racism Has Continued to Exist in the U.S. Since 1865
Tekakwitha Conference htekconf.org Voice, Presence, and Identity of Indigenous Catholics in North America under the protection and inspiration of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
On July 14, 2020 the Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre (panelist), the Most Reverend Jaime Soto (panelist) and the Reverend Michael Carson (moderator) held a virtual panel discussion over Zoom to discuss racism, the Native American community, and the Catholic Church's response.
On June 24, 2020, two pastoral leaders, Deacon Art Miller and Bishop Edward Scharfenberger (Diocese of Albany) took part in a conversation on racism through the webinar Coming Together: Two Reflections - 'Ghosts of Hate' and 'The Reforming Power of the Gospel.'
On June 5, 2020, Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life hosted an online discussion on Racism in Our Streets and Structures - A Test of Fatih, A Crisis for Our Nation. Archbishop Gregory participated in the dialogue.
Racism in Our Streets and Structures - A Test of Faith, A Crisis for Our Nation
Watch the video of the discussion below.
Read & Listen
Witnessing to others about personal experiences is the core of evangelization. Reading and listening to stories are a critical factor in ending the sin of racism. There are so many voices to hear. Their stories deserve to be told.
Faith without works is nothing. We must take action.
Once we are educated on the issue and we have heard the stories, we must be moved into action!
There is so much each of us can do. Volunteer with community groups that need immediate assistance. Take time for personal reflection & prayer.
All of us can ask: Am I racist? Do I act out of racial biases?
Discerning our personal culpability allows us the opportunity
to recognize what we can do in our hearts
to change ourselves, our families, our communities and the world.
All church outreach and social services programs require money.
Consider donating your money to organizations
that work to break systemic racial barriers and challenges.
Here at the Parish Intercultural Council The St. Michael Intercultural Council is being envisioned as a parish-wide initiative is being envisioned as a parish-wide initiative to ensure diversity, representation, and unity within our church family.
Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities (RISC) riscrichmond.org RISC advocates for social change from the grassroots level. St. Elizabeth Parish is currently the only Catholic Church participant, yet it is the brainchild of Mike Stone when he was the Diocesan Director for the Office of Justice and Peace.
Virginia Interfaith Center virginiainterfaithcenter.org Virginia Interfaith Center advocates for social change, but more directly in the general assembly. They have some training sessions over the summer.
Richmond Hill richmondhillva.org Richmond Hill is an ecumenical group dedicated to racial healing in Richmond.