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Join The Discussion to End Racism
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In their pastoral letter against racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love”, the Catholic bishops of the United States invite conversion of hearts, minds, and institutions in order to address the evil of racism that still exists in our communities. By our baptism, we are members of Christ’s body and sharers in his mission. Imitating Christ, we must care for all members of our communities, honoring each person as unique, sacred, and created in the image of God.
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See, judge, act
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Over the next six months, as a parish we will journey together to address racism through, Education and Discussion (See), Prayer and Reflection (Judge) and Awareness Building and Action (Act), following the program provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Human Dignity and the USCCB. Our Lenten parish mission will be the culmination of this journey.
How do we talk to our friends, our families, and our children about race, justice and equity in society? How do we make sense of current events through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching? How do we engage each other in meaningful discussion and effect positive change?
The “Open Wide Our Hearts” program is designed to help us ponder these questions within our small group settings, (Community for the Kingdom, CHRP, ministry groups, family units, etc.). Each month we will delve into a new section of the accompanying study guide sections through discussion, reflection, prayer and action.- Read and reflect on the pastoral letter “Open Wide Our Hearts” (Oct)
- What is Racism? (Nov)
- Do Justice (Dec)
- Love Goodness (Jan)
- Walk Humbly with God (Feb)
- Conclude with the Parish Lenten Retreat
Let us all allow the Holy Spirit to convert our hearts to do the work of healing, so we may live authentically in true relationship to one another. Let the fruit of this conversion be evident in our full celebration and integration of ethnic and cultural diversity, which is truly a gift from God.
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Prayer to heal racial division
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We thank you, O Lord, For in your loving wisdom
You created one human family with a diversity that enriches our communities.
We pray to you, O Lord, that we always recognize each member of this human family
As being made in your image and beloved by you, with worth and dignity.
We pray to you, O Lord, that we may envision a way forward
To heal the racial divisions that deny human dignity and the bonds between all human beings.
We pray to you, O Lord that we may affirm each person's dignity
Through fair access for all to economic opportunity, housing, education, and employment.
We pray to you, O Lord, That we may have eyes to see what is possible when we reach out
Beyond fear, beyond anger, To hold the hand of our sisters, our brothers.
We thank you, O Lord, for your call and challenge to us
That we may reveal your teachings and your love through our actions to end racism
And to proclaim that we are all your children, heirs to your sacred creation.
Amen.
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