RACIAL JUSTICE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: A REPORT TO ST. BEN’S PARISH COUNCIL
Throughout the past Lenten season a group of fifteen parishioners, friends, and our Archdiocesan consultant, discussed Fr. Bryan Massingale’s book, Racial Justice and the Catholic Church. We had lively, spirited and sometimes painful discussions. We also have ideas for follow-up steps. On April 22, we will give a report to St. Benedict’s Parish Council. In the meantime, we share this prayer, which was offered at our final discussion session By: Nicole Kraseasn, Thursday of the 5thWeek of Lent, 2021
Dear God, as we end this chapter in our fight to dismantle systemic racism, and embark on Holy Week, we ask for you to continue guiding our minds, our hearts, and our actions with justice and love at the forefront. You have given us the tools we need to pursue this cause, the fellowship to know we do not stand alone, and the passion to keep this fight alive. Your love and grace have brought us to this place, where we now look to You for guidance as our journey stretches outside of our comfort zone, as it must for us to be true agents of change. Racial reconciliation is not a dream; it is a tangible reality of the Welcoming Table here on Earth, created by Your children, for Your children. As we traveled along this Lenten journey, we learned so much, and we refuse to let that be the end of this effort. We continue, in Your name, to create a better world for our brothers and sisters and to ensure that in our home of worship, no one falls to the margins. We ask for this strength, this courage, and this guidance in Your name and the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever; Amen.