race

Following deadly shootings at three businesses in the greater Atlanta area this past week and the dialogue that has been ignited about other reported incidents of aggression against people of Asian descent, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs decried the culture of death, hatred and violence that underlies these incidents and called for solidarity with the vulnerable.

The Men’s Ministry group at St. Peter Claver is a reflection of the parish it’s affiliated with, historically founded as a faith home for St. Paul’s African American Catholics. Most of the group’s nine core members are Black, though men from other ethnic backgrounds participate, too. What unites them is their faith and friendship in Christ. It’s motivated them to gather on the second Saturday of the month for over 20 years to pray, read Scripture and discuss current events. But even with this common foundation, members of the group found themselves taking different viewpoints on the topic of conversation at their July 10 meeting: Black Lives Matter.

This Friday, August 28 marks the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism offered a reflection on Dr. King’s iconic words on the anniversary.

The Interim Commission for Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has designed this prayer for use by parishes at weekend liturgies. The prayer can be downloaded in various versions.

Seeking ways to help communities affected by the recent unrest? Find opportunities and resources here.

In light of current social strife (in addition to ongoing pandemic suffering), the Knights of Columbus have composed a 9-day Novena of prayer beginning this Sunday, June 7 and ending Monday, June 15.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops received a call from Pope Francis today, where the Holy Father expressed his prayers and closeness to the Church and the people of the United States in this moment of unrest.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB.

Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. 

On May 29, Archbishop Hebda discussed in an interview on Relevant Radio how we respond as Catholics to the current unrest. Listen here. Plus: pray with Archbishop Hebda and other faith leaders the evening of May 29 from 8-9 p.m. and share photos via Facebook and Twitter using #stpfaithleadersforjustice.

From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: The video of George Floyd in police custody Monday evening is gut wrenching and deeply disturbing. The sadness and pain are intense. Let us pray for comfort for his grieving family and friends, peace for a hurting community and prudence while the process moves forward.