Statement Regarding Guilty Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial

From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: The verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer now convicted on all counts as a result of his role in the death of George Floyd last spring, is a sobering moment for our community. Continue reading

Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice

From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: As  the Chauvin trial in Minneapolis comes to its conclusion, and as our communities experience the ongoing tension surrounding the death of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, I am asking all priests of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to join me Monday, April 19, in offering Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice (no. 30 in the Roman Missal). Continue reading

Statement of U.S. Bishops’ Chairman for Asian and Pacific Island Affairs on Discrimination Against the Asian Community

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. Continue reading

Sign of the Times: What to Make of Black Lives Matter

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. Continue reading

In Wake of Kenosha Violence, U.S. Bishops’ Chairman for Committee Against Racism Urges Day of Prayer and Fasting

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. Continue reading

A Prayer for an End to the Sin of Racism

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. Continue reading

Healing a Wounded People

By Archbishop Bernard Hebda, featured in The Catholic Spirit The whir of helicopters provided an evocative background to our recited Litany of Saints at last week’s priesthood ordination in the Cathedral of St. Paul, reminding me of the strong wind … Continue reading

Archbishop Hebda: How We Respond as Catholics

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. Continue reading

Statement Regarding the Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis

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. Continue reading