I remember during some of my early years in seminary (1970s) seeing posters in classmates’ rooms and even bumper stickers on people’s cars, and occasionally they pop up today on cars. I went online to verify the date of the quote and even discovered that you can still order it on bumper stickers and posters. The quote is from Pope Paul VI, now Saint Paul VI. In a message he gave to the world on January 1, 1972, he spoke the message, “If You Want Peace, Work for Justice.”

In his message, in 1972, Pope Paul VI wrote, “Today consciousness of Justice is increasing. No one, we believe, denies this phenomenon. We shall not pause here to analyze it: but we all know that today, because of the spread of culture (everyone) has a new awareness of himself. Every (one) today knows he is a person; and he feels he is a person: that is, an inviolable being, equal to others, free and responsible – let us use the term: sacred being.” Written over 48 years ago, these words still give context to the work that remains to be done to make these words true today for all races and cultures in our city, state, nation, and world.

We need to pray fervently for all who have suffered over these long too many years from discrimination and racism in the church and in our society. But we also need to continue to pray for all those who are first responders to people in danger, for those who work on the “front line” providing health care for our community members, and for those who are sick or in harm’s way during this time.

– Fr. Bill

Prayer Service for Peace & Justice

We invite you to come together this Wednesday, June 17, with others to spend a Holy Hour in prayer and Adoration for our city, nation, and our world. The Archdiocese Office of Worship has prepared a template which we are adapting to our parish’s needs. I have received several requests from people seeking what we might do to respond to the events going on around us and to pray for peace and justice. We will also live-stream Wednesday’s prayer service and adoration from 6:30-7:30.

Children’s Formation Videos

In addition, Tara Mattingly, coordinator for our Children’s Formation, has prepared a number of videos during the weeks we were out of school, and in response to requests from some parents, has prepared a video to help address the topics of discrimination and racism with children. (I also think there is value for even adults to spend some time with this short video.) This is another resource available to you, your children, and your grandchildren. Click here to watch now!
 

From the Archbishop

I wanted you to be aware, if you are not already, that I will preside at the 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Parish on the solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, June 19. Mass will end with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Litany of the Sacred Heart. As seating permits (limited to 100-125), Catholics throughout the Archdiocese are invited to join with me in prayers for justice, peace and healing. Parishioners also may join virtually, since the Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Litany of the Sacred Heart will be live-streamed on the archdiocesan Facebook page, @CatholicArchLou. I invite all priests to join me in praying “Sacred Heart of Jesus, make our hearts like unto Thine” as we reject the sin of racism, uphold human dignity, and seek a better path.

Read and study the Bishops’ recent pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts (y en espanol), and utilize our study guide to deepen your prayer and learning.

Act 
Share and discuss resources with your community including backgrounders, like this one on systemic racism, educational materials for classrooms, and scripture reflections.

USCCB President, Archbishop Gomez, released a statement responding to the death of Mr. George Floyd and the justified outrage expressed around the country.