Racial Justice
"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now." - Open Wide Our Hearts
“We are all called, in our respective roles, to cultivate and promote respect for the intrinsic dignity of every human person” - Pope Francis
Dwell in My Love: A Pastoral Letter on Racism: (link)
Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love: (link)
Brothers and Sisters to Us: (link)
Catholic Social Teaching & Racism: (link)
Night Will Be no More: Bishop Seitz’s Response to the El Paso Massacre (English) (Spanish)
Peace Circles
Peace circles are a pastoral tool that allows people to share their joys, challenges, fears, and hopes in a safe and sacred space. Participants sit in a circle and share their collective wisdom and truth through storytelling and reflection using an intentional, facilitated process. Peace circles are designed so that all voices are heard and all people in their diversity are welcomed. From a Christian perspective, peace circles offer a path to reconciliation and are about fostering peace with God, with others, and with the larger society. A tool that has its roots in indigenous traditions, peace circles have been utilized throughout the world to build community, discern important decisions, and formulate creative solutions to repairing harm.