CLICK HERE for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
pastoral letter against racism,
"Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love."
Educational and parish resources in English and Spanish are also available on that page.
CLICK HERE for the USCCB Toolkit for Open Wide Our Hearts
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CLICK HERE for "Created in God's Image: A Pastoral Letter on the Sin of Racism and the Call to Conversion," from Bishop Melczek of the Diocese of Gary, IN. |
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CLICK HERE for "Night Will Be No More: Pastoral Letter to the People of God in El Paso," from Bishop Seitz. |
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Saint Mary's Press has compiled tips, lesson plans, presentations, and other resources to help with "Open Wide Our Hearts." CLICK HERE
Also from Saint Mary's Press: "Resources for Responding to Racism." CLICK HERE |
Social life is made by human beings. The society we live in is the outcome of human choices and decisions. This means that human beings can change things. What humans break, divide, and separate, we can — with God's help — also heal, unite, and restore.
What is now does not have to be. Therein lies the hope. And the challenge.
What is now does not have to be. Therein lies the hope. And the challenge.
Fr. Bryan N. Massingale
Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010)
Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010)
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Our late Bishop George Murry, SJ, summarized why people of faith need to speak out against racism and act:
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"Racism is not merely one sin among many;
it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world.
To struggle against it demands an equally radical transformation,
in our own minds and hearts as well as in the structure of our society.”
Statement from Archbishop Joseph Edward Kurtz, President of the U.S. Bishops Conference, June 19, 2015.
it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world.
To struggle against it demands an equally radical transformation,
in our own minds and hearts as well as in the structure of our society.”
Statement from Archbishop Joseph Edward Kurtz, President of the U.S. Bishops Conference, June 19, 2015.
"A readiness to discard others finds expression in vicious attitudes that we thought long past, such as racism, which retreats underground only to keep reemerging. Instances of racism continue to shame us, for they show that our supposed social progress is not as real or definitive as we think."
- #30 in Fratelli Tutti, Encyclical Letter from Pope Francis, October 4, 2020
- #30 in Fratelli Tutti, Encyclical Letter from Pope Francis, October 4, 2020
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"Coming Together: Talking with Kids and Teens about Racism," a webinar with speakers DeKarlos Blackmon, Joseph White, Hosffman Ospino, Carolyn Woo, Joe Paprocki, and Bishop Shelton Fabre. Sponsored by the Association of Catholic Publishers |
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Gloria Purvis, inaugural Pastoral Fellow for the University of Notre Dame's Office of Life and Human Dignity (NDOLHD) at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, delivered a 50-minute presentation on "Racial Justice: Solidarity and the Church's Call to Action," November 2021. |
Online Resources
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CLICK HERE for a pdf in English "Live Your Faith/Catholic Social Teaching: Racism and the Dignity of the Human Person," and in Spanish "Vivan Su Fe/Enseñanza social católica: El Racismo y la Dignidad del Ser Humano," from Our Sunday Visitor.
CLICK HERE for "Talking About Race," from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, for educators, parents, and people concerned about equity.
CLICK HERE for the Learning for Justice website, with free classroom resources, professional development webinars, and more to promote racial justice.
CLICK HERE for the Intercultural Competencies modules referred to in the article. 
CLICK HERE for the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.
Just Mercy is available for streaming on digital platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and more.
Catholic Mobilizing Network has created a Catholic Study Guide for the powerful film "Just Mercy." Through a series of thoughtful reflection questions and supplementary resources online, this study guide serves as an accompaniment to the film Just Mercy and offers viewers a way to explore the Catholic call to uphold the sanctity of life within the U.S. criminal legal system. 
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CLICK HERE for "Anti-Racism Resources for Exploring Race in Catechesis" from Sadlier Religion. for activities, prayer cards, and more.
CLICK HERE for "Responding to Racism: Resources from Our Research Advisory Board," from Springtide Research Institute.
CLICK HERE for a Prayer for Racial Healing from Catholic Charities USA.
CLICK HERE for an article from the Global Sisters Report on how descendants of people who were enslaved by religious communities are affected in the present.
Learn more about the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, a landmark undertaking in the pursuit of racial healing and justice in which descendants of ancestors enslaved and sold by the Jesuits and the Jesuits of the United States are working together in the pursuit of truth, racial healing, and transformation of hearts and minds in America.
The USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and Loyola Press have published Everyone Belongs for readers aged 5-12 to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship.
E-mail the Diocese of Youngstown Library to borrow Everyone Belongs. Printable activity sheets from Loyola Press to accompany Everyone Belongs are available for kindergarten and grades 1 through 5. Click here to download. 
"She Confronted the Church’s Role in Slavery—and Reconciled Her Faith," an article in US Catholic recounts the story of one Catholic’s discovery about the past,and how she spoke truth to power and faith. FIND IT HERE. "For the Church, Inclusion Can't Be Just a Box to Check." This article from US Catholic challenges us; instead of focusing on who's inside our boundaries, the pursuit of anti-racism should push us out to where the work for justice is already being done. Find it here. |
Got 1 minute? 6 minutes? 30 minutes?
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Use this one-minute video of Bishop George Murry, SJ, to introduce the topic of why people of faith need to speak out. |
This six-minute video has scripture, magnificent images, and realistic talk about intercultural opportunities in parishes. Start a discussion about how fear cannot coexist with the love God calls us to have for our neighbors. |
Show this worthwhile half-hour video to generate deeper discussion. Bishop Murry here addresses St. Peter Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC, on "The Times Demand it, The Gospel Demands it: Confronting the Sins of Racism:" |
Videos to spark discussion against
Racism & Anti-Semitism
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Our late Bishop George V. Murry spoke on Race in the American Catholic Imagination in this worthwhile 46-minute video. |
Take 17 minutes to hear this Holocaust Survivor answer questions about his experience in the camps... and his life after WWII. |
This 2-minute video of 10 quotes from Dr. King will inspire an audience for prayer or action. |
Our Catholic Television Network of Youngstown (CTNY)
has put together a beautiful series of videos on our call to work against racism:
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From CTNY: "Removing Barriers: A Four Part Series on Racism." Part One with host Fr. Jim Korda, and guests: Bishop George Murry, SJ, Rev. Ed Weisheimer, and Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry. |
"Removing Barriers: A Four Part Series on Racism." Part Two, with host Fr. Jim Korda and guests: Bishop George Murry, SJ, Adrienne Curry, and Fr. Ed Noga. |
"Removing Barriers: A Four Part Series on Racism." Part Three with host Fr. Jim Korda, and guests: Bishop George Murry, SJ, Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry, and Leigh Greene. |
"Removing Barriers: A Four Part Series on Racism." Part Four with host Fr. Jim Korda, and guests: Bishop George Murry, SJ, Leigh Greene, and Fr. Ed Noga. |
What we can do at our parishes:
CLICK HERE for USCCB resources for responding to the sin of racism.
CLICK HERE for resources on A Sacred Conversation on Race. |
CLICK HERE for news on Pax Christi USA's work on Economic and Interracial Justice in the United States. |
Help your parish learn more about saint causes for six African Americans by using these resources. |
African American Candidates for Sainthood
Although the Church has saints of African descent, we have no Black American saints.
Candidates for sainthood are in the early stages of the journey to be named a saint:
These three African American women are at the first level of the process, that a diocesan tribunal recognizes that they lived lives of "heroic virtue:"
Three are at the second level of the process, the the Congregation for the Causes of Saints with the approval of the pope recognizes them to be worthy of veneration for their heroic lives of virtue:
Canonization, the fourth level, requires two miracles.
Although the Church has saints of African descent, we have no Black American saints.
Candidates for sainthood are in the early stages of the journey to be named a saint:
These three African American women are at the first level of the process, that a diocesan tribunal recognizes that they lived lives of "heroic virtue:"
- Servant of God Julia Greeley (c. 1840-1918)
- Servant of God Mary Elizabeth Lange (c. 1794-1882)
- Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990)
Three are at the second level of the process, the the Congregation for the Causes of Saints with the approval of the pope recognizes them to be worthy of veneration for their heroic lives of virtue:
- Venerable Henriette Delille (1813-1862)
- Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853)
- Venerable Augustus Tolton (1854-1897)
Canonization, the fourth level, requires two miracles.
Venerable Henriette Delille founded Sisters of the Holy Family, a religious order based in New Orleans. CLICK HERE to learn more about her from the Sisters of the Holy Family. Check this website for information, prayer, and to follow the canonization process. DOWNLOAD a PDF with biography, timeline, and prayer. |
Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore. CLICK HERE for information on Mother Lange from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. DOWNLOAD a PDF with biography, timeline, and prayer. 
Venerable Pierre Toussaint was a hairdresser to prominent New Yorkers who lived an extraordinary life devoted to charity. CLICK HERE for Franciscan Media's Saint of the Day story and reflection on Venerable Pierre Toussaint. FOLLOW HIS CAUSE and learn more about him from the Archdiocese of New York. DOWNLOAD a PDF with biography, timeline, and prayer. |
Venerable Augustus Tolton was an American priest who had to train in Rome because no U.S. seminary would take him.
CLICK HERE for an excellent website on Fr. Tolton's life, times, and the cause for his sainthood by the Archdiocese of Chicago. DOWNLOAD a PDFwith biography, timeline, and prayer. Borrow this book for children from the Diocesan Library. It is an exciting graphic journey through Fr. Tolton's life that will captivate readers of varied ages. To buy this book, visit the publisher, Liturgy Training Publications. 
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SERVANT of GOD Sister THEA BOWMAN
Sr. Thea Bowman is on her way to being named a saint.
The United States Bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Sister Thea Bowman on Nov. 14, 2018, during their fall assembly in Baltimore.
Sr. Thea Bowman is on her way to being named a saint.
The United States Bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Sister Thea Bowman on Nov. 14, 2018, during their fall assembly in Baltimore.
Watch Sr. Thea Bowman address the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and United States Catholic Conference at their annual meeting in June of 1989 with "Being a Black Catholic."
She enlightened the bishops on African-American history and spirituality, and urged them to promote inclusivity and full participation of African-Americans within Church leadership. She was about 9 months away from her death from cancer; she wasn't strong enough to stand, but her speech was powerful enough to get the bishops standing.
If you have only a couple of minutes to give to this, begin watching at 29:00 -- it's a gift to you and the Church.
She enlightened the bishops on African-American history and spirituality, and urged them to promote inclusivity and full participation of African-Americans within Church leadership. She was about 9 months away from her death from cancer; she wasn't strong enough to stand, but her speech was powerful enough to get the bishops standing.
If you have only a couple of minutes to give to this, begin watching at 29:00 -- it's a gift to you and the Church.
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CLICK HERE for the website dedicated to her cause for canonization.
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CLICK HERE for her page on the website of her order, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, with a bio, prayer card, photos, and art.
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DOWNLOAD a PDF with biography, timeline, and prayer.
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Books to Consider Reading:
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Thea's Song : The Life of Thea Bowman
by Charlene Smith and John Feister Chronicles the life of Thea Bowman, describing her childhood in Mississippi during the civil rights era, her life in a Catholic convent in Wisconsin, and her efforts to fight prejudice and human sadness before her death in 1990. 
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This Little Light: Lessons in Living from Sr. Thea Bowman
by Michael O'Neill McGrath 
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The Art of Dying and Living: Lessons from Saints of Our Time
by Kerry WaltersOffers guidance on dying and living through the descriptions of the lives and virtues of nine inspirational men and women, including Joseph Bernardin, Thea Bowman, Etty Hillesum, Jonathan Daniels, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 
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Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers, from the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, USCCB, a manual designed to help ministry leaders achieve a basic level of awareness and proficiency in the area of intercultural competency through the five guidelines.
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Building the Believer to Strengthen Discipleship : Keep on Teaching 2018 Resource Manual, from the Archdiocese of Baltimore Office of Black Catholic Ministries, with lesson designs for faith sharing sessions for adults and youth based on the theme of missionary discipleship.
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Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, by
Bryan N. Massingale, examines the presence of racism in this country. It also explores how Catholic social teaching has been used - and not used - to combat racism and promote reconciliation and justice. 
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Brothers and Sisters to Us: U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Racism in Our Day, (revised to include For the Love of One Another),
National Conference of Catholic Bishops. 
Interculturalism and Catechesis: A Catechist's Guide to Responding to Cultural Diversity
by Hosffman Ospino Twenty-Third Publications, 2017 This practical, hands-on guide is written to help catechists and catechetical leaders share the richness of the Catholic faith while affirming and honoring the many cultures and languages of their parishes. Includes a crucial list of dos and don'ts and ten tips that can help every catechist. 
A Black Theology of Liberation James H. Cone. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010 (40th Anniversary Edition) A classic of American theology. Sets forth a systematic treatment of the gospel in the light of Black experience in America. 
Black Faith and Public Talk: Critical Essays on James H. Cone's Black Theology and Black Power Dwight N. Hopkins, editor. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2000 This collection of critical voices - both black and white, male and female - assesses the significance of Cone's initial work and the subsequent progression of Black Theology. The African American Catholic Youth Bible® : New American Bible revised edition,
Saint Mary's Press, 2015 Speaks directly to African-American youth through aer and commentaries on biblical events and personalities from a cultural perspective. Includes biographical notes on African-American bishops, candidates for sainthood, and other heroic people. 
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Uncommon Faithfulness: The Black Catholic Experience,
by M. Shawn Copeland, editor; with LaReine-Marie Mosely and Albert J. Raboteau. 
Teaching Kids to Respect Others: Reflections, Activities & Prayers for Catechists and Families
by Kevin Dowd Twenty-Third Publications, 2018 The epidemic of bullying and disrespecting others fills the news each day. In this excellent and important book, Kevin Dowd offers catechists and parents practical and prayerful ways to help our children learn about and deal with issues of respect: family, friends, classmates, teachers, people in other countries, people of different abilities, gay and straight people, different religions, people with different skin colors, accents, and cultures. 
In Our Own Voices: Latino/a Renditions of Theology [edited by] Benjamín Valentín. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010 Original writings by nine engaged scholars provide a fresh, ecumenical approach to systematic theology in a Latino/a voice. 
Building Bridges, Doing Justice Orlando O. Espín, editor Maryknoll, NY: OrbIs Books, 2009 The editor observes: "No ecumenical relation or dialogue today in the United States can be truly reflective of our respective churches unless Latinos/as (and their faith and their lives) are acknowledges as indispensible and equal conversation partners." |
Horizons of the Sacred: Mexican Traditions in U.S. Catholicism
edited by Timothy Matovina and Gary Riebe-Estrella. 
Is There Room for Me?: A Catholic Guide and Response to Immigration
by Daniel Connors Twenty-Third Publications, 2018 Immigration is changing the face of Catholic parishes, leading to many challenges, blessings, and tensions. This booklet can help parishes frame discussion questions and foster personal reflection as together we strive to answer Jesus' prayer that we may all be one. 
Introducing Asian American Theologies Jonathan Y. Tan Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2008 "An introduction not merely to Asian American theologies but also to Asian American histories, experiences, and hermeneutics." 
A Native American Theology Clara Sue Kidwell, Homeer Noley, George E. "Tink" Tinker Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2001 While observing traditional categories of Christian systematic theology (Creation, Deity, Christology, etc.), each of these is reimagined consistent with Native experience, values, and worldview. AT the same time the authors introduce new categories from Native thought-worlds. |
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Observed the thrid Monday of January
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K-8 Educational Resources to work against racism From USCCB:
High School Educational Resources
Adult Educational Resources
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CLICK HERE for access to recordings for the webinar series
"How to Apply 'Open Wide Our Hearts: A Pastoral Letter Against Racism'
in a Ministry Context"
SESSION 1: EMPOWERING CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM
Moderator: Michael Theisen
SESSION 2: EMPOWERING CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
Moderator: Michael Theisen
SESSION 3: THE SIN OF JESUIT SLAVE HOLDING: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION ON RACISM
Moderators: Michael Theisen and Darius Villalobos
SESSION 4: JUST MERCY: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM
Catholic ministry leaders converse about the film Just Mercy, and the ways in which it can inspire action among Catholics to address the sin of racism. Just Mercy tells the stunning true story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making fight to exonerate Walter McMillian, a black man convicted and sentenced to death in Alabama for a crime he did not commit.
Featuring Dr. Ansel Augustine, Danielle Brown, Dr. Donald McCrabb, Deacon Art Miller, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Darius Villalobos
Moderator: Michael Theisen
"How to Apply 'Open Wide Our Hearts: A Pastoral Letter Against Racism'
in a Ministry Context"
SESSION 1: EMPOWERING CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM
- Introduces the main themes of the pastoral letter
- Considers how to implement the pastoral letter from the perspective of restorative justice, youth ministry, and mission
- Begins a conversation about racism and our personal and collective response
Moderator: Michael Theisen
SESSION 2: EMPOWERING CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
- Defines basic, but important terms for discussing racism,
- explores processes and practices that can help us engage in critical conversations in our ministries,
- Shares recommendations for practical resources that can assist in confronting racism in our communities.
Moderator: Michael Theisen
SESSION 3: THE SIN OF JESUIT SLAVE HOLDING: CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION ON RACISM
- Features the story of the Jesuits in America who enslaved people. They sold 272 persons in 1838 to save financially distressed Georgetown University.
- Efforts towards truth, racial healing, and transformation from two people on this journey together.
Moderators: Michael Theisen and Darius Villalobos
SESSION 4: JUST MERCY: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH LEADERS TO ADDRESS RACISM
Catholic ministry leaders converse about the film Just Mercy, and the ways in which it can inspire action among Catholics to address the sin of racism. Just Mercy tells the stunning true story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making fight to exonerate Walter McMillian, a black man convicted and sentenced to death in Alabama for a crime he did not commit.
Featuring Dr. Ansel Augustine, Danielle Brown, Dr. Donald McCrabb, Deacon Art Miller, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Darius Villalobos
Moderator: Michael Theisen
