Racial Justice

"We work to build up the Body of Christ, the Church, through humble and positive interactions with others. We know our weaknesses and thus can identify with those who are struggling. We seek reconciliation and understanding. We welcome constructive criticism and use it to improve ourselves and the parish community. We seek open, honest and transparent communication, going to the proper sources when there is a question or a concern. We are open to dialogue and seek to correct misinformation in a spirit of truth and love."

At St. Paul the Apostle, we hope to continue to listen, educate, foster dialogue, and take action to help combat racism and the injustice in our community and world. This is an issue that will continue to be addressed and we will continue to update this page as things progress.

Are you looking for resources and ways we can be the Church of hope in the world today? While this is no exhaustive list, check out some of the links, articles, videos, and resources below as there are lots for individuals, families, and small groups. Together, we can make a difference in the world. Do not be afraid.

Open Wide Our Hearts: A Pastoral Letter on Racism 

“The Christian community should draw from this central, ongoing encounter with Christ and seek to combat racism with love.” – U.S. bishops, Open Wide Our Hearts

To fight racism, Catholics must hunger for justice like we do for the Eucharist- an article from America magazine no ways Catholics can respond to racism in our country.

An open letter to my fellow white Americans- an honest letter about one priest personal experiences with racism.

The assumptions of white privilege and what we can do about it- an in-depth look at white privilege, the history, and practical ideas we do to implement change.

To dismantle racism, we must heal the human spirit- another great, shorter read

Bishop Shelton Fabre on the Death of George Floyd

Reconciling the Body of Christ (An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson)- Fr. Mike Schmitz interviews Fr. Josh Johnson on what Catholics can do to restore unity.

What Can Catholics Do to Overcome Racism?- One Franciscan friar talks about his experience of racism and divide in the Church. The other listens. 

Racism in Our Streets and Structures: A Test of Faith, A Crisis for Our Nation- A longer, in-depth look at racism in our country from a variety of panelists. A great video to help understand and respond.

Fr. Bryan Massingale: How the church can combat racism and white privilege- A well articulated interview with one of the top speakers. 

The USCCB has put together a whole bunch of age appropriate, faith based activities arranged by topic and age. You can check them out here.

The New York Times has also put together a list of recommended age appropriate books on helping parents talk to their kids about race, racism, and protests. It can be found here

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a guide for talking with children about racism and racial incidents found here

Books For Littles has put together a guide called "Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race" that has age appropriate book recommendations and tips found here.

We can all learn from one another and grow with one another. Below are a list of resources for small groups, couples, or friends to discuss together. 

Just Mercy was a blockbuster movie that came out in 2019. It's a powerful film that can have a greater impact when it's watched and reflected on with a group of people. Check out a great study guide that goes along with the film here.

"We are people of prayer. We embrace deep, personal, transformative prayer as the foundation of our life in the Spirit and our service to others in the name of Christ. We are comfortable praying for and with others. Attuned to those who are hurting or struggling, we pray for one another, for our parish community and for the world at large." 

The USCCB has put together a prayer service that can be done as a group, or in your own living room! Check it out here.

After George Floyd’s Suffocation: A Litany for Oxygen From a Black Jesuit

Black Lives Matter: Pray, Study, Act- A resource put our from Pax Christi

Racism Prayers- A great collection of short prayers from the Social Justice Resource Center

Prayer for Racial Healing- A wonderful prayer service put together by Catholic Charities

US Catholic put together a comprehensive resource list of books, articles, interviews, next steps, Catholic organizations, people to follow, and so much more. Click here to check out more!