Purpose Statement:
While the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church speak clearly about the sin of racism, we understand that addressing racism can be deeply uncomfortable and controversial because of its political dimension.
The USCCB states that “as Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord.” So, we invite one another to engage in this ministry to serve that mission, and to honor the voices of some in our own parish crying out for this justice.
Mission Statement:
In alignment with Church teaching and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the St. Rita Racial Justice Ministry will raise awareness, inform, and work toward removing racism from our community.
Get Involved!
Our Racial Justice Ministry team meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 in church. Please contact Dcn. Jim Fien ([email protected]) if you are interested in joining us.
This page is under construction.
Check back soon for more content and support. In the meantime, you can find great resources online here from our neighbors at St. Monica’s: https://www.stmonicaofrochester.org/black-lives-matter-resources
"Open Wide Our Hearts" and "Salt and Light" publications from Catholic Family Center are available online here.
Click here for the pastoral letter, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Click here for the accompanying study guide. See links to more resources below.
In fall of 2020, we held discussion sessions on "Open Wide Our Hearts". Here are the recordings from these sessions:
What is Racism? Click here to watch the recap video.
Do Justice Click here to watch the recap video.
Love Goodness Click here to watch the recap video.
"Two-pagers" from the USCCB:
Racism and Economic Inequality
Racism and the Native American Experience
Other Resources:
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Catholic Resources for Racial Justice 2020