Sunday, June 13, 2021 - Curious About Courageous Conversations?

Courageous Conversations is a Social Justice Ministry of Holy Cross Catholic Chursch in East Austin. The ministry focuses on the church's role in undoing institutional and systemic racism. It does not focus on blaming or calling out individuals, but rather raises awareness about how the deep and historic roots of racism in this country affect us all, even well-meaning people of good will. In this regard, the ministry hosts monthly Courageous Conversations which are open to the community.

~ From Holy Cross Catholic Church 

Many at St. Austin have participated for several years in this endeavor led by Joyce James, Dr. Vicki Lott, and facilitated by Johnnie and Dean Dorsey and other gracious parishioners of Holy Cross. We’ve met in a circle of trust to examine systemic racism in many manifestations. The group is composed of people of diverse races, faiths, and backgrounds. CC is both welcoming and resilient. We’ve met in member parishes and churches across the city, then at Holy Cross in their first and later new and inspiring community centers, and recently Zoom-ing to meet the challenge of pandemic.

Within our trusted circle we’ve not only deepened our understanding but also developed lasting friendships. It will be a great joy to come together in person again when we circle back to a time for embracing. You may wonder what we’ve come to understand. We’ve seen how entire systems of our civilization and culture developed to protect and privilege one group of people above others. Through shared readings, reflections, films, and especially through conversations, often difficult, we’ve grown in awareness. For example, in our May 25 conversation, the assembly was asked if the issue of racism had been heard from the pulpit. We shared the link to Fr. Rich’s homily from Pentecost Sunday and our Racial Justice advocacy plaza. We invite you to explore new links to articles of interest shared during our recent conversation. The awareness awakened through CC has moved us into advocacy and action.

Our Courageous Conversations gathers each month on a different evening in response to an emailed invitation. To join our CC circle of trust, email [email protected].

Listen and watch at the Paulists'
In Conversation.