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Racial Justice
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Resources on Racial Justice & ways to take action
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We can become overwhelmed by the immensity of the problem of racism. We can despair that any progress will ever be made. We can, if we are white, feel miserable and guilty because of the privilege we enjoy vis-à-vis Blacks, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans. But none of that, I believe, is helpful. What I think is helpful is conversion - conversion of mind and heart to the Gospel. The solution is to emphasize the good news of the Gospel. This does not eliminate the realistic, sober, eyes-wide-open understanding of the deep underlying patterns of racism that all of us, regardless of race, are caught in. Our guide must be St. Paul. Almost 2,000 years ago, St. Paul gave us a vision of unity and equality that is still breathtaking today. He wrote: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28
All are one.
~Fr. Chuck
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1. Pray
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For our parish, that we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, let us pray to the Lord.
For the courage to have difficult conversations about racism, and for a better appreciation of how our words and actions – or even our silence – can impact our communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For solidarity in our global human family, that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need, let us pray to the Lord.
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism or exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life"~Pope Francis
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2. Be Informed
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Get informed as a Catholic. Many news outlets want to tell you their version of the truth. But as Catholics, we need to know the Church's response to racial justice. Here are some places to get started:Human Life and Dignity - Combatting Racism
Pope Francis: No tolerance for racism, but without violence
Catholic Educational Resources for all ages in combatting racism
Black Catholic History, a Pre-K-8 curriculum for the entire school year.
Black Catholic Syllabus by Tia Noelle Pratt, Ph.D.
FemCatholic - Articles and videos to promote discussions on race
Anti-Racism Children's Books
Ta-Nehisi Coates to Eve Ewing: Black Authors To Read, The Daily Social Distancing Show (video 30 minutes)
Trevor Noah’s Domino Theory, a video (about 18 minutes)
Brené Brown’s Antiracism Resources
Unlocking Us, a Podcast from Brené Brown. Of special interest is her interview with Ibrahim X. Kendi (podcast, about 1 hour).
We’d also like to recommend the following PBS and independent films:
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3. Advocate for Racial Justice
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Let your elected officials know that you stand with the U.S. Catholic Bishops on issues of racial justice. Call your representatives in Congress, your Senators, and the White House and express your opinions and experiences. Urge politicians and lawmakers to do the right thing. Visit USA.gov to find their contact information with ease.
The organization Racial Equality Tools has a page dedicated to Laws and Policies against racism.
U.N. Rights Body Adopts Antiracism Resolution Amid Controversy
Racism in any form is intolerable, Vatican official says at UN hearing
Manage and eliminate racism in workplace
How to be an Ally from Learning for Justice
Also, remember in the next election that these issues matter, and vote. Voting is not only a privilege but an obligation.
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4. Support organizations that are helping now
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Here are a few organizations and other ways to offer support locally:Join fellow St. Austin parishioners in monthly Courageous Conversations hosted by our neighboring parish, Holy Cross. The parish's Social Justice Ministry focuses on the church's role in undoing institutional and systemic racism. Instead of blaming or calling out individuals, it raises awareness about how the deep and historic roots of racism in this country affect us all, even well-meaning people. Courageous Conversations are open to the community. Contact Holy Cross or email Kristen to learn more.
The Austin Justice Coalition (AJC) serves people who are historically and systematically impacted by gentrification, segregation, over-policing, a lack of educational and employment opportunities, and other institutional forms of racism in Austin.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Austin
Austin Area Urban League
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Readings for Reflectionfrom Courageous Conversations
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In America Magazine, the Jesuit Review
I long for a Catholic Church that is unafraid to welcome Black people - an article in America Magazine by Christopher Smith, S.J. The author, a native of Western North Carolina, was raised a Quaker but converted to Catholicism after becoming captivated by the beauty of his local church. He was drawn to the Society of Jesus by reading Walter Ciszek's With God in Russia. By God's grace, he entered novitiate in 2015.
To fight racism, Catholics must hunger for justice like we do for the Eucharist - the editors of America Magazine offer five ways for Catholics to deepen their commitment to working against racism.
In National Geographic
This is how we can envision Black freedom - released May 25, 2021
In Tulsa, an ‘incredible American story’ of Black resilience is finally recognized - released May 28, 2021
African Americans struggle with disproportionate COVID death toll - released April 24, 2020
Black & White, The Race Issue
From the Holy Cross Catholic Church website
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Commemorate Juneteenth & Hear Perspectives on the Holiday from St. Austin Staff
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Join in the Celebration
Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17
Parade: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Festival: Noon - 9 p.m.
Rosewood and Boggy Creek Neighborhood Park
2300 Rosewood Avenue
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Other Ideas to Celebrate Freedom Day
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Reflection on Juneteenth from Hortense Bradley, St. Austin's Liturgy Coordinator
When I give thought to Juneteenth and its significance, several impressions come to mind:
The fact that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation. This in my mind was a foreshadowing of the impending and continuing struggle for freedom this country would endure.
I think about my ancestors and what their lives must have been like as enslaved people. I even think about those ancestors who were free (yes, there were some black people during those times who were "free"), but because they were melanated they still had to navigate troubled and dangerous waters of prejudice. The phrases "justice delayed" and "justice denied" continue to have meaning to me even in contemporary times.
I also think about my experiences as a mother raising two African American sons and my very real concerns and fears for them. At the same time, I did not want to think those fears could ever be realized or even applied when they were teens because I believed that somehow my family's upper middle class status and faith were some kind of shield during that time.
Finally, to me Juneteenth means celebrating progress made and the commitment of our nation - a true continuing experiment in democracy - to affirm the freedom of all its citizens of all hues, including black, brown, pink, peach and white. As a melanated person, I also wonder what Juneeteenth may mean to my non-melanated sisters and brothers.
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Reflection on Juneteenth from Brandon Woodson, St. Austin's Communications Director
For many African Americans, Juneteenth represents a day of liberation and a reminder of the sacrifices made by their ancestors. In my opinon, It serves as a day of reflection on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.
Juneteenth is an important day to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of African Americans and their contributions to American society. It is also a day to recognize the continued challenges faced by the community, such as systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality. Celebrating Juneteenth is a way to show support for the African American community and to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
Juneteenth is not just a holiday for African Americans but for all Americans. It represents the progress made towards a more just and fair society, as well as the work that still needs to be done. The celebration of Juneteenth is a reminder that we must continue the fight for equality and justice for all people.
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A Light of Hope for Freedom & Justice
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A Prayer to Celebrate Juneteenth
We pray, O Lord, for change.
Jesus you revealed God through your wise words
and loving deeds,and we encounter you still today in the faces of those whom society has pushed to the margins.
Guide us, through the love you revealed,
to establish the justice you proclaimed,
that all peoples might dwell in harmony and peace,
united by that one love that binds us to each other, and to you.
And most of all, Lord,
change our routine worship and work
into genuine encounter with you and our better selves
so that our lives will be changed for the good of all.Amen.
~ Prayer adapted from Racial Healing and Liturgical Resources
by the Office of Black Catholics, Archdiocese of Baltimore
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What Is Juneteenth?
General Orders, Number 3
Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston
June 19, 1865“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”
Learn More About
Juneteenth
from PBS.org
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A Prayer to Commemorate JuneteenthBy Fr. Steven Bell, CSP
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Almighty and Ever-Faithful God,
You, whose Word of Liberty was proclaimed by Moses to free the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement sent that same Word, herald on Juneteenth in a proclamation of emancipation,
to our African American brothers and sisters
inhumanly bound in American enslavement.
Though our Freedom Journey is far from ended
and the Freedom Proclamation continues to unfold, we give thanks and praise for seeing us
to this point on our mighty long way.
Thank you, Lord, for fortifying our sisters and brothers of ebony skin and stout spirits whose faithfulness and courage released their calloused hands from the oppressive yoke of their enslavement to plow new paths of citizenship and opportunity for themselves and successive generations.And, we thank you Lord, for the strength and resolve You bestowed upon the arduous work and fervent prayers of all who, throughout history, have had to trod stony roads and bear bitter rods in order to rise up against the pervasive oppressions of unjust racial persecutions and structural racial inequalities.
As we come together in this momentous occasion, we ask for Your Word of Liberty to continue to inform us and more of Your blessings to aid us along this toilsome journey towards true justice and equity.
Grant us Your grace to open the eyes of all who are blinded by the poison of intolerance. May we all see Your image inscribed within everyone we encounter.
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Lend us Your love To free the hearts of all who are shackled by hatred and guile. May we dwell within Your love that binds us together as a Sacred Family unified as One.
Allot us Your mercy to expand all minds beyond
the confines of prejudice, apathy, fear and discrimination. May these works of the Evil One flee at the presence of your light. With Your Holy Spirit, empower us to be Ministers of Liberty as we repair, restore, and renovate all that has been broken by the blight of continued systemic racism and racial oppression.
May your work in us be our work in the world
that gives glory to Your Holy Name and inspires us all to be better selves.
We ask these graces of You as we ask of all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Steven A. Bell, CSP
Associate Pastor, St. Austin 2008 - 2012
Written "to spiritually commemorate the promulgation of Juneteenth as a US federal holiday." June 19, 2021
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