In the wake of much racial unrest and in honor of the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington, the chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism has requested a national day of prayer and fasting.
“As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue. Accordingly, we will not cease to forcefully speak against and work toward ending racism. Racism directly places brother and sister against each other, violating the dignity inherent in each person.”
– U.S. Catholic bishops, Open Wide Our Hearts, nos. 587-590
Join the Day of Prayer for Peace in our Communities on the Feast of St. Peter Claver (September 9th).
Pray
- Pray a Rosary for Justice and Peace
- Host a prayer service utilizing the Prayer Service for Racial Healing
- Celebrate St. Peter Claver with the 2020 Prayer Service.
- Where possible, attend mass, or watch virtually, and offer your participation in healing for the sin of racism.
Learn
- Learn about the saints who fought for racial equality (en español) like St. Katharine Drexel and Bl. Augustus Tolton.
- Use this Study Guide (en español) as you re-read the pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts (en español.)
Act
- Explore parish and school resources to share with your community inspired by Open Wide Our Hearts.
- Observe a day of prayer and fasting on the Feast of St. Peter Claver
Learn more about how the Church is praying, learning, and acting against racism, and how we can get involved by visiting our full library of resources.
St. James the Apostle Parish 