Racism is evil because it attacks the inherent dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God. The persistence of racism demands our attention now. Racism emerges in the actions and inactions of individuals; and it is embedded in our institutions and public policies. Our faith calls us both to personal conversion and to transformation of our society. – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (2020)
The St. John Neumann Racial Justice Ministry seeks to live Jesus by working to make our parish a positive force for ending racism in our society and in the Catholic Church.
· Through prayer, study, and dialogue, we educate ourselves and our fellow parishioners about the history, current prevalence, and impact of racial inequities in our society and our Church. · We reflect on our own attitudes, behaviors, and experiences shaped by the realities of racial privilege for some and discrimination and burdens for others in our society. · We advocate for public policies that uphold the dignity of every person and eliminate racial disparities. · We foster a more inclusive parish community, including through ecumenical and social engagement, seeking to make our parish one where “All Are Welcome,” living up to our faith and our parish motto.
1. A series of films, talks, and discussions. All parishioners (and guests) are welcome to participate in any of these events, without having to commit to the whole series.
2. A set of eight-week study, discussion, and action programs using materials from JustFaith Ministries, the U.S. Catholic Bishops, and others. Everyone is welcome to participate in these programs as well, but participants are asked to commit to the entire eight weeks of any programs they sign up for.
3. Membership recruitment and activities. Parishioners are invited to sign up for the Racial Justice Ministry email list and get involved in other activities, including advocacy, liaison with other ministries in the parish, and ecumenical/interfaith engagement.
We also partner with JustFaith Ministries in offering their racial justice programs at SJN: Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power and Privilege; Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration; and Faith and Racial Justice: Changing Systems and Structures.
This is a video of our Black History Month Celebration which was held on Friday, February 10, 2023. The event featured Bishop Roy T. Campbell, Jr. of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and the world-famous St. Augustine Gospel Choir.