In support of the recommendations made by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and the diocesan Black Catholic Ministry, Bishop Parkes is asking all to pray for an end to racism and violence in our communities and country on Wednesday, September 9, the Memorial of St. Peter Claver, the 17th century Jesuit priest who ministered to enslaved Africans in Colombia.

Beneath the video message from Bishop Parkes are resources to help you participate in this day of prayer and fasting.

Pray

• Pray a Rosary for Justice and Peace
• Pray a Prayer to Overcome Racism (printable bilingual prayer cards) 
• 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
• Action Steps to End Racism: A Guide

Learn more about our efforts to end racism at dosp.org/racialharmony.