Tuesday, February 7, 2023
|
Greetings of peace!
During February, we celebrate Black History Month. We celebrate the accomplishments and remember the trauma faced by the Black community here in the United States. This year, it brought to mind my journey as a member of Pax Christi USA. In 1999 or 2000, Pax Christi USA advertised among the membership for members for a new initiative called Brothers & Sisters All, now known as the Pax Christi Anti-Racism Team. The bishop I worked for at that time passed that information on to me and encouraged me to apply. The initial two gatherings were a five-day training event. I was one of a few who were not members of Pax Christi. However, the members were very welcoming and supportive, very open to adding more People of Color to the membership. Because of this, I decided to become a member of this organization.
Over the past 20 years, I have been pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Pax Christi USA. We have slowly inched towards an anti-racist, multicultural organization. I am impressed with the willingness of the White membership to continue to address their White privilege, White guilt, and White fragility, along with their desire to talk about how IRS (internalized racial superiority) causes IRO (internalized racial oppression).
|
|
It has not been an easy journey, but we have persevered, correcting mistakes, and applying new approaches. We still have a long way to go, but now I believe we might actually get there.
Thank you for your ongoing support. And always remember, Vaya con Dios! Go with God!
|
|
|
Peace be with you!
Pearlette Springer
Coordinator, Pax Christi USA Anti-Racism Team
|
|
Pearlette Springer was one of the 20 new Ambassadors of Peace designated in 2022. Since she was unable to join us for the national conference in August, Johnny Zokovitch and Michelle Sherman traveled to Indiana in November to present her with her certificate. We are deeply grateful for Pearlette and all the ways she has contributed to Pax Christi USA for more than 20 years!
|
|
ORDER TODAY! Pax Christi USA's Lent 2023 reflection booklet, Witnesses on the Way: Reflections for Lent 2023, includes reflections for Sundays and Holy Days in Lent written by Charlene and Michael Howard. Charlene is the National Council Chair of Pax Christi USA and Michael is the founder of Eat The Scroll Ministries. Michael’s reflections for each Sunday include brief reflections on the six African American Catholics who are on the path to sainthood.
Each booklet is $5. (E-booklets are $4.) Bulk discounts are available for orders of 10-99 (10 percent discount) and 100+ (30 percent discount). Order your copies now for yourself, your parish, religious community, ministry, school, and family to assure reception in time for Ash Wednesday, February 22.
|
|
February is Black History Month
|
|
Thursday, February 9, 7pm (Eastern): "Profiles of faithful perseverance: Six African American Catholics who should be named saints"
|
|
Help us start the year off right!
Make a donation to Pax Christi USA
or become a monthly sustainer. Thanks
so much for anything you can give!
|
|
|
Pax Christi USA
Weaving Threads of Peace for over 50 Years
202-635-2741 | 415 Michigan Ave NE, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|