Faith in Action E-News Oct./Nov. 2026

News about Catholic Social Teaching and Social Justice & Outreach

Black Catholic History Month: Remember, Celebrate, Pray

Each November, Catholics in the U.S. celebrate Black Catholic History Month, honoring the history, faith, culture and contributions of black Catholics. The observance was established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. 


November is especially meaningful because it includes All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the feast of St. Martin de Porres on Nov. 3, and the birthday of St. Augustine of Hippo on Nov. 13—reminders of the many Black saints and holy people who have enriched our Catholic faith.

Black Catholic History Month invites us to celebrate stories of faith, courage, perseverance, and hope while reflecting on our shared history. It also challenges us to examine our own assumptions, listen to stories we may not know, and consider how we can help create a Church and community where every person is welcomed, valued, and treated with dignity. In doing so, we live more fully the Gospel call to recognize our unity as one body in Christ.

Faith Before Politics: Living Together as One 

The politics of today can feel overwhelming, full of vitriol, and lead us to think of our neighbors as adversaries. But that is not the true purpose of politics. Pope Francis reminded us in his 2015 address to Congress that politics is "an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good." Building up the common good is a shared effort, calling us to practice love in our communities and work together across our differences. 

Just as it was for the Good Samaritan, standing with our neighbors sometimes means caring for people whom society finds difficult to love, even when it provokes pushback or disapproval. This is the challenge of discipleship that Jesus helps us carry. As Christ’s disciples, we seek to bring the light of the Gospel into every aspect of our lives. We allow our faith to speak truth to the problems and choices we face every day. We put our faith before politics. Learn more.

-- Copy from USCCB.org

“Democracy recognizes the dignity of every person and calls each citizen to participate responsibly in the pursuit of the common good.” - Pope Leo XIV Read more.

Ministry Spotlight

Making Room in the Inn at St. Peter

RITI Ministry Seeks Overnight Volunteers

Every Tuesday evening December through March, St. Peter opens its doors to 10 homeless guests who enjoy a hot meal and a shower, rest peacefully, and wake to breakfast in safety. Room in the Inn Ministry (RITI) volunteers make that possible by providing transportation, serving meals, engaging with neighbors and ensuring a safe and peaceful evening.

Since 1996, St. Peter has partnered with Roof Above and other faith communities to shelter neighbors in need during the winter. Volunteers put their faith into action and live out the Ignatian call to walk with the excluded. The ministry moves beyond statistics to create meaningful, human encounters—sharing meals, stories and a sense of welcome with people experiencing homelessness.

Volunteers Needed

RITI is currently in need of volunteers to provide a secure overnight rest for guests. Overnight watch teams are comprised of three people with three possible Tuesday night shifts: 10 pm to 12:30 am; 12:30 to 3 am; and 3 to 5 am. Volunteers can sign up to stay awake for the entire seven hours from 10 pm to 5 am. Those on watch must stay awake and can sleep once their shift is over. Teams can be flexible in managing their overnight shifts but need to agree to any changes one week prior to the Tuesday night watch. Men and women are welcome.

For more information, please contact Ministry Leaders Lou Jerome and Augie Emuwa at StPetersRITI@gmail.com.

Calling All Builders!

Join us for five Saturdays in November and December at the Mystic Pines development to build the first Habitat townhouse. Volunteer for framing and related work on Nov. 7, 14 and 21, Dec. 5 and 1.

Parishioners aged 16 and over can volunteer by going to https://vhub.at/charlottechurchpartners. Scroll down to the shift(s) you want and click “signup.” At the sign-in page, sign in to an existing account or create a new one. If you have questions or would like further information about the build or Habitat, contact Gina at gch3631@gmail.com.

First Friday Prayer Vigil to 
End the Death Penalty

Join with others in our parish and across the country for our next prayer vigil on Friday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. On the First Friday of every month, through prayerful petition, Scripture reflection, and contemplative silence, we pray for an end to the death penalty and for all those affected by capital punishment: victims, accused, their families, and those carrying out the execution.

To join the live-streamed Zoom or Facebook, register at the following Catholic Mobilizing Network link:

https://catholicsmobilizing.org/first-friday-vigils.

Let us ponder the violence: September - Christa Pike survived twice-attempted execution in Tennessee. November - six persons to be executed in five states; ten victims' loved ones re-traumatized. December - U.S. government plans to live-stream the execution of military death row inmate Nidal Hasan. St. Maximillian Kolbe, pray for us.

NOVEMBER EXECUTIONS

5 - Indiana - Jeffrey Weisheit - victims Alyssa & Caleb Lynch

5 - Alabama - Michael Taylor - victims Ivan & Lucille Moore

5 - Florida - Jesse Guardado - victim Jackie Malone

12 - Texas - John Rubio - victims Julissa Quezada, Mary Jane Rubio, John Rubio

12 - Oklahoma - James Pavatt - victim Rob Andrew

19 - Texas - Reinaldo Dennes - victim Janos Szues

19 - Florida - Thomas Overton - victims Michael & Missy MacIvor (and unborn child)

Want to take some action?

Contact two governors now who will be leaving office in January, 2027.

They have the power and authority to commute the death sentences of almost 700 death row inmates in their states. Both have been considering such commutations. We can encourage them.

California (563 on death row) - Gov. Gavin Newsom

Ohio (113 on death row) - Gov. Mike DeWine

"This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly,

to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

In the spirit and tradition of St. Ignatius, we live out our faith through justice and reconciliation. Members of St. Peter serve our sisters and brothers of greater Charlotte who live on the margins, are forgotten or under served. God encourages us with discerning hearts to find how we can use our talents to share justice and His love with others.

As men and women for and with others, we promote peace, stand with the poor and marginalized, and educate and advocate for social change wherever injustice exists.