Dear Friends,
I know I’m not alone these days as I find myself at a loss for words as we ponder the tragedy that occurred in Minneapolis and which is now being felt across cities and towns nationwide. It is difficult to comprehend the pain, grief and anger caused by the horrors unfolding in front of us. The unjust death of George Floyd has brought to the surface once again a deep divide in our country, and in our own community, which shows clearly that despite much progress made, racial inequities and injustice still exist. American novelist and Southern essayist Wendell Berry calls it "the hidden wound."
As a faith-based social service agency founded on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we can neither ignore nor condone injustice in any form, including racial injustice. We cannot be numb. We cannot separate ourselves from the wrongs being perpetuated in our community. We must always stand in solidarity with those who are weak, vulnerable and oppressed. We need to commit to communicate, even when it’s hard to find the words.
As humble learners ourselves, we’d like to extend an invitation to all those who support our mission — helping our community’s most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives — to do the same.
We conduct our mission by affirming the life and dignity of all to realize their God-given potential. From the unborn and young children to the elderly and the sick, to those who have been made victims of violence or who struggle with addictions, and to all who find themselves living on the margins of society, Catholic Charities gives welcome and shows God’s mercy and compassion.
With this mission and vision in mind please know that we stand with all those who are working to confront systemic racism and prejudice and find solutions to eradicate the conditions that allowed George Floyd to die so tragically.
In the spirit of offering solutions, our team at Catholic Charities Community Services will find ways to continue our mission of service to the most vulnerable as well as keeping the conversation around this area of social justice "front and center." You can count on us to:
- Set the example. Since all human beings are made "in the image and likeness of God," we will speak up and act in a way that acknowledges and affirms the dignity of each person.
- Be visible. As an organization founded on the virtues of faith, hope and love, we will stay visible, calling for an end to the violence and praying for peace while working for justice.
- Pray and forgive. In the end, we really need to pray, forgive, be people of faith, and show genuine respect and care for our neighbors. Please consider joining us for a moment of prayer every Wednesday at 9:30 am (MST). (Set your phone-alarm with a recurring weekly reminder). Wherever you are, please pause to pray for an end to racial division, and for peace, unity and healing. Click here for the Catholic Charities USA prayer for racial healing.
As in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Catholic Social Teaching reminds us to be neighbor to and value the lives of ALL people – no matter their race, creed, nationality, immigration-status, socio-economic status, or any other "category" that society may assign. George Floyd’s death and the ongoing violence which has stemmed from it go against all we stand for and believe in. I hope you will stand with me peacefully to pray for ALL of our brothers and sisters, that we may come together as ONE HUMAN FAMILY and build each other up rather than tear each other down.
Let us all pray and work together to help our community, and our country, do the same.
Sincerely in Christ
Paul S. Mulligan, MBA, MTS
President and CEO
