(Re)Introducing the Anti Racism Committee, ARC

In 2020, as our parish was coming to better recognize and reckon with anti-Black racism in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, anti-Asian hate during the global COVID pandemic, and historical issues of racial injustice and violence in society and the Catholic Church, a diverse and committed group of community members formed St. Ignatius’ Antiracism Committee. The Committee's established purpose was to form St. Ignatius into a community rooted in racial justice and inclusion, guided by the principles of prayerful discernment and action. This year–approximately four years since George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020– we seek to re-introduce ourselves to our fellow parishioners as your “ARC”.

St. Ignatius’ ARC remains guided by the Gospel's call to radical inclusion, and still strives to build our parish into a space– not unlike Noah’s divinely-mandated ark (Genesis 7)– where all members of our community find safety and belonging. The ARC also maintains an enduring commitment to actively challenging biases and discrimination, and promoting reconciliation. Inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we make use of prayer, dialogue, and a dedication to dismantling structural injustices, to help bend "the arc of the moral universe… toward justice.” And rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who challenged cultural boundaries and embraced all with compassion, we persist in advocating for a society where every person's dignity is upheld and celebrated.

To get to know your ARC this fall (again!): Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks on our Fall Spiritual Exercises on Race and Migration, "Bringing All to God's Table," which invites participants to explore how race and migration intersect, how racism and nativism/ xenophobia harm our relationship with God, and how can we understand the work of racial justice and welcoming strangers as helping to fulfill Christ’s mission.

If you just want to stay connected regarding future events (e.g., future “Reel Talk About Race” film discussion series, community excursions, and other opportunities to get more involved), sign up to be on our e-mail list on the website and in the Parish email newsletter. We look forward to reacquainting ourselves with each other, and hope you’ll join us this Fall in moving St. Ignatius closer to our vision of becoming an antiracist multicultural sanctuary.

Register today to embark on “Bringing All to God’s Table,” a ministry of the St. Ignatius Parish Anti Racism Committee (ARC).

September 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024

Bringing All to God's Table