Faith and Action go hand in hand.

On September 19th, St Benedict Parish held a rally for families and parishioners to stand together in solidarity, against racism. Black Lives Matter; A Family Rally for Racial Justice was a spirit filled afternoon that started in the St Benedict courtyard and finished on Irving Park Rd, in front of St Benedict Church.

Parents Shalita Ativie and Mia Boayue from St Benedict School organized and began the Rally. Shalita Ativie, was the MC and welcomed everyone by beginning our event with the beautiful singing of My Country Tis of Thee. Mia Boayue shared how the invitation to participate in the Pathways to Peace conversations led her to contribute her experiences and insights to help our community grow. During the conversations we try to listen to each other with empathy and compassion with the desire to grow in knowledge and understanding about racism and it’s many forms. Fr Steve led us in prayer and we reflected on the importance of faith and action (James 2:14-24). Both of these are necessary pieces in our discipleship. Alderman Matt Martin spoke to us about the importance of everyone’s contribution in our neighborhood. Ms. Gemo shared from “A Kid’s Book about Racism” by Jelani Memory, and led us in a few cheers. Families chalked messages of affirmation in the courtyard and then we moved in front of the church on Irving Park.

The sin of racism must be acknowledged and we are each called to take steps to recognize it’s presence in our lives. When we begin to see the systemic nature of this sin we can help each other become better at eliminating this injustice in our world. Let us continue to pray that all God’s creation is valued and treated with Dignity as we people of faith, take action.