Maureen Augusciak, St. Luke Parish; Mary Kay Beeby, St. Bridget Parish; Judy Byron, OP, Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center; Deacon Denny DuDell, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Joyce Farrell, St. John Parish; Lorraine Hartmann, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Fr. Bill Heric, Northeast Seattle Catholic Parishes; Lotchie Kerch, Our Lady of Fatima Parish; Daniel Lefebvre, Immaculate Conception Parish; Barb McGrath, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Diane Moseley, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Laura Okal, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Stephanie Read, Assumption Parish; Linda Riggers, SNJM, Our Lady of the Lake Parish; Will Rutt, Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center; Susan Simpson, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Lynn Stapp, St. Bridget Parish
Toolkit available online at: https://bit.ly/Black-History-Month-Toolkit
Introduction
Black History Month, which is celebrated each year during February, is an opportunity for Americans to learn details of their nation’s history that, unfortunately, are far too often neglected and pushed to the wayside. As the saying goes, Black history is American history and it’s a varied and rich history. A wise nation honors and learns from its past. It refuses to let the most important facts about our shared and collective memory disappear into the depths of forgotten history. What happened in the past shapes and informs where we are heading in the future, and it’s of paramount importance to set aside a month for learning as much as we can about Black history.
https://nationaltoday.com/black-history-month/
Black History Month (BHM)
February 12, 1909—NAACP Founded
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is founded.
1926—Negro History Week Established
The precursor to BHM is started by historian Carter C. Woodson, The Father of Black History.
February 1970—The Month First Observed
Proposed by Black educators and students at Kent State University.
February 10, 1976, Black History Month Gets Presidential Endorsement
Gerald Ford urges Americans to honor the U.S. Bicentennial by also celebrating BHM.
A Message from the African American AMairs Subcommittee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Dear Black Catholics, Ministry Leaders and People of Good Will, We oNer these resources to further ministry with and for Catholics of African descent across the country. Black Catholics find ourselves in many diNerent situations from vibrant parishes and well supported diocesan oNices to dioceses with no representation or parishioners struggling to be recognized. Regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves, THE MINISTRY MUST CONTINUE!
This toolkit includes materials and suggestions for you to use to celebrate Black History Month, to educate our parish communities about our collective history and to pray for racial justice. Thank you for supporting this endeavor.
Prayers for the Bulletin
February 2 – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
• Malachai 3: 1-4 – I’m sending my messenger to prepare the way
• Hebrews: 2: 14-18 – Knowing suNering, Jesus is able to help those who suNer
• Luke: 2: 22-40 – Presentation in the Temple
This might be an eNective prayer to publish if the parish bulletin is promoting the February 6-7 drama, Six Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer to Follow in the Path of Our Fore Parents as We Seek Racial Justice
O God, we thank you for the lives of great saints and prophets in the past, who have revealed to us that we can stand up amid the problems and diNiculties and trials of life and not give in. We thank you for our fore parents, who’ve given us something in the midst of the darkness of exploitation and oppression to keep going. Grant that we will go on with the proper faith and the proper determination of will, so that we will be able to make a creative contribution to this world. In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
February 9 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 - Here I am, send me – Vision of heavenly worship and feelings of inadequacy
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Hold fast to what you are taught; God’s word has converted me
• Luke 5:1-11 - Jesus’ points out where the fish are; huge catch; they left all and followed him.
We pray to be woken up in the same way as were the apostles fishing on Lake Galilee, and to respond as they did, following the way of Jesus.
”What does ‘woke’ mean? It simply means that someone has become aware of something significant.” Rev Anthony Bozeman, SSJ
Wake Me Up Lord, a Prayer to Recognize Racism
Wake me up Lord, so that the evil of racism
finds no home within me.
Keep watch over my heart Lord, and remove from me any barriers to your grace, that may oppress and oNend my brothers and sisters. Fill my spirit Lord, so that I may give
services of justice and peace. Clear my mind Lord, and use it for your glory. And finally, remind us Lord that you said, "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Amen.
This prayer is from For The Love of One Another (1989), a special message from the Bishops' Committee on Black Catholics of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Pastoral Letter, Brothers and Sisters to Us, the U.S. Catholic bishops' Pastoral Letter on Racism (1979)
February 16 – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Blessed are those who follow God’s way – they are like trees planted by water
• 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 - Discussion about belief in the resurrection
• Luke 6:17, 20-26 - Beatitudes and Woes
Possible introduction: Reflecting on Jeremiah’s call in today’s first reading, in our search for a way to eliminate deeply rooted racism, let us be like a tree that stretches out its roots to the stream, that does not fear heat when it comes, and in years of drought still produces fruit. And we pray this prayer:
Prayer to Overcome Racism
God of Heaven and Earth, you created the one human family and endowed each person with great dignity.
Aid us, we pray, in overcoming the sin of racism. Grant us your grace in eliminating this blight from our hearts, our communities, our social and civil institutions. Fill our hearts with love for you and our neighbor so that we may work with you in healing our land from racial injustice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
We have prayed and now, with changed hearts, let us move our feet to action.
A Prayer Service for Racial Healing in Our Land | USCCB
February 23 – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
• 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 - David has the opportunity to kill Saul; does not do so
• 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 - Adam was from earth; Jesus from heaven; we’re the image of both
• Luke 6:27-38 - Part of Sermon on Mount – Love our enemies; do good to those who harm you; stop judging/condemning; in the measure you give, you will receive.
In today’s first reading, David did not act according to the norms of his time, and, in the Gospel, Jesus describes new ways of relating to others. May we too examine new perspectives, new ways of acting that will lead to racial healing.
Prayer to End Racism by Reaching Across Divides, OIering New Ways to See & Act Lord, Jesus Christ who reached across the ethnic boundaries between Samaritan, Roman and Jew who oNered fresh sight to the blind and freedom to captives, help us to break down the barriers in our community, enable us to see the reality of racism and bigotry, and free us to challenge and uproot it from ourselves, our society and our world.
John Buck, SJ Social Justice Resource Center » Racism Prayers
Quotes for the Bulletin
Include a quote in the bulletin each week.
We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.
—Pope Francis, June 3, 2020
Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.
—Coretta Scott King
The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be antiracist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism whenever you find it, including yourself. And it’s the only way forward.
Ijeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
For to be free is not merely to cast oN one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Truth is powerful and it prevails
Sojourner Truth
Liturgical Art
Black Madonna, Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gdańsk, Poland. Wikimedia Commons (and others): https://uscatholic.org/articles/202204/learn-to -take-your-troubles-to -the-blackmadonna/
Moeder Gods van Afrika: https://liesbethsiconen.nl/icoon/moeder-gods-van-afrika/
“Mama” icon by Kelly Latimore Icons
St. John the Evangelist Church, Seattle: The “Mama” icon, dedicated on December 11, 2022, is placed in a recessed area that used to house a confessional.
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Seattle: The “Mama” icon is displayed in the Reconciliation Chapel.
Songs for Mass during Black History Month
1. Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Black National Anthem)
2. Soon and Very Soon, (in OCP Choral Praise)
3. Deep River
4. Down to the River to Pray
5. Hush, Somebody’s Callin’ My Name.
6. There is a Balm in Gilead (in OCP Choral Praise)
7. Precious Lord, Take My Hand (in OCP Choral Praise)
8. Standin' in the Need of Prayer
9. Swing Low Sweet Chariot
10. Wade in the Water
11. Every Time I Feel the Sprit
12. Steal Away
13. Go Down Moses
14. Nobody Knows, the Trouble I’ve Seen.
15. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
16. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.
17. Give Me that Old Time Religion
18. Let us Break Bread Together, on Our Knees.
19. My Lord, What a Morning
20. This Little Light of Mine
21. Freedom
22. We are Marching in the Light of God (Siyahamba)
23. In Christ There Is No East or West (in OCP Choral Praise)
Prayer of the Faithful
For our faith community, that we may celebrate and welcome the diverse faces of Christ in our worship, our ministries, and our leaders, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For our faith community, that we may respond boldly to the Holy Spirit's call to act together to end violence and racism, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For healing and justice for all those who have experienced violence and racism, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For our parish, that we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For the courage to have diNicult conversations about racism, and for a better appreciation of how our words and actions – or even our silence – can impact our communities, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us pray: O God, you call us into a deeper relationship to be your church for the sake of the world. Help us to see with new eyes the injustices within church and society. Call us to have a loving heart that respects and uplifts the humanity and dignity of every person; open our ears to listen to and learn from the experiences of people of color. Open our mouths to speak up and about injustices. Join us with others to work for racial equity and inclusion for all people. This we ask through Jesus Christ your son, who came to set us free.
Adapted from Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-faithful- day-prayer-peace- our- communities
Resources for Homily on Racial Justice
“The pre - eminent place of formation for Catholics is the homily.”
Preaching Racial Justice, Louis J. Milone in Chapter 4, “Apophatic Approaches to Uprooting White Supremacy,” p. 59.
Preaching Racial Justice, Gregory Heille, Maurice J. Nutt, Deborah L. Wilhelm, editors, (Orbis Books, 2023).
Preaching Racial Justice, Divine Mercy Homily in Chapter 9, “Preaching Empathy to a White Congregation,” by Michael A. Meyer, p. 130.
Preaching Racial Justice, Homily for Black History Month on Luke 6:27-38 in Chapter 6, “Understanding and Preaching “BlackLivesMatter” by Maurice J. Nutt, pages 85-92.
Feb. 23 Gospel, Luke 6:27-29
Commentary from Jesus and Nonviolence, A Third Way, by Walter Wink pages 13-22.
Deacon Denny DuMell, NE Seattle Catholic Community, homily suggested for Feb. 23, 2025 based on the Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38)
Good morning – It’s good to be with you today, as we approach the end of February and will soon begin Lent.
Jesus’ advice at the very beginning of our Gospel today oNers advice that seems nonsensical. “To the one who strikes you on one cheek, oNer the other as well.” It’s as though Jesus is telling us to be completely passive to someone who would want to beat us
up for no good reason. But the meaning is much deeper if you examine it in the context of Jesus’ time and how people lived then.
In Jesus’ time, one would strike an inferior person – a subordinate - only with the back of the hand. Otherwise, you would be treating the other person as an equal. (demonstrate and pause) Then the act of turning the other cheek and oNering it to be hit confronts the person striking with a dilemma. One of those hands would be considered unclean, for the reason of simple hygiene – this is a time where people didn’t have toilet paper and toilets immediately available. So, you couldn’t switch hands and strike, and you wouldn’t hit a subordinate with anything but the back of your hand. What do you do?
Instead of passive advice, Jesus is oNering active, creative advice in how to deal nonviolently with someone who wants to humiliate you!
The second example is similar. If someone takes your tunic, it’s awful! But to cause someone to be naked publicly was a grave public oNense in those times. The one taking the tunic is only a thief, but causing someone to be without clothing would probably be humiliating even to a thief in our time if anyone else saw or found out.
These are nonviolent responses that turn the tables on the oNending parties. Jesus is oNering creative advice to the poor and powerless – and they would have understood that.
Today is also the last Sunday in February – Black History Month. We all know the history of people of color here in the United States. It’s been rightly said that Racism is our country’s “Original Sin.” We know who Martin Luther King, Jr. was, and his use of nonviolence to make changes in our country.
(This would be a good time for the homilist to say a couple of paragraphs – or more - about his own history with racial justice. The North Seattle Racial Solidarity Network distributed the book, “Preaching Racial Justice” (Gregory Heille, Maurice J. Nutt, Deborah L. Wilhelm, eds., Orbis Books, 2023). Its most fundamental point is to speak about one’s own history –or lack thereof – with people of color and racial justice. It will make racism real to the assembly. However long that takes, I do suggest coming back to the rest of the passage and to our coming Lent, perhaps like the following…)
Our gospel continues: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” What if we really acted on that… like not hosting a dinner for someone else who would repay us, but for someone who would have a hard time repaying the favor? What if our parish did that too: hosted a dinner for the people our St. Vincent de Paul visits? Do we give, not expecting anything back? (I try to carry cash in the glove compartment of my car so I can give to the poor when they ask. There’s a woman named Ruth who has been at every Mariners home
game in a wheelchair with a sign that says, “Please help,” that I always give to, and I’ve been teaching my grandchildren to give to her too. You surely have examples like these you can share.) These people can only give us the joy of being able to give to them. We shouldn’t judge them. We don’t know the sorrows they live with. After all, our God causes the rain to fall on the just and unjust alike. We should all know how to be merciful.
Finally, we all know that Lent is approaching. It’s a penitential time. What can we do during Lent to help us to be humble? Many personal things known only to you will come to mind about how we can each become better people. I’ve also touched on things each of us can do to be open to the needs of people who are poor and powerless. And there are other ideas still about how we as a community can do this during Lent: for people of color, people who are vulnerable, people who cannot possibly repay us.
God Bless you all and give you Peace.
Deacon Joseph Connor’s homily, “People do not See God: They See Us
St. James Cathedral, “In Your Midst,” pages 18-19
Deacon Joseph Connor is a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Seattle. He delivered this homily at St. James Cathedral on June 19, 2020.
Take Action
Include an action in the bulletin each week.
Subscribe to the newsletter of the Black Catholic Advisory Circle of the Seattle Archdiocese: https://bcacseattle.org/
Subscribe to the Black Catholic Messenger online (paid or complimentary): https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/about/
Join the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) https://www.naamnw.org/
The website has extensive resources, including a list of recommended books for adults and children and a Black Business Directory.
Sign up for NAAM news: https://www.naamnw.org/mission
Visit the Museum 2300 South Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144
Read the 2018 USCCB pastoral letter against racism: “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism”
Form a parish small group in person or by Zoom to discuss it using the guide prepared by the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center ($5/copy)
https://ipjc.org/open-wide- our-hearts-booklet- online- order/ Use the USCCB guide: https://www.usccb.org/resources/open-wide- our-hearts-studyguide
Organize one in the series of three JustFaith Ministries programs on Antiracism in your parish: https://justfaith.org/programs/series/antiracism/
1) Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power and Privilege
2) Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration
3) Faith and Racial Justice: Changing Systems and Structures
Contact: Chris Koehler, Director of Missions and Immigrant ANairs chris.koehler@seattlearch.org
In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness…A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.”
