Read "Open Wide Our Hearts", the Bishop's Pastoral Letter on Racism
In 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a pastoral letter which addresses the sins of racism and discrimination.  In it, they offer a frank discussion of how racism has impacted our society and institutions, including the Church.  They call out the sin of racism as an offense against the dignity of the human person and challenge Catholics and all people of good will to work  actively for reconciliation within the family of God. You can read the entire document online here.

Listen to Cardinal DiNardo's official statement on the racial unrest in our country
On June 9, 2020 Cardinal DiNardo issued an official statement calling out the need to acknowledge the evil of racism as an offense against the dignity of the human person, and to work for unity and justice in our country. You can view the video here.

Join the "Open Wide Our Hearts" Community Conversation Group
St. Ignatius of Loyola is currently sponsoring an online discussion group on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-noon to study the USCCB's pastoral letter on racism,"Open Wide Our Hearts." For more information please contact adultformation@silcc.org; you can also register online to join the group.
Meetings in 2021: January 20, February TBD, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15
 

"Open Wide Our Hearts" 21 Day Challenge
You are invited to participate in 21 days of personal prayer, reflection, and learning to challenge racism and prejudice.  For more information, go to "Take the 21 Day Challenge"

Resources for discussion at home:

• Prayer to Overcome Racism (USCCB) (en español)
• Study guide for "Open WIde Our Hearts" with discussion questions
• "We are All Sacred" lesson on human dignity for young children (en español)
• "The Beatitudes Show Us True Happiness" lesson for older children (en español)
• "Unity in the Body of Christ" lesson for young teens (en español)
• The Life of Fr. Augustine Tolton lesson for older teens 
• Combating Racism - Educational Resources compiled by the USCCB
• For older teens and adults: The movie "Network of Freedom" tells the story of Sister Helene Studler, who risked her life in 1940's France to save over 2,000 people from the Nazi regime (available online from Formed.org; in Spanish with English subtitles)