Dear Parish Family,
As we enter the month of February, we join our nation in celebrating Black History Month—a time to honor the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans, including those who have profoundly shaped the Catholic Church. This is not just a secular observance but a sacred opportunity for us as Catholics to reflect on the dignity of every human person, the universality of the Church, and the ongoing call to justice and unity in Christ.
Our faith teaches us that we are all made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This month invites us to celebrate the unique gifts that Black Catholics have brought to the Church, from the witness of African saints such as St. Augustine and St. Monica to the heroic virtues of American figures like Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Venerable Henriette Delille.
Yet, Black History Month is also a time for reflection. As Catholics, we must acknowledge the struggles and injustices that have been endured and commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation, healing, and justice. The Church calls us to uphold the dignity of every person, work against racism in all its forms, and foster a community where all can encounter Christ’s love.
Let us use this month to educate ourselves, pray for racial justice, and celebrate the beautiful diversity within the Body of Christ. May the example of Black Catholic saints and leaders inspire us to be instruments of unity and peace in our parish family and beyond.
In Christ,
Fr. Freitag