Lent 2021 Open Wide Our Hearts Blog

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

 St. Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was born in 1656, in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon in New York. Her mother was a Christian Algonquin, who was captured by the Mohawks and who took a Mohawk chief for her husband.

At age 4 she contracted smallpox in an epidemic; her family died and it left her half-blind and her face badly scarred. The scars were a source of  humiliation in her youth. She was commonly seen wearing a blanket to hide her face. 

At age 19, Kateri Tekakwitha converted to Catholicism, taking a vow of chastity and pledging to marry only Jesus Christ. She took the name Kateri, in honor of St. Catherine of Siena. Her decision was very unpopular with her adoptive parents and their neighbors. Some of her neighbors started rumors of sorcery. To avoid persecution, she traveled to a Christian native community south of Montreal.  There she came to be known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” in recognition of her kindness, prayer, faith, and heroic suffering.

According to legend, Kateri was very devout and would put thorns on her  sleeping mat. She often prayed for the conversion of her fellow Mohawks. According to the Jesuit missionaries that served the community where Kateri lived, she often fasted.  She confided in a missionary that she often meditated on the great dignity of being baptized. She was  powerfully moved by God’s love for human beings and saw the dignity of each of her people.

Upon her death at the age of 24, witnesses said that minutes later her scars  vanished and her face appeared radiant and beautiful. St. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 21, 2012. She is the patroness of  ecology and the environment, people in exile and Native Americans.

What struck you most from her story? Why?

Additional Resources:

St. Kateri by Saint Kateri National Shrine

St. Kateri biography video by Catholic Online

Studying the Open Wide Our Hearts Letter

Every Thursday in Lent we will offer a chance to read & reflect on an excerpt from the pastoral letter from the US Catholic Bishops.  There will be additional excerpts available on the website for those interested. If you would like to see the letter in its entirety, please click here.

Read the following excerpt from the bishop’s letter. Then reflect using the questions below.

Hispanics from various countries have experienced discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and education. Hispanics have been referred to by countless derogatory names, have encountered negative assumptions made about them because of their ethnicity, have suffered discrimination in applying for college, for housing, and in registering to vote. …Today, many Hispanics are often assumed to be in this country illegally. These attitudes of cultural superiority, indifference, and racism need to be confronted; they are unworthy of any follower of Christ.

— Open Wide Our Hearts, Pg 15-16 USCCB

Questions for reflection

• What is my immediate response to the paragraph? What stood out to me?

• Were you aware of the hardships facing other minorities in our country?

•  Reflect for a moment on which biased or racist ideas you may hold regarding Hispanics or other groups that are often discriminated against.

• Growing up many of us heard how the US was a “melting pot” of cultures and immigrants.  Does that idea still hold true?

Families: If your family only speaks one language, consider reading through a common prayer (Hail Mary or Our Father) in Spanish or other language.  If your family is bilingual, consider looking up a prayer in a third language

Padre Nuestro Our Father in Spanish by Catholic.org

Rosary Prayers in Asante (Akan) from Ghana by maryrosaries.com

Our Father in Hindi (video) by Ministrants

Reflect on how the same prayers are said around the world, in many different languages every day. How does that knowledge affect you?

Additional Resources:

Open Wide Our Hearts Study Guide by USCCB This study guide covers the entire document with further insight, discussion/reflection questions, and links to additional resources, including links for the Native American experience as well.

Hispanic Ministry by the Diocese of Des Moines.

Additional paragraph to ponder:

“These examples from the experiences of Native, African, and Hispanic Americans demonstrate how, as a nation, we have never sufficiently contended with the impact of overt racism. Nor have we spent the necessary time to examine where the racist attitudes of yesterday have become a permanent part of our perceptions, practices, and policies of today, or how they have been enshrined in our social, political, and economic structures. Much can be learned in hearing the stories of those who have lived through the effects of racism. In examining the generational effects of racism on families, communities, and our Church, each of us can begin to act in solidarity to change the prospects for future generations.”

— Open Wide Our Hearts, Pg 15-16 USCCB

Prayer Service: Lectio Divina                                     

Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) is an ancient form of reflecting on Scripture as prayer. It is a wonderful form of prayer to include the entire family, as one person can read and others can listen, and all reflect.

Join us in-person in the church sanctuary or livestream on our youtube channel 6:35-7:00pm, or pray this Lectio Divina on your own when your schedule  permits.

How to pray with Lectio Divina:

1) Read through the passage (aloud) slowly. See if a word or phrase sticks out to you.

2) Read it (aloud) again, focusing on that word or phrase; how the Holy Spirit may be saying directly to you

3) Read it a third time. Sit quietly in conversation with God, praying about it.

4) Read it one last time and then just sit quietly (1-2 minutes) letting God love you through this Scripture.

Gospel from 4th Sunday of Lent : John 3:14-21    

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, 
so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, 
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish 
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, 
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, 
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world, 
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light, 
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, 
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Today’s Topic: Immigrant & Refugees, Part II

In 1975 , when the Vietnam war was ending, 3 million Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodians were force out, starved, and persecuted.  President Ford wrote every governor urging them to help resettle these Southeast Asians.  Iowa’s reputation as a welcoming state began at that point,  when Governor Ray welcomed Tai Dam refugees in Iowa.

Option #1:  Read & reflect: Iowa is home to more than 150,000 immigrants—a  population larger than the city of Cedar Rapids. These largely working-age immigrants serve as everything from meatpacking workers to college professors, making them critical  contributors to Iowa’s economic success overall.

Iowa households led by immigrants earned $4.1 billion in 2014, paying $349 million in local and state taxes. They help to fill jobs in hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and many more business sectors that need workers. New Iowans have helped to save rural communities by bringing employees, small businesses, students, places of worship, and much more to small towns.                                                                (The Contributions of New Americans in Iowa | The Role of Immigrants)

Consider how immigrants may have helped you or your family.  Have you treated them with dignity and respect as they learn & navigate a new language & society?

Option #2:  Read & Reflect: Entrepreneurs who are either immigrants or the children of immigrants have long been a critical part of Iowa’s economic success story. In 1968, Don Lamberti, the son of an Italian immigrant and one of our own parish members, purchased a gas station in the small town of Boone, Iowa. He turned that station into a large convenience store, and then went on to establish a chain of all-purpose stores serving small Iowa towns. Today the business started by Lamberti is known as Casey’s General Stores. Casey’s today is a major employer: It generated $9.35 billion in revenues and employs over 40,000 people (2019 info)

Is your reaction to this immigrant story different than ones of recent immigrants? Why or why not? If yes, reflect on why that may be.

Families: Find some examples on YouTube of the Mass being celebrated in another culture or language.   Share what they noticed about these celebrations-what was the same/different. (feel free to skim through the videos!)

Sunday Mass, Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul, South Korea (excerpt)

Kumasi 10 Holy Mass Kumasi Parish, Ghana

Japanese Mass at Musashigaoka Kumamoto with Fathers Anton, SX and Denny, SX

Misa Catolica from Assumption of Mary Parish, Chihuahua, Mexico

Holy Mass on the Solemnity of All Saints, Cologne, Germany Cathedral

· Do we always recognize the diversity of God’s family? Why or why not?

· What are some examples of different ways to celebrate the diversity of God’s family?

Additional Resources:

Italian Immigrants in Iowa by PBS, Iowa Pathways

Inside Robert Ray’s Extraordinary Humanitarian Legacy by Des Moines Register

Tracing the Rise of Mexico and Latino Iowans’ influence on the state’s social, cultural fabric by Des Moines Register

Why we must talk about the Asian-American story, too by Black History Always

Today’s Topic: Refugees & Immigration, Part I

People migrate to a new country as a refugee, asylum-seeker, or immigrant. Refugees and asylum-seekers are typically people who are forced to flee their homes, whereas immigrants mostly move by choice.

 Option #1:  Read and reflect:

• There are currently 79.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide

•  Less than 1% will have the chance to start a new life through resettlement.

• The world-wide average stay in a refugee camp is currently 17 years

            (United Way 21 Day Equity Challenge-Day 9)

Refugees are ordinary people like you and me, who have lost everything. They’ve left their entire lives behind, often with just the clothes on their backs. They leave  to start over. They want to make sure their kids can be educated. They want to work and they want to contribute to our communities. Just like us, they seek a life of dignity, freedom, and security.

Have you thought about the actual people, not just statistics or headlines, who make the decision to leave their homes? What are your thoughts?

Imagine yourself in that position. What would be most helpful for you or your family to recieve?

Option #2:   Read & reflect: The United States was built, in part, by immigrants—and our nation has long been the beneficiary of the new energy & ingenuity that immigrants bring.

· 14 percent of US is foreign-born, more than 50% of those are naturalized citizens.

· Over half of all immigrants in the United States are naturalized citizens.

· Immigrants in the United States contribute billions of dollars in taxes.

· As consumers, immigrants add over a trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.

· Immigrant entrepreneurs generate tens of billions of dollars in business revenue each year   (American Immigration Council).

Do you know anyone who was born in another country? 

What was their experience of coming to the US?

Families:  When people come to a new country they bring their traditions with them. Are you aware of any traditions in our faith from other cultures?

Here are some Catholic traditions to explore:

Do we always recognize the diversity of God’s family? Why or why not?             

What are some examples of different ways to celebrate that diversity? 

 Catholic Traditions around the world: (this list is NOT exhaustive). Pick one or two from the list below and explore our wonderfully rich & varied Catholic culture from around the world. Immigrants and refugees bring their traditions with them. Some of these you are likely familiar with (manger sets!) while others might be new to you):

• Mexican Christmas Traditions Las Posadas by Little Passports

• The Story of the First Nativity Set with Saint Francis by the Catholic Company

• St. Joseph Altar {Getting Started} (Sicily) by Catholic Inspired

  • St. Joseph’s Altar in New Orleans by nola.com

• Easter in Spain (Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Spain) by Veebrant

• Christkindle Market (Advent Market in Germany, Austria, etc.) by Nurnberg, Germany

• Midnight Masses (Simbang Gabi) in Philippines by Holidappy

• Celebrating Three Kings Day (Puerto Rico, etc) by Puerto Rico.com

• Celebration in Davenport Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam by Catholic Messenger

 Additional Resources:

Immigration and the Catholic Church by USCCB (video)

Pope Francis tells a refugee’s story by Catholic News Service (video)

The Catholic Church’s position on Immigration Reform by USCCB

Third Sunday of Lent

Today’s passage from the book of Exodus is God giving His law to His people.  It good to remember that God does not give us this law so as to benefit Him; it is not a self-serving law in that sense.  They are not arbitrary; they are rooted in the natures of God and Man. It is a self-serving law in the sense that it serves and benefits those who hold on to its precepts and use them for guidance.

These laws are simply- and directly-phrased commands (“do this” – “don’t do that”), bits of solid-gold, divine wisdom that lay out a path guiding a man away from pitfalls of sin and towards a freedom and a fullness of life. These Ten Commandments can be summed up in Two: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37,39). 

We love God because it is right and just and He is all that is worth loving, but firstly, because He has loved us first and given Himself for us. We love our neighbor because, like us, God has loved each of them and created them as worthy and deserving of love, because the One we love has asked us to love them, and because in loving them, we also love the One we love. (That’s a lot of love, but that’s what happens when the One making the rules is the God who is Love.) 

As we hear in the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19), God’s Law of Love is perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true, more precious than gold, and sweet. When our lives serve God and follow in the ways of the Law of Love, it brings refreshment, wisdom, rejoicing, enlightenment, endurance, and justice, even though the loving and the serving are their own reward. What wonderful things to which we are called; may love of God and love of neighbor be the beginning and end of all that we do.

 At the same time, these same actions, what might be construed as love of God or love of neighbor, can also be done from very different motives. Take for example, those who got chased out of the Temple by Jesus: they could make a convincing argument that they were there, doing their business, in service of both God and neighbor.

After all, since Jews were entrusted with the upkeep of the Temple and they would come from a variety of localities, the moneychangers were there to help the pilgrimaging Jews to fulfill their duties to the House of God. And since many of the people coming from far off were coming to the Temple so as to offer sacrifice, whether it be for thanksgiving or sin, those people selling animals were easing the difficulty of the pilgrim’s journey by ensuring that they could purchase an unblemished animal, suitable for the sacrifice, at their destination and avoid the hardship of bringing their offering with them.

Yet Christ knew their hearts as none else could: the moneychangers and the salesmen were not there out of love of God or their neighbor, but only out love for dishonest profit and gain, which is why He threw them out.

When pursuing what is good and right, when working for justice in the world, such as in uprooting of the affront to human dignity that is racism, it is a good thing to ask yourself: “Why am I doing this? Am I doing this simply because it is right, because it is what God has asked of me? Am I doing this for love or am I doing this because I love the feeling “doing good” or love being seen by others as one who is loving?”

Matthew 6 warns us about the danger and temptation of such motives and (to use a modern buzzword) “virtue-signaling”: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them […] to win the praise of others.” As we continue our Lenten reflection on racism, we ask God for the grace of a pure heart, a heart which loves our neighbor fully and for love alone.

Families:

Pick one reading from this weekend (available here) and read through it together (before or after Mass)

Ask your children if they have any vocabulary questions. If there is a place name mentioned consider looking it up on a map (google maps is great!) and ask older children to briefly re-tell the story to see if they understood the basics of the message/reading.

Ask one another the questions from Fr. James’ reflection in regards to racism and any service/outreach/activism we take part in in regards to virtue signaling.

• Why am I doing this?

• Am I doing this simply because it is right, because it is what God has asked of me?

• Am I doing this for love or am I doing this because I love the feeling “doing good” or love being seem by others as one who is loving?

  • Note: If you find out it’s more the latter than the former - don’t panic! It’s a place to start. Now challenge yourself/your family to grow in your reasons why!

Unsure where you’re at? Here are some further questions that can apply to any form of activism, not only racism:

• Did you wait until right now to talk to your kids? And are you simplifying the truth? (everyone has to start somewhere, trust your kids to be smarter than you think at catching on!)

• Is your activism happening only on camera/social media?

• Is your activism solely responsive or pro-active? (i.s. do you only focus on racism during February (Black History Month)? or only on the poor/impoverished during our usual Lenten fundraising project? Work to be more consistently active throughout the year in small ways - conversations about news articles, people, tv shows, etc.)

We had been granted permission by use images from the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible during Lent 2021. Now that Lent is over these images are no longer available for viewing. We encourage you to find your own images (try a google search) using the Gospel readings listed below or to turn this Visio Divina into a Lectio Divina opportunity. We are grateful to the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible for their cooperation with our project.

Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:2-8

VISIO DIVINA: Praying through Art

Visio divina, ‘divine seeing’, is a form of prayer where we  invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at this artwork, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. This is a wonderful form of prayer for the entire family to take part in together.

Spend about one minute in quiet (or with gentle music) gazing at this artwork. Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.

How do you feel looking at the image? 

John the Baptist, in this image, is walking away, “leaving” the people in Jesus’ hands. Jesus is depicted in gold in the background.

 What must I leave in order to better see everyone as a child of God?

Who are the prophets today asking us to make the roads straight?

Now, offer your prayers to God in a final moment of silence.

Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman

Thea was born in 1937 in Mississippi. A granddaughter of slaves, her community was an inspiration to her, and “exposed [her] to the richness of African American culture and spirituality”. Baptized Episcopalian and raised Methodist, she moved to La Crosse, WI in order to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration   convent in 1953. Thea Bowman was the first African-American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse.

Sister Thea began to advocate for racial integration in the Catholic Church. She co-founded the National Black Sisters Conference at Catholic University of America. After receiving her doctorate in English, Thea went on to teach  at Viterbo University in La Crosse, where she formed singing groups comprised  of African American students.

Sister Thea later moved to Louisiana to teach at Xavier University where she helped found the Institute for Black Catholic Studies and taught for the remainder of her teaching career.  In 1984 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was eventually confined to a wheelchair until her death in 1990. She also helped to create the hymnal Lead me, Guide Me.

Sister Thea was the first African-American woman to address the US Council of Catholic Bishops conference where, in 1988, she moved participants to hold hands and sway together while singing a traditional spiritual song, “We Shall Overcome.”

She was in a wheelchair as her body battled cancer, yet she confidently gave instructions to the bishops to cross their arms and grasp hands so that they were close enough to touch shoulders. She likened the closeness to Civil Rights protests, in which African Americans had to stand strong together against dogs, tear gas, tanks, and bullets. She noted that clergy members would stand in the frontlines, urging their people to stay strong and faithful.

What struck you most from her story? Why?

Additional Resources:

Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA: What does it mean to be Black and Catholic? video by St. JW. Watch Sr. Thea Bowman give testimony on her life’s experiences.

Sr. Thea Bowman page from the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in LaCrosse, WI

 Sr. Thea Bowman by My Catholic Kids page designed for youth to learn about Sr. Thea.

Studying the Open Wide Our Hearts Letter

Every Thursday in Lent we will offer a chance to read & reflect on an excerpt from the pastoral letter from the US Catholic Bishops.  There will be additional excerpts available on the website for those interested. If you would like to see the letter in its entirety, please click here.

Read the following excerpt from the bishop’s letter. Then reflect using the questions below.

Questions for reflection

•  What is my immediate response to the paragraph? What stood out to me?

• Who is it easy to love?  Who is it hard to love?

•  How can I show love to those who I disagree with?

• Do I show love to myself?  Do I recognize I am created in the image and likeness of God?

•  How can I best be “my brother’s keeper”?

 Families: Go over the following questions together: 

· Have you ever felt like someone wasn’t listening to you? Or someone made you feel like you weren’t very important?

· What does that feel like?

· If we love someone, should we listen to them, as much as possible?

· How do we show those we don’t know well that we love them and that they are important because they are created in the image of God?

Additional Resources:

Open Wide Our Hearts Study Guide by USCCB This study guide covers the entire document with further insight, discussion/reflection questions, and links to additional resources, including links for the Native American experience as well.

Everyone Belongs read aloud by Loyola Press read by Chris Corrice (St. Anthony Parish, DM)

Additional paragraph to ponder:

Prayer Service: Vespers

 Evening Prayer (Vespers) is part of the Liturgy of the Hours which takes place as dusk begins to fall. Through this prayer the people of God sanctify the day by continual praise of God and prayers of intercession for the needs of the world.

Join us in-person in the church sanctuary or livestream on our youtube channel 6:35-7:00pm, or pray this Vespers on your own when your schedule permits. 

Evening Prayer (Vespers) by USCCB     

How to Pray Liturgy of the Hours by The Happy Priest          

 Psalm 72 (paraphrased)

Teach us to judge with Your righteousness, O God;
               share with us Your own justice,    so we will treat Your people rightly.

May we care for the stranger and the needy
               May we speak out for those who are oppressed
               May we confront their oppressors with knowledge
               of Your righteousness.

May we shelter the alien and the homeless
               Find peace in our land and our hearts

               In our days, may justice and peace grow

               May our hearts be open to your ways.

In our days, let peace flower and justice flow

               Like a river to transform our hearts

               Let your justice and peace come

               Down upon us like the rain

               On the meadow, the dew on the grass.

You, Lord, hear all who are lonely,

               Poor and estranged

               You have pity on the outcast and the migrant

               You save those who are in distress.

You, O Lord, love the poor

                Their lives are precious to you.

                You save the lives of the brokenhearted

                You welcome the stranger home.

May Your name, Lord, be forever blessed.

                May Your praise and glory be forever!

You, alone, work wonders for us.

                Open our hearts to Your righteous ways

                You are our God! We praise Your name.

Today’s Topic: Healthcare & Cultural Competency

Cultural competence is the ability to comprehend, interact, and communicate with individuals regardless of their cultural background. Cultural competency includes an awareness of one’s own cultural views, working at and developing positive attitudes towards cultural differences, and having a knowledge of    varying cultural worldviews and practices. It can be vital in sensitive areas, like healthcare and in regards to mental health concerns.

 Option #1: Read & reflect: 

“Black people’s nerve endings are less sensitive than white people’s.”

“Black people’s skin is thicker than white people’s.”

“Black people’s blood coagulates more quickly than white people’s.” 

Half of medical trainees surveyed held one or more such false beliefs. Holding these false beliefs can be life-threatening to the patient. Proper education and and understanding of cultural competency can improve the quality of health care dramatically. (source: 2016 study Proceedings of the National Academies of Science)

Reflect on your history of healthcare providers; have any been of color?

What are some advantages of having a medical care provider of the same background or having understanding of various cultural, religious, or racial concerns? Are there disadvantages?

 Option #2:  Read & Reflect    Barriers to Access Mental Health Care

·  Lack of insurance or inadequate insurance

·  Lack of knowledge/awareness about mental health problems & services available

·  Cultural stigma associated with mental illness

· Lack of culturally competent mental health professionals

· Shortage of bilingual or linguistically trained mental health professionals

· Difficulties recognizing signs of mental illness

· Problems identifying psychiatric symptoms when chief complaint is somatic symptom   (source: American Psychiatric Association)

 What questions or concerns arise after reading the above information?

Families:  What examples have you experienced, in life or media, of medical professionals of another race or culture? For younger children, here’s a list of shows to get you started if you need suggestions! Doc McStuffins (Disney), Molly of Denali (PBS/PBS Kids), Casagrandes (Nickelodeon)

How do you think having a teacher, doctor, nurse, lawyer, other professional who looks racially similar to you can be a positive thing?  Any negatives?

 Additional Resources:

Minority Health and Health Care in the US by Penn LDI A series of graphs relating to disparities in health & health care in the US.

Casting My Lot with the Out Crowd by Lucas Sharma, SJ In John’s Gospel, the people in charge have had enough: it’s time to stone Jesus because he’s chosen to cast his lot with the “out crowd,” the marginalized members in the community. He stands with the poor, not with the power and authority of the dominant oppressor

In Iowa, Maternal Mortality Highlights Deep Racial Divide in Health Care by Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio. Black women in Iowa are six times more likely to die during or shortly after childbirth than white women, and the reasons why are complicated. But this well-documented disparity also shows the role systemic racism plays in our entire health care system.

Overcoming Mental Health Stigma in the Latino Community by Cleveland Clinic

Want evidence of systemic racism? Look to Public Health by The Ohio State University College of Public Health

Today’s Topic: Segregation & Sundown Towns

Option #1:  Desegregation of Iowa Schools:  Alexander G Clark businessman and activist who served as Ambassador to Liberia in 1890-1891. In 1867 he sued to gain admission for his daughter to attend a local public school in Muscatine, Iowa. The court ruled that requiring black students to attend a separate school violated the Iowa’s constitution which "expressly gives the same rights to all the youths”. Due to Clark's action, Iowa was among the first states to integrate its schools, 86 years before the Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). (See the linked video below for further information on Alexander Clark)

Would you describe your local school/school district as diverse? Why/why not? 

Do you think having diversity in schools & other places is valuable? Why/why not?

Option #2: Read & reflect: Sundown The rules of a sundown town (aka grey town, sunset town) were simple: Black people (and/or other minorities) were allowed to pass through during the day or go in to shop or work, but they had to be gone by nightfall.  Anyone breaking the rules could risk arrest, or violence.

Although it is difficult to make an accurate count, historians estimate there were up to 10,000 sundown towns in the United States between 1890 and 1960, mostly in the Mid-West and West, including Iowa. They began to proliferate during the Great Migration, starting in about 1910, when large numbers of Blacks left the South to escape racism and poverty. As Blacks began to migrate to other regions of the country, many predominantly white communities actively discouraged them from settling there.   

Do you think the practice of sundown towns, while illegal, is still noticeable in one form or another in towns, cities, or neighborhoods? Why or why not?

Are other groups beyond Blacks excluded? How?

 Families: Listen to the read-aloud of the book ‘Hidden Figures’ which tells the true story of 4 black women who worked for NASA as human computers and helped put the first men on the moon. Get the link on the daily blog:

-For older kids, consider watching the movie Hidden Figures (rated PG & available on Disney+, borrow from library, or rented online) 

 Additional Resources:

Clark 150, A Continuing Legacy by Drake University. A documentary from Drake University about the Clark Decision which desegregated Iowa schools in 1868.

Segregation Still Evident in Iowa 150 after State Supreme Court Ruling by Iowa Public Radio News

The Roots of Route 66 by The Atlantic Magazine America’s favorite highway usually evokes kitschy nostalgia. But for black Americans, the Mother Road’s lonely expanses were rife with danger.

Tale of Two Billboards: An Ozark Town’s Struggle to Unseat Hate by NPR

Second Sunday of Lent

Every Sunday in this space we’ll offer a chance to dive a little deeper with Scripture and the Open Wide Our Hearts (OWOH) pastoral letter, with reflections by Fr. James Downey.

In this weekend’s first reading, we witness God’s promise to Abraham that, because of his Faith, in his descendants, “all the nations of the earth shall find blessing.” In the second reading and the gospel, we see that promise fulfilled: in Jesus Christ, the descendant of Abraham, the gates of heaven have been opened to the whole world.

In particular, the fulfillment of the promise is revealed in that people of every race and nation have themselves become inheritors of the divine blessing through Baptism in Christ. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are declared and truly made God’s children; a people chosen by God to share in a covenant with Him, not because of our merit, but because of His love.

It is through this covenant, through His Church, His children, and His people, that this blessing and salvation might not only be opened to all, but received by all. But as part of the covenant, just as with the covenant with Abraham, demands will be made of us. God demanded Abraham to trust Him so much as to be willing to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, through whom God had promised to raise up his descendants. On Tabor, God demanded of the apostles, Peter, James, and John, to recognize Jesus as the beloved Son of God and to listen to Him.  It was through their fidelity to God’s commands that He brought about and brings about His salvation.

What about us? We already experience some fruit of God’s salvation through the “New and Eternal Covenant” and the Sacraments, but what demands are made of us and what greater fidelity is God calling us to?

Perhaps it is the willingness to offer as a sacrifice to God some deeply-felt or long-held opinions and preconceptions, just as Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac. Perhaps it is to better listen to and follow more fully God’s beloved Son and His Bride, the Church. Whatever may be demanded, we can respond readily and without fear, because we know that, as Paul says in the second reading, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

What is certain is that, as inheritors of the covenant, we must respond to God’s call not only for our sakes, but for the sake of those to whom we are meant to be witnesses and messengers.  When we fail to be faithful to God’s covenant with us, we also fail as witnesses, which means it is more than just our souls on the line. When a man with no life in God sins against his neighbor, it is a tragedy, but it hardly counters or discredits the message of God’s love and salvation.

However, when a Christian sins against their neighbor, when one who professes belief in God and love of God and has come to His Altar and received the gift of His Love in the Eucharist then turns and fails to love their neighbor, it says to the world that God’s grace is without power to change and save the hearts of men.

Of course, those who know God and His grace will know that this message is not true, but the ones who do not know God or the wondrous effects of His grace in the life of man will only see another Christian hypocrite and see no reason to seek the salvation of God. This is why “racism,” and any sins against the Love of Neighbor, “[have] no place in the Christian Heart” (OWOH, p.6).

Families:

Pick one reading from this weekend (available here) and read through it together (before or after Mass)

Ask your children if they have any vocabulary questions. If there is a place name mentioned consider looking it up on a map (google maps is great!) and ask older children to briefly re-tell the story to see if they understood the basics of the message/reading.

Fidelity =loyalty or constancy in allegiance to God or the things of God

Say: During Lent we seek to change our lives for the better, looking for ways in which we can be more faithful to Jesus. But we might also identify those aspects of our lives that we want to affirm and to continue. We want to recommit ourselves to the good things in our lives, for example, prayer and service to others, particularly this Lent through education on struggles some of our brothers and sisters have because of the color of their skin or where they were born. In our prayer today, let’s each try to identify one thing in our life that we should be affirming during Lent and one thing that God might affirm in our lives.

We had been granted permission by use images from the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible during Lent 2021. Now that Lent is over these images are no longer available for viewing. We encourage you to find your own images (try a google search) using the Gospel readings listed below or to turn this Visio Divina into a Lectio Divina opportunity. We are grateful to the Saint John’s Illustrated Bible for their cooperation with our project.

Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10: 29-37

VISIO DIVINA: Praying through Art

Visio divina, ‘divine seeing’, is a form of prayer where we  invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at this artwork, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. This is a wonderful form of prayer for the entire family to take part in together.

Spend about one minute in quiet (or with gentle music) gazing at this artwork. Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Ponder the following questions to end your time within visio divina. If you are with others, consider sharing some of your others.

Questions:

How do you feel looking at the image? 

The story of the Good Samaritan is depicted in the middle of image. Do we “pass by” those beaten down? 

Are we beaten down and is there room for the “outsider” (whoever & however we define outsider) to bring us healing?  

The story of the Prodigal son is below the Good Samaritan – who are we in the image? Our family is broken and the father runs to us to reconcile us.

Now, offer your prayers to God in a final moment of silence.

Venerable Augustus Tolton

 John Augustine Tolton was born on 1 April 1854 in Brush Creek, Missouri. His parents were slaves to a Catholic family. Tolton’s father escaped to fight (& die) for the Union Army in the Civil War. His mother, Augustus, and his two siblings escaped across the Mississippi Rover to Illinois. According to one report, when they reached freedom, Tolton’s mother turned to him and said, “John, boy, you’re free. Never forget the goodness of the Lord.”

After arriving in Quincy, Illinois, the children began attending the local Catholic school. Although abolitionists were active in the town, many of McGirr's parishioners objected to a black student at their children's school. McGirr held fast and allowed Tolton to study there.  Later, Tolton continued studies directly with some priests.

Augustus began his studies for priesthood in Rome as no American seminary would accept a black man.  He was ordained in 1886 and was fluent in Greek, Latin, and Italian. He originally returned to Quincy, but requested a transfer due to overt racial tensions in the town.

In 1889 he was given full jurisdiction over African-American parishioners in the Archdiocese of Chicago. With the population facing unemployment and endemic poverty, he still managed to fundraise to build a church for local black Catholics. Construction started on St. Monica’s Catholic Church in 1893 on the south side of Chicago.

His work took a heavy toll on him: he was known as a priest who endlessly walked the streets and visited the poor and marginalized, which earned him the nickname ’Good Father Gus’.  He was known for his eloquent sermons, beautiful singing voice, and his talent for playing the accordion. In July 1897, after returning from a retreat, he collapsed in the street and later died of heat stroke.

What struck you most from his story? Why?

Prayer for Canonization:

Pray for canonization: O God, we give you thanks for your servant and priest, Father Augustus Tolton, who labored among us in times of contradiction, times that were both beautiful and paradoxical. His ministry helped lay the foundation for a truly Catholic gathering in faith in our time. We stand in the shadow of his ministry. May his life continue to inspire us and imbue us with that confidence and hope that will forge a new evangelization for the Church we love.

Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant, Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved.

Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. AMEN.

 Additional Resources:

Tolton short video by Faith Counts

Fr. Augustus Tolton by Archdiocese of Chicago, includes timeline for canonization cause, further information, updates, etc.

Fr. Augustus Tolton biography, including maps and video resources By Ashley, Hailey, Sophia, and Ava, students from Fr. Tolton Catholic High School

Elementary Resource Worksheet on Fr. Augustuc Tolton, by USCCB

Studying the Open Wide Our Hearts Letter

 Every Thursday in Lent we will offer a chance to read & reflect on an excerpt from the pastoral letter from the US Catholic Bishops.  There will be additional excerpts available on the website for those interested. If you would like to see the letter in its entirety, please click here.

Read the following excerpt from the bishops’ letter.

Questions for reflection:

• What is my initial reaction to this paragraph?

• How familiar am I with the story of Cain & Abel? (Read Gen 4:1-16)

• Do I agree or disagree with the idea that forgetting we are ALL     created in the image and likeness of God is at the root of racism? Why or why not?

• What are some things that bind us together as humans?

• What are some things that divide us apart as humans?

 Families: In the story of Cain & Abel, Cain’s jealousy toward his brother turned to anger and his anger led to murder. When God asked Cain where Abel was he lied asking, “Am I supposed to take care of my brother?” Of course the answer is yes. We are all called to love one another. When we sin, we fail to love. We hurt another person. We hurt ourselves. Read the story of Cain & Abel as a family or watch this video.

Additional Resources:

Genesis 3 & 4: Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel by Fr. Michael Schmitz, Ascension Presents podcast. Listen to this specific podcast episode that does a wonderful job of explaining the Cain & Abel story.

Open Wide Our Hearts Study Guide by USCCB This study guide covers the entire document with further insight, discussion/reflection questions, and links to additional resources, including links for the Native American experience as well.

Additional paragraph to ponder:

The Holy Rosary, Joyful Mysteries for Education, Social, & Economic Justice

(adapted from USCCB’s Black Catholic History rosary)

Today we take time to pray and reflect on all we’ve learned thus far by walking through the life of Jesus with Mary in the rosary.

Join us in-person in the church sanctuary or livestream on our youtube channel 6:35-7:00pm, or pray these special rosary mysteries on your own when your schedule permits.

If you’re new to the rosary or just need some help remembering the prayers, here are a couple links that will help! We’re glad you’re joining us in prayer!

• How to pray the rosary (USCCB)

• How to pray the rosary for children (Children’s Rosary) has a downloadable pdf that’s great!
  

1st Mystery: Dedicated To Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, OSP

Father God, we are so appreciative and grateful that you inspired Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, OSP to found the Oblate Sisters of Providence to provide educational, social and spiritual ministry to the people of God. Help us like Mother Mary Lange, not to allow the inexpressible pain of prejudice and racial hatred weaken our resolve to do your will.

2nd Mystery: Dedicated to Venerable Henriette DeLille, SSF
Father God, as always, it was your infinite wisdom and grace that inspired Venerable Henriette DeLille to found the Holy Family Sisters to nurse the sick and elderly, care for the poor and instruct the unlearned.

3rd Mystery: Dedicated to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Father God, you have shown consistently throughout human history that You call upon the humblest of all your people Kateri Tekakwitha, a young Native American girl, to shown us how to love you with courage and deep steadfast devotion.

4th Mystery: Dedicated to Servant of God Father Augustus Tolton
Father God, you empowered your faithful Servant of God Augustus Tolton to overcome the adversities, prejudices and challenges of his time. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Servant of God Tolton was able to become a Catholic priest and serve the people of God in Quincy and Chicago, Illinois. Today we stand in the shadow his ministry.

5th Mystery: Dedicated to Saint Junipero Serra
Father God, over and over throughout time you have sent your zealous prophets to guide and lead your people. We, your faithful stand in awe and thanksgiving for the gifts and talents of your servant, Brother Junipero. It was through your love for all your people you inspired Brother Junipero in his unwavering mission to bring the word of God to those who did not know you yet.

Today’s Topic: Systemic Racism

Public attention to racism is generally focused on the symptoms (such as a racist slur by an individual) rather than the system of racial inequity in  institutions & systems  such as education, healthcare, housing, criminal justice, & employment.

Systemic racism, sometimes referred to as ‘institutional racism’ is when the base system of these institutions, services, or organizations are against, in large or small ways, stated or unstated,  someone of a minority group.

Option #1:   Read and reflect:  In 2016 -when Des Moines was named the 11th best place to live in the United States - it also was named the third-worst city for African Americans.

• Six Midwestern states, including Iowa, suspend black students at more than 5 times the rate of white students.

• Ten Midwestern states, including Iowa, had the largest ratio between black and white unemployment in 2017. Iowa had the seventh highest ratio in the nation.

• Every Midwestern state imprisons African Americans at more than five times the rate of whites. Iowa has the third largest ratio in the nation and the second highest in the Midwest, behind Wisconsin.

• At every income level, African Americans are less likely to receive preventive health care and more likely to receive lower-quality care                                   

  (Race in the Heartland: Equity, Opportunity, and Public Policy in the Midwest, by Colin Gordon)

Option #2 Read & Reflect:

• What is your reaction to the above quote? Consider watching more of the short videos produced by Race Forward (links below)

Families As a family go over a few of the questions below:

• Did you know that sometimes people still treat others differently based on their skin color? Have you ever had or heard that experience?

• What would you say to someone who was treating someone else poorly because of their skin color?

 Additional Resources:

What is Systemic Racism Video Series by Race Forward An 8-part video series that shows how racism shows up in our lives across institutions and society: Wealth Gap, Employment, Housing Discrimination, Government Surveillance, Incarceration, Drug Arrests, Immigration Arrests, Infant Mortality… yes, systemic racism is really a thing. (videos average 1 minute in length)

What is Systemic Racism? by USCCB ‘Open Wide Our Hearts’ addendum to the bishop’s pastoral letter

What It’s Like to Black in Iowa: Continuing the Conversation by WHO-13. Courtnei Caldwell and Anthony Pawnell are two community activists in Iowa. They sat down with WHO 13’s Jodi Long and Dan Winters to discuss what it is like to be black living in Iowa and what needs to change.

The Day You Begin, book read aloud with Jacqueline Woodson by Storytime with Little Book Nook. A good book for helping every child seeing how they or others sometimes feel like an outsider and how we can share our stories to bring ourselves together.

Today’s Topic: Implicit Bias

Implicit bias: when we have attitudes (preference or aversion) toward people, or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge. Implicit bias is NOT racism.

Option #1 Read & reflect:

• Have you ever had someone make an automatic judgement about you that turned out to be wrong?

• Do you think you ever make automatic assumptions of judgement about other people? Can you think of/share an example?

• If you are hesitant to take steps to “break the prejudice habit”…why do you think that is?

OPTION #2 Read the following quote

• What was your reaction to the above experience?

• Have you ever been made aware of your own implicit bias, for better or worse?

FAMILIES: Ways to reduce racial implicit bias in children:

1. Expose children to positive images of other racial groups (tv shows, books, etc.)

2. Help your kids develop cross-group friends

3. Cultivate cross-ground friendships yourself

4. Talk explicitly about race and the effects of racism

5. Work to combat negative biases in yourself

Additional Resources:

Implicit Bias: Peanut Butter, Jelly and Racism by PBS What is implicit bias? NYT/POV's Saleem Reshamwala unscrews the lid on the unfair effects of our subconscious.

Implicit Bias Explained by Perception Institute. Implicit bias is a universal phenomenon, not limited by race, gender, or even country of origin. Take this test to see how it works for you: Implicit Bias Test

Five Ways to Reduce Racial Bias in Children by Greater Good Magazine/Julie Suttie. How do we combat racial prejudice? New research reveals how parents influence the formation of bias in children

First Sunday of Lent

Every Sunday in this space we’ll offer a chance to dive a little deeper with Scripture and the Open Wide Our Hearts (OWOH) pastoral letter, with reflections by Fr. James Downey.

When the USCCB published Open Wide Our Hearts […] A Pastoral Letter Against Racism in late 2018, the Catholic Church in the United States sought to thrown greater light upon the issue of and the issues surrounding racism. Whether it be founded upon the belief of the superiority of one race over another or the inferiority of one race under another, racist action is sin against that second greatest commandment: Love Your Neighbor.

Certainly, it’s a lack of love (the divinely-ordered and -inspired desiring the good of the other), but particularly it’s a lack of justice. One problem we have currently is that a lot of things get labeled as “just” or “unjust” without having a good concept of what Justice is. It’s mere mention can conjure up any number of things including blindfolded balance-wielding women, social movements, political associations, Batman, or Judge Judy.

If we want a good idea or definition of Justice, the most-easily remembered contender comes to us from Plato through Aristotle, Cicero, Justinian, and Aquinas, and that is: Justice is to render each their due. As Christians, we know justice demands we render our praise and our love, our very lives, to the God Who made and loves us. But what is due to our fellow man; what must I render to them simply because they, like me, are a human being made in the image and likeness of God?

True justice demands that I owe my neighbor, even my enemy, my love. Injustice is when what is rightfully owed is not paid -  Racism is when the demand to recognize and respond to someone’s God-given, inherent human dignity is denied or ignored simply because of one’s ancestral heritage.  Just as justice must supplant injustice, so racism must be supplanted by love of neighbor.

But how are we supposed to work for justice, especially on this specific battlefield of the war for the dignity of human life? In what or who do we place our hope so that sins such as racist action and their effects upon our fellow man and our culture might be corrected? Is our hope placed in social reforms or in the “princes” of the world (Psalm 146)?

To work for justice solely from human means and for human ends will only succeed in setting up a system as weak and crooked as the humans who made it. As we hear in Psalm 127 and today’s second reading, if you desire what is just, what is righteous, you must turn to the One Who is righteousness and not to the ways of the unrighteous for whose sake the Righteous One suffered: “Justice finds its source and strength in Christ” (OWOH, p.26).

If we desire to sow the seeds of justice in an unjust world, if we desire bring light into a darkened one, if we desire the good work which God has begun in us to be brought to completion (Philippians 1:6), then we must be the first to respond to Christ’s call and command in today’s Gospel: “Repent and Believe in the gospel.” Believe in the gospel which tells us that, while all men are created good, all men are sinful and all need to be saved and that we can only find salvation when our lives are laid open to Christ, our Savior.  

If “prayer and working towards conversion must be our first response in the face of evil actions;” then the first step is our prayer and our hearts being converted, which involves checking to see what logs we have stuck in our eyes. Afterall, “Racism,” like all sin “is a moral problem that requires a moral remedy – a transformation of the human heart,” a transformation that begins and ends in Christ (OWOH, p.29; 20)

Families:

Pick one reading from this weekend (available here) and read through it together (before or after Mass)

Ask your children if they have any vocabulary questions. If there is a place name mentioned consider looking it up on a map (google maps is great!) and ask older children to briefly re-tell the story to see if they understood the basics of the message/reading.

If you’d like to go deeper on the topic of justice, specifically social justice within our Catholic Social Teachings I recommend this blog post and links contained, specifically the section of Life & Dignity of the Human Person. (Justice for Us: Catholic Social Teaching at Home by Laura Kelly Fanucci, Mothers Spirit)