As we are experiencing a divisive time in our American story perhaps it would be helpful to explore the Catholic tradition of Ordinary Time.

Ordinary Time enables us to appreciate more fully the ministry and message of Jesus.  From the beginning of Advent in November through the Baptism of the Lord on January 10^th, we were celebrating the Coming of Christ.  We remembered and rejoiced in Christ coming as an infant and in our daily dying’s and risings.  We continue to rejoice in Christ’s coming, even now, filling our hearts and minds with hopes and dreams, and walking with us in our anxieties and fears.

So, Ordinary Time calls us to do more than appreciate the ministry and message of Jesus We must truly LIVE IT - to become the light.  We must recognize and be aware of every moment of everyday, that we are never alone.

And so, as we prepare for Lent and the change of heart that is required of us, may we see the light of “Christ’s Coming” everywhere, in others and ourselves.  Jesus joins our journey.

Yes, Jesus is our Emmanuel and Savior – yesterday, today, and forever!
 
Barb and Bob Schuelke

 

Visit us at www.catholicsforpeaceandjustice.org and the Catholics for Peace and Justice Facebook page

GENERAL
 

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Black Lives are Sacred—a Lenten Invitation
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The past year has been a time of great upheaval, when so many of the ugly truths of inequality in America were pushed to the surface and burst into clear view. Headlines have reminded us again and again that the sin of racism remains deeply embedded in the fabric of our society and none of our efforts thus far have been effective in casting it off.

As we approach the Lenten season, Catholics are called to reflect on not only our own sins, but those of our society. As the USCCB stated in Open Wide Our Hearts, “Despite the great blessings of liberty that this country offers, we must admit the plain truth that for many of our fellow citizens, who have done nothing wrong, interactions with the police are often fraught with fear and even danger.”

In the midst of this summer’s protests, many lay Catholics took to the streets to cry out for justice for our Black brothers and sisters. Seeing one another and thirsting for a way to bring our faith onto the street, we began gathering every week to stand in witness of the sacredness of Black lives. We have now stood on streets and corners all over the city of Milwaukee every week since July through our “Black Lives Are Sacred public witnesses.” We gather in unity, hold signs testifying to the sacredness of Black lives, and kneel in silent prayer. You can see more information and photos of our recent events at www.facebook.com/blacklivesaresacredmke.

As we enter into the sacred time of Lent, we invite you to join us. Our witnesses are spaces of prayer and reflection, where we hope to grow in our understanding of racism and find holy ways to combat it. Would you like to receive notice of our weekly events so you can include them in your bulletin during Lent? 

We would also love to have your community serve as a host for an upcoming Saturday morning witness. Hosting a witness is a very simple way to take a small action in support of racial justice and the dignity of the human person! In the past six months, Black Lives Are Sacred has been hosted by numerous Catholic parishes, including the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, as well as Catholic high schools and non-profit organizations. We would welcome the opportunity to come to your community as well.

If you would like more information, please contact us at blacklivesaresacredmke@gmail.com. Together, may we do our part to build up the Kingdom of God.

Peace and all good things,
The Black Lives Are Sacred leadership team
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Sign- up for Daily Lent and Easter Reflection Texts
Subscribe to receive a short daily reflection text or email from CPJ taken from Pope Francis’ latest encyclical “Fratelli Tuti” – On Fraternity and Social Friendship, curated by Jim Gill.  Interspersed will be quotes honoring a variety of religious traditions and their observances at this time of year.  To subscribe to receive texts, text the message “@sjle21” to 81010.  If you’d prefer to receive quotes as email, sign-up at www.remind.com using the same code.  Register as a "parent" as this app is designed primarily for schools, and this option is the easiest for our purposes.  Contact . Jim at spiritualjourneys20@gmail.org or 414-708-4626 for more information.
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Contemplative Prayer for Reconciliation and Healing of Racism
Sign up here - www.tinyurl.com/healracism - to receive a monthly prayer guide with the intention of reconciling and healing racism in our city. Monthly gatherings have been postponed due to Covid, but may resume in the fall.  Brought to you by:Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Three Holy Women, Our Lady of Divine Providence, Old St. Mary's, Saints Peter and Paul Human Concerns/Social Justice Commissions, Franciscan Peacemakers. For more information, please contact: Shelly Roder, shelly.roder@franciscanpeacemakers.com
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