“We were put in this world to love him and our neighbors. Everything else passes away, only this remains. The tragedy we are experiencing at this time summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others.
For life is measured by love.”
– Pope Francis
February 21, 2021 Article
[click on image to download article]
Thank you for continuing the journey with the Social Justice Committee of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative in celebrating Black History Month. In this final article in our bulletin series, we highlight prominent events and figures in Black History, including several prominent Black American Catholics.
While there is still much work to be done eliminate the sin of racism in America, a look back at the bravery, tenacity, and achievements of prominent Black Americans provides hope for the future. We dedicate ourselves to continuing in their footsteps to ensure that Blacks are treated equally in all aspects of American life. If you are interested in learning more about the work of the Social Justice Committee, please contact Craig Bonaceto (cbonaceto@gmail.com).
We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice.
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” Speech given at the National Cathedral, March 31, 1968
February 14, 2021 Article
[click on image to download article]
Thank you for continuing the journey with the Social Justice Committee of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative in celebrating Black History Month and confronting racism. In our last bulletin article, we highlighted resources to educate ourselves about racism and identify ways in which we can take action as a faith community. While Covid-19 has significantly impacted the committee’s outreach ability, one way in which we can all take action to address racism is by supporting the numerous black-owned businesses in the Merrimack Valley. By no means is this an inclusive list, but we wanted to provide a few names of the varied types of local businesses to get started. As you can see there is something for everyone!
One company that stood out to us is called Soel (Simply Offering Edible Love) Sistas LLC located in Nashua, NH. Kendra, the owner, offers a diverse menu of homemade food for full-service catering, meal preparation for take home/delivery meals and a ‘feed the kids’ free meal program. This program is free to all school-aged children and provides them with a hot dinner-time meal on Monday and Wednesday afternoons at specific locations in Nashua. On her website—www.soelsistas.com—Kendra makes a point of writing that there are no questions asked, and no judgement is passed on the kids taking part in this program.
Another resource we came upon helps identify black-owned businesses that are not only local, but national and international, as well. This resource came in the form of an article written in June of 2020 titled, “How to Find and Support Black-Owned Business, Wherever You Are,” which can be read at www.fastcompany.com. This article discusses numerous apps, directories and marketplaces to help you find black-owned businesses to support in our communities and beyond.
Please stay tuned next week for the last article in our Black History Month bulletin series highlighting prominent Black Catholics. If you are interested in learning more about the Social Justice Committee, please contact Craig Bonaceto (cbonaceto@gmail.com).
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
-Micah 6:8
February 7, 2021 Article
[click on image to download article]
Each year, the Social Justice Committee of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative identifies a social justice issue with the purpose of educating our parish community about this issue and identifying ways to take action through service and outreach based on Catholic Social Teaching.
This year is no different, and the social justice issue we are addressing is Racism. 2020 was a sad and tumultuous year for our Black and Brown brothers and sisters who endured mistreatment, violence and even death, and time and time again justice eluded them. There is not a more relevant and pressing issue to be addressed. As Catholics, we are called to work to protect the dignity of all members of our one human family by confronting racism in all its forms.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the too-often overlooked accomplishments of African Americans and reflect on their central role in U.S. History. As we reflect on the prominent achievements of African Americans and also prepare to enter into our Lenten journey, let us also reflect on how we can enter into a journey toward a more just and equitable society and eradicate the sin of racism. This will not be an easy journey, but it is one we will take together through prayer, listening, and responding.
As a step on this journey, the Social Justice Committee has prepared a list of resources to educate our community about racism and ways in which we can confront it as Catholics. All you need do is click on any of the below links.
Please stay tuned for upcoming articles in our Black History Month bulletin series on supporting Black-owned businesses and highlighting prominent Black Catholics.