St. Maria Goretti Parish

WASHINGTON - Bishop Daniel E. Garcia has been appointed as the inaugural chairman of the newly established Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, which commenced its work on November 13. His appointment was made by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The subcommittee’s work falls under the mandate of the domestic justice and human development committee, which includes Catholic social teaching on issues of domestic concern such as poverty, housing, the environment, criminal justice, and other challenges that often have a disproportionate impact on communities of color.

The subcommittee was approved by the USCCB’s Administrative Committee in September and is a new, permanent structure replacing the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, which was formed in 2017 to address the sin of racism in the Church and in society. 

In a recent letter to the faithful, Bishop Garcia reflected on his own experience of racism and the great need in both Church and society to recognize the image of God in all people. He noted, “It is my hope that as chair of this new subcommittee, I can help draw our attention as to what still needs to be done to heal the pain caused by the sin of racism that still exists today.” He also addressed the need for the Church’s witness against racism in his installation Mass in the Diocese of Austin. 

Bishop Joseph N. Perry, who recently concluded his term as chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, welcomed Bishop Garcia’s appointment saying, “On behalf of the bishop members, consultants, and staff of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, I wish to express gratitude to Bishop Garcia for accepting this important role as the ad hoc committee transitions to a standing subcommittee within the Conference. Bishop Garcia is well suited to carry on the work which has begun to convert the hearts of the faithful and the community at large, that the dignity of every person may be recognized.” 

The new subcommittee’s mandate centers on education and evangelization, aiming to deepen understanding of racism and promote healing and reconciliation. 

For additional information about the Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation and its work, please visit the USCCB’s racial justice webpage.   

###

Caritas representatives from over forty countries are in Brazil for COP30, urging world leaders to place human lives above political interests as the climate crisis deepens from the Philippines to the Sahel.

Read all

 

Loyola Press releases "Our Treasures Within", a picture book for children inspired by Pope Francis’ call to recognise and share God-given gifts. Created by Peter and Paul Reynolds, it encourages children and families to reflect on how their talents can contribute to others.

Read all

 

Africa’s most populous country deals with three attacks—two on Christian communities and one on a secondary school. The Nigerian president postpones a trip to South Africa and Angola to monitor the situation.

Read all

 

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Assisi and pays a visit to the tomb of St Francis, saying his witness is especially important "at a time when the world is searching for signs of hope.”

Read all

 

During his visit on Thursday to the Italian hill town of Assisi, Pope Leo closes the 81st General Assembly of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI), and tells Italian Bishops to keep Christ at the center of all they do and to offer effective pastoral care, especially to families, young people, the elderly and the poor.

Read all

 

Following a massive Russian attack on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, Archbishop Teodor Martynyuk tells Vatican News about the Greek-Catholic Church’s immediate assistance to affected residents, and calls on the faithful to pray for Ukrainians enduring the pain of war.

Read all

 

The Vatican Publishing House (LEV) releases Pope Leo XIV’s new book, entitled “The Power of the Gospel: Christian Faith in 10 Words.” Edited by Lorenzo Fazzini, the book is a collection of the Pope’s interventions and speeches, along with an unpublished introduction, which we publish in full below.

Read all

 

After weeks of street protests over the recent elections that led to many deaths and injuries, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, President of the Tanzanian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, expresses grief over the brutality of the security forces, urging political leaders to apologize.

Read all

 

Speaking to Vatican News, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses hope that the U.S. plan will lead to solutions offering “clearer prospects” and relief for the Palestinian population of Gaza.

Read all