In 1994, the US Bishops published a pastoral letter about violence. After the shocking attempted political assassination last weekend and with the continued violence that occurs in our city and across the country, I though it might be worthwhile to reflect on what the bishops wrote 30 years ago. 

Our families are torn by violence. Our communities are destroyed by violence. Our faith is tested by violence. We have an obligation to respond. Violence -- in our homes, our schools and streets, our nation and world -- is destroying the lives, dignity and hopes of millions of our sisters and brothers. Fear of violence is paralyzing and polarizing our communities. The celebration of violence in much of our media, music and even video games is poisoning our children. Beyond the violence in our streets is the violence in our hearts. Hostility, hatred, despair and indifference are at the heart of a growing culture of violence. Verbal violence in our families, communications and talk shows contribute to this culture of violence.

A nation born in a commitment to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is haunted by death, imprisoned by fear and caught up in the elusive pursuit of protection rather than happiness. It doesn't have to be this way. It wasn't always this way. We can turn away from violence; we can build communities of greater peace. Person by person, family by family, neighborhood by neighborhood, we must take our communities back from the evil and fear that come with so much violence. We believe our faith in Jesus Christ gives us the values, vision and hope that can bring an important measure of peace to our hearts, our homes, and our streets. Unless we are able to cut through divisive rhetoric and false claims which suggest that more prisons are the only answer, more brutality the cure, or more violence the solution, we will not succeed. 

Above all, we must come to understand that violence is unacceptable. We must learn again the lesson of Pope Paul VI, "If you want peace, work for justice." Society cannot tolerate an ethic which uses violence to make a point, settle grievances or get what we want. But the path to a more peaceful future is found in a rediscovery of personal responsibility, respect for human life and human dignity, and a recommitment to social justice. The best antidote to violence is hope. People with a stake in society do not destroy communities. Both individuals and institutions should be held accountable for how they attack or enhance the common good.

I hope we all can take a few moments to reflect on our society as it exists and as we wish it to be, and realize that we must work to bridge that gap. We are accountable, as individuals, as the church, as political institutions, and as a society, to work for the common good. Only when everyone feels included, like they belong, and have a place at the table will we make true progress in addressing the violence in our world.

-Deacon Mark

Ackermann Playlot Playdates 

Come check in with your friends this summer.  There will be an informal meet up for families on the playlot on August 13 at 10am. Bring a cup of coffee and a juice box to catch up with friends.

Save the Dates

• August 19- ice cream social 3pm

• August 20- first day of school (grades 1-8)

• August 26- first day of school (ECE-K)

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