Page 50 - Catholic Extension Magazine Winter 2019

Dear Friends of Catholic Extension, on the distressing realities of racism in faith, but to all of us who are
affecting our country and threatening convinced of the transformative
his issue of Extension our ability to live as a people of God. power of faith to change our ways
celebrates Lumen Christi, He writes, “Every race and color of thinking and acting in our
Light of Christ, and the and tribe and people and language American culture and society.
T many powerful ways that and culture are threads in the vibrant I urge you to read this prophetic
His light shines in those working to and diverse tapestry of the Reign of pastoral letter, and we hope to
build up vibrant and transformative God…Challenging racism and white continue to offer you the oppor-
Catholic faith communities in the supremacy, whether in our hearts tunity to hear “the voice of the
poorest regions of America. or in society, is a Christian impera- voiceless” from the Catholic faith
In the times in which we live, tive and the cost of not facing these communities you so generously
His light is needed more than ever. issues head on, weighs much more support.
Almost daily, we learn of the many heavily on those who live the reality May the light of Christ shine
places across our great land that of discrimination.” brightly in the brave hearts and
experience tragic moments of dark- We are so grateful for the courage lives of our brothers and sisters in
ness which only seek to divide us and compassion of Bishop Seitz, a El Paso during this time of dark-
and keep us from the union in which servant bishop who leads a diocese ness and sorrow.
God created us to be. that Catholic Extension has long God bless,
Following the horrific mass supported. He is joined by many
shooting in El Paso, Texas, which other pastoral leaders – bishops,
claimed the lives of 22 innocent priests, religious and lay from other
people, Bishop Mark Seitz of the Extension dioceses whose insight
Diocese of El Paso wrote a moving and wisdom is a source of inspira-
pastoral letter entitled “Night Will tion and encouragement not only to Rev. John J. Wall
Be No More.” In it, he sheds light the people with whom they journey PRESIDENT, CATHOLIC EXTENSION