Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission
Statement of the Commission Chair about the Recent Violence at the Capitol
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We join in prayer for our country that we love as we witnessed the violence at the Capitol Building on January 6. This is not acceptable behavior and not how people act in a democracy that cherishes freedom and respect for our laws and civil order.
Let us be people of peace and nonviolence and pray for our nation's leaders in this time of transition after the recent elections. May Christ the Prince of Peace reign in our hearts and Mary, Mother of the Nativity, and Patroness of our Nation, and St Joseph the Protector, pray for us.
Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski
Chair, Peace and Justice Commission
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Rooted in Christ, the Peace and Justice Commission advises and collaborates with the Bishop of Arlington in promoting a commitment to peace and justice in the diocese through evangelization, formation and advocacy. It seeks to foster resolute dedication to justice and the dignity of every human person, in accordance with the principles of Catholic social teaching. The Commission does this in a number of ways, including:
- Catechizing the faithful on the social teachings of the Church;
- Working to deepen awareness of social justice as an indispensable component of authentic Christian living;
- Supporting the offices and ministries of the Diocese in integrating the Church's teachings on social justice, with particular concern for the poor and vulnerable;
- Advocating for Justice and Peace concerns.
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Save the Date - 2021 Peace and Justice Conference: Open Wide Our Hearts -- The Enduring Call to Love. Saturday, March 20, 2021
Church of the Nativity, Burke | 5 p.m. Mass followed by dinner and program
Details and registration information to follow in early 2021.
This Saturday evening conference will explore the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter against racism, examine how and why the sin of racism persists in our society, and consider in the light of faith how each of us can work to combat it. Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC will be the principal Mass celebrant and keynote speaker of the Conference.