Good evening. My name is Donna Rietschlin; I am the Chair of St. Joe’s Parish Pastoral Council.
Thank you for being part of this evening of prayer, silence and reflection. We have come together for so may reasons and with so many thoughts, feelings and intentions. Some of us are angry, some of us want immediate action, some of us are confused, some of us are sad, some of us are ashamed . . . when we are faced with the pain of our indigenous sisters and brothers, we respond in many ways. Ways that often reflect our own pain and past hurts. Since May 27th I have spoken with many of you and received your emails, Chris Adam and Fr Jim have heard from you, too. Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your stories, your frustrations, your anger, and your ideas about how to move forward as a parish community.
Last night the parish pastoral council met to pray, to listen to some of the responses and reflections available online from our indigenous sisters and brothers, and to listen to one another. Our listening and conversations have begun again. The harm done to the first peoples of this land began more than 400 years ago with the arrival of European explorers and settlers. The harm continues today, much of it caused by institutions and cultures of which we are a part. Many of the indigenous people speaking today are asking us to listen to them, to learn their history and ensure justice prevails. They will lead the way forward.
Our indigenous sisters and brothers ask that we become educated. Continue reading A message from the Chair of Parish Pastoral Council →
