Racial Justice Day - Sunday 31 January 2021

Sunday is Racial Justice Day.

In the words of Pope Francis: 

"This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities - what we value, what we want, what we seek- and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of. Gad asks us to dare to create something new."

 

As a school, we would like students to take part in competitions to help raise awareness of Racial Justice.

One competition is open to students in Years 9,10, 11 and Sixth Form. This national competition, run by the Columban Missionary Society has two categories; one is for an original piece of writing and the other is for an original image. The theme for both is "Let's Create a World Without Racism". There are 6 cash prizes available to the national winners, with the winner in each category receiving £300. The deadline for entries is Saturday 20 February 2021 and full details on entry guidelines are available at www.columbancompetition.com.

There is a separate competition for Years 7 and 8 that we are running internally. Students are invited to design a prayer card on the theme of Racial Justice. The card should include an original prayer and image. The winning design will be shared on the Diocese of Westminster website and house points will be awarded to the best entries. Full details will be available on Google Classroom.

 

Finally, our community prayer for Racial Justice is below. 

Father, you created each one of us in your own image. Yet yours is a world made glorious by its rich diversity. This we misunderstand, sometimes fear.

Give us the patience to build on what unites us, to celebrate our differences and to learn from them.

Grant us the wisdom to recognise your Church, beyond the walls of a building, reaching out across all communities, countries and cultures.

Give us the courage to offer refuge to those in need, to challenge prejudice and seek justice for all.

Help us to see that you created us in your image.

Neighbour or stranger, always our brother or sister.

Amen