We are so thrilled to continue our in-person group program, in collaboration with the Parish of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul!
This Summer, we'll read and pray our way through a book by Maureen H. O’Connell, Undoing the Knots: Five Generations of American Catholic Anti-Blackness. Maureen is a parishioner in Philadelphia and a professor at La Salle University, and her book explores the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s history through the lens of her Irish Catholic ancestors.
RSVP below if you'd like to be part of our peer-guided gatherings to reflect on how the sin of racism has affected not only our historical past, but also continues into our present. Understanding the historical legacy we’ve inherited is the first step towards learning how to begin to heal the effects of racism on all of us.
The meetings will be facilitated by Marcelle McGuirk.
We will use the 1st meeting as an introduction to the book and to each other, in order to cultivate a space for group sharing and reflection. The second session will have guided reflection on key points from the book.
For the final meeting, the author, Maureen O’Connell, will join us to speak about her journey in writing the book, as well as to answer our questions. The final meeting will also be a wrap-up session, as well as a space for prayerful brainstorming around how each individual is being called to work for racial justice.
The first two sessions will take place on Friday, July 7th and 21st at 7pm ET. The final meeting will take place on Thursday, August 17th at 7pm ET.
We will meet at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia (location of the meeting space will be provided after registration). Parking is available in the Cathedral lot.
Deadline to register for the series: Thursday, July 6th.
Participation is FREE, though you will have to acquire a copy of the book. If you have difficulty obtaining a copy for any reason, please let us know and we will be happy to help!
Recommended ways to order the book: through a Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia, such as Harriett’s Bookshop or through www.betterworldbooks.com. There is also an ebook version available here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
Registration is now closed.