Diocese of Pittsburgh - News and Events

  • New Merged Parishes

  • All men and women are created in God's image  

    Racism is a sin, the effects of which have become painfully and violently evident in cities across the U.S. in recent weeks. The Catholic Church has always held that every human being, regardless of his or her skin color, is made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, has intrinsic value and worth. Racism destroys that dignity that God bestows. It has no place in our societies or in our hearts.

  • God of justice, In your wisdom you create all people in your image, without exception.
    Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being.
    Open our minds to understand that all your children are brothers and sisters in the same human family.
    Open our hearts to repent of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others.
    Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination, and their passionate appeals for change.
    Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history.
    And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven, and establish peace and equality for all in our communities.
    In Jesus’ name we pray.
    Amen.