Zoom Workshop Presented by
Contemplative Outreach Chicago and
the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee
Sunday, April 11, 2021
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT
A contemplative gaze renders the world sacramental.
– Elizabeth Johnson
Contemplation and racism are opposites. In Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices, we find a path that opens us up to oneness, while racism denies this reality, insisting instead on the “otherness” of those who may be different from us in appearance or culture.
This workshop will begin with a 30-40 minute contemplative experience, led by Alan Krema, coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Chicago. This will include Centering Prayer as well as body prayer and guided meditation to expand our experience from being centered in the thinking mind to include the moving and emotional centers of our being in the work. In opening ourselves to a greater and more connected state of awareness, we can share our being more openly with others, including others of different backgrounds.
The remainder of the workshop will be presented by members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee (ARC). This committee is a multicultural mix of sisters and lay persons.
Main topics during this second part of the program will include:
- Sharing current stories of racism and resistance
- Becoming aware of microaggressions
- Recognizing and working to eliminate white privilege
Each main topic will be followed by a breakout room discussion session, and the workshop will conclude with a discussion of participants’ responses and hopes, and a prayer for our future.
Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate
Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) Mission Statement
Mindful of the sin of racism and our call to dismantle it in our society, our Anti-Racism Committee is working to raise consciousness and educate within our Congregation, among our Associates, in the institutions we sponsor and in the communities where we live and work.
Click here to register
All are welcome. There is no charge for this workshop. You will have the option of making a freewill donation, if you like, after registering. We hope you will join us on this exploration at the intersection of contemplation and action.
Please email registrar@centeringprayerchicago.org for any questions.
Workshop Presenters
The initial contemplative experience will be led by Alan Krema. In addition to being a presenter of Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer for Contemplative Outreach, Alan is a Wisdom student of Cynthia Bourgeault and has completed the Living School program at the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is a long-time practitioner of Centering Prayer as well as facilitator of several Centering Prayer groups. Alan currently serves as chapter coordinator for Contemplative Outreach Chicago and is a member of the Shalem Institute program for Group Spiritual Leadership.
The remainder of the workshop, focused on anti-racism topics, will be led by members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee (ARC), including:
LaKisha Cameron, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Joliet Catholic Academy. Through this position she helps support and educate staff, faculty and students while continuing to build an inclusive environment for the JCA community that is grounded in Catholic principles.
KC Crino, a Secular Franciscan. He is the Midwest US Area Director for One Collective, a global NFP which brings people together to help the oppressed and vulnerable. KC is a peace circle facilitator and utilizes restorative practices in his work with at-risk youth.
Sr. Rosemary Fonck, a member of the Governing Board of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and the liaison to the Anti-Racism Committee. She has had many experiences working with racial justice, especially in her 10 years as a Pastoral Minister in Alabama.
Allison Heard, the Director of Institutional Diversity at the University of St. Francis and also the Title IX Coordinator. She is the liaison between the University and the Anti-Racism Committee.
Jennifer Johnson, a Retired Elementary School Principal in Joliet. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a member of Sacred Heart parish in Joliet.
Marilyn McGowan, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. She is a retired teacher and an active volunteer for several organizations.
Sr. Albert Marie Papesh, a member of Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and, currently, she is a member of St. Clare House of Prayer. She is an active volunteer and board member for several organizations. She is also a founding member of the Anti-Racism Committee.
Sr. Lois Prebil, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and a founding member of the Anti-Racism Committee. She has worked with Anti-Racism for over 20 years, beginning with ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She now serves as Coordinator of ARC.