In the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, Catholics have grown from a tiny minority into a major force in American life, especially in the field of education. Now is a fitting and urgent time— and Philadelphia a fitting place— for Catholic schools to embrace a leadership role in making the sacred affirmation of human equality enshrined in our founding document a living reality in the United States, especially for our young people.

This symposium will invite 150 educators from Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to participate in a day of prayer, learning, networking and active engagement with classroom-ready materials on racial healing. Mentoring by seasoned educators for teachers, departments or schools who adopt those materials will be provided for a sustained period following the symposium.

The convener of the symposium is New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism, an independent organization partnered with Cranaleith Spiritual Center, an apostolic work of the Sisters of Mercy, and supported in part by a donor-advised grant at the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. New Encounters works regularly with offices in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and offers online and in-person programs that promote encounter, formation and action directed toward personal and institutional racial healing. Their programs draw deeply from the wellsprings of Catholic scriptures, sacraments, sacred seasons and saints—always guided by the Holy Spirit.

Lunch is provided. Act 48 Credits available. Includes resource materials to take home.

For further information, contact Dr Mary Laver at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com