Ethnic and Racial Ministry

The Archdiocese of Chicago has developed and is promulgating Racism and Ethnic Sensitivity Workshops in every parish in Cook and Lake counties. The Archdiocese has divided the training into three segments. Phase I introduces participants to the workshop; Phase II continues the training and joins four parishes in a partnership to continue the workshops locally; Phase III is the sponsoring of a workshop by the four parishes.

The Our Lady of Knock Parish has participated in the Phase I of the racial and ethnic sensitivity workshop.

These workshops were designed as a result of the surveys that were reported in the Decisions Document under Cardinal Bernardin's leadership. Cardinal George has continued the workshops and had added his enthusiastic support. The workshops are being held throughout the Archdiocese in an effort to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of our similarities and our differences as Catholic Christians. Everyone who has attended one of the workshops has enjoyed it and come away with new insights. Please join us for an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding.

Anyone with a heart ready for renewal and growth will benefit from this workshop. It is designed to meet the needs of people who want Christ to be more active in their lives and are brave enough to try something new.

If you wish to sign up or need more information please call the Rectory, 708-862-3011 and Fr. Lyons will put you in contact with one of the team members.

South Suburban Action Coalition (SSAC)

Our Lady of Knock has been a strong supporter of this Community Action Organization since its foundation.  Early efforts led to the successful establishment of the Cardinal Bernardin Senior Resident Home run by Catholic Charities.  It has worked in the area of housing with New Cities, concern for educational funding thru statewide efforts rather than limited to area efforts, bringing jobs to this area with support for the Peotone Airport, and other efforts of common interest to the Southeast section of Illinois.

Metropolitan Alliance of Clergy (MAC)

In the organizational structure that would take us to statewide efforts, the next rung in the ladder is the Metropolitan Alliance of Clergy.  The Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the founding members of this Ecumenical based group that works on similar issues as does SSAC and more.