Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Recently, I called for an urban initiative because the Church’s presence in the city is at the heart and the core of the Gospel message. Our mission is to bring Christ to every corner of our city and our entire archdiocese. We are called to address issues of poverty, unemployment, crime and violence wherever they occur.

With 10 shootings in seven days, in and around the city of Milwaukee, it is paramount that something changes now. I am calling on our Catholic parishes to be beacons of light that shine in our community. I want our parishes and schools to be the collective force that creates a culture of peace and hope in southeastern Wisconsin. We begin by challenging the contemporary norm, that violence is simply a normal part of life in the city, in “those” neighborhoods or anywhere. It is not and cannot be.

Violence in our culture is fed by multiple forces. No one group or individual can address these diverse issues. If we are to affect real change, we must unite our efforts.

I don’t have a solution. Sometimes, the Church has failed in thinking we know all the answers.  Even our own presence as a Church in this city has diminished over the past 20 years. At times, many felt like they were alone in their struggles. But I want you to know this: the Church stands with you, next to you, alongside you. As Archbishop, I pledge to be with you.

This is not simply a problem of the central city of Milwaukee. This is not a problem of one, but a problem of all; regardless of the city, suburb or rural community in which you live, within our 10 counties. We need to lock arms and join together to serve the Common Good. This is the task of the Church: to bring together those who wish to collaborate for the good of all.

The dignity of the human person and the respect for human life is not just one more activity to do, but rather an embodiment of who we are. One death is too many and 10 shootings in seven days is an epidemic. We cannot accept only to contain or reduce this senseless violence, but to marshal our elimination efforts.

We need to work together, to ensure people have jobs and can earn living wages. Quality education must provide a way to break the cycle of poverty. There must be incentives for commerce and business to thrive in our cities as job providers. Not just the local convenience store, but stable neighborhood businesses that employ people and contribute to the stabilization of neighborhoods. We need jobs that allow people to own their own properties and take pride in their neighborhoods.

We need to strengthen our families, where strong role models are offered to the young men and women hungry for examples of virtue that can only be provided by mothers, fathers, grandparents. We need to establish a coordinated effort between members of the local community and law enforcement, which would shine a light on those attempting to prey upon the vulnerable within our communities – especially our seniors and the young.

We must see all as contributors. There can be no room for those who do not desire a better community for themselves and their children. In this sense, we will create a new environment because it will require that all sacrifice and take responsibility for a peaceful and stable community.   

In the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis writes, “The new Jerusalem, the holy city (cf. Rev 21:2-4), is the goal towards which all of humanity is moving. It is curious that God’s revelation tells us that the fullness of humanity and of history is realized in a city. We need to look at our cities with a contemplative gaze, a gaze of faith which sees God dwelling in their homes, in their streets and squares. God’s presence accompanies the sincere efforts of individuals and groups to find encouragement and meaning in their lives. He dwells among them, fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice. This presence must not be contrived but found, uncovered. God does not hide himself from those who seek him with a sincere heart, even though they do so tentatively, in a vague and haphazard manner.”

Sometimes, we don’t know where to begin. The challenges seem overwhelming. At times like that, I choose to begin where, as Catholics, we begin all things – in prayer. God does not hide himself from those who seek him with a sincere heart.

On August 13, I will preside at a Mass for peace in our city, at 6:30 p.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1927 N. 4th St., Milwaukee (4th and Brown St.). I invite you to join me for Mass, after which, we will hold a candlelight vigil outside the church, inviting the entire community to stand with us and pray for peace. Perhaps that candle will begin to shine a light, one that produces a confidence that, with God, all things are possible. 

Just as Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, so we weep in solidarity at the deaths of our brothers and sisters in our city. We call for an end to this violence and the ability of our brothers and sisters to live in peace. To achieve that end, we promise to work together to find solutions for the societal ills that plague us. In doing so, we respond to Jesus’ call to Love One Another.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the July 14, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.