Overcoming Racism -
Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors
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We are committed to Justice, Healing, and Unity
Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the social doctrine of the Church, we believe that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God - and that racism in all its forms is a grave injustice that wounds both individuals and communities.
Our mission is to foster healing, promote justice, and build bridges of understanding within the Church and beyond. Through prayer, education, dialogue, and action, we seek to live out the call of Catholic social teaching: to love our neighbor, defend human dignity, and stand in solidarity with the marginalized.
Join us in this journey of faith and transformation. Together, with Christ at the center, we can build a more just and compassionate world.
For more information, please contact Clare Kalemba at [email protected].
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Moved be the Spirit - November 10, 2025
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Spirit and Light: Catholic Collaborative for Living Faith presents "MOVED BY THE SPIRIT: Black Catholic Men and Women of Faith and Action" with Dr. Vanessa White, D.Mi.
- WHEN - Monday, November 10 at 7:00 PM
- WHERE - McDonough Hall at St. Giles Campus located at 1101 Columbian in Oak Park, IL - NW corner of Columbian Avenue and Greenfield Street
- SUGGESTED DONATION - $10
- SPONSORS - Co-sponsored by Dominican University - St. Catherine of Siena Center and Oak Park Catholic Parishes - Overcoming Racism as a People of Faith
- QUESTIONS - For more information, please contact Marci Madary at [email protected]
C. Vanessa White is Associate Professor of Spirituality and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and Director of the Certificate in Black Theology and Ministry. She holds a dual appointment as Associate Director of the Th.M. Program (Master of Theology) at Xavier University’s Summer Institute for Black Catholic Studies as well as adjunct in pastoral ministry at Santa Clara University. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree with a concentration in Spirituality, a Master of Theological Studies degree with emphasis in mission and cross-cultural studies.
Dr. White is a member and on the board of Directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America (CTSA), as well as member of the American Academy of Religion (AAR). the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality and the Black Catholic Theological Symposium (BCTS), She is also a member of the National Black Storytellers Association as well as the National Association of Storytellers, as well as a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order. She was appointed delegate for the Intercontinental Stage of the Synodal Process where she continues to remain active in promoting synodality.
Her articles, essays and book reviews have appeared in New Theology Review, U.S. Catholic, AMERICA, National Catholic Reporter and CNN.org. She has authored essays, chapters on Black Catholic life in the books Black Catholic Studies Reader (CUA, 2023), Divine Interruptions: Maternal Theologies (Paulist Press, 2024). Her research is focused on the intersections of spirituality and praxis and is attentive to issues of discernment, health, racial justice, diversity/intercultural dialogue, spiritual and ministry formation, spiritual practice, issues of self-care and wellness as well as themes pertinent to the life of Black Catholics.
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