As we come to the middle of February, let us be reminded that this month is Black History Month.  Black History Month has been celebrated annually since 1926. The month of February was selected by its originator, Dr. Carter C.Woodson because this month marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the African-American population: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Dr. Woodson was the son of two former slaves who spent his childhood working in Kentucky coal mines.  He enrolled in high school at age twenty, graduated in two years, and later earned a Ph.D. So concerned that the black American population was largely ignored throughout American history, he began an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people. We thank Dr. Woodson for his work and continue to celebrate his vision.

God calls us to oneness, unity, and love.

As Scripture says,

"We are all children of God in Christ,

for there is neither Jew nor Greek,  for there is neither slave nor free,

there is neither male or female, And we are all one in Christ Jesus."

Let us call to mind that we are in God’s presence as we pray.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Gracious and loving God,

We thank you for being our companion as we journey.

through a world where there is a great deal of indifference.

We thank you for welcoming us just as we are.

We pray that you will transform us and make us the people you want us to be.

We pray for all these things through Christ, our Saviour.  Amen.

Ametur Cor Jesu!  Ametur Cor Mariae!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.