MARIANISTS AT WORK
FR. TED CASSIDY— STRIVING TO END RACISM

“Racism is a dysfunctional social system created by human beings that is like a hurricane. It is a way of living and thinking that has enormous negative effects assuming its own powerful force,” writes Fr. Ted Cassidy in his new booklet, “The Hurricane of Racism.”

After 10 years of research, Fr. Ted wrote the booklet as a guide to conquering racism. He points out that racism was built by human beings and therefore can be dismantled by them. His book offers practical steps to understand and begin the dismantling process.

Fr. Ted, who has a doctor of ministry degree from Catholic University of America, has served as a teacher, pastor, novice master and chaplain, and has worked extensively on issues of social justice and racism throughout his ministry. While a pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Eldersburg, Md., he gave workshops on the nature of racism and the dynamics involved in stopping it . “It works like a dysfunctional family,”said Fr. Ted. “It’s basically a misuse of power that becomes so strong in society it develops a life of its own, like a storm or hurricane.”

Today as chaplain of the Cape May Retreat Center in New Jersey, Fr. Ted and his coworkers, have made successful attempts at reaching out to African Americans and Hispanics, inviting them to the community and to retreats. Cape May has been congratulated in the local media for its efforts against racism.

Fr. Ted explains that his booklet offers a simple model to enable people to understand the dynamics of racism and what they can do to bring about change. The book is available for $12.50 and can be ordered by contacting Fr. Ted.