"We are all aware of the turmoil and tragedy our St. Louis community is experiencing," he said in a letter to Catholics of the archdiocese.
After visiting Ferguson, about 17 km from downtown St. Louis, and offering prayers at a memorial there to 18-year-old Michael Brown, Carlson said he has been observing and reflecting "through much prayer" on what has taken place on a daily basis since the Aug. 9 shooting, the events that have gone back and forth from peaceful protests to violence and looting.
Brown's shooting has brought renewed attention to deep racial tensions in Ferguson and long-standing divisions between minorities and law enforcement. Brown was black, and the police officer who shot him is white.
"I find strength in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: 'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,' ” Carlson said. "In all circumstances, but especially in these difficult times, we are all called to be instruments of peace through our words and actions."
He quoted Pope Francis as saying: "All men and women of good will are bound by the task of pursuing peace."
Carlson invited Catholics to attend an early evening Mass for peace and justice he planned to celebrate Aug. 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. He said that during the Mass, a special collection would be taken for funds to assist food pantries and parishes in the Ferguson area that offer assistance to those who have been affected by the looting and destruction of property.
He encouraged all parishes in the archdiocese to offer Masses "for peace in our community" and have other activities such as a Holy Hour or a parish rosary as part of the effort. As Catholic schools start the new year, he has asked them to begin a daily rosary for peace and to offer special intentions during all school Masses.
He also noted in his letter that Catholic Family Services, an agency of Catholic Charities of the archdiocese, has made counselors available to any Catholic school that requests assistance. The agency has also publicized tips for parents and schools when dealing with crisis situations, he said.
"Pope Francis has encouraged us again and again to ask Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, to intercede for us in difficult circumstances," Carlson said, referring to a special Marian devotion of the Pope. He urged all in the St. Louis Archdiocese to join him in praying to Mary and her son, Jesus, "for peace and justice in our community."