 We need youth leaders with sound Catholic doctrine, who have the ability
to listen, and to guide our youth in their development as Black
Catholics who are proud of their Catholic and Black heritage. These
leaders must possess a strong cultural comfort level and be able to help
others to achieve the same. Cultural comfort level is defined as being
comfortable with being black and not allowing being black to be an
excuse for individual failures. We need youth leaders who are in touch
with the secular culture, yet not allowing that culture to transform
them but to witness to it, by the way of the light of Christ through the
prism of the Black Catholic experience. If the reason why you never
volunteered to be a youth leader is because no one asked, then we are
asking now. Too often our people say, "I am tired, let someone else do
it." This must be challenged, we must be firm, and let it be known that
it is the Lord who calls us to ministry and service, and he will
provide. Being tired should not be an excuse, for Christ's burden is
light and his yoke is easy, (Mt.11:30).
Rev. Paul Williams, OFM, Vicar for African American Catholics for the
Diocese of Charleston says, " If the White Catholic community knows how
to provide the best for their youth, why can't we as Black Catholics
provide for our youth? If the Black Baptist and Methodist churches know
how to provide for their youth, why can't we as Black Catholics provide
for our youth?"
Our youth is our future as Black Catholics. Our Black youth are hungry
for intimacy, community and spirituality. We must make sure that they
know that God loves them and accepts them as they are. In the Catholic
church, youth can find a lively faith, deep roots, comfort, peace, and
be challenged by vibrant social teachings. In the Catholic Church, youth
are able to identify themselves with something in society. They will be
proud to boast that they are Black, Catholic and Proud! In doing so, we
must revisit our National Plan of Action, from the National Black
Catholic Congress, Inc. Principle: Youth and Young Adults to nurture
growth. The actions steps will guide us through the coming years and
lead to success with our youth, and thus a strengthening of not only our
Black Parishes, but also the entire Catholic Church in the United States
of America.
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