Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic movement for peace with justice, is seeking a Washington, D.C.-based Executive Director to coordinate and grow the grassroots movement. The Director will provide leadership to advance the profile and impact of this movement that continuously strives to be anti-racist and diverse.
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From a Black Catholic perspective and
experience, the cultivation of a positive parish environment happens when our unique cultural experiences are widely celebrated as essential to realization of the universality of the Body of Christ.
USCCB Pastoral Letter on Racism was approved on November 14, 2018. The full text of the letter can be downloaded by clicking on the image to the right. For resources for parishes and schools published by the USCCB to accompany the Pastoral Letter, click here.
https://www.ourrichhistory.com
BostonCatholic.org
Archdioceseof Boston
Employment Opportunity
Family Life Consultant (FT), Lifelong Faith Formation and Parish Support, Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship, Pastoral Center, Braintree
The Family Life Consultant will assist the Director of Family Life and Ecclesial Movements in the Archdiocesan efforts to offer support, trainings, formation and resources for parishes in marriage ministries, natural family planning, separated, divorced and struggling marriages and Baptismal preparation.
Other responsibilities include assisting with the support of ecclesial movements such as, but not limited to, Scouting, Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, CYO athletics, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal, etc.
Article by David Mathis
Executive Editor, desiringGod.org
There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the precious blood of the Lamb.
Happy memories flood my mind when I hear these words. We sang them often in church when I was young — bobbing up and down on our toes. The best church songs in the South were toe-bobbers. And my father seemed to love “Power in the Blood” most of all. I could tell he would sing louder than normal on this one, and I’d follow suit. I think the whole congregation sang with more gusto than usual, but I couldn’t hear them well with the two of us both raising our voices.
Christians of all stripes and leaning affirm there is indeed power in the blood of Jesus. Word- and Spirit-shaped souls feel that intuitively, but have you ever paused to ask how? Is the magic blood? If there is power in his blood, how do we explain the reality? What truths operate
CLEAR & SIMPLE
André Reigner uses his decades of evangelization experience to describe a solid but flexible approach to sharing the Gospel. Learn how to bring Christ to others with charity, simplicity, and no compromises to the truth.
VOLUME 1
Messiah
New Testament
Immerse: Messiah is the first of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Messiah takes the reader on a unique journey through every book of the New Testament. Each section of Messiah begins with one of the Gospels, and together they combine to provide a life-changing reading experience centered on Jesus. This fresh arrangement of the books highlights the depth of the New Testament’s fourfold witness to Jesus the Messiah. The Son of God, who fulfills all the longings and promises of the collected Scriptures, can be experienced in Messiah through the rich variety of lenses provided by the books of the new covenant.
Calendar of Events
National Center for Victims of Crime
1-202-467-8700
www.victimsofcrime.org
National Human Trafficking Resource Center/Polaris Project
Call: 1-888-373-7888 | Text: HELP to BeFree (233733)
www.polarisproject.org
Opening ourselves to the mystery
Eucharistic adoration and the Mass
by Emily J. Besl
After years of abandoning the practice, many Catholic parishes once again offer regular opportunities for eucharistic adoration. While some enthusiastically embrace this practice, others associate it with unappealing aspects of pre-Vatican II piety. In a time when the centrality of the Mass has been recovered and frequent Communion is the norm, how might Catholics of the new millennium approach eucharistic adoration?
One possible approach may be gleaned from the apostolic letter Pope John Paul II wrote in October 2004 to announce the Year of the Eucharist. Called Mane Vobiscum (Latin for "stay with us"), this letter, at one point, asks us to reverse our usual way of looking at things: "We are constantly tempted to reduce the Eucharist to our own dimensions," says John Paul II, "while in reality it is we who must open ourselves up to the dimensions of the Mystery" (n. 14). Read more...
A panel of nationally recognized leaders will discuss how to create and foster constructive conversations about race and prejudice in Catholic schools, churches, homes and communities. In a time of heated secular politics, tragic current events and a backdrop of historical prejudice, the panel will share practical insights drawing from the best of the Catholic Social Thought tradition. This conversation aims to build capacity among Catholic school and pastoral leaders to lead conversations about racism and other biases. Participants are invited to ask questions. We look forward to a very active conversation.
Register to view the 1 hour 15 minute webinar by clicking here.
USCCBClips Podcast: Episode 20 - Open Wide Our Hearts- The Pastoral Letter Against Racism, With Danielle Brown, listen by clicking here.
Director of Development
Full-Time | Development Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Overview
Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the President, the Director of Development will design and execute on a comprehensive development strategy for Dynamic Catholic. The Director of Development will lead and execute on both our $100MM campaign for Dynamic Parish and the foundational Ambassador’s Club, as well as on ongoing fundraising efforts. He/she will also lead and grow the ten person development team.
Most Reverend William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, issued a statement for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The full text can be downloaded by clicking the image to the left.
Cultural Diversity in the Catholic Church in the United States
The Cara Report created for the USCCB contains statistical information about the different minorities in the Catholic Church.
Click image below to download.
"Give the Greatest Gift of All,
A Little of Your Time"
DAILY READINGS
Click on the reading for each day
to access the entire entry.
See Heaven and Earth Collide
We might understand, on an intellectual level, why the Mass is so important. But do we really know what worship itself is—or why we need it in our lives?
The Mass: An Introduction video series is a perfect way to learn why the Eucharistic celebration is the center of Catholic life. Click below to watch the trailer now!
To learn more about these openings, click here.
Feel free to pass this email on to anyone who might be interested!
Position Reports to: Manager of Facility Maintenance
Department: Physical Plant Services
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a half-hour lunch break. Occasional overtime is required.
Please apply online: Franciscan University Staff Positions
POSITION SUMMARY
The Electrical/General Maintenance Technician installs, repairs, troubleshoots and maintains building electrical equipment and distribution systems. The individual in this role also installs, repairs and troubleshoots the campus fire alarm, security, and lighting control systems, as well as aspects of exterior and interior lighting systems, as described below.
The NBCC extends congratulations and best wishes to the newly-elected General Council of The Josephites:
Most Reverend John Ricard, Superior General; Very Reverend Thomas Frank, Vicar General;
and Very Reverend Ray Bomberger, Consultor General.
Please join us in prayer for the success of their ministry.
ORDER YOUR
Wearable Black Catholic Art!
Did you Miss the Recent Webinar on Racism?
The recorded webinar by Donna Grimes is now available to view:
Date: June 19, 2019
Position Available: Electrical/General Maintenance Technician
Racism and Racial Justice Resources for Catholics
“What Would Jesus Do,” and its anagram “WWJD,” was a trendy statement popularized many years ago by young people all around the United States. One would be hard-pressed not to see the phrase or its anagram printed on t-shirts, wristbands, backpacks, stickers, or anywhere one could find free advertising space in high traffic areas. The brilliance behind the “WWJD” marketing thrived on the moral conscious of millions of Christians and people of good will seeking to espouse their beliefs in a way that encouraged thoughtful reflection instead of combative or sarcastic criticism. “WWJD” in some ways replaced the cross or crucifix at the time as the mark of a devout Christian, a symbol serving as a constant reminder for the bearer to consciously consider the mind and will of Jesus Christ as they encountered the ills and thrills of life.
In hindsight, however, it feels as if that particular slogan was as helpful to our collective and individual spiritual development as a daily serving of twelve pounds of red meat is helpful to a heart-healthy, low cholesterol diet. Read more...
Fr. Augustus Tolton, former African American slave, advances toward sainthood
By Courtney Grogan
Vatican City, Jun 12, 2019 / 05:03 am (CNA).- Fr. Augustus Tolton advanced along the path to sainthood Wednesday, making the runaway slave-turned-priest one step closer to being the first black American saint.
Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtue of Fr. Tolton June 12 making him “venerable” within the Church, only two steps away from canonization. With the decree, Catholics are now authorized to pray directly to Tolton as an intercessor before God.
August 2019
August 2nd through August 7th
104th Annual National
Convention
In Atlanta at the Sheraton Atlanta
Hotel. The annual meeting of the
organization will bring over 1000 Catholic
family members from around the country to
Atlanta. In addition to business sessions, several activities are planned including community service projects, the KPC Golf Classic at Southland Golf Course, Gospel Extravaganza, and the Founders Gala. The opening Mass will be celebrated at the Sheraton on Sunday, August 4th at 2:00 P.M. and is open to public. A public forum is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th from 6 - 8:00 P.M. at the Sheraton; the forum will address the organization’s five key social justice issues which includes Racism, Black Lives Matter, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and the Criminal Justice System. The convention’s opening session will be on Monday, August 5th at 9:00 A.M. at the Sheraton; local civic officials have been invited to attend the opening session.
Hospice Volunteers Needed
Hospice volunteers have been a part of how we've cared for our community for over 30 years.
We have many Volunteer Opportunities available:
Direct Patient Support
- Provide friendly, supportive visits, sharing interests, reading, active listening, hand-holding, bedside sitting & meal assistance
- Provide respite care, companionship to a patient while family member runs errands, etc.
- Assist with errands and homemaking tasks
under the surface when we celebrate, in shorthand, this wonder-working pow’r?
What Does the Blood Do?
The New Testament epistle to the Hebrews builds the bridge from the Old Testament sacrificial system (and its blood) to the new covenant and Jesus’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:7, 12). Throughout the Bible, blood represents life (for instance, Genesis 9:4), and the spilling or shedding of blood, in turn, depicts death (Leviticus 17:11, 14; Deuteronomy 12:23). Because the just penalty of human sin against God is death (Romans 6:23), the death of sanctioned animal sacrifices, through the presentation of their blood, stood in temporarily for the requirement of death for sinners. Yet the high priest had to return year after year, “repeatedly” (Hebrews 9:7; 9:25), because “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). The repeated animal sacrifices were delaying the inevitable, waiting on God’s fullness of times. One day a final reckoning for sin must come. Read more...
How can you become involved in prison ministry?
The NBCC asked Fr. Feddon how a parish team could begin a prison ministry program, and he responded to the following questions:
If this is to be a parish sponsored program, would permission have to be given by the diocesan bishop?
Yes, for any parish to begin this type of ministry it if first important to receive the blessing of the Bishop.
How would a committee approach a prison to begin ministering to the inmates?
The first step in approaching a prison or jail for ministry is to contact the chaplain. The chaplain will then direct you from there. Prisons differ state to state in their various rules when it comes to ministry, so the best thing to do is to ask the chaplain or whoever is in charge of ministries and services to help you get started.
What are some things that you think would be helpful for people to know as they begin prison ministry?
The first thing to know is this is sacred ministry where we are invited to minister and accompany those who are the lowest and poorest among us. Prison ministry is an opportunity to fulfill Christ's command to visit those imprisoned. It's also important to note that prison ministry is not about reforming prisoners nor changing their lives. If that is our approach we will fail and it will be miserable for all involved. Prison ministry is about us becoming the presence and light of Christ to those in isolation. It's also about us being open to the profound reality that often those whom we serve will minister to us. When we enter into greater proximity with those in prison, our lives will change and we will encounter God's mercy and justice in new ways. That is, if we're open to listening to those we encounter in these spaces. To be effective in these spaces of ministry, humility is essential. We have much to learn from those who are most marginalized in our society. For me, Michael, Tavares, Andre, Sederick, Joe [inmates Fr. Feddon has ministered to] and many others are my greatest teachers in this ministry.
Would prison ministers be allowed to bring in Bibles, study guides, etc.?
Often you can bring in study guides and items pertinent to the ministry, but usually, you can't bring in gifts for prisoners, however, you can as an organization donate items to the chapel through the mail.
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
1-800-537-2238
www.nrcdv.org and www.vawnet.org
Futures Without Violence: The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence
1-888-792-2873
www.futureswithoutviolence.org
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
1-312-726-7020 ext. 2011
www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org
Christ has called all of us to be evangelists. But many of us have no idea where to begin. It’s an intimidating task, and it’s often far outside our comfort zones.
While there is no perfect step-by-step guide to sharing the Gospel with everyone, there are fundamentals that can help you evangelize with confidence.
Our friends at Catholic Christian Outreach have highly effective resources to help you on your journey, both as an evangelist and as a disciple.
Use of NBCC Copyrighted Material
When using NBCC photos, videos, or staff-written articles, you acknowledge and agree that the NBCC is not responsible for any action taken or activity that occurs as a result of the information provided on this website. All proprietary items of the NBCC are subject to copyright, and may be used solely in a not-for-profit manner, and attribution must be made to the NBCC by including the following disclaimer: Used with permission of the NBCC ©NBCC 2019.
Content Available through the website is provided as-is: You acknowledge that the NBCC does not make any representations or warranties about the material, data, and information, such as data files, text, computer software, code, music, audio files or other sounds, photographs, videos, or other images (collectively, the “Content”) which you may have access to. Under no circumstances is the NBCC liable in any way for any Content, including, but not limited to: any infringing Content, any errors or omissions in Content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any Content posted, transmitted, linked from, or otherwise accessible through or made available via the website. You agree that you are solely responsible for your reuse of Content made available through the website, including providing proper attribution.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
www.ndvh.org
National Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
www.loveisrespect.org
Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center
International Toll-Free (24/7)
1-866-USWOMEN (879-6636)
www.866uswomen.org
National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
www.childhelp.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
www.rainn.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Grow in Discipleship
The CCO Faith Study series presents a clear path to the heart of Christ. The leader guides are especially useful for those who want to learn how to bring others back to Jesus.
The Precious Power of the Blood
Five Benefits Christ Purchased for You
July: Month of Devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus
By Gretchen Fitz | The Catholic Company
This article written by Cheryl Hadley, a Secular Carmelite living in North Carolina.
From the time of the Passion, when Christ poured out His blood for our salvation, the faithful have practiced devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. In the month of July, the Church honors the Precious Blood and encourages us in this devotion. The traditional feast day devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ is July 1st. Read more...
$29.95 SKU: R681DF
Order your exclusive NBCC Black Madonna and Child Rosary
Available
now from
Interested applicants should use this link for more information. Deadline to apply is July 1, 2019.
Executive Director – Job Description
Pax Christi USA (PCUSA) is a membership organization grounded in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching that rejects war, preparation for war, every form of violence and domination, and personal and systemic racism. A section of Pax Christi International, we are a Catholic peace and justice movement that seeks to model the Peace of Christ in our witness to the mandate of the nonviolence of the Cross.
PCUSA’s work is guided by its four initiatives: Spirituality of Nonviolence and Peacemaking; Disarmament, Demilitarization and Reconciliation with Justice; Economic and Interracial Justice in the United States; Human Rights and Global Restoration.
PCUSA is seeking an Executive Director to coordinate and grow the national Catholic movement for peace with justice by providing strategic leadership, ensuring the organization has sufficient resources, managing the National Office, collaborating with grassroots members nationwide, and furthering relationships Pax Christi International and with other social justice partners. The ideal candidate would understand the intersectional relationship between the four initiatives and be able to represent them publicly in a unified way.
Fr. Dustin Feddon also serves in pastoral ministry to those incarcerated throughout North Florida. In his work among the incarcerated he focuses especially on the needs of those in solitary confinement.
Join our mailing list:
The Responsibility of Catholic Schools and Churches to Talk about Racism
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Resources
Ascension is hiring!
We are a company built around the call to help people enrich their lives through the fullness of the Catholic Faith. We’re passionate, mission-driven professionals and we’re looking for talented people to join our team.
Our four current openings:
General Manager / Marketing Manager / Product Manager / Accounts Payable Clerk
The National Black Catholic Congress
JULY IS DEDICATED TO
The Most Precious Blood
OF OUR SAVIOR
JESUS CHRIST
Click the image above or click here for a downloadable pdf.
Employment Opportunities
August 2019
August 2nd through Sat 3rd
Black People and the Bible
Villa Maria Conference and Retreat Center,
1903 E Lake Shore Dr,
Springfield, IL 62712
Part I: Introduction to the Bible and
the Presence of Blacks in the Bible
Presenter: Sr. Addie Lorraine Walker, SSND,
PhD - Director of the Sankofa Institute
for African American Pastoral Leadership,
the Oblate School of Theology,
San Antonio, TX
Cost $40.00/person - Includes meals,
materials, and services
Register online at:
http://www.dio.org/plasm/events.html
For information call 217-698-8500, ext. 161
or email: dmoore@dio.org
Deadline for registration is July 22, 2019
August 2: Reception and opening educational session
Check-in 5:00 PM; Opening session 7:00 PM
August 3: Continuation of educational session
Breakfast 8:00 AM; lunch included.
(Art by Julie Lonneman)
“What Would Jesus Want Me to Do?” Cultivating a Positive Parish from a Black Catholic Perspective
Mr. Ashley Morris, Th.M., Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
Now Available:
Pastoral Plans of Action from Past Congresses
These instruments, issued shortly after each Congress, provide action steps for addressing the topics of concern presented during the Congress events. To download copies of the different Pastoral Plans, click button below.
Joseph House helps former inmates find true and lasting freedom
An interview with Fr. Dustin Feddon, Executive Director of Joseph House
By NBCC Staff
Mass incarceration is defined as “comparatively and historically extreme rates of imprisonment and by the concentration of imprisonment among young, African American men living in neighborhoods of concentrated disadvantage.”[1] A problem as complex as mass incarceration, with roots that reach back to the slave ships onloading human cargo along the coasts of Africa, may seem overwhelming and unsolvable, but
Fr. Dustin Feddon tackles the issue one person at a time.
Fr. Dustin Feddon, of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, sees mass incarceration as an extension of the infrastructure of inequality—a belief in the fundamental differences between blacks and whites—that allowed systems such as slavery, Black Codes, Jim Crow laws, and segregation to exist. The greatest residual impact of this inequality is seen in the south, and Florida has the distinction of possessing the highest incarceration rate[1] of any other state (or country), with a total prison population of over 100,000 men and women, and “more juveniles in adult prisons than any other state”, according to the Joseph House website. Of those 100,000 men and women, 95% will be released…and statistically, “two-thirds will return to prison within three years” without intervention (https://josephhouseus.org).
Which is why Joseph House was created.
Read more...
Position Announcement:
Executive Director
We welcome you to submit your upcoming events!
We would love to include your parish activities, upcoming organizational conferences, or arch/diocesan events. Please email your information to: nbcc@nbccongress.org and feel free to attach a pdf of your flier, advertisement, or logo for us to include.
Understanding Our Faith
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
© 2019 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
We hold ourselves accountable
to our baptismal commitment to
witness and proclaim the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
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