JOURNEY TOGETHER: A NATIONAL CATHOLIC INTERCULTURAL ENCOUNTER FOR MINISTRIES WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Journeying Together is a process of dialogue and encounter focused on the Church’s ministry with youth and young adults that fosters understanding and trust within and across cultural families toward a more welcoming and just community of faith.
The Edmundite
Graduate Fellows Program for African American Scholars
This teaching fellows program seeks to attract African American scholars to complete their doctoral studies at Saint Michael’s College, thereby advancing the rich tradition and history of the Edmundites and the College serving underrepresented communities and scholars.
For more information contact: Margaret Bass, PhD, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion mbass@smcvt.edu
smcvt.edu/edmundite-graduate-fellows-program
Pope Francis reflected on a "truly surprising fact" recounted in the Gospel of St. Matthew, noting what Our Lord did when a crisis arose. Read more...
When it seems evil prevails, stop and PRAISE: Francis explains Jesus' paradoxical lesson
By Kathleen N. Hattrup | Aleteia
In his apostolic letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (RVM), St. John Paul II tells how we are to assimilate the mysteries of the rosary by meditating on the life of Jesus as we contemplate each mystery. When we immerse ourselves into the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, and we are rewarded by the "fruits" of the mysteries listed below:
Key Objectives:
• Encounter God
• Acknowledgement of the intersection of our faith and femininity
• Moment-by-Moment
experience to peace and wholeness
• Journey through our
uniqueness as women of color
UPCOMING WEBINARS
(CNS photo/Bob Roller)
2020 in Review: In year of racial reckoning, Catholics joined protests, prayers
By Carol Zimmermann | Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) — This year, as tens of thousands of people nationwide protested racial injustices, Catholics similarly took to the streets and also joined in prayer services and discussions speaking out against inequalities and seeking a path forward. Read more...
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
- Proverbs 16:24
Unknown author, Public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons
TOGETHER, WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE LIFE
Use of NBCC Copyrighted Material
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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.
Facilitated by:
Tricia B. Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., LICSW, LCSW-C
With Panelists:
Robert J. Wingfield, Ph.D.
and Dwight Hollier,
LPC, NCC
Employment Opportunity
with Villanova University
Director of Mission Engagement
& Strategic Initiatives
Location: Villanova, PA
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months/Avg Hours
Position Summary:
The Director of Mission Engagement & Strategic Initiatives in the Office for Mission & Ministry will grow opportunities for collaboration and formation, especially in the area of Catholic Social Thought; serve as editor of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought; and support programming in the service of partnerships across the University and outreach to the local church, while implementing the Office for Mission & Ministry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially with regard to Black Catholicism.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in theology, philosophy, or sociology, with knowledge and publications in Catholic Social Thought.
- 5 years minimum experience in similar professional role.
Choctaw chief Greenwood LeFlore had 15,000 acres of Mississippi land (above, his Mississippi home Malmaison) and 400 enslaved Africans under his dominion.
(Library of Congress)
Where Did the Rosary Originate?
By D.D. EMMONS | SIMPLY CATHOLIC
Except for the Our Father, no Catholic prayer or devotion may be more revered than the Rosary.
Many say the Rosary daily, reciting this prayer not only in church but during special times and places we set aside. Many keep the beads in their pocket, hang them in cars, put them on bedposts. They may be part of the essentials carried every day, such as keys, wallets or purses. When lost or misplaced, many may feel incomplete until the beads are found or a new set is in their possession. But when did this whole idea of counting beads while praying begin? Where did the Rosary originate? Read more...
Questions? Contact us at journeytogether@usccb.org
BLACK CATHOLICS
- This is who we are -
Photo book containing beautiful images of Black Catholics, many photos from Congress 12 held in 2017 in Orlando Florida.
To view book and order, click here.
Cost: $59.79 + $11.99 S&H
Catch the new issue of the
Josephite
Harvest
for news, interviews & commentary.
Click on the image at right for adownloadable pdf file.
Sorrowful Mysteries:
Agony in the Garden: trust in God;
Scourging at the Pillar: purity;
Crowning with Thorns: fortitude;
Carrying of the Cross: perseverance in trials;
Crucifixion: forgiveness
for others.
Glorious Mysteries:
Resurrection: faith;
Ascension: hope;
Descent of the Holy Spirit: gifts of
the Holy Spirit;
Assumption: To Jesus
through Mary;
Coronation: final perseverance.
The National Black Police Association, Inc.
has issued instructions for
"What to do when stopped by the police."
Download this informative guide by clicking the button below.
St. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking Victims
Recorded Webinars
We upload a new prayer video every Saturday morning. Have a prayer request? Email us.
"Whether it be cross
or consolation, whether it be joy
or sorrow.
Trust Him."
Jazz singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959) continues to fascinate. Her life and work — the way she moved through the world — embodied myriad contradictions.
The outlines of her story are well known. Born in Philadelphia to an absent father, shuttled off first to relatives in Baltimore, then to Harlem and a mother who ran a “good-time” house. Read more...
With sorrow, the NBCC acknowledges the passing of Mrs. Jacqueline E. Wilson
A founding NBCC Board Member and a former Director of the Office of Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Washington, Jackie led many organizations dedicated to serving Black Catholics in the United States.
The Archdiocese of Washington Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach will be leading a special tribute to Mrs. Jackie Wilson during a Virtual MLK Mass on Saturday, January 16th at 5pm EST. View the livestream event by clicking here.
2021
MARCH FOR LIFE
TOGETHER STRONG: LIFE UNITES!
Laudate
Help the NBCC keep helping others.
Your donation makes it possible for us to give to programs that
benefit Black Catholics across the United States.
Being a Black Father in the United States of America
Tony Porter | June 8, 2020
I’m in pain. My community — my people — are hurting. And I’m hurting. I find myself calling my 21-year-old son — over and over — just to hear his voice. Just to tell him I love him. I’m struggling to explain what’s happening to my 8-year-old grandson. It’s too hard to look into his big, innocent, brown eyes and tell him the world doesn’t value him the same way it does his White friends. Yet, I have to educate him. I have to because knowing how the world sees him — and how he needs to respond — is what can help keep him safe. Read more...
Tony Porter is an author, educator, and activist working to advance social justice issues and the Chief Executive Officer of A Call to Men. Porter is internationally recognized for his efforts to prevent violence against women while promoting a healthy, respectful manhood.
Porter’s 2010 TED Talk has been named by GQ Magazine as one of the “Top 10 TED Talks Every Man Should See.” (View video below)
This issue features:
- What the appointment of the first African American Cardinal means to me, by Cathy Green-Miner
- Remembering African Americans on the road to Sainthood during Black Catholic History month
Sometimes, says Fr. Jim Blount, there are spiritual realities at work that may be blocking us. Blount is an exorcist, devoted to a ministry of healing and deliverance. Read more...
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
For Immediate Help, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
Select Resources
A Call to Men
Ujima: National Center on Violence Against Women in
the Black Community
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Marriage and Family Life Ministries: Domestic Violence
Catholics for Family Peace
Select Books/Publications
Tony Porter’s, Breaking Out of the Man Box: The Next Generation of Manhood
Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley’s, The Ultimate Betrayal: A Renewed Look at Intimate Partner Violence
Rise for Boys and Men of Color’s, Breaking Free from the Web of Violence
OPRE Report: Preventing and Addressing Intimate Violence When Engaging Dads
Tony Porter, A Call to Men – TedTalk
Bernadine Waller’s, Hindered Help: African American Partner Violence Victims – TedX Talk
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Stories of Transformation: Honoring Advocate Fathers
For Immediate Help, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255; Online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org (800) 969.6642
National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/Home
1-800-950-NAMI Monday to Friday 10AM - 6PM EST Or, in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free counseling
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline:
1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
Therapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com
If you’re experiencing a crisis and need to chat, please text TRIBE to 741741 in the US to chat with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Screening tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools
Mental Health Related Stats for Black/African-American Communities: https://mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health
Boys Town National Hotline, a 24/7 crisis and referral for children and families: https://www.boystown.org/hotline/Pages/default.aspx
Parenting Tips to Promote Open Communication:
https://www.boystown.org/parenting/Pages/Conversation-Starters.aspx
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/covid-19-resource-center
How Billie Holiday’s religious childhood shaped her haunting legacy
By Heather King | The Crux
The Upper Room Crisis Hotline
Training Program for Phone Counselors
Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C., was a Sudanese Italian Canossian religious sister who lived in Italy for 45 years, after having been a slave in Sudan. In 2000 she was declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
She was born c. 1869 in Darfur (now in western Sudan) in the village of Olgossa of the Daju people. She was surrounded by a loving family.
When she was 7–8 years old, she was seized by Arab slave traders, and was forced to walk barefoot about 600 miles to El-Obeid and was sold and bought twice before she arrived there. Read more...
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | 4:00-5:30 PM EDT
The Male Viewpoint on Domestic Violence
This webinar explores the role of men of faith in responding to domestic violence. Through an interactive panel discussion with male experts, we explore how to support men exposed to domestic violence, how to support healthy manhood conversations, and ways to build conversations with young men on these topics.
OCTOBER 28, 2020 | 4:00-5:30 PM EDT
Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith: How brain health impacts spiritual health, and vice-versa
This webinar focused on identifying what brain (mental) health is, its pervasiveness in the Black community and how we can be champions of change in our community around this issue.
National Prayer Vigil for Life
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Prayer Vigil for Life will be closed to the public but will still be televised by EWTN so millions can participate remotely. Please see the 2021 Vigil schedule and visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.
JANUARY IS
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
If we journey together, young and old, we can be firmly rooted in the present, and from here, revisit the past and look to the future. To revisit the past in order to learn from history and heal old wounds that at times still trouble us. To look to the future in order to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken prophecies, and enable hope to blossom. Together, we can learn from one another, warm hearts, inspire minds with the light of the Gospel, and lend new strength to our hands. Pope Francis | Christus Vivit 199
The Upper Room Crisis Hotline receives approximately 500 calls per month from throughout the United States and over 30 other countries up to this point. The Upper Room is a ministry in the Catholic tradition that serves and welcomes all callers regardless of their background. The Ministry is seeking volunteer phone counselors to serve the many callers in need of support that call the Hotline. In order to serve as a phone counselor, the individual must be a Catholic in good standing. While a mental health background is beneficial, it is not necessary. We are seeking individuals with integrity and a compassionate heart for serving others in need. There is no cost for the training program. The training program is conducted over a 7- 8 week period with two sessions per week. Each session is 2 hours long. The classes are conducted through Zoom from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays-Central time. Instructors are highly qualified, credentialed professionals with experience as university professors and years of experience in the fields of mental health, education, and ministry. Those interested in participating in the Upper Room Training Program may contact the Upper Room through our website: www.Catholichotline.org or contact Dr. Terry Smith, Executive Director, at 815-727- 4367.
Other News
Journeying Together is the USCCB’s contribution to the recent global Synod process and Christus Vivit, which both focused on the engagement and protagonism of youth and young adults. The vision of Journeying Together is to “translate” and implement Christus Vivit for the Catholic Church in the United States, as the process engages young people and ministry leaders from each and every cultural family in this country: African Americans; Asian and Pacific Islanders; European Americans; Hispanic/Latinos; Native Americans and Alaska Natives; and migrants (inclusive of ethnic communities), refugees, and people on the move. Read more...
Visit the NBCC Prayer Wall to see daily inspirational messages, ask for prayer, and pray for others. Click here.
The iBreviary -- Your portable breviary.
iBreviary brings the traditional Catholic prayer of the Breviary and all the texts of the Liturgy on your iPhone and iPad.
You can use it to pray with the full texts of the Liturgy of the Hours in five languages. Launch the application to see all of the texts of the day, formatted just as they appear in the printed version.
An exorcist teaches 4 steps to forgive
By Bret Thoman, OFS | Aleteia
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Portraits of the Black Catholic Men and Women
Rising to Sainthood
Download images by clicking on the portraits below
Click here to read biographies of the Holy Men and Women Rising to Sainthood
BISHOPS' SPOTLIGHT
Most Reverend
Shelton Fabre, V.G.
NBCC Winter 2020 E-Blast
Full copy available here or click button to print
Laudate -- The most popular and most comprehensive free Catholic App.
Daily Mass Readings, Order of Mass, Liturgy of Hours, New American Bible, Latin Mass, Latin Liturgy of Hours, Rosary and Latin Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Seven Sorrows Rosary, Chaplet of St. Michael, Holy Wounds Chaplet, St Jude Chaplet, and more.
At 20-years-old, Harvard junior Amanda Gorman is called "the next great figure of poetry in the U.S." In 2017 she made history by becoming the first ever Youth Poet Laureate of the United States of America. Read more...
Mental Health Disparities:
African Americans
Mental Health Status, Use of Services, and Disparities
• Rates of mental illnesses in African Americans are similar with those of the general population. However, disparities exist in regard to mental health care services. African Americans often receive poorer quality of care and lack access to culturally competent care.7
• Only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receives it.8 Read more...
New! Catholic Health Care Planning Video
Who will make decisions about your medical care if you get very sick or are nearing the end of your life? Our new one-hour on-demand webinar (above) will walk you through Catholic teaching, health care directives, and understanding options such as hospice or palliative care from experts who include Rev. Michael DeAscanis, STL; attorney Shannon Hammond; and nurse practitioner Joan Panke. Watch the video plus get a Catholic-friendly advanced directive (available in English and Spanish) for use in Maryland, resources on Catholic teaching, tips for talking with your family about your wishes, and more at mdcatholic.org/endoflife.
Volunteers Needed
Venerable Henriette Delille
To learn more about and support the cause of Venerable Henriette Delille: http://sistersoftheholyfamily.com
Resources for Catholics: Mobile Apps
THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD
Promoting the African American Candidates for Sainthood
Born on October 25, 1963 in New Roads, Louisiana, Bishop Fabre is the fifth of six children, and he was ordained a priest on Saturday, August 5, 1989 by Bishop Stanley J. Ott at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, LA. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2006 and he was later ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, and he was installed Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, LA, October 30, 2013.
Bishop Fabre has an MA in Religious Studies from the Katholiek Universiteit te Leuven in Louvain, Belgium and a BA in Religious Studies from the Katholiek Universiteit te Leuven in Louvain, Belgium and a BA in History from St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA.
BOSTON COLLEGE
School of Theology and Ministry
Agent of Transformation Awards
As the School of Theology and Ministry, we seek to form faith-filled leaders committed to transformation in our Church and world. This new series of scholarships – the Agent of Transformation Awards – is geared toward applicants committed to God’s vision for justice in each of the following areas. Though certainly not exhaustive, the following awards and fellowships celebrate the myriad of ways that students work creatively toward a more just and inclusive Church and world. These awards will cover between 50% - 100% of the recipient's tuition costs.
Lift Every Voice Fellowship
"What does it mean to be Black in the Church in society?” In 1989, Sr. Thea Bowman gave a moving speech to the USCCB and raised this important question. She goes on, “It means that I come to my Church fully functioning...I bring myself; my black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become." This fellowship recognizes the need for transformative ministry and amplified voices in pursuit of racial justice and reconciliation – working to heal the sins of our Church and nation. Candidates for this fellowship should demonstrate a commitment to the work of anti-racism and show potential for critical thinking and advocacy around the intersection of theology and race. Read more...
In addition to a scholarship award, students awarded this fellowship have the opportunity to participate in an externship with the Archdiocesan Social Justice Ministry office (pending interview with supervisor to ensure mutual fit).
CatholicTV Mass
9:30 am | 12:30 - 7 & 11:30 pm ET
iBreviary HD
Deacon Larry Oney of
Hope and Purpose Ministries
A Prayer for Our Nation
Joyful Mysteries:
Annunciation: humility;
Visitation: love of neighbor;
Birth of Jesus: detachment;
Presentation: obedience;
Finding in the Temple: greater commitment & devotion to Jesus.
Luminous Mysteries:
Baptism: openness to the Holy Spirit;
Miracle at Cana: Mary’s intercession;
Proclamation of the Kingdom & Repentance: Christian witness
and conversion;
Transfiguration: courage to bear
the cross;
Institution of the Holy Eucharist:
greater love for the Eucharist.
Billie Holiday at the Downbeat Jazz Club in New York City, 1947. (Wikimedia Commons)
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From
Destiny
Productions
ESSAYS&COLUMNS
Insights from Black Catholic women
by C. Vanessa White
Over the past few weeks, NCR has given space to various Black scholars and writers, as they have reflected on the current societal challenges of pandemic, police shootings and protest while addressing the systemic racism and violence perpetrated on Black bodies. The voice that has been largely missing from this discourse has been the voices of Black Catholic women, whose pain has been magnified as they witness the death of members of their families, the continued abuse of their sisters, and the systemic racism that has been embedded in our nation for more than 400 years. Read more...
- Part 1: "Black Catholic women: voice embodied" by Kathleen Dorsey Bellow
- Part 2: "My unbridled tongue challenges inequities that threaten Black women's lives" by Valerie D. Lewis-Mosley
- Part 3: "Black lives matter in the worshipping church" by Kim R. Harris
The Assumptions of White Privilege and What We Can Do About It
by Bryan N. Massingale
Five Theologians on the Biggest Takeaways from Fratelli Tutti
by C. Vanessa White, Kate Ward, Drew Christiansen, Kevin Ahern, Vincent
J. Miller.
The Miracle of Morning
by Youth Poet Laureate
Amanda Gorman
CBS This Morning
For more information:
Bee at Peace, LLC
1031 State St NW Unit 308
Atlanta, GA 30318 (678) 485-1319 Beeatpeace2017@gmail.com
$20.00 to $24.00
10-MONTH WEBINAR SERIES
NEXT EPISODE: Sunday, Feb. 7th
6:00-7:30 PM EST
What’s Our Story? Chptr. 7:
Topic TBA
Presenters: Lauren Morton and
Justin T. White
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
® 2021 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
The Seed in the Mud
An Inspirational Short Story
Once upon a time there was a seed buried in the mud.
It was in dark blackness. It was cold and wet. It shivered. It was just plain no fun.
It was icky. It was dirty. It was muddy. It was mucky. It was stuck in the mud.
How it got there is a little 3 sentence story.
One nice breezy Fall day, it had fallen on the ground. Read more...
Prayer to Overcome Racism
Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other.
We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another.
We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society.
We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person.
Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us. Amen.
2021 Josephite African American History and Educational Calendar
For orders over 20,
please call the
Josephite Pastoral
Center for processing
at (202) 526-9270.
2021 Calendars are $5.60 each (1-20).
Custom Imprint for calendars is available for purchases of 100 or more. Please call the Pastoral Center office at (202) 526-9270 to acquire those details.
January Respect Life Events
Click images for more information
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is taking applications for the position of Chaplain for the Women's Correctional Facility.
Duties:
The Chaplain shall provide the following services to the Catholic population in a fashion consistent with the beliefs and practices of the faith (addt'l duties);
- Develop monitor and deliver worship services, including Mass
- Provide instructional and personal growth opportunities,
- Addressing spiritual and emotional needs through pastoral counseling,
To apply or for more information, contact:
Dcn. Seigfried Presberry
Director, Office of Prison Ministry
SPresberry@archbalt.org, 410-547-5575
or
Steve Anderson
Manager, Human Resources
Sanderson@archbalt.org, 410-547-5513
Did you miss an episode?
Click the videos below to watch now!
Check out the latest issue of
In a Word!
The formative experience of Bee at Peace is rooted in Ignatian Spirituality.
Bee At Peace will addresses the Pastoral Plan
of Action established by the National
Black Catholic Congress through
evangelization of young adults, unchurched, and domestic violence towards women.
Five Focus Areas to
exceed objectives:
• Honeycombs – monthly small faith
sharing circles
• Just Bee Quiet – a progressive series of
silent retreats
• Practicum Site for Spiritual Directors
• Development of Educational Grants
and Scholarships for Spiritual
Directors of Color
• Funding for Spiritual Direction and retreats
9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
How Native American Slaveholders Complicate the Trail of Tears Narrative
The new exhibition ‘Americans’ at the National Museum of the American Indian prompts a deeper dive for historic truths
By Ryan P. Smith | SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
When you think of the Trail of Tears, you likely imagine a long procession of suffering Cherokee Indians forced westward by a villainous Andrew Jackson. Perhaps you envision unscrupulous white slaveholders, whose interest in growing a plantation economy underlay the decision to expel the Cherokee, flooding in to take their place east of the Mississippi River. Read more...
The National Black Catholic Congress®
By VOA News
Pope Formally Expands Women's Roles in Catholic Church
by Peter Feuerherd | NCR
Thomas Merton's writings on race resonate, gain renewed attention in 2020
From CatholicPhilly.com
Joint ministry unites two parishes in fight against racism