When we have once placed ourselves entirely in the hands of God, we need apprehend no evil; if adversity comes, He knows how to turn it to our advantage, by means which will in time be manifested to us.
St. Vincent de Paul
The Responsibility of Catholic Schools and Churches to Talk about Racism
Institute for Black Catholic Studies
2020 Continuing Education and Spiritual Enrichment (C&E) Course Offerings
March 21, 2020
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can't file by the July 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request an extension to file their return.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Pax Christi USA is hiring for a new communications director
Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace
and justice movement. We work for a more
peaceful, just and sustainable world through prayer, study and action.
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
Over 11,000 Sold!
Craving Human Interaction During this
Time of Social Distancing?
Online Masses & Programs
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.
WEEK 3: JULY 13 - JULY 17, 2020
The Elders Retreat. Age 55+
Chaplain Thelma Lucas, Th.M. (M-F, 9:00-
11:45AM, 2:00-4:00PM – Limited Registration)
Race and the Catholic Imagination
Carey Dabney, Ph.D. Cand. (M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
Going PPLACESS with Catechesis
Sharon Winchester (M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
The African Diaspora: Finding a Way Beyond
“Us and Them”
Rev. Kwame Assenyoh, Ph.D. Cand.
(M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
The Arts and Christian Ministry
Louise Mouton Johnson, MFA (M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
To Apply: New C&E Students; Returning C&E Students
Download complete course descriptionshere
iBreviary HD
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in St. Amant. LA
DAILY READINGS
Paperback
$8.95
Hardcover
$9.95
Leatherette
$24.95
Join our mailing list:
XAVIER SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
invites you to celebrate Black History Month
with exciting publications in braille and audio.
WEEK 1: JUNE 29 - JULY 3, 2020
Building Multicultural Competency in Ministry
Donna Grimes and Fr. Gerard Marable, Th.M.
(M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
A Theology of ‘Black Lives Matter’ – Initiating the Conversation
Diana Hayes, PhD, Brian Turner, PhD, Manuel
Williams, CR, Th.M., Heather Malveaux, MPH.
(M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
African American Spirituality
Carey Dabney, Ph.D. Cand. (M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
The Catholic Church: Forging a Path to Racial Justice
Megan Black, M.Div. (M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
Preaching from the Pews
Fr. Manuel Williams, CR, Th.M.
(M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
Announcing that Fr. Jim Blount has a weekly radio program on Quest!
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all the nations. Give them the fore sight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future our breaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are at home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare, In place of our anxiety, give us your peace, Lord Jesus Christ, heal us.
Thriving Congregations Initiative
Please note that the deadline to submit an interest form with letter of intent has been extended to May 1, 2020.
Read more here.
Instruction pamphlets on how to pray the rosary
Order online by clicking here
The Pope App
Finally, a Bible that fosters faith and cultural identity for Black Youth
Catch the new issue of the
Josephite
Harvest
for news, interviews
& commentary.
Click on the image below for a downloadable pdf file.
The messages given to Elizabeth Kindelmann are urgent and emphasize the “same” message as most of the other approved ones from Akita, Betania and elsewhere. The Lord states: “The Grace from the Flame of Love of My Mother’s Immaculate Heart will be to your generation what Noah’s Ark was to Noah.”
Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020
Click on book cover to order
The Upper Room Crisis Hotline
Saving lives....giving help, hope and prayer to those in need
Portraits of the Black Catholic Holy Men and Women
on the Path to Sainthood
Download images by clicking on the portraits below
The 30th anniversary of Servant of God Sr Thea Bowman, FSPA's passing from death to life
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
- Psalm 27:1
Carry your Faith in your pocket! The CatholicTV app is a portable ambassador of what is truly good, holy and honorable about the Catholic faith. Enjoy a wealth of CatholicTV programming.
Tune in and witness the treasures of the Catholic faith. Learn about Scripture and pray along with devotionals and the Mass.
Laudate
iCatholicRadio
Resources for Catholics
Mobile Apps
Featuring African-inspired illustrations and reference materials.
Flame of Love Prayers
There are four prayers that are essential to the Flame of Love Movement:
Prayer #1: Make the Sign of the Cross Five Times
Jesus told Elizabeth, “A great battle awaits you, but you will conquer in the sign of the cross. When you make the cross, think of the three Divine Persons. Make the sign of the cross five times, while thinking of my Five Wounds. Always look at my eyes bathed in blood. Tell everyone all that I tell you. (P.17)
Our Prayer Cenacles of Reparation begin and end by making the sign of the Cross 5 times with meditation on the 5 Wounds as Jesus requested. Read more...
Here are some ideas that will help you remain socially
connected, now and after the pandemic ends:
- Start an on-line book club
Sign up for a free Zoom account.
Click 'Host a Meeting' in the top right menu bar.
Select 'With Video On' to host a virtual meeting.
Click the 'Invite+' icon on the bottom to email
invitations to the meeting.
For complete Zoom instructions, click here. - Pray the rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet
by phone at a predetermined time every day. - Have a Netflix Party and screen one of the
Gospel Stories (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
As everyone watches the movie, they can post
and reply to each other's comments.
Your gateway to the latest news and information on Pope Francis.
Community Conversations: COVID-19 Update
Thomas B. Smyth, MD
Cardinal Seán begins his Lenten Retreat this evening. Tonight’s theme is “Prayer.” Below are some suggestions related to tonight’s theme. We are looking forward to journeying with you this week through this virtual retreat. Also, we have created a YouTube channel through which we will be pushing video content, including the virtual retreat. Please consider subscribing.
Today’s VIRTUAL EVANGELIZATION Ideas:
PRAYER:
Join Cardinal O’Malley starting tonight for a Lenten Retreat! Please join us in praying for him and all those who will be attending the retreat.
STUDY:
Learn more about prayer and discernment through this podcast: Discerning Hearts
GIVING:
Pray with and for someone over the phone, Facebook Live, Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts or any other digital communication tool.
EVANGELIZING:
Invite someone else to learn how to pray: The Prayer Process
Prayer Resources:
Several Catholic organizations are waiving their fees during this time to allow everyone access to their spiritually-comforting materials.
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.
Lectio Divina for Holy Week
We begin our prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who willed your Son to submit for our sake to the yoke of the Cross, so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy, grant us, your servants, to attain the grace of the resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(Collect, Wednesday of Holy Week)
Reading (Lectio)
Read the following Scripture two or three times.
Matthew 21:1-11
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
Order Your Copies of
The African American
Praying the Rosary Pamphlets
Become a part of Team Novena and receive daily novena prayers for everyday of the month!
Racism and Racial Justice Resources for Catholics
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Resources
Leadership Gifts Officer
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH
Posting Date: March 9, 2020
Full-time Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, evening and weekend hours required. Please apply here.
POSITION SUMMARY
Fundraising is a call to conversion. Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that offers other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission. The Leadership Gifts Officer is responsible to identify, qualify, cultivate, ask and steward a portfolio of current and future benefactors who are capable of a major gift as defined by the University. The Leadership Gifts Officer works collaboratively with colleagues and represents all of the University's programs while working with alumni, parents, friends, staff and faculty.
Unity Explosion-Region X 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of health and safety, the Region X conference planning team, prayerfully and deliberately, made the decision to cancel the Unity Explosion-Region X 2020 Conference scheduled for July 15-19, 2020, in Beaumont, Texas.
For additional information, please refer to the Unity Explosion website: www.unityexplosion-regionx.com
A Service of:
Say to daughter Zion,
“Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass,
and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.”
And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
If practicing lectio divina as a family or in a group, after the reflection time, invite the participants to share their responses.
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.
C&E Programs provide lifelong learning and formation for laypersons and pastoral ministers. Offered in 1-week modules, C&E courses give students time and community to explore new ministry interests; update skills; or reflect on the realities of Christian discipleship in the 21st century. The C&E Programs offer unique opportunities for individuals to grow in faith and understanding of Black Catholicism’s impact on their ministry, community and the Church at-large.
St. Katharine Drexel in Dorchester, MA
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.
In a Word
Monthly publication for and about African American Catholics
My Adorable Jesus,
May our feet journey together.
May our hands gather in unity.
May our hands beat in unison.
May our souls be in harmony.
May our thoughts be as one.
May our ears listen to the silence together.
May our glances profoundly penetrate each other.
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father.
Amen.
O BLESSED LADY, SPREAD THE EFFECT OF GRACE OF THY FLAME OF LOVE OVER ALL OF HUMANITY.
What if I cannot go to confession right now because of the pandemic?
Pope Francis addressed this issue in his remarks on March 20, 2020 “But many people today would tell me, ‘Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because I can’t leave the house? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to embrace me, I want the Father’s embrace.'” The pope said his response would be, “Do what the Catechism (of the Catholic Church) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Read more...
Team Novena
HOLY WEEK & EASTER EVENTS
FROM ROME
Check your local listing for times.
Click Image to Download Report
The most popular and most comprehensive free Catholic App.
Fr. Jim Blount, SOLT
An internationally known exorcist priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), Fr. James Blount is a very gifted spiritual director, preacher, and confessor who is empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He lives his life in relationship with each the Persons of the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He has a deep love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Braille Titles:
The History of Black Catholics in the United States by Cyprian Davis
Daniel Rudd: Calling a Church to Justice by Gary B. Agee
Augustus Tolton: The Church is the True Liberator by Joyce Duriga
No Cross, No Crown: Black Nuns in Nineteenth-Century New Orleans by Sister Mary Bernard Deggs
The Lillies of the Field by William E. Barrett
View more braille and audio titles here.
CatholicTV
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
© 2020 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
IN A WORD is published by the Divine Word Missionaries, a worldwide missionary group of priests
and brothers.
Click image to download latest issue.
Pope Francis' prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick for her protection during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
By Devin Watkins
April 3 at 3:30 PM– Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper
April 5 at 5:00 PM - Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday with
Pope Francis
April 9 at 6:00 PM – Chrism Mass with Pope Francis
April 10 at 9:00 AM – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
April 10 at 5:00 PM - Way of the Cross
April 11 at 12:30 PM – Easter Vigil Mass
April 11 at 6:00 PM – Easter Vigil Mass
April 12 at 5:00 PM – Solemn Mass of Easter Sunday
IN THE NEWS
WEEK 2: JULY 6 - JULY 10, 2020
A Theology of ‘Black Lives Matter (BLM)’ Continued
Diana Hayes, Ph.D., Brian Turner, Ph.D., Manuel Williams, CR, Th.M., Heather Malveaux, MPH.
(M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
Steppin’ in the Name of Love: Journeying with African American Youth
Valerie Shields (M-F, 8:45-11:45AM)
Resistance and the Scriptures
Debra Brittenum (M-F, 1:45-4:45pm)
Liturgy for Lay Ministers
Rawn Harbor, M.T.S. (M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
The Mission of Discipleship—Lay Leaders in the 21st Century
Carey Dabney, Ph.D. Cand. (M-F, 1:45-4:45PM)
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.
The NBCC prays that you and your family stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented and stressful COVID-19 pandemic.
Delays & Cancellations Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command; the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the Coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fears, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that know no borders.
Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus, May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
The National Black Catholic Congress
Location: Washington, D.C. or remotely
Description: The Communications Director oversees, manages and facilitates the internal and external communications strategies of Pax Christi USA, fostering individual and organizational relationships in service to the mission of Pax Christi USA.
Please send your resume, cover letter and three professional references by email to jzokovitch@paxchristiusa.org. Subject line should read: Communications Director Application. No phone calls or hard copies.
A Message from the Director of the Lyke Conference
Because of the impact of Covid-19 and the directives from elected officials, the Lyke Conference scheduled for June 16-20, 2020 has been cancelled. Reimbursements for those who have registered for the 2020 Conference will be processed within the next two weeks. If you would like us to apply your registration for the 2021 Conference, please email rcheri218@gmail.com as soon as possible.
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER
from St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans, LA
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.
iBreviary "Pro Terra Sancta" is the application that brings the traditional Catholic prayer of the Breviary and all the texts of the Liturgy on your iPhone and iPad.
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
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
®
We hold ourselves accountable
to our baptismal commitment to
witness and proclaim the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Maurice Nutt, C.Ss.R. reflects on the live, ministry and zeal of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA.
THE UNITY PRAYER
To order your copy call Saint Mary's Press at 1-800-533-8095
or order online at http://www.smp.org/
The Upper Room Hotline is a faith based
hotline in the Catholic Tradition.
Call 1-888-808-8724
24 hrs a day – 7 days a week
The Stations of the Cross with Bishop Barron
Bishop Robert Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is also the host of CATHOLICISM, a groundbreaking, award-winning documentary about the Catholic Faith, which aired on PBS.