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.
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.
Nation’s first black priest from Quincy moving closer
to sainthood
By Tamara Browning
Staff Writer
"Tolton, who escaped slavery in Missouri during the Civil War and later lived and ministered in Quincy, is moving closer to being canonized."
The Rev. Augustus Tolton escaped from slavery as a child and went on to become the nation’s first black Catholic priest.
His life shows students how they can also live a life of purpose, actor Jim Coleman told students of local Catholic schools during a recent presentation about Tolton’s life. Read more...
Help support NBCC programs
Join Dynamic Catholic for the
BEST LENT EVER
and take an incredible forty-day journey
toward the-best-version-of-yourself.
To learn more about these openings, click here.
Feel free to pass this email on to anyone who might be interested!
Click here to read the entire Spring 2019 Newsletter
Questions and Answers about Lent and Lenten Practices
Q. Why do we say that there are forty days of Lent? When you count all the days from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, there are 46.
A. It might be more accurate to say that there is the "forty day fast within Lent." Historically, Lent has varied from a week to three weeks to the present configuration of 46 days. Read more...
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.
Wishing everyone a fruitful Lent! Find resources for individuals, families, and parishes - including our clickable/printable lenten calendar at www.usccb.org/lent.
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Resources
Click image above to download pdf form.
Listen to Bishop Robert Barron's Lenten Reflection to learn about the meaning of the ashes we receive and best practices we as Catholics can observe to draw closer to Jesus.
The Last Post
Spend your time with Christ in
the Gospel this Lent
alongside Bishop Barron and the Word on Fire
community.
POSITION AVAILABLE
CHA Position Available:
The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) is s seeking an innovative, bold and mission-driven executive to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). CHA represents many of the people and organizations that carry out the Church’s health ministry in the United States. The President and CEO will be responsible for leading the organization and its efforts to promote the future of the Catholic health ministry in the United States. For more information about the position or the procedure to apply, please click here.
Sr. Thea Bowman: on the path to Sainthood
A self-proclaimed, “old folks child,” Thea Bowman, named at birth, Bertha Elizabeth Bowman, the daughter of middle-aged parents, Dr. Theon Bowman, a physician and Mary Esther Bowman, a teacher. She was born in 1937 and reared in Canton, Mississippi. As a child she converted to Catholicism by the influence of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity who were her teachers and nurtured her faith. Growing up, Thea listened and learned from the wit and wisdom of the elders. Ever precocious, she would ask questions and seek new insights on how her elders lived, thrived and survived. She learned from family members and those in the community coping mechanisms and survival skills. She was exposed to the richness of the African-American culture: the history, the stories, the music, the songs, the rituals, the prayers, the symbols, the foods, the customs and traditions. Moreover, she was cognizant that God was indeed the God of the poor and oppressed. Her community instructed her, “If you get, give—if you learn, teach.” She developed a deep and abiding love and faith in a God who would make “a way out of no way!” Read more...
Prayers for March
Month of St. Joseph
by Catholic Culture
NBCC © 2019 | Anthony VanArsdale, artist
2019
Summer Schedule
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
ORDER YOUR
Wearable Black Catholic Art!
USCCB Lenten Resources
Date: February 5, 2019
Position: Title IX Investigator
Position Reports to: Director of Campus Safety and Compliance
Schedule: Full-time, Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-4:30pm (Occasional weekends
& evenings)
Please apply online: Franciscan University Staff Positions
POSITION SUMMARY
The Investigator assists in resolving complaints related to the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct. The Investigator will conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations of complaints and grievances filed by students, staff, and faculty and issue a detailed report regarding the findings of such investigations.
Spend your time with Christ in the Gospel this Lent
alongside Bishop Barron and the
Word on Fire community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 20, 2019
For more information about Bishop Roy Campbell, Jr. click here.
The month of March (Overview - Calendar) is dedicated to St. Joseph. We don't know much about him except what is mentioned in the Gospels. Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster-father of Jesus. Holy Scripture proclaims him as a "just man," and the Church has turned to Joseph for his patronage and protection. Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical Quamquam Pluries (On the Devotion to St. Joseph) in 1889 explains why we place so much trust in this saint: "Thus in giving Joseph the Blessed Virgin as spouse, God appointed him to be not only her life's companion, the witness of her maidenhood, the protector of her honor, but also, by virtue of the conjugal tie, a participator in her sublime dignity. Read more...
March 2019
Wednesday, Mar. 27th - Friday, Mar. 29th
The 2019 National Catholic Planned Giving Seminar in Mesa, Arizona
Building Your Future Through Planned Giving and Major Gifts: The Essential Program to Provide Future Financial Resources for America's Catholic Institutions. Richard P. Garrigan & Assoc. Register Toll Free: 1-800-426-8198 or online at www.codesweb.com. Hotel reservations: 480-833-5555.
Saturday, Mar. 30th 12:00noon - 4:00pm
26th Annual Friends of Sister Thea Bowman Humanitarian Legacy Award
Join us in honoring those who have shared the love of Jesus Christ with others and uplifted their communities at the Friends of Sister Thea Bowman Humanitarian Legacy Award ceremony! For more information please contact Vivian Clark at 708.642.9402 or Michelle Tines at 312.213.3851 or email sisterthea17@yahoo.com.
May 2019
Saturday, May 11th 12:00noon - 4:00pm
"Warriors for Christ" Prayer Luncheon
Save the date for "Warriors for Christ", a new prayer
luncheon brought to you by the Our Lady Gate of
Heaven Women's Club featuring Jana and Mawuli
Davis. More information to come!
Oak Lawn Hilton, 9333 South Cicero Ave.,
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
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
Black Catholic News
Most Rev. Roy E. Campbell, Jr.
Journey through Lent with
Daily Messages of Hope
Join us for 40 days honoring the wonder of God's infinite love! Each day of Lent, we will provide ways to nourish your spirit with Scripture readings, prayers, and meditations on this holy season from Fr. Richard Rohr's book Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent. This series also includes video, audio, and content in Spanish, offering more ways for you to observe Lent than ever before.
Would you like to receive daily Lenten reflections in your inbox? Click the button below—and don't forget to forward this e-mail to others you know who might want to participate!
Need more Lenten Reflections?
Join Dynamic Catholic for the
BEST LENT EVER
and take an incredible forty-day journey
toward the-best-version-of-yourself.
Click here to register for free.
SISTER THEA BOWMAN BLACK CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Sister Thea Bowman Foundation seeks an Executive Director who is an experienced fundraiser-administrator to direct its Chicago office. Must be a person of vision with non-profit experience and a knowledge of Catholic higher education, the Catholic intellectual tradition and the African American intellectual tradition. Individual must be faith-filled and one who exhibits an ability to work with, advise and mentor African American college students. If interested, please find a complete job description at theabowmanfoundation.org. All resumes should be sent to theabowmanfoundation@gmail.com. Review of applications is ongoing.
Click the button below to download a detailed description of the position:
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
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
The National Black Catholic Congress Announces a New President
BALTIMORE, MD -- The National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) is pleased to announce the election of the Most Reverend Roy E. Campbell, Jr.
as its next President. Bishop Campbell was elected by the Black Bishops of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He succeeds the Most Reverend John Ricard who will remain active in the NBCC as its Immediate Past President. The change in leadership will become effective on April 1, 2019. Read more...
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 right.
Click on one or both of the images below to download a pdf of the page(s).
NBCC Spring 2019 Newsletter
The National
Black Catholic Congress
MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY
Positions Available:
Dean of Students - The dean of students coordinates the administration of the Dean of Students Office, serves as an advocate for students, and shares
shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that
I suppose some of you are familiar with this story – for those who aren’t….perhaps it may add an extra and special dimension to this familiar tune.
$29.95 SKU: R681DF
Click the button below to read the entire newsletter
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
© 2019 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
When I was in college, there was a group of students who didn’t always practice their faith, but when Ash Wednesday rolled around, all decided to band together in giving up a few particular sins common among college students.
At first this seemed like a noble pursuit in holiness and accountability. However, once Easter rolled around, there were “celebrations,” which were merely opportunities to commit these same sins all over again. Read more...
Join our mailing list:
Catholic Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Almighty, everlasting God, look with compassion on all those who suffer persecution for justice’ sake. Grant them grace to carry their cross with patience in the name of Thy beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let the chalice pass from them is such by Thy holy Will: yet, in all things, may Thy Will be done. Grant to those who persecute, light to see the truth, and the grace of mercy and forgiveness, for they know not what they do. Mary, Mother of Jesus, Comfort of the Afflicted, help thy children in their time of bitter trial. O Lord our God, by the sign of Thy holy cross deliver us from our enemies.
From a 1934 Prayer Card issued by the Catholic Truth Society
The 2019 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6, for Latin-rite Catholics with Easter Sunday on April 21.
During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice self-control through fasting. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God's gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446). Read more...
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
Lenten Prayer
The Seven Penitential Psalms and the Songs of the Suffering Servant
The Seven Penitential Psalms and the Songs of the Suffering Servant from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah are traditionally used for meditation and prayer during Lent. At the page link above, you will find links to the text of the psalms and songs from theNew American Bible, Revised Edition, along with audio versions and written reflections to encourage the practice of Lectio Divina or “divine reading,” a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to listen to, study, contemplate and thoughtfully assimilate God's Word.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are traditionally prayed on the Fridays of Lent. Follow the link above for more information on this popular devotional practice, including prayers for the Stations of the Cross prayed by Blessed John Paul II on Good Friday 1991 and an audio version for download.
"Of all the people I have known with a true devotion and particular veneration for St. Joseph, not one has failed to advance in virtue; he helps those who turn to him to make real progress. For several years now, I believe, I have always made some request to him on his feast day, and it was always been granted; and when my request is not quite what it ought to be, he puts it right for my greater benefit."
— St. Teresa of Avila
Why is the world silent while Christians are being slaughtered?
At least 300 million of the world's Christians face heavy persecution including torture, rape, crucifixion, enslavement, expulsion and genocidal murder. Sixty percent are children. Girls and women are most violated. Learn more here.
Date: March 4, 2019
Position: Customer Service Representative
Position Reports to: Director of the Bookstore
Schedule: Full-time; Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm; Occasional evenings
& weekends
Please apply online: Franciscan University Staff Positions
POSITION SUMMARY
The Customer Service Representative in the Bookstore is responsible for accurate and efficient fulfillment of website and phone orders, for organizing shipping areas to maximize usage of space and for providing fast, friendly customer service at the textbook window, on the sales floor, and at the cash register.
Employment Opportunities
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.
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which The Last Post was played,
this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something everyone should know. Until I read this, I didn't know.
Leah Sharibu, a schoolgirl from Nigeria, has been held by Boko Haram since February 2018 because she refuses to renounce her faith.
promote student success, retention, and graduation. For more information about the position or to apply, please click here.
Assistant Dean of Students/Director of the Center for Student Diversity-
Mount St. Mary’s University is eager to serve an increasingly diverse student body and to better articulate the value of diversity as rooted in our mission as a Catholic, liberal arts university. To that end, the University is searching for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual to serve as Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Student Diversity. For more information about the position or to apply, please click here.
Gilmour is seeking a collaborative and innovative Religion teacher
for the 2019-2020 school year. Respectful, inclusive faith development is integral
to how Gilmour teaches the whole child. We seek an experienced educator, with
Upper school classroom experience, who embodies Gilmour’s mission and vision. Responsibilities include teaching students in grades 9-12 and collaborating with members of the department to plan and facilitate grade level retreats. The successful candidate connects with students, families, and colleagues across disciplines and divisions, is committed to implementing the diocesan curriculum as guided by our Holy Cross identity, demonstrates the capacity to grow professionally, and will be equipped to stretch all students on their individual faith journeys. Candidates should be eager to support co-curricular initiatives, facilitate learning beyond the classroom, and participate enthusiastically in the life of the school.
The National Black Catholic Congress
320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410.547.8496 | E-mail: nbcc@nbccongress.org | Website: nbccongress.org
Racism and Racial Justice Resources for Catholics
From the American Heart Association
Order your exclusive NBCC Black Madonna and Child Rosary
Available
now from
Calendar of Events
Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for March: Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities
That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.
The NBCC expresses our deepest sympathy on the loss of former Board Member, Ms. Charolette T. Francois Davis of Houston, TX.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 6:30-7:30 PM with a Vigil following from 7:30-8:30 PM at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002.
On Saturday, March 23, 2019, a Viewing will be held from 7:45-8:45 AM, followed by the Rosary at 8:30 AM and the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church,
4600 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051.
We have all heard the haunting song, 'The Last Post.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble Beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him towards his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier..It was his own son. Read more...
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
INSTITUTE FOR BLACK CATHOLIC STUDIES
Prayer of the Month
from Catholic Culture
Prayer to St. Joseph
Oh St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers.
Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.
Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen
We hold ourselves accountable
to our baptismal commitment to
witness and proclaim the Good News
of Jesus Christ.
Lenten Issue
Let the Church Say Amen
Jesus Christ is asking each of us to invite more people to a true encounter and lifelong relationship with Him as His disciples. It is an element of our own baptismal rite to do so. Our evangelization efforts will require us to identify new, outward-reaching ways to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world given significant societal shifts over the past decades.
Read more...
Understanding Our Faith
https://www.ourrichhistory.com
9 Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors You Can Control—and 7 You Can’t
by Jenn Sinrich
“African Americans have the highest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer, with a 20 percent higher mortality, as well as a higher stage of disease at presentation,” says Dr. McFadden. “I suspect these differences are related to genetics or more aggressive tumor biology and/or lower rates of screening.” Additionally, he points out that with many doctors believing this is a disease of “older white men,” many African Americans may not learn preventive strategies. Read more...
Using Ash Wednesday as a kick-start
to holiness
By Father Geoffrey Brooke Jr. | Catholic News Service
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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.