The National Black Catholic Congress TM
We hold ourselves accountable
to our baptismal commitment to
witness and proclaim the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
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.
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.
Calendar of Events
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!
Fr. Williams has served as Director of Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South, Inc. and Pastor of Resurrection Church in Montgomery, AL
since July of 1990. Fr. Williams was ordained on May 23, 1987 as a member of the Congregation of the Resurrection.
WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 2, 2019
3:00-4:00 PM EST
"Black Witness, Radical Love: Vocations Are for Our Folk (too)!"
by Deacon Mel Tardy,
Sr. Gayle Lwanga Crumbley, RGS, and Fr. Manuel Williams, CR
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
The Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D., has issued a Pastoral Reflection titled, "A National Crisis: A Pastoral Reflection on the Deadly Epidemic of Gun Violence in the United States."
Bryan Stevenson spoke at the General Session at Congress 12 in 2017. His work on behalf of inmates, especially those convicted as juveniles, continues to inspire and direct the works of the black Catholic community.
Posted: August 16, 2019
Coordinator, Testing
and Tutoring Services
Please apply online:
Franciscan University Staff Positions
POSITION SUMMARY
This position assists the Director of Student Academic Support Services (SASS) in all phases of department programming both on-ground and online, including testing services, tutoring, academic skills, peer mentoring, and disability services.
Position Reports to:
Director, Student Academic Support Services
Department:
Student Academic Support Services
Schedule:
Full-time; Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some evening and weekend hours required
Join Gloria Purvis,
Deacon Harold
Burke-Sivers and
Msgr. Charles Pope
weekday mornings
on EWTN's
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.
The NBCC asked Fr. Feddon how a parish team could begin a prison ministry program, and he responded to the following questions:
Fr. Brad Doyle
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.
Sr. Gayle graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a BS in Elementary and Special Ed. She has a Master’s Degree in Secondary Ed., a Doctorate in Education, Leadership, and Counseling. She entered the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1988.
$29.95
SKU: R681DF
The Archdiocese of Boston
has two open positions in the
Family Life/Ecclesial Movements
For the full time position as a Family Life Consultant, please click here. The role involves coordinating marriage prep weekends, planning special events like the Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral, and serving in other ecclesial/sacramental/family initiatives. A theology degree and ministry background is a requirement for the position. Pls email Director Liz Cotrupi at ecotrupi@rcab.org for more information!
For the part time (16/hr-wk) position as an Operations Associate in the Family Life Team, please click here. A strong background in Word, Excel, and database/registration/website experience is key, along with a flexible schedule for some occasional ministry help. Please email Director Liz Cotrupi for more information at ecotrupi@rcab.org
Catch the new issue of the
JosephiteHarvest
for news, interviews
& commentary.
Click on the image at right for a downloadable pdf file.
Order your 2020 Josephite Calendars Today!
"Sacraments and Saints" - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me
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.
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
Click here for PDF version (bilingual)
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Just Mercy
The USCCB Office of Human Resources
is recruiting to fill the position of
Grants Specialist for National Collections - Church in Africa
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) a non-profit organization located in Washington, DC, currently has a vacancy in the Office of National Collections- Church in Africa. The position is a full-time position and eligible for benefits: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, SmartBenefits, PTO, 40(3) retirement plan and more. Salary Rangeclick apply For more information please visit our career site at: Assists the Associate Director in the review and evaluation of grant applications to be presented for the consideration of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa; employs software to organize and track grant documentation and generate reports; helps review grantee reports and ensure accountability and effectiveness in the use of funds.
Requirements Bachelor's Degree required. Major Fields in International Affairs, African Studies, Business, or equivalent (preferred). Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience. Fluency in French highly preferred; Portuguese helpful.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?" -Psalm 27:1
7120 S. Calumet Ave, Chicago, IL 60619 | Phone: 773-224-3811
Bereavement Support
- Memorial Service
- Funeral Home visitation
- Grief companion
- Grief support groups
Administrative Support
- Mailings and other clerical tasks
- Sewing, crafts or other special projects
- Hospice Foundation donation processing
Training and Ongoing Support Provided
Contact Us Today: Volunteer Department
410-735-5558
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. Read more...
Source of All Hope Missionary Program
will launch on August 15, 2019
On this date, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we will do what God asked - start a missionary program in Baltimore. We will say YES! In just a few weeks, we will launch the Source Mission Center - situated literally feet behind the first cathedral in the United States. On this groundbreaking day, at least two young men will move in. They will give up a year of job and schooling to live a radical life of prayer and then bring the light of Christ to the people of Baltimore - the poorest of the poor.
We are looking for “participants,” not “attendees.”
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
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.
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
To learn more about these openings, click here. Feel free to pass this email on to anyone who might be interested!
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.
Understanding Our Faith
Join us in prayer for the victims of Hurricane Dorian
NBCC 2019
WEBINAR
SERIES
You're Welcome In This Place
(featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore) written by Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, and Alton Eugene.
Captured live during a Maverick City Music song share night in Redding, CA.Check out more inspirational music videos by clicking the button below:
Employment Opportunities
Help support NBCC programs
https://www.ourrichhistory.com
October 2019
Thursday, October 10 - Sunday, October 13, 2019
16th National Black Catholic Men's Conference
Los Angeles Airport Marriott, 5855 W. Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Register at: www.bowmanfrancisministry.com
Adults: $150.00
CollegeStudents:
$75.00
Youth Ages 10-17:
$65.00
Send Registration
Payment to:
Bowman Francis
Ministry Project
Rev. Chester P.
Smith, SVD
A Story of Justice and Redemption
Just Mercy takes us inside America’s broken criminal justice system and compels us to confront inequality and injustice.
Based on the bestselling book, the Just Mercy movie presents the unforgettable story of Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and the case of Walter McMillian (Academy Award winner
Jamie Foxx), who was
convicted and sentenced
to death for a crime he
did not commit. In theaters
December 2019.
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
Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, is pictured at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. (Credit: Robert Duncan/CNS.)
Deacon Tardy is the President of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, a member of the NBCC Board of Trustees, and serves at St. Augustine Parish of South Bend, Indiana
"We are facing a national crisis in the United States. As a Catholic Bishop striving to live by and teach the good news of justice and peace proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth, I am compelled to name this truth. It is, in some way, a crisis of gun violence."
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
Racism and Racial Justice Resources for Catholics
The Pastoral Reflection continues with an invitation for "pastors, administrators, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, principals, parents, and community leaders" to consider and implement four proposed responses Braxton proposes. (Read the complete Pastoral Reflection by clicking the image to the left).
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.
The Holy Mass series starts
Thursday
September 5, 2019
Join Fr. Brad Doyle and
thousands of other
subscribers as we seek a
deeper understanding of—
and appreciation for—the gift
of the Mass.
The Holy Mass is the most powerful prayer in the world.
But it feels pretty ordinary on regular Sundays. Can it really transform our lives?
Take the journey with us and find
out.
SEPTEMBER IS DEDICATED TO
Our Lady of Sorrows
The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15. September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green.
September 14
Triumph of the Cross
This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mt. Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem, but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians. The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629. Read more...
September 15
Our Lady of Sorrows
Historically there were two feasts in honor of Mary's sorrow, but now are celebrated together on September 15th. The New Testament provides the narrative of the Blessed Mother's sorrows, in particular, Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27.
Read more...
Order your exclusive NBCC Black Madonna and Child Rosary
Available now from
Today the Basilica doors are open to the people of Baltimore - rich and poor alike - until 8 PM Monday through Friday, but this missionary program will take Jesus to the streets so we can attract souls to Christ and have their lives changed.
To learn more about this program, go to: https://www.sourceofallhope.org/
How to support our missionary program at the Basilica
Pray the Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary prayer card every day!
Give generously in whatever way is easiest for you. Go to: https://www.sourceofallhope.org/support
This webinar will explore how vocations – to which all baptized Catholics are called -- are the fruit and the seeds of a radical love. Whether single, married, clergy or religious; a properly discerned vocation would enable us to live more fully, to love more radically, to more joyfully bear witness to the Gospel and to more authentically reveal (and perhaps attract others to) the love of Christ. Only this can produce and sustain more vocations.
Join our mailing list:
The Responsibility of Catholic Schools and Churches to Talk about Racism
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Resources
Did you miss the last webinar?
Watch it now:
How can you become involved in prison ministry?
Are you passionate about youth and young adult ministry? Do you have experience in that ministry, either as a newcomer or a veteran? Do you have something to say about how we might accomplish that ministry more effectively?
Then please join us for Voice + Vision. We are intentionally not promoting our presenters because it isn’t about coming to a great talk from a nationally recognized speaker (though we’ve got plenty of them). It is about people like you, coming together as a community to pray, discuss, and propose “new styles and strategies,” while affirming what is going right.
Bishop Edward Braxton issues a Pastoral Reflection on the recent mass shootings
by NBCC Staff
Highlighting Catholic Schools
JULY 24, 2019
WEBINAR
Solidarity Among People of African Descent (SAPAD)
Presented by:
Valerie Batta
DIGITAL CATHOLICS
Sr. Helena Burns, host of the recent EWTN series “Digital Catholics”, shares how she uses media to spread the Good News of Salvation.
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
© 2019 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
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.
ORDER YOUR
Wearable Black Catholic Art!
NEWS
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
PRAYER AGAINST STORMS
As printed in the Roman Missal
O God, to whose commands all the elements give obedience,
we humbly entreat you,
that the stilling of fearsome storms may turn a powerful menace into an occasion for us to praise you.
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. Amen.
September 2019
September 13 - 15, 2019
Tolton Pilgrimage: from Birth to Burial
Chicago, IL - Quincy, IL - Brush Creek, MO
Visit the birth and burial place of Fr. Augustus Tolton. Please join the Postulator of the Cause, Bishop Joseph N. Perry, who will be the primary spiritual director of our pilgrimage. The journey as a group starts with a train ride from Chicago, IL to Quincy, IL where the group will travel to different sites that were significant in Father Tolton's life of service to the Church. The estimated Cost of the Pilgrimage: Approximate total cost is $512.00. The price of train tickets and accommodations are subject to change - see tolton.archchicago.org/events
Registration: Please send name, contact phone number and email address via regular mail (USPS) to:
Bishop Joseph Perry
Cardinal Meyer Center, 3526 South Lake Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653
Individuals can also register by calling 312-534-8376
September 21, 2019 - 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS: An Encounter of Grace and Race
Archbishop Fiorenza Symposium
Keynote Speakers: Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Chair, USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism; Danielle Brown, Associate Director, USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism
Cost: $20.00 General Admission; $10.00 for Students
Register at www.stthom.edu/graceandrace
Last day to register: September 6, 2019
For more info. Contact: cfc@stthom.edu or 715.942.5066
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.
How to use digital media to spread the Gospel
Students, faculty and staff had a great first mass for the new school year! As we grow together this year, we will be focused on becoming #scholars and #saints! It is our mission to share God's unconditional love in our world!