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The Responsibility of Catholic Schools and Churches to Talk about Racism
August 2019
August 2nd through August 7th
104th Annual National
Convention
In Atlanta at the Sheraton Atlanta
Hotel. The annual meeting of the
organization will bring over 1000 Catholic
family members from around the country to
Atlanta. In addition to business sessions, several activities are planned including community service projects, the KPC Golf Classic at Southland Golf Course, Gospel Extravaganza, and the Founders Gala. The opening Mass will be celebrated at the Sheraton on Sunday, August 4th at 2:00 P.M. and is open to public. A public forum is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th from 6 - 8:00 P.M. at the Sheraton; the forum will address the organization’s five key social justice issues which includes Racism, Black Lives Matter, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and the Criminal Justice System. The convention’s opening session will be on Monday, August 5th at 9:00 A.M. at the Sheraton; local civic officials have been invited to attend the opening session.
RAISING AN AUTISTIC
Requested Supplies for Capuchin Missions in Tanzania 2019
- Class/learning items for secondary school: Science books and others if available, pens, rulers, laboratory equipment for practical Chemistry, Biology & Physics; also for Practical and Physical Geography
- Computers
- Sports items: Basketball, Football and Netball & their Nets, Sports' Shoes, Jazz e.t.c.
- School items for nursery and primary school: It includes the following
- First-Play Deluxe Kit
- First-Play Ladder Kit
- First Play A-Z Alphabet Cones Set
- First-Play Tell The Time Mat
- Tuftex GetSetGo with Super Ball Pack
- Netballs, Footballs, Volleyballs
- Maths TLM primary school level teaching and learning materials
- Pens, pencils & rubber, Ruler and colored pencils.
- English Moral story books
- Skipping rope, Tennis balls, toys
- English language learning books for primary school and kindergarten school
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Resources
Why is May the
Month of Mary?
by Marge Fenelon
The idea of a month dedicated
specifically to Mary can be traced back
to baroque times. Although it wasn’t
always held during May, Mary Month
included thirty daily spiritual exercises
honoring Mary.
It was in this era that Mary’s Month and May were combined, making May the Month of Mary with special devotions organized on each day throughout the month. This custom became especially widespread during the nineteenth century and remains in practice until today. Read more...
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
"In the hierarchy of holiness it is precisely the 'woman', Mary of Nazareth, who is the 'figure' of the Church. She 'precedes' everyone on the path to holiness; in her person 'the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle'".
— JOHN PAUL II Mulieris Dignitatem, 1988
A Time of Grace
The world is resplendent with Spring's increased light and new growth. It is Mary’s month in the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ.
"The month of May, with its profusion of blooms was adopted by the Church in the eighteenth century as a celebration of the flowering of Mary's maidenly spirituality…With its origins in Isaiah's prophecy of the Virgin birth of the Messiah under the figure of the Blossoming Rod or Root of Jesse, the flower symbolism of Mary was extended by the Church Fathers, and in the liturgy, by applying to her the flower figures of the Sapiential Books-Canticles, Wisdom, Proverbs and Sirach. Read more...
Pope names first African-American to highest U.S. post
by Philip Pullella | Reuters
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis named the first African-American to the Catholic Church’s most senior U.S. position on Thursday, seeking to end a period of upheaval in a job whose previous two occupants were caught in sexual abuse scandals.
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...
Great books to celebrate the beauty of our Blessed Mother
Memorial Day Prayer:
Gracious God, on this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace. In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Dr. Brown (center) is pictured with the Capuchins who serve in Tanzania on a past mission trip.
Calendar of Events
Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for May: The Church in Africa, a Seed
of Unity
That the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent.
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
Take the CureStigma quiz to see whether or not you have Stigma and how you can help spread awareness.
Why this cause is important: One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.
Campaign manifesto: There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma.
CALL THE NAMI HELPLINE 800-950-NAMI
info@nami.org
M-F, 10 AM - 6 PM ET FIND HELP IN A CRISIS
OR TEXT "NAMI" TO 741741
A panel of nationally recognized leaders will discuss how to create and foster constructive conversations about race and prejudice in Catholic schools, churches, homes and communities. In a time of heated secular politics, tragic current events and a backdrop of historical prejudice, the panel will share practical insights drawing from the best of the Catholic Social Thought tradition. This conversation aims to build capacity among Catholic school and pastoral leaders to lead conversations about racism and other biases. Participants are invited to ask questions. We look forward to a very active conversation.
Register to view the 1 hour 15 minute webinar by clicking here.
USCCBClips Podcast: Episode 20 - Open Wide Our Hearts- The Pastoral Letter Against Racism, With Danielle Brown, listen by clicking here.
Director of Development
Full-Time | Development Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Overview
Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the President, the Director of Development will design and execute on a comprehensive development strategy for Dynamic Catholic. The Director of Development will lead and execute on both our $100MM campaign for Dynamic Parish and the foundational Ambassador’s Club, as well as on ongoing fundraising efforts. He/she will also lead and grow the ten person development team.
JOIN NAMI IN SPREADING THE WORD - May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
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.
Vatican announces Wilton Gregory as new archbishop of Washington. Press conference feed from the Washington Post.
Why Catholics Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Bishop Mark A. Pivarunas, CMRI
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Among the various characteristics which prove the Catholic Church to be the one, true Church of Christ (the fours marks of the Church — one, holy, catholic, apostolic), there is also a particular characteristic which is manifestly based on Holy Scripture and which is unique to Catholicism — the honor and devotion of the Catholic Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. There is not a single month in the year without several feasts in her honor. Consider the months of August and September, for example, in which there are seven feasts on the ecclesiastical calendar dedicated to her.
This honor and devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, is one of the many things rejected by Protestants. Protestants claim that the Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary is not based on Sacred Scripture, that it is an offense to Christ, that no one should pray to Mary because “there is only one Mediator with the Father,” that Mary did not always remain a virgin, etc. How important it is for Catholics to know Sacred Scripture and to respond to these attacks on the Mother of Jesus Christ, especially in these times, when there has been such a surge of non-Catholic sects who zealously proselytize their heretical teachings. Read more...
Marian Devotions and Apparitions
by Rev. William G. Most
Taken from The Basic Catholic Catechism
PART SEVENTEEN: The Sacramentals
Devotions
Of the many forms of devotion to Our Lady, there are some which have been especially recommended by the Church. Devotions which involve the use of physical objects are not superstitious, because these objects are not thought to have any power in themselves. Rather, they are external aids to interior devotion to the Mother of God.
The Rosary
An especially great Marian devotion is the Rosary. There is an ancient tradition that St. Dominic received the Rosary from Our Lady in an apparition at Prouille in 1206 A.D. as a weapon against the Albigensian heresy. What is entirely certain is that in one way or another, numerous Popes have spoken of St. Dominic as author of the Rosary, without pronouncing on the authenticity of the Prouille vision. Read more...
Order your exclusive NBCC Black Madonna and Child Rosary
Available
now from
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.
$29.95 SKU: R681DF
Click on one or both of the images below to download a pdf of the page(s).
DAILY READINGS
Click on the reading for each day
to access the entire entry.
To learn more about these openings, click here.
Feel free to pass this email on to anyone who might be interested!
Medical Supplies Requested:
- Medical items including the following if available.
- Malaria Test Kits (MRDT)
- HIV Test (PIIC)
- Glucose deep Sticks (Urine)
- Glucose Kits
- Microscope (XIOO H.P)
- Colorimeter
- Centrifuge
- Slides
- Cover Slip
- Tippet
- Test tube
- Urine Containers
- Stool Containers
- Swab
- Cotton wool
- Test tube Stand
- Dispensable (Red, Black, Yellow and Sharp Box)
- Oil immersion
- Methylated Spirit
- Glucose Machine (automatic)
- Crape binder
- Surgical blades
- Dust Bins
- Sterilizers
- Dressing forceps container
- Religious items and articles: Including bible, catechism, crosses of St. Francis of Assis and others, rosaries, religious books, etc…
- Any other available items which will be helpful
The Holy Rosary is an enormous source of grace and spiritual protection, one of the most powerful sacramentals of the Catholic Church. Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the children to whom Our Lady appeared at Fatima, once said,
"There is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families ... that cannot be solved by the Rosary. There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary."After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Holy Rosary is the prayer most pleasing to Our Lady. In honor of the Blessed Mother, we would like to share her 15 promises to those who pray the Rosary. Read more...
Guillaume Perrier (1600-1656), "La remise du rosaire"
Pope Francis joked with children during his visit to a refugee camp in Bangui, Central African Republic, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini.)
Vatican statistics confirm the Catholic future is in Africa
by Inés San Martín
ROME BUREAU CHIEF
ROME - New statistics released by the Vatican on Thursday show that Africa continues to position itself as the future axis of Catholicism, with the number of baptized Catholics on the continent growing at a significantly faster rate than anywhere else in the world. Read more...
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...
For Adults
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.
Racism and Racial Justice Resources for Catholics
Employment Opportunities
August 2019
August 4th through August 9th
The Devil's Role in the Spiritual Life
This years' Summer Conference will be centered around Fr. Cliff Ermatingers' book "The Devil's Role in the Spiritual Life: St. John of the Cross' Teaching on Satan's Involvement at Every Stage of Spiritual Growth."
LEARN:
- If the devil can read your mind or knows the future.
-How to distinguish between divinely inspired visions and
those inspired by the devil.
-Common pitfalls for beginners in the spiritual life - as well
as those of the most advanced.
-How the devil adapts his strategy according to where you are
in the spiritual life: purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages.
-How to grow in prayer.
-What are the most effective weapons in combatting the
devil - as well as those the devil uses against you to halt
your progress.
To be held at the University of St. Mary of the Lake
Conference Center, Mundelein, IL
For more information, click here.
USCCB Pastoral Letter on Racism was approved on November 14, 2018. The full text of the letter can be downloaded by clicking on the image to the right. For resources for parishes and schools published by the USCCB to accompany the Pastoral Letter, click here.
https://www.ourrichhistory.com
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
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.
Other Positions Available:
Dynamic Parish Consultant | Cincinnati, Ohio
Ecommerce Manager | Leadership Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Major Gift Officer | Development Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Prospect Research Analyst | Development Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Video Team Leader | Video Team | Cincinnati, Ohio
Congratulations to Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Newly Appointed to Washington, DC
Help the Missions in Tanzania
Dear Friends,
I write today with great excitement as I prepare for another missionary journey. On July 3, 2019, I will depart for Tanzania to work with the Capuchin Friars. The goal, as always, is to carry requested supplies with us on the plane. In the past, you have assisted with the mission efforts across the Continent by donating much needed items for schools, parishes and health care centers in villages and towns. This year, we will also visit the Center for Disabled Children in Dodoma, Tanzania.
Thank you so much for your past generosity and faithfulness in praying for the success of our work. All of your donations of items and financial support have meant a great deal to the communities that we serve. Please see that I have enclosed the list of needed supplies that the Capuchin Friars are requesting. Whatever you can do to assist will lovingly be distributed during the July visit to Dar Es Salaam, Upanga, Maua, Arusha and Dodoma, Tanzania.
I can arrange pick-up/drop-off zones in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Maryland for all donations. As always, I am available via email at Camille.Brown@archbalt.org or cell @401-257-9696. Please accept my warm wishes for a wonderful Holy Week and grace-filled Easter Season!
Thanking You in Advance In His Peace,
Dr. Camille Brown, Associate Director of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Baltimore
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
from Catholic Online
We fly to your protection, most holy Mother of God; please listen to our petitions and needs, and deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary, our model and mother, by your obedience and patience you have taught us how to be true children of God. Please help us by your powerful assistance to overcome all our weaknesses, and to fulfill perfectly our tasks in life.
By your compassionate aid may we ever stand in spirit with you beneath the cross of Christ so that we may also rejoice with you in your divine Son's triumphant victory over sin and death.
In your maternal kindness help us to be faithful to prayers in the company of God's Church as you were one with the Apostles in the upper room as you waited for the promised Spirit of Pentecost.
With your gracious assistance may we be near you in the glory of Christ's kingdom come to sing with you and all the faithful the eternal praise of God. Amen.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES BALTIMORE IS HIRING
Click image below to download pdf
Documentary Director
Full-Time | Documentary | Greater Cincinnati
Overview
At Dynamic Catholic we are seeking a Documentary Director to lead the filming, production, and post production of our Dynamic Parish Documentary Series. In this role you’ll serve the Mission by traveling the country and working with parishes to document their journey to become the dynamic faith community God created it to be. Are you an experienced Film Director with a passion for revitalizing Catholic Parishes across the country?
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
Help support NBCC programs
We hold ourselves accountable
to our baptismal commitment to
witness and proclaim the Good News
of Jesus Christ.
For Children
Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
by Catholic Culture
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
INSTITUTE FOR BLACK CATHOLIC STUDIES
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
News coverage of the appointment by various media outlets:
REUTERS VIDEO CRUXNOW.COM article
NCRONLINE article CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY article
Understanding Our Faith
The National Black Catholic Congress | 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 | 410-547-8496
© 2019 The National Black Catholic Congress, All Rights Reserved
ORDER YOUR
Wearable Black Catholic Art!
2019
Summer Schedule
Our Lady's 15 Promises to Those Who Pray Her Rosary
By Mary Thierfelder
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.
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.
CHILD: Our Pains and Joys
by Elnora M. Guzman
Published in The Family Apostolate, Vol. 3, Issue 8
The inspiring promise from God is the gift of his Son who came and suffered, that we might have life in full. It's life that is beautiful, full of joys and excitement. We marvel and boast of our successful accomplishments. But when life becomes tainted by the storms, hardships, and difficulties, we become almost frustrated. Then our faith weakens; we withdraw, give up and question God, "Why me? Why do I have to suffer this way? What have I done/ Where did I fail? In tears, this was the first reaction when my precious eldest daughter was diagnosed with autism and moderate mental retardation. I felt like my whole world had crumbled and I asked myself where exactly I went wrong. What had I done? Read more...