Peace be with you! In this newsletter you will find announcements from USCCB, news from national African American Catholic organizations and notes about emerging initiatives in which you can participate.
Daniel Rudd Fund (DRF) Grant Cycle opens July 1-September 1, 2018 - Need funds to implement local efforts in response to the National Black Catholic Congress Pastoral Plan of Action? Check out the DRF page for details. The link to the DRF grant application will be live on July 1, 2018 at 8:00 am EDT.
National Black Catholic Congress Monthly Webinar Series
National Black Catholic Congress Monthly Webinar Series. Future webinars include:
The Spirit of African American Sainthood (July 18)
Black Catholic Young Adults (August 15)
Mass Incarceration (September 12) Pro-Life Ministries (October 17) Mental Health/Domestic Violence (November 14) December TBD
Also view archived webinars on Implementing the NBCC XII Pastoral Plan of Action and Overcoming the Sin of Racism: A Change of Heart Mandated by God.
Marriage and Family Life Ministry Survey - Thank you all who responded to this online survey in the May newsletter. Key findings: There is a need for arch/dioceses to do more to support marriage and families. Several perceived that the African American community has some specific needs.
Respondents ranked the highest concern to be single parents. The next level of equal concern is for teens, grandparents raising grandchildren, the impact of poverty and incarceration. Then, divorce and the impact of racism are tied. Ranked lowest is blended families.
They made several recommendations:
Establish lines of leadership training specifically geared to Black men and women laity who already perform these functions in the church.
Recruit younger adults who have shown leadership in the local church.
Hold informational classes in convenient locations.
Create a detailed plan e.g., through a study group before launching a national program.
Inspirational Reflection by Most Rev. Curtis J Guillory, Bishop of Beaumont
Watch The Universal Art of Accompaniment to better understand the significance of "Catholic" as "universal." Catholic educator and catechist, Charlene Howard, MA explains in this webinar hosted by Sadlier Publishing Co.
US Conference of Catholic Bishops -
Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church (SCDC)
