The AAPC Newsletter, May 2024, Issue 10

A Message from Dr. Chiquita T. Tuttle,

Coordinator, African American Pastoral Center


Celebrating the Incomparable

Value of Love and Mothers


In the tapestry of human relationships, there exists a thread so delicate yet resilient, tender yet unyielding - the bond between a mother and her child. Motherhood, with its myriad hues of sacrifice, nurturing, and unconditional love, stands as one of the most profound and cherished relationships known to mankind. As we celebrate mothers worldwide, it's imperative to reflect on the invaluable role they play in shaping individuals, families, and societies.


From the very moment of conception, a mother embarks on a journey of selflessness, devoting her being to the well-being of her child. Throughout the arduous months of pregnancy, she bears the physical and emotional weight with grace, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her little one. With each flutter of movement within her womb, she experiences a symphony of emotions - joy, apprehension, and boundless love.


The moment a child is born, a mother's life transforms into a symphony of selfless devotion. From sleepless nights to soothing tears, from guiding stumbling steps to imparting wisdom, she navigates the intricate dance of parenthood with unwavering dedication. Her love knows no bounds, transcending time and space, encompassing every triumph, every stumble, and every heartache her child encounters.


Mothers serve as the pillars of strength and resilience, offering unwavering support in times of adversity. Their nurturing embrace provides solace in moments of despair and serves as a beacon of hope in the darkest of hours. Whether it's a tender hug, a comforting word, or a silent prayer, mothers possess an innate ability to heal wounds and mend broken spirits.


Yet, the love of a mother extends far beyond the confines of the nuclear family. Mothers serve as the bedrock of communities, fostering empathy, compassion, and solidarity among neighbors and friends. Their acts of kindness ripple outward, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of humanity.


Moreover, the value of a mother's love transcends cultural, geographical, and socio-economic boundaries. Regardless of race, religion, or creed, mothers embody the universal language of love, forging connections that unite us all as members of the human family.


As we celebrate Mother's Day and honor the remarkable women who have shaped our lives, let us take a moment to express our gratitude for their boundless love and unwavering sacrifice. Let us cherish the memories of tender moments shared and the lessons imparted with love and wisdom. Let us recognize the profound impact of mothers on our lives and strive to emulate their virtues of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love.


In a world fraught with uncertainty and turmoil, the love of a mother remains a beacon of hope, guiding us through life's tumultuous seas. So, let us raise our voices in celebration of the incomparable value and love of mothers - the architects of our dreams, the guardians of our hearts, and the embodiment of unconditional love.


Let us, this month, pay tribute to our mothers by loving them, cherishing them and bestowing insurmountable blessings on them. There is no one else who will love and protect you like a mother.


Mother's Day Brunch at

St. Louis Bertrand

First Communion at St. Benedict

"Jesus himself is the way to follow to live in truth and to have life in abundance. He is the way and therefore faith in him is not a “package of ideas” in which to believe, but rather a road to be traveled, a journey to undertake, a path with him. It is following Jesus, because he is the way that leads to unfailing happiness." 

  • Pope Francis

Articles of Interest


Moreau Catholic High School blesses grounds for $10M music center


MLK speechwriter Clarence B. Jones awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom


Film on Oblate Sisters of Providence's Cuban ministry now streaming


Sr Teresita Weind, first Black superior of a global women's religious order, dead at 81


Did You Know?

"Our Lady of Africa (French: Notre-Dame D'Afrique; Arabic: السيدة الإفريقية), also known as Our Mother of Africa, is a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a statue of her as a Black woman, located in the major shrine of Notre-Dame d'Afrique in Algiers, Algeria. The devotion was spearheaded by Bishop Louis-Antoine-Augustin Pavy of Algiers, who established the basilica under that title in 1856.

The devotion has since gained traction across the African continent, as well as in the African diaspora. Churches under the title have been established around the world, including in the United States."


Excerpt taken from Wikipedia. Read the full article HERE

Your Health and Wellness

Because We Care!

Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults:

https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/ready-gov_disaster-preparedness-guide-for-older-adults.pdf

News and Events Around The Diocese


St. Columba Church

Catch up on news and events at St. Columba HERE


St. Benedict Church

Catch up on news and events at St. Benedict HERE.


St. Patrick Church

Catch up on news and events at St. Patrick HERE.


St. Louie Bertrand Church

Catch up on news and events at St. Louie Bertrand HERE.


Other Events

VCRJ invites you to join us on:

 

Wednesday, May 22nd

from 7:00-8:30 p.m

via Zoom for

"Engage your parish in Summer with the Saintly Six"


Whether your parish is well-acquainted with these holy men and women or meeting them for the first time, at this gathering, VCRJ leaders will offer creative ways to engage any parish and invite participants to share input and ideas. 

 

Click below to receive the meeting link:

 

RSVP


Novena to Mary, Mother of the Church

Click HERE to join the Novena

"The way to discover the Lord’s love is to listen to him. Thus, our relationship with him will no longer be impersonal, cold or a front. Jesus seeks a warm friendship, trust, intimacy. He wants to give us a new and marvelous awareness — that of knowing we are always loved by him and, therefore, that we are never left alone by ourselves." 

  • Pope Francis

Links of Interest From the AAPC


Black Catholic Messenger: The Voice of US Black Catholics


Black Catholic Messenger Calendar, Black Catholic Events Around the Country


Parishes In Action, A ministry of the Diocese of Oakland

Email Dr. Tuttle to share updates, events and stories of interest
Donate HERE Today and Support the African American Pastoral Council
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Previous Newsletters

Issue 9

Issue 8

Issue 7

Issue 6

Issue 5

Issue 4

Issue 3

Issue 2

Issue 1


African American Pastoral Center

2121 Harrison Street Suite 100

Oakland, CA 94612