The AAPC Newsletter, October/November 2025, Issue 22 | | |
We Have Gifts to Give to the Church
October and November are busy months for everyone as we embark on the fall season.
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In October we celebrate several events and acknowledgement. To see all the many things that are celebrated go here: October Holidays 2025: Observances and Awareness Days
Halloween (October 31): A major holiday associated with trick-or-treating and spooky festivities.
Indigenous Peoples' Day (Monday, October 13): A federal holiday recognizing the contributions of Indigenous peoples.
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St. Jude on Tuesday, October 28th, our devotion to the Patron of Hope takes on special significance. Let us offer gratitude to St. Jude on his Feast Day by downloading our National Shrine of St. Jude coloring pages.
| Breast Cancer Awareness Month | | |
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, serves several vital purposes:
💡 Raise Awareness
- Educates the public about breast cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
- Promote regular screenings like mammograms, which can significantly improve survival rates.
🩺 Encourage Early Detection
- Early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
- Many organizations offer free or discounted screenings during October to increase accessibility.
💞 Support Survivors and Patients
- Celebrates the strength and resilience of those affected by breast cancer.
- Provides a platform for survivors to share their stories, fostering hope and community.
🎀 Fundraising and Research
- Drives donations for research into better treatments and a potential cure.
- Supports nonprofits and hospitals in offering patient care, education, and advocacy.
🌍 Global Solidarity
- Unites people worldwide in the fight against breast cancer.
- Highlights disparities in care and outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.
Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17–23)
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Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people.
Sources:
| | November is Black Catholic History Month | Celebrating the lives of our Black saints and those two have dedicated their lives as gifts to the church are worthy of our mentioning. Black Catholic History Month is celebrated in November to highlight the rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions of Black Catholics in the United States and globally. Established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the month also commemorates key figures like St. Martin de Porres and St. Augustine, and acknowledges the historical suffering of African souls through events like the Middle Passage. | | |
Founded in 1990:
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus designated November as Black Catholic History Month (BCHM).
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The month was chosen because it contains several significant dates for Black Catholics:
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St. Martin de Porres's Feast Day (November 3): St. Martin, a Peruvian Dominican friar, was the first Black American saint, canonized in 1962.
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St. Augustine's Birthday (November 13): St. Augustine was an influential North African church father and the first Doctor of the Church.
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All Saints Day and All Souls Day: These Catholic observances fall within November and provide a time to pray for all saints and souls, particularly those of Africa and the African diaspora.
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Death of Zumbi of Palmares (November 20): A leader who established a free state for Blacks in Brazil.
| Key Themes and Significance |
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Acknowledge Contributions:
The month celebrates the historical and ongoing contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and society.
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Recognize Roots in Christianity:
It highlights that Christianity has deep roots in Africa and the African diaspora, predating its widespread expansion in Europe.
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Promote Reconciliation and Justice:
BCHM encourages reflection on issues of racism and exclusion within the Church and society, promoting reconciliation, understanding, and justice.
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Engage with resources like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) information on BCHM and learn about figures like the "Holy Six," six Black Catholics awaiting canonization.
Organize gatherings, liturgical services, or presentations that feature Black Catholic culture and art, such as posters of Black Biblical scenes (like Jesus Mafa) or Kente cloth.
Discover and learn about the work of Black Catholic organizations, religious orders, and the Knights of Peter Claver.
Acknowledge and celebrate contemporary Black Catholic voices and contributions to faith communities.
Sources:
| | Informative News & Events Stories | | |
The list of African martyrs is extensive, with many individuals who have died for their faith. Here are some notable names:
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Saint Charles Lwanga: A Ugandan martyr who defended his companions against the Bugandan king's homosexual demands and instructed them in their Catholic faith. He is the patron saint of African Catholic Youth Action, converts, and torture victims.
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Saints Augustine and Monica of Hippo: They are recognized for their piety and martyrdom.
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Saints Perpetua and Felicity: They are known for their martyrdom and are venerated for their faith.
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Saint Martin de Porres: He is recognized for his martyrdom and is a significant figure in the history of African Christianity.
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Saint Moses the Black: He is known for his martyrdom and is a significant figure in the history of African Christianity.
These martyrs are remembered for their faith and their sacrifices, and their stories continue to inspire many in the Christian community.
| Listing of Ethnic Communities of the Diocese - OCTOBER | | | |
Day Ethnic Saint / Year of death
Community
2 Black Bl. Ghébrē-Michael (+1855)
1 Black St. Aizan and St. Saza (+360)
8 Black St. Thais (+350)
10 Black St. Cerbonius, Bishop of Populonia (+573)
11 Black St. Michael Aragave (+ 4th Century)
Black St. Sarmata (+357)
12 Black 5,000 African martyrs and confessors of the faith (+483)
21 Filipino St. Pedro Calungsod (+1672)
27 Black St. Frumentius (Abuna Salama) and St. Aedesius (+380)
Black St. Elesbaan (+555)
Black St. Lalibala (+1255)
Black St. Tekla Hymanot (+131
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ALL SAINTS DAY: November 1st
All Saints' Day, celebrated on November 1, honors all saints of the Christian Church, both known and unknown, and is observed with various traditions across different denominations.
Significance and Observance All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity dedicated to honoring all saints who have attained heaven. It is celebrated on November 1 in Western Christianity, while the Eastern Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The day serves as a reminder of the spiritual bond between the living and the saints, emphasizing the belief in the "Church triumphant" (those in heaven) and the "Church militant" (the living believers).
Source: All Saints' Day - Wikipedia
ALL SOULS DAY: November 2nd
All Souls' Day 2025 will be observed on Sunday, November 2nd. This day is dedicated to the remembrance and intercession of the faithful departed, those baptized Christians believed to be in purgatory.
The observance is part of the three-day triduum of Allhallowtide, following All Saints' Day and All Hallows' Eve. Common practices on All Souls' Day include attending Mass offered for the souls of the departed, visiting graveyards to pray and decorate family graves, and performing acts of charity. The day serves as a reminder of the spiritual bond between the living and the departed, and the importance of prayer and good works in assisting the souls in purgatory.
In 2025, families and individuals around the world can participate in these traditions to honor their loved ones and maintain spiritual connections with their cultural heritage
Source: All Souls' Day - Wikipedia
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Are you struggling to put food on the table? Please fill out this form or reach out to me, we have resources to help you! | Thanksgiving: A Time of Gratitude and Cultural Reflection in the African American Community | |
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday marked by turkey and football—it’s a deeply rooted tradition of gratitude, resilience, and cultural celebration within the African American community. While its origins trace back to colonial harvest festivals, African Americans have long infused the day with unique meaning, transforming it into a powerful expression of heritage and hope.
Historically, Thanksgiving served as a spiritual anchor for Black communities. During slavery and Reconstruction, Black churches held special services where pastors delivered sermons reflecting on struggle, perseverance, and divine grace. These gatherings became spaces for communal healing and storytelling, reinforcing bonds and affirming faith.
Today, Thanksgiving continues to be a cornerstone of African American family life. It’s a time when generations come together to share not only food but also history, laughter, and love. The dinner table becomes a stage for oral traditions—stories of ancestors, achievements, and dreams—that strengthen identity and unity.
In many households, the celebration includes soul food staples like collard greens, sweet potato pie, and macaroni and cheese, blending African, Southern, and Caribbean influences. These dishes are more than comfort food, they’re cultural artifacts that carry the legacy of migration, adaptation, and creativity.
Thanksgiving also offers a moment to reflect on social justice and the ongoing pursuit of equality. For many, it’s a time to honor the sacrifices of those who came before and recommit to building a more inclusive future.
In essence, Thanksgiving in the African American community is a vibrant tapestry of gratitude, remembrance, and cultural pride. It’s not just about giving thanks—it’s about giving voice to a rich and enduring legacy.
| | Students from Saint Leo The Great Elementary School, under the direction of Ms. Sonya Simril participated in the mass on October 22, for the Visit of the Relics of St. Therese of Lisieux, known as “The Little Flower”. The students scattered red rose petals during the Mass. | | |
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place on the Tuesday right after Thanksgiving in the U.S. It’s a day when people, nonprofits, and businesses come together to give back through donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness.
Did you know that:
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In the U.S., 18.5 million donors made financial contributions in 2024, fueling vital programs and creating measurable change for communities nationwide.
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36.1 million people across the U.S. joined the movement—a clear sign that generosity is becoming just as much a holiday tradition as gift-giving itself.
These numbers represent millions of individual choices to give, care, and uplift others. Each act, big or small, adds to a shared tradition of kindness that continues to grow every year. And the beauty of it is that this tradition recurs annually at the same time, giving us all a chance to pause and give back together.
When is Giving Tuesday 2025?
Giving Tuesday 2025 will be observed on December 2, 2025. The date changes each year but always lands on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., following two of the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This timing is intentional. After a weekend focused on buying, Giving Tuesday flips the narrative and reminds us to dedicate time, resources, and energy toward giving back. It marks the unofficial start of the year-end charitable season, when nonprofits receive nearly 30% of their annual donations.
The holiday season is often painted in twinkling lights and shopping bags, but behind the rush of deals and deliveries, there’s another story unfolding. One that’s quieter, yet infinitely more powerful. It’s the story of people choosing to pause, reflect, and give. A neighbor dropping off groceries for a struggling family, a student donating pocket money to plant trees, or a company rallying its employees to support a local food bank. These small acts of kindness, multiplied across millions of hands, have grown into a global tradition we now recognize each year.
Giving Tuesday is a day that reminds us generosity isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about collective impact. At a time when the world feels divided and busy, this day brings us back to something simple yet profound: the idea that when we give together, we can change lives.
Source: Giving Tuesday 2025: Date, Origin & How to Give Back - Kumar Siddhant
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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. Louie Bertrand Church
Catch up on news and events at St. Louie Bertrand HERE
St. Patrick Church
Catch up on news and events at St. Patrick HERE
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The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
The Dominican sisters of Mission San Jose have an Online Boutique that is now open and will be open 24/7 from October 5 to October 26, 2025. It offers items such as homemade baked goods, holy honey, Extra virgin olive oil, Honey Lavender Oatmeal Soap Bars, bourbon balls, festive fruitcakes, spiritual keepsakes, and holiday décor. Proceeds support the well-being of our Senior Sisters, with 10% allocated to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Holiday Boutique: A Joyful Gathering at the Motherhouse
Come experience the Holiday Boutique in its most valid form—filled with warmth, festive aromas, and joyful connection. Enjoy coffee and pie with the Sisters and guests. Pause in our Chapel to offer prayers for peace in our country and our world.
Saturday, November 15, 2025; 10 am - 3 pm; Celebrate in person at the Motherhouse 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont, CA 94539
| | Saint Louie Bertrand will celebrate the life of
Sister Thea Bowman
during Mass on
November 2 at 9:00 AM
during Black Catholic History Month | | |
Thea Bowman was born in 1937 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Her grandfather was born a slave. Today, she is being considered for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church! She ended up being an important link between the African American community and Roman Catholicism.
She was raised as a Christian Methodist, but at the age of nine, she asked her parents' permission to convert to Catholicism and took her first communion.
She was the first African American nun to become a sister in the order of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Music was very important to her. She helped create a new African American Catholic hymnal, selecting songs for it. She wrote an essay for the hymnal as well, entitled “The Gift of African American Sacred Song.”
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Black Catholic History Month Rosary
Saint Dominic’s Church (San Francisco) invites you to pray the Rosary and the litany of the African American candidate in the process of canonization during Black Catholic History Month.
Date: Saturday November 22, 2025
Location: Lady Chapel St Dominic's Church
Time: 3pm
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African American Pastoral Center
2121 Harrison Street Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612
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