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320 Cathedral Street / Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410.547.8496 / E-Mail: nbcc@nbccongress.org
Web: www.nbccongress.org
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Devotion to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus
From the Sisters of Carmel
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Heart of Jesus, Symbol of Love
The Church, governed and taught by the Holy Ghost, has approved and recommended devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In our age of religious indifference, when fervor and charity have grown cold, Jesus exhibits to the world His Sacred Heart as the symbol of God's infinite love - the symbol of His own generous self-sacrificing love for men. Jesus shows His Divine Heart as a furnace whose burning rays of love are able to reanimate faith and rekindle love in hearts grown cold and ungrateful.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
From the USCCB
| | On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart. | | Watch the Livestream Mass of Consecration of the United States of America to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | | Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | | 12 Promises Jesus gave for those who follow the devotion | | The Devotions to follow to receive the promises | |
Solemnity of the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has made available a downloadable lectio divina resource for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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RECOMMENDED VIDEO
CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART
The Meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre
What does the title "Sacred Heart of Jesus" truly mean, and why should we rejoice as our nation is consecrated to it? Archbishop Fabre offers a reflection on the heart of Christ as the center of His person, the symbol of His love, and a sign of His full humanity united to His divine nature.
He points to the familiar image of the Sacred Heart found in so many Catholic homes, hanging in the kitchen or near the front door, as a reminder that Jesus's love is always near. The consecration is an invitation to relationship and friendship with Jesus, whose heart burns with love for us, especially for those who feel tired, divided, or lonely, and for those carrying wounds in their marriages, families, finances, health, or struggles with addiction.
Learn more about the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths.
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My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear;
Let them not slip from your sight, keep them within your heart;
For they are life to those who find them, bringing health to one’s whole being.
With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
Proverbs 4: 20-23 NABRE
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WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
The holiday commemorates an effective end of slavery in the United States.
By Elizabeth Nix | History.com
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Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. A federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth occurs on Friday, June 19, in 2026.
| Click on any of the images below to view a pdf enlargement. | | |
Emancipation Day Circa 1880s
Houston, TX
| Buffalo Soldiers in Texas to Enforce Emancipation – June 19, 1865 | | Juneteenth Celebration Circa 1900 in Austin, TX | The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863 | | |
The Powerful History of Juneteenth: Why We Celebrate Freedom on June 19th Every Year
A Messy Classroom Presentation
Discover the powerful history and lasting legacy of Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States. This video explores the origins of Juneteenth in 1865, the role of General Granger in Galveston, Texas, and how formerly enslaved people began celebrating freedom in meaningful ways. Learn how Juneteenth became a national holiday, what it symbolizes, how it's celebrated today, and fun facts about the holiday’s traditions, symbols, and food. Perfect for those creating educational content, leading thoughtful discussions, or looking to deepen their knowledge of American history. This comprehensive breakdown is filled with historical facts, cultural significance, and ways to honor the meaning of June 19th.
| | Most Rev. Roy E. Campbell, Jr., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Washington; Chair of the subcommittee on African American Affairs. | Most Rev. Daniel E. Garcia, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin; Chair of the subcommittee on Racial Justice and Healing | | |
Statement by Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr., chair of the subcommittee on African American Affairs, and Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chair of the subcommittee on Racial Justice and Healing. Used with permission of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Juneteenth: A Pastoral Reflection on Racial Justice
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” - Luke 4:18
As we approach the observance of Juneteenth, We find ourselves reflecting on its history, its enduring significance, and why this observance speaks to my heart as Shepherds of the Church. As we commemorate Juneteenth, what we are celebrating is an opportunity to remember and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of racial justice. As Catholics, we can share the light of our commitment to all human dignity.
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Statement by Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr., chair of the subcommittee on African American Affairs, and Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chair of the subcommittee on Racial Justice and Healing. Used with permission of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Peace Cannot Exist Apart from Justice:
A Racial Justice Reflection on Magnifica Humanitas
“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together” (Magnifica Humanitas, no.1)
In Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV calls the entire human family to “love justice and peace” (MH, no. 240). Reading this encyclical through the lens of racial justice, we are moved to reflect on both the urgency and the hope embedded in the Holy Father’s words. As a Shepherds of the Church in the United States, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, and the Subcommittee on African American Affairs, we feel a deep pastoral responsibility to continue lifting up the call to justice within both our Church and our society.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / June 5, 2026
Bishop Braxton’s Statement on Paragraph 176 of Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Asks Forgiveness for the Catholic Church’s Approval of the Enslavement of African People
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By His Excellency Edward K. Braxton
Paragraph 176 tucked into the text of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” (Magnificent Humanity), asks forgiveness for the Catholic Church’s approval of the enslavement of African People. Those who only skim papal documents could easily skim past the paragraph without grasping its landmark significance.
In the midst of his timely, extensive reflections on Artificial Intelligence and its potential for the good of humanity and its potential to bring about new forms of slavery, the pontiff formally apologizes for and, more importantly, asks forgiveness for the institutional Catholic Church’s official approval of human slavery. This involved transporting of as many as 12 million chained free West African human beings in the Middle Passage across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas in subhuman conditions. They served as “beast of burden” on the plantations that created wealth for the landowners and disenfranchised a whole community of people with negative consequences lingering to modern times. (See Edward E. Baptist, The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism.)
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AFRICANANCESTRY.COM RELAUNCHES THE AFRICAN ANCESTRY FAITH-BASED IDENTITY EXPERIENCE THIS JUNETEENTH
––Connecting Spiritual Roots with African Roots––
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| Our roots are the foundation of our family trees. Knowing where we’re from shapes everything about who we are. However, most Black people are at a deficit due to the breach in heritages and connections upon the arrival of enslaved Africans to America and across the Diaspora more than 400 years ago. AfricanAncestry.com was created to help people of African descent reclaim missing pieces of our roots using genetics and thereby further reinforcing our identities in today’s America and the world. | | African Ancestry Reveal @ The Park Church, Charlotte, NC | | |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Domus Verbi Launches to Evangelize, Educate, and Lead Souls to Christ
A new nonprofit rooted in timeless Catholic truth has officially launched. Domus Verbi is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reconciling souls to Jesus Christ through evangelization, education, and theological exploration. The organization provides accessible digital resources, fosters open and faithful conversations, and helps Catholics and seekers worldwide encounter the richness of Catholic theology.
John R. Kerry, Cofounder and President, leads the organization, guiding its mission to bring hearts and minds closer to Christ. “In a world full of chaos, true and lasting peace can be encountered by living a Christ-centered life and by turning the heart to the Eucharist, which the Church calls the source and summit of our Christian life,” says Kerry. “Through Domus Verbi, the purpose is to guide others on that journey of encounter with Christ.”
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, with Kerry committed to the reconciliation of souls to Christ as the guiding principle. Kerry is an active parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church of New Orleans. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Government from Nicholls State University and an MBA from the University of Mary, a private Catholic university.
The inspiration to launch Domus Verbi grew from transformative experiences for the founder, including attendance at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indiana in 2024, a historic moment of revival and unity within the Church, and witnessing in person the election of Pope Leo XIV at the 2025 conclave in Rome. These pivotal events deepened the conviction to serve the Church by proclaiming Christ’s truth.
To further its mission, Domus Verbi will also publish a newsletter called Annuntiatio Verbi, providing ongoing resources, reflections, and insights for Catholics and seekers around the world. St. Jerome, patron saint of translators and scholars, serves as the organization’s spiritual guide, reflecting its commitment to faithfully transmit and explore the Word of God.
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Media Inquiries
For interviews or additional information, please contact:
John R. Kerry, Cofounder/President
Office: 985-804-7704
Cell: 504-444-9991
Email: info@domusverbi.org (preferred)
Website: www.DomusVerbi.org
Social Media: @domusverbi
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FATHER AUGUSTUS TOLTON AND DANIEL RUDD
Written by Bishop Joseph Perry, postulator for the Cause of Augustus Tolton
History is a powerful venue for reflecting on our evolution as a people, as a society. History can also serve as a guidebook to our present as well as a compass pointing to our future..
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Servant of God Friar Martin de Porres Maria Ward
From the USCCB Website
Life and Witness to Racial Justice:
Servant of God Friar Martin Maria de Porres Ward, O.F.M. Conv., was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in a time when Black Catholics were often marginalized within both society and the Church. Despite systemic barriers, he discerned a call to religious life with the Conventual Franciscan Friars. At a time when Black vocations were neither encouraged nor welcomed, Friar Martin broke through racial exclusion to become the first African American Conventual Franciscan friar in North America.
| | Servant of God Martin de Porres Maria Ward. Photo from the Friars Minor Conventual. | | Congratulations to the Newly Ordained or Soon to be Ordained Members of the National Black Catholic Seminarians Association! | | |
Rev. Terna Paul Adikpe
Diocese of Beaumont
May 23, 2026
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Rev. Jude Opara
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Saturday, May 16, 2026
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Rev. Duwan Booker
Diocese of Little Rock
Saturday, May 30, 2026
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Rev. Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Saturday, June 13, 2026
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Rev. Chike Egbufoama
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Saturday, May 16, 2026
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Rev. Martin Umeatuegbu
Archdiocese of Santa Fe
May 23, 2026
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O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear our humble prayers on behalf of your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope, and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly lives.
In their loneliness, comfort them; in their sorrow, strengthen them; in their frustration, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified. Show them that they are needed by the Church, they are needed by souls, they are needed for the work of redemption.
O loving Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordinations, and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much. Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideal of consecrated celibacy.
Amen.
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Transferal Mass, Solemn Vespers and Funeral Mass for Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ
If you were unable to attend in person or view the livestream events, the recordings are now available for the Transferal Mass, the Solemn Vespers, and the Funeral Mass of Bishop John Ricard, SSJ.
| | Click either image to download the Prayer Card | | |
FADICA is Seeking to Hire a Director of Membership and Philanthropic Engagement
We seek a relationship-oriented, goal-driven professional with a background in business development, membership development, or fundraising. The director will identify and cultivate relationships with wealthy donors in order to help grow the FADICA membership community.
More details are in the link:
Director of Membership and Philanthropic Engagement (REMOTE POSITION) » CatholicJobs.com - Catholic Jobs Online
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is Seeking to Hire a Senior Communications Manager.
Do you know of an excellent candidate with background and experience in engaging Catholic audiences through traditional and digital media? CMN seeks a skilled self-starter to serve as Senior Communications Manager. This important position, within CMN’s collaborative staff team, drives the development and implementation of all aspects of CMN’s strategic communications initiatives and includes hands-on content creation and deliveries.
This is a full-time, in-person position based in Washington, DC.
We are requesting applications before June 18, 2026. Details for how to apply are listed with the job posting.
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RECOMMENDED READING:
Thoughts In Solitude
By Thomas Merton
Thoughtful and eloquent, as timely (or timeless) now as when it was originally published in 1956, Thoughts in Solitude addresses the pleasure of a solitary life, as well as the necessity for quiet reflection in an age when so little is private. Thomas Merton writes: "When society is made up of men who know no interior solitude it can no longer be held together by love: and consequently it is held together by a violent and abusive authority. But when men are violently deprived of the solitude and freedom which are their due, the society in which they live becomes putrid, it festers with servility, resentment and hate."
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“The Merton Prayer” from Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton.
Copyright © 1956, 1958 by The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani.
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“The Merton Prayer”
By Thomas Merton
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Sixth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, & Food Supplements
By Phyllis A. Balch CNC
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The nation’s #1 bestselling guide to natural remedies, totally revised and updated.
This fully revised edition includes both time-honored, proven strategies and the latest science to arm you with the best natural therapies for your health.
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June 15, 2026/12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
250 Years Towards Racial
Justice
Progress, Promise, and Challenges
Location: Online Via Livestream
Presented by the Georgetown University Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life
As the U.S. commemorates Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, the nation also prepares to celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. While the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” enslavement did not end in this country until 1865, 89 years after the signing of this founding document of the U.S.
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July 1, 2026 (WEDNESDAY)
8:00 AM EDT
NBCC Daniel Rudd Grant Fund Opens for Applications
Deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT
Please Note:
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The Legacy Continues...
On a Sacred Path With the Oblate Sisters of Providence
HOMECOMING 2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026
701 Gun Road, Baltimore, MD 21227
For more information or to purchase raffle tickets or chicken dinner tickets call:
Sr. Rita Michell Proctor: 410.382.6545
or Paula Cullings: 443.858.4646
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Archdiocese of Washington
Black Ministry Pastoral Plan Listening Sessions
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The Archdiocese of Washington warmly invites clergy, Religious, parish leaders, ministry partners, families, young adults, and all members of our Black Catholic community to participate in the Black Catholic Ministry Pastoral Plan Listening Sessions.
Rooted in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, and inspired by the vision of the National Black Catholic Congress, this pastoral planning process seeks to prayerfully discern the gifts, hopes, needs, and aspirations of Black Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. Since June 2025, the Black Catholic Ministry Pastoral Planning Committee has been intentionally engaging in dialogue and discernment to help shape a pastoral plan that affirms our rich cultural heritage, strengthens evangelization, and fosters vibrant Catholic community life.
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Saturday, June 27, 2026
Mother Seton Catholic Church
19951 Father Hurley Blvd
Germantown, MD 20874
9:00 a.m. – Mass
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Listening Session in Parish Center
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Sunday, June 28 2026
St. John Vianney Catholic Church – Vianney Room
105 Vianney Lane
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
10:45 a.m. – Mass
Listening Session 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Saturday, August 8, 2026
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
10103 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20902
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Listening Session in Kennedy Room
5:30 p.m. Mass in the Historic Church (Rosensteel Avenue)
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September 2026:
Dates Coming Soon!
St. Augustine Catholic Church
1419 V Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
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St. Joseph Catholic Church
2020 St. Joseph Drive
Largo, MD 20774
For more information,
please contact culturaldiversity@adw.org
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Sunday, October 4, 2026
St. Peter Claver Catholic Church
16922 Saint Peter Claver Road
Inigoes, MD 20684
10:00 a.m. Mass
Noon – 3:00 p.m. Listening Session in McKenna Hall
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Saturday, October 17, 2026
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
1600 Morris Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
10:30 am – 1:30 p.m. Listening Session in Panorama Room
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