The 2015 Black History Month Prayer Service was held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Milwaukee, WI. Sponsored by the Black Catholic Ministry Commission of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Commission is attempting to focus their communal prayer events by the National Black Catholic Commission pastoral plan #2 listed in the Black Catholic Josephat calendars. The theme of the NBCC Pastoral Plan #2 is the “Dignity of Human Life.”
My name is Deacon Roy Callison. I was born in Oklahoma and have spent most of my life here. I belong to the Wolf Clan of the Cherokee and am a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. I am also a member of Redbird Ceremonial Stomp Dance Ground where I served as Keeper of the Sacred Fire for several years. The Redbird ground is the oldest Cherokee ceremonial dance ground in the Cherokee Nation. It was established not long after my people came to Oklahoma on the Trail Of Tears. I was ordained a deacon in the diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2007.
In 2015 the contest is open to any 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs that receive grants from either the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions or the Catholic Negro American Mission Board.
The theme to be developed was adapted from the Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis:
(school/parish name) ~ Jesus’ Message Brings Us Joy
