AAMEN & NAC
This summer, two vibrant youth programs in the Diocese of Raleigh — the Neighborhood Youth Center of Fayetteville, North Carolina and the Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham, North Carolina — came alive with faith, fellowship, and cultural pride, thanks in part to generous support from the AAMEN office and the Black and Indian Mission Office Grant.
Neighborhood Youth Center – Fayetteville, NC
The Neighborhood Youth Center extends heartfelt gratitude to both St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville and the AAMEN office of the Diocese of Raleigh for their support in funding this year’s summer camp. This unique camp brings together Deaf children, teens, and adults, as well as children of Deaf parents (CODAs), to create a safe and joyful space for communication, community-building, and fun activities.
The week began with a meaningful visit to St. Ann Catholic Church, where this group first gathered back in 2007. St. Ann’s holds deep historical significance: in the 1920s, African American parishioners were made to sit at the back of local Catholic churches. By 1939, eight African Americans from three families came together to form their own welcoming community, leading to the completion of St. Ann’s original chapel in 1940. Campers explored this history, toured the grounds, and spent time reflecting in the original chapel.
With 26 campers — including 14 Black, 3 Native American, 5 white, 3 Asian, and 1 Hispanic participant — the camp celebrated diversity and inclusion. Of the participants, 13 were Deaf, 13 hearing, 6 CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), and 4 SODAs (siblings of Deaf persons). Supported by 9 dedicated volunteers, activities included sign language classes, dance, cup stacking, relay races, art, and excursions to Seabrook Pool, Aloha Zoo, Round About Skating Rink, and Cheddar’s Restaurant. Meals and snacks were generously provided through community partnerships with Cumberland County Schools, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, and local donors.
Vacation Bible School – Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham, NC
Meanwhile, in Durham, Holy Cross Catholic Church hosted its second consecutive year of a joyful and Spirit-filled Vacation Bible School under the leadership of their new Director of Religious Education. With the theme “Passport to Peace,” about 40 children gathered each evening for prayer, song, meals, Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and games. Approximately 25 of the participants were African American, alongside children from Asian, Latin American, and Anglo-American backgrounds.
Each evening began with prayer — often led by the children themselves — and a shared meal to nourish body and soul. The program featured three rotating activity stations: “Bible Beach” (Scripture), “Creator’s Canyon” (Arts and Crafts), and “Move-It Mountain” (Games). The week concluded with a heartfelt performance of the song “Give Us Your Peace” for their pastor, Fr. Pius Wekesa, and the children joyfully thanked their volunteer meal team with gifts and words of appreciation.
As one leader reflected, “This entire experience had me extra HIGH on GOD! Thanks so much for funding our event — we used every penny.”
Through these two programs, youth experienced faith, heritage, and community in powerful ways — embodying the mission of AAMEN and the Black and Indian Mission Office to uplift and empower the next generation.
