Black Catholic Apostolate Ministry
For years now, the Diocese’s Black Catholic Apostolate has kept alive its tradition of an annual late-August picnic along the scenic Susquehanna River, bedecking the Riverview Pavilion with decorations and a display of Catholic African-American heritage as they enjoy a bevy of food and music.
In recent years, the Apostolate has undertaken specific efforts to extend a welcome to everyone to join in the festivities, and this year’s celebration on Sunday, August 25, was no different.
“The picnic is offered as a means of welcoming the larger community to share, connect and spend time together,” said Deacon Armando Torres, Diocesan Director of Culture and Outreach. “It’s an annual event that the members of the Black Catholic Apostolate are always excited for and committed to, and they want to share that excitement with the larger community.”
“This year, there was a noticeable increase in the number of people who attended, so we can see the outreach efforts to invite the general community to the event is working,” he said.
A large variety of picnic foods, including an enticing scent of chicken and burgers on the grill, and upbeat pop, Latin and African music attracted passersby as well. Some were intrigued to learn more about the African-American saints whose photos were on display, while others asked faith-based questions of several of the priests who were present.
“We were happy to welcome anyone who stopped by, and it’s a means of evangelization, too, especially to people who might not be Catholic,” Deacon Torres said.
“We see this as just a chance to have a great time together while enjoying a lot of great food and music while we share as a community.”
