Diocese of Austin
Dr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon OblSB led a delegation of Black Catholics from the Diocese of Austin to the historic quinquennial gathering of the Black apostolate and those who minister among them in July. The gathering, sponsored by National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) and hosted by the Archdiocese of Washington, brought about 3,000 Catholics from over 80 dioceses across the country. The Austin diocesan delegation included about 30 people. Gene Anthony (Trey) Phillips III, a teenager from Holy Cross Parish in Austin, participated in the Youth Track Committee, which met regularly to plan the NBCC youth activities with leaders from around the nation. He also facilitated a session with His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory of Washington and Bishop J. Terry Steib SVD of Memphis. The poise and delivery of Phillips authentically expressed how young people have such an intense fire burning in their hearts for Jesus Christ. Since returning from Congress, participants are putting what they have learned into action. Inspired by the many sessions on ministry, youth, and evangelization, many have resolved to participate more fully in the mission and work of the church.
