Black Catholic Ministry
The Diocese of St. Petersburg observed Black Catholic History month last fall with two special events. The Black Catholic Ministry hosted a Day of Prayer and Reflection on the six current Black Catholics from the United States whose causes for canonization are currently active: Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, Julia Greeley, and Sr. Thea Bowman. The event was centered on the current vision of the diocese, “Courageously Living the Gospel”. On Saturday, November 9, 2019, Rev. Canon A. Gerard Jordan, O. Praem., Special Assistant to Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, took the attendees on a prayerful review of the lives of the six individuals, which included an overview of their courageous stories, ministry outreach and commitment, often through difficult and oppressive times, and how they can be great inspirations to us as we offer our gifts in service to others and the Church. All participants received a packet of information that included the 2020 Josephite calendar, which highlights the sainthood candidates and the sacraments, information cards about the candidates and their individual prayer cards, and information about current ministries within the diocese.
On the following day the African Community hosted the Second Annual Diocesan African Mass, which was held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, a historically and predominantly Black parish in Tampa. The Mass was a great community event not only for the African community to come together to worship, but also an invitation to welcome others into a different worship experience. The Mass featured music, language, clothing and traditions from African countries. The Mass was followed by a very festive reception. The community hopes to continue this tradition annually.
