Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese
Historically, Catholic schools have served as the “principal instrument of evangelization” for African-Americans. By intentionally including the diversity of all cultures in our Catholic schools, education becomes accessible and affirming to all students. “The Black presence within the American Catholic Church is a precious witness to the universal character of ‘Catholic’. (What We Have Seen & Heard, US Black Bishops)
With the help of the Black and Indian Mission Grant, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has evangelized to the African-American community, by providing educational scholarships to four of our local elementary schools and one of our local high schools. We have been able to enrich the educational experience for those African-Americans who are actively engaged in the Catholic faith, those who are inactive Catholics and those who are the unchurched.
Listed below are just some ways that the generous support of the Black and Indian Mission Grant benefits our students:
• Academic Excellence: Technology in Our Lady of Hungary School is helping to close the digital divide, the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet and those who do not. At St. Anthony de Padua School, Reading Buddies is a concept that pairs different grade-level classrooms for community reading time. An upper-grade classroom connects with a lower-grade and the students work together on reading and listening skills.
• Grow in Our Faith: Schools focus on our Catholic values and sacramental preparation. The 4th grade students of Holy Family School research a saint as part of their religion curriculum and come dressed as their saint. The 8th grade students of Holy Cross School celebrate their rite of Confirmation, announcing their commitment to God and the Church.
• Build Community: Intentional inclusion, authentically helps children develop healthy social relationships in a supportive environment. A diverse group of Marian High School students are engaged in School Spirit Night and Breast Cancer Awareness. During Black Catholic History Month, they celebrated mass at Holy Cross School, and they shared a greater knowledge and appreciation of that history by including the story of St. Martin de Porres.
