Office of Black Catholic Ministries
The term Habari Gani is swahili for "What's the News." This is also the name for the Black Catholic high school retreat that has been taking place in the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 2008. This retreat was created to help reconnect our youth following the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2021, on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we suffered a devesting blow from Hurricane Ida. This, added to the effects of the pandemic, has caused a deficit in ministry, especially with our youth and young adults. With the assistance of the Black and Indian Mission Grant, the Office of Black Catholic Ministries organized a "Habari Gani Family Reunion" which included all those that participated in the Habari Gani retreat since its inception. We were blessed to have participants bring their families and their own young children. Past coaches/team leaders attended as well, including Bishop Fernand Cheri III. There was much reminiscing, but there was also time for planning for the future as well. Several youth and young adults stepped up to offer their time and talent to help with the next phase of this ministry. They also want to assist in creating new opportunities for Black Catholic Youth & Young Adults in the Archdiocese of New Orleans following the pandemic and Hurricane Ida.
