Diocese of Savannah’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry
In honor of Black Catholic History Month and coordinated by the Diocese of Savannah’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry, Bishop Stephen D. Parkes celebrated a special Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins, GA, on Saturday, November 22nd.
Over 150 Black Catholics from the Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, and Valdosta-Brunswick Deaneries attended, hearing the Bishop's message on the rich history of Black Catholics in the U.S. He highlighted their significant cultural contributions to the liturgy, which invites all to encounter Our Lord.
During the service, which coincided with the Diocese’s 175th Jubilee year, Bishop Parkes specifically congratulated St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Savannah on its 150th anniversary. Established in 1874 to minister to the African American community, it stands as the first Catholic parish in the state of Georgia and remains vibrant today. The Bishop also acknowledged the lasting impact that now-closed Black Catholic schools had on the communities they served.
The celebration continued with fellowship following Mass.
