Office of Multicultural Ministries
200 North Glebe Road, Suite 820, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Phone: 703 284-9483, Fax: 703 329-0726, Email: [email protected]
CHAIRPERSON: Deacon Al Anderson
Sept/Oct 2013
The Arlington diocese is wonderfully blessed with a very wide
variety of cultures, ethnicities and races. In addition to AfricanAmericans, Hispanics, and Europeans, the Arlington OMM
embraces communities from, Vietnam, Ghana, Cameroon, the
Philippines, Eritrea, Uganda, Nigeria, and more. Do not allow a
fear of diversity prevent us from tasting the exquisite dishes that
each of these communities brings to God’s dinner table.
Why OBCM?
Why do we need an Office of Black Catholic Ministries (OBCM)?
Black folks (African-American, African, and Caribbean) in the
American Diaspora have spent decades fighting to overcome the effects
of institutional and personal segregation; why a separate Black
organization now? These questions are often asked by our brothers and
sisters who have honest, heartfelt concerns about the need for our
organization.
As Catholic Christians we do believe that we are all one body…one
body in Christ. However, one of the great treasures of His body, the
universal Church, is the rich diversity of its members. The goal of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee of
Cultural Diversity in the Church is to “to encourage the inclusion and
fuller participation of all God's People in the life and ministry of the
Church by building up their Catholic identity in a spirit of unity in
diversity”. That phrase, “unity in diversity”, goes to the heart of the
reason for the existence of the OBCM in the diocese of Arlington’s
Office of Multicultural Ministries (OMM). Rather than a step backward
toward segregation, it is a step forward toward a more complete, joyful
celebration of the unique gifts that the Black Catholic community
brings to the Eucharistic Banquet.
While European and Hispanic communities seem to find less
resistance to incorporating their cultures into the life and ministry of the
Catholic Church in America (Italian-American Nights; Irish-American
Nights; and Hispanic-American celebrations like Cinco de Mayo are
rarely opposed), Black communities seem to be dealing with a kind of
post traumatic slavery syndrome (even among our own people) that
makes the effort more challenging. But, thankfully, the tide is changing.
The USCCB Committee goes on to say that “Catholic parishes are
moving from mono-cultural patterns to ones we call "shared," that is, to
parishes in which more than one language, racial or cultural group seek
to celebrate the Eucharist and embody Christian community”.
Somewhat ironically, it is two historically African-American parishes in
the Arlington diocese, St. Joseph in Alexandria and Our Lady Queen of
Peace in Arlington, that are now “sharing the faith” with large numbers
of our white and Hispanic sisters and brothers.
Your Brother in Christ,
Deacon Al
Deacon Al Anderson
Chairperson
Black Catholic Ministries
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Office of Multicultural Ministries
200 North Glebe Road, Suite 820
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Phone: (703) 989-5810
Fax: (703) 528-3057
[email protected]
CONTENTS:
Message from Chair, pg 1
Office of Black Catholic History, pg 2
Year of Faith, pg 3
40 Days for Life, pg 3
Up-Coming Events, pgs 4-6
Communities Engaged, pgs 7- 10
Reflections on March on Washington Anniversary,
by Desiree Brooks, pg 11
Volunteer and Educational Opportunities, pg 12
For Your Health, pg 13
Members, pg 13
Membership form, pg 14
1
Office of Black Catholic Ministries History
The need for the Office of Black Catholic Ministries arose
in1997, as groups of Black Catholics gathered for the
National Black Catholic Congress which was held in
Baltimore, MD. It flourished and grew under the leadership
of Ms. Thema Lucas as chairperson, with Mr. Eugene Harper
as the vice chairperson. In 2007, Ms. Lucas resigned, and Mr.
Harper was appointed by Bishop Loverde as the chairperson
with Mr. Ed Jones as the vice-chairperson. Also during this
time, the Office of Black Catholics established its connection
on the Diocesan Level, with its realignment under the Office
of Multicultural Ministries.
The Office of Multicultural Ministries was established in
2004, in response to pastoral needs of the diocese and to the
pastoral letter of the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) entitled Welcoming the Stranger Among
Us, Unity and Diversity. The office seeks to serve all cultural
and ethnic communities located within the diocese and to
serve as a resource to newcomers.
In 2012, Deacon Al Anderson was appointed as the
chairperson of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries,
keeping Mr. Ed Jones as the vice-chairperson. The Office of
Multicultural Ministries and the Office of Black Catholic
Ministries represent and support the African-American
Catholic through outreach, sharing their cultural diversity,
charity, vocational awareness, continuing religious education
opportunities, spiritual retreats and programs.
In addition, the Office of Multicultural Ministries supports
the participation and involvement in the National Association
of Black Catholic Administrators, the Regional African
American Catholic Evangelization Conference, and the
National Black Catholic Congress.
Mission Statement
The Office of Black Catholic Ministries strives to:
contributions made by past and present Black Catholics
y
As Black Catholics, we have certainly experienced our
share of troubles, both outside and inside of the Church. But
through God’s grace and mercy, imbued with the love of
our Divine Brother, and led by the Holy Spirit, we stand tall
and erect in the light that Christ shines on the world through
us and when we do bow down, it is only to Him. We bow to
neither man nor mammon.
Through God’s providence, the Church is witnessing a
blessed resurgence in and acknowledgement of the
contributions of her sons and daughters of African descent;
in the Motherland and throughout the Diaspora. Here in the
states, there is a growing movement toward unification
(both culturally and spiritually) among our sisters and
brothers form Africa, the Caribbean, and AfricanAmericans. The Unification Mass that was celebrated at St.
Joseph (Alexandria, VA) last February was but one example
of that effort. It was a truly joyous, spirit-filled celebration!
With our unique gifts united to those of our Asian and
Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic, NativeAmerican, European, and Middle Eastern sisters and
brothers, we have just cause for a joyful hope that Mother
Church will at last reap the full benefit of the richly diverse
offerings that each of her children brings to Supper of the
Lamb.
What a wonderful time to be a Black Catholic!
Working Towards a Future
As delegates from the respective parishes net-worked, it
became evident that there were many small pockets of
African Americans worshippers scattered throughout
the diocese. The seed was sown for the need to develop
black leadership at the parish and diocese level that
would address the spiritual, educational and cultural
concerns of Black Catholics. Presently, the Diocese of
Arlington is actively working to reach these goals and
has established a central point of contact for this
purpose.
OBCM Services
pastoral teams
2
Year of Faith
“40 Days for Life”
September 25 to November 03, 2013
Prayer Vigils held at below Abortion Centers:
Alexandria Medical and Professional Plaza
2807 and 2839 Duke Street
Alexandria, Virginia
Landmark Towers
101 South Whiting Street, Suite 215
Alexandria, Virginia
For additional info contact Ms. Sara Dina at 571-218-6224,
[email protected] or in go to web site http://www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria
The Ten Commandments
1.
I am the LORD your God. You
shall worship the Lord your God
and Him only shall you serve.
2. You shall not take the name of the
Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the
Sabbath day.
4. Honor your father and your
mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness
against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your
neighbor's wife.
10. You shall not covet your
neighbor's goods.
The Precepts of the Church
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You shall attend Mass on Sundays
and on holy days of obligation
and rest form servile labor.
You shall confess your sins at
least once a year.
You shall receive the sacrament
of the Eucharist at least during the
Easter season.
You shall observe the days of
fasting and abstinence established
by the church.
You shall help provide for the
needs of the church.
The Capital Sins
The Seven Sacrament
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
Penance
Anointing of the Sick
Holy Orders
Matrimony
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Pride
Covetousness
Envy
Anger
Gluttony
Lust
Sloth
The Corporal Works of Mercy
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
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Wisdom
Understanding
Knowledge
Counsel
Piety
Fortitude
Fear of the Lord
The Cardinal Virtues
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Prudence
Justice
Fortitude
Temperance
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To feed the hungry.
To give drink to the thirsty.
To clothe the naked.
To Visit the imprisoned
To Shelter the homeless
To visit the sick
To bury the dead
The Spiritual Work of Mercy
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To admonish the sinner.
To instruct the ignorant.
To Counsel the doubtful.
To comfort the sorrowful.
To bear wrongs patiently.
To forgive all injuries.
To pray for the living and the
dead.
3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please Join Us at St Gabriel’s
2nd Annual Revival
“In This Year of Faith, Lord, Rekindle the Flame in My
Heart”
Thursday, September 19, 2013
And
Friday, September 20, 2013
Revivalist: Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ
Pastor, St. Raymond-St Leo Catholic Church,
New Orleans, LA
Guest Gospel Choirs:
St. Joseph Catholic Church – Thursday
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church – Friday
St. Gabriel Catholic Church
26 Grant Circle, N.W
Washington, DC 20011
In the Spirit of Assisi
September 29, 2013
7:00 pm
At
St. Francis of Assisi Parish/Triangle, VA
18825 Fuller Heights Road
Triangle, VA 22172
(703) 221-4044
Welcoming people of all religious traditions to
join together, with reflection and prayer on
peace by local religious leaders followed by
discussion and fellowship.
Please join us, and invite your friends to join us.
The Mother Lange Guild is sponsoring;
Father Agustin Mateo, Pastor
A Free Will Offering Will Be Appreciated
Be a public witness to the sanctity of
human life, joining 900 life chains across
the United States and Canada.
October 6, 2013
Elder and Franconia Road in Springfield, VA
between 2:30pm – 3:30pm
If you have any question contact Michele
Jones, 703-960-3513or email
[email protected]
Tea with the Oblate Sisters of
Providence:
Saturday, October 19, 2013
11:30am until 3:00pm
Our Lady of Mount Providence – Sacred
Heart Hall
701 Gun Road, Arbutus, Maryland.
The cost is $35.00 per person
Are you interested in purchasing a table (each
table seats 7)? If you so, please let me know.
Request can also be sent to Sr. Magdala Marie
Gilbert, OSP ([email protected])
Checks should be made payable to Mother
Lange Guild and mailed to the Mother Lange
Guild Office, 701 Gun Road Arbutus, Road,
Maryland 21227.
** PS – Hats and gloves for the ladies / Ties and
jackets for the gentlemen.**
Bring your favorite tea cup and saucer
4
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Black Catholic Men’s Conference –
October 24-27, 2013,
Austin, Texas.
For further info go to www.bowmanfrancisministry.com
Celebrate
National Black Catholic History Month
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Mass: 5:00 p.m.
St Jude Catholic Church
10725 Courthouse Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Father James Hudgins, Pastor of St. Jude, Celebrant,
assisted by Deacon Al Anderson, St. Joseph, Alex., VA.
St. Joseph Gospel Choir
Eugene Harper, Director
In Collaboration
Multicultural Ministries Office
St. Jude Catholic Church
Office of Black Catholic Ministries Office
Sisters in the Spirit
Led by Fr. Freddy Washington, CSSp,
pastor of Mark’s Church in Harlem, NY; professor at Institute for Black Catholic Studies,
Xavier University, LA; formation director of the Spiritan Fathers
Saturday, November 9, 2013
9:00 am (Mass in church), Fr. Freddy, presider; Eugene Harper and
Callie Terrell, music ministry;
10:15 am – 3:00 pm (Retreat sessions with lunch provided)
Founders’ Room of the Ministry Center,
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church
2700 South 19th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
(Two blocks from intersection of Glebe Road & 19th Street South,
the Ministry Center has ample parking in the lot behind the church.)
Freewill Offering*. Bring non-perishable foods to pantry for the hungry.
Immerse yourself in the presentations, quiet prayer, prayer services,
songs, and small group reflections.
*To anticipate the count for lunch and educational material, please register and
contact Cecilia Braveboy, 703.979.5389, [email protected], or
the parish office, 703.979.5580
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
African / African-American unification event,
Saturday, November 16, 2013
details to follow
6
COMMUNITIES ENGAGED
AUGUST 2013
Fr. Eugen Nikardzedze lecture on Religion and
Spirituality held at St. James Catholic Church,
Falls Church, VA attended by OBCM members
Anthony J. Johnson and Phyllis L. Johnson on
August 22, 2013
MLK 50th Anniversary March on
Washington
August 24, 2013
*All photos taken by Phyllis L. Johnson
*All photos taken by Phyllis L. Johnson
7
MLK 50th Anniversary March on Washington
August 28, 2013
8
9
*All photos taken by Phyllis L. Johnson
10
Reflections on March on Washington Anniversary
As we waited to get through security, I looked out at the vastness of the crowd and truly started
to understand the significance of being at this event. When you live so close to the nations capital
for so long, you begin to take for granted the gift of being able to experience history. I attended
both of President Obama's inaugurations and felt a burning desire to be there. Why was this
different? We were truly on the fence about attending. I couldn't decide if I should take the time
off from work? Did I really want to sit outdoors in the rain, as was predicted for that day? Did I
truly have a burning desire to be there? I decided, Yes! Yes! Yes! Fifty years before this event I
was 2 years old, the youngest child of 7, I recalled that we were Catholics who supported Dr.
Kim t's non-violent approach to improving our civil rights. I felt as if I owed it to my parents,
grandparents, siblings, and all those who lived the horror stories we heard about the Civil Rights
movement, to be there.
I felt a sense of pride as I listened to the speeches that day, and I knew this is one of those
moments you tell your grand kids about and leave as a legacy for them to share with their grand
kids some day. I knew as we slowly headed back to the Metro station, surrounded by people of
all races, and all ages, that we were now a part of history. I wasn't one of those watching on TV
and wondering, "what if i had made the effort..." No, I was there and despite the crowds, long
lines, rain, and rumbling tummy, I wouldn't change a moment of the experience. It made me
proud to be who I am: American, black, a woman, a wife, a mother, a sister, and a friend. I pray
that when other opportunities to be a witness present themselves that I will step up, show up, and
represent.
Desiree Brooks
*Photo taken by Phyllis L. Johnson
11
Volunteer and Educational Opportunities
Volunteer Receptionists Needed - Catholic Charities’ offices in Arlington needs weekday volunteer
receptionists to answer phones and assist with clerical tasks. Please be computer literate, compassionate and
respectful of confidentiality. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, volunteers are needed for the Family Services
Counseling Office. Please contact Mike at [email protected] or call (703) 841-2531. Fridays, volunteers are
needed for the Catholic Charities Administrative Office. Please contact Beth at [email protected].
Christ House in Alexandria Needs Volunteers - Christ House needs Thrift Shop associates to help sort
donations, display items, and assist customers in our cozy shop in Alexandria. We also need Community Table
assistants to greet those who come to dinner at Christ House, assist with set-up and serving, and help with
cleanup. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. For more information contact Sister Aniliza at [email protected]
or call (703) 548-4227, ext. 104.
Volunteers Needed for Children's Program - St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional Residences in Woodbridge
is looking for volunteers for its Wednesday night children's program from 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m. St. Margaret's serves
families exiting shelters and safe houses through the Diocese of Arlington. Volunteers must be at least 18 years
old or 16 to 17 if accompanied by a parent. For more information and a volunteer application, please call Paula
Hummel at (703) 910-4845 or e-mail her at [email protected].
Center for Adoption and Pregnancy Services Needs Volunteers - Please consider offering your time to the
Center for Adoption and Pregnancy Services. Drivers are needed to drive clients to doctor’s appointments. If you
can assist, please contact Kim Harrell at (703) 425-0100 or [email protected].
Hogar Immigrant Services Needs Volunteers - Volunteers needed include ESOL (English for Speakers of Other
Languages) and Citizenship Prep teachers or assistants for spring classes in Northern Virginia, especially
Manassas. You only need to know English to teach! Training and materials will be provided. Contact Lisa Ehm
Waller at [email protected] or call (703) 534-9805, extension 238.
Donate Your “Gently Used” Furniture and Household Items - St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional
Residences in Woodbridge needs the following items for new families: night stands, dressers, end tables, coffee
tables, couches (no sleep sofas), loveseats, small dining tables and chairs, book shelves, television stands, twin
size comforters and blankets, twin mattress pads, cookware (pots and pans, bowls, bakeware, kitchen utensils,
glassware) and small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, irons, mixers). Towels, lamps and decorative items for
the house are also welcome. If you are able to donate and arrange delivery of any of these items, please call Paula
Hummel at (703) 910-4845 or e-mail [email protected].
Quick and Easy Online NFP Instruction from Marquette University Pinpoint ovulation with greater accuracy
with the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor. To learn more about the Marquette Model of NFP visit
www.nfp.marquette.edu.
Learn Natural Family Planning (NFP) The Couple-to-Couple League offers NFP classes throughout Northern
Virginia. Classes consist of three, 3-hour sessions spaced one month apart. Total cost for course and materials is
$160 per couple (Spanish courses are $55). For more information or to see upcoming classes, visit
www.nfpvirginia.com. For virtual classes, visit http://register.ccli.org/virtual.
Marriage Help [shortened version] Is your marriage in trouble? Retrouvaille can help; please call (703) 3517211 or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com .
12
FOR YOUR HEALTH
“The doctor of the future will give no medicines, but will
Interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the causes and prevention of disease.
~Thomas Edison, 1847-1931~
Stress Fact:
Here are some facts about how stress impacts our lives:
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Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease,
cancer, accidents and suicide.
Almost 90 percent of all visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related
problems.
Nearly one-half of all adults suffer adverse effects from stress.
It is estimated that 1 million Americans miss work due to stress-related complaints.
Workplace violence has been attributed to stress. Homicide is the second leading cause of
fatal occupational injury.
To learn more to: www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00535/commonstresstriggers
Office of Black Catholics Team members
Albert Anderson
Beverly Anderson
Emelda August
Phyllis Bickham
Roseann Brent
Patricia Brooks
Iris Brown
-
James Brown
-
Beverly Carroll
Dr. Winsome CraigVeronica Dabney Teres Didon
Patricia English
Doreen Hamilton
Eugene Harper
-
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
Holy Family, Dale City
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
Holy Family, Dale City
St. Jude Parish,
Fredericksburg, VA
St. Jude Parish,
Fredericksburg, VA
Holy Family, Dale City
Our Lady Queen of Peace,
Arlington
Our Lady Queen of Peace,
Arlington
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
Barbara Harris
-
Maude Holt
-
Anthony J. Johnson Phyllis L. Johnson Phillippa Johnston Edward Jones
Michele Jones
Mary Khan
Nazir Khan
Stephana Miles
Jean Simpson
Jackie Smith
Callie Terrell
Beverly B. ThorntonMarsha Williams -
Our Lady Queen of Peace,
Arlington
Our Lady Queen of Peace,
Arlington
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
Holy Family, Dale City
Holy Family, Dale City
St. Joseph, Alexandria
Holy Family, Dale City
Our Lady Queen of Peace,
Arlington
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
St Joseph’s, Alexandria
St. Joseph’s, Alexandria
13
Chairperson: Deacon Al Anderson
Phone: (703) 989-5810
Fax: (703) 528-3057
[email protected]
Current Member:
New Member: Please check box
Please provide membership Month and Year:
____________________________________
ALL MEMBERS PLEASE FILL OUT MEMBESHIP FORM, THANK YOU.
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Name:
Address:
Home Number:
Work Number:
Cell Number:
Email Address:
Parish:
Mail membership form to:
14
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Office of Multicultural Ministries, 200 North Glebe
Road, Suite 820 Arlington, Virginia 22203
Attn: Office of Black Catholic Ministries
Deacon Al Anderson