The 5th National Black Catholic Women’s Gathering was a timely reunion of about 180 Catholic women of African descent who gathered from all directions of the country. Other SIS groups were present. I found it beautiful and energizing to reconnect with women I’ve worked with for decades of ministry in Black Catholic circles and met new sisters too. National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC) members and affiliates, 2024 co-chairs Sr. Patty Chappell SNDdeN, Cynthia Morris, and their team of volunteers magnificently coordinated the July 26-28 convening of intergenerational lay and women religious. I am grateful to have participated.
Some participants arrived early to visit the Muhammad and Lonnie Ali Education Center and other sights and/or to catch up on much needed rest. The weekend resonated with vibes of joy, peace and hospitality. Louisville’s Archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministry hosted us like queens.
Keynote presentations inspired, affirmed and encouraged us to look to Scripture and the wisdom of our experiences as the gifted women God created to be. For the opening plenary, Mrs. Therese Wilson Favors spoke from the Book of Exodus, illustrating how Black Catholic Women also may step into the critical role of spiritual warriors to the benefit of our people and the larger world. In her classic style, Mrs. Favors broke it down for us. Read Exodus1:8-21 to learn how The Doulas Done Did it.
Dr. Tia Noell Pratt, Assistant Vice President, Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at Villanova University, delivered a Call to Action based on Villanova’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She highlighted its campus ministry program named in honor of Sr. Cora Marie Billings, Dr. Pratt’s ongoing Black Catholic Syllabus project and discussed her particular focus on Anti-Blackness.
On Saturday afternoon Kimberley Mazyck, Associate Director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, moderated an intergenerational panel. Panelists representing a range of ages and ministries included Sr. Roberta Fulton SSMN, Director of Cultural Diversity for the Diocese of Buffalo; Mrs. Tahirah Thea Stevens Gaillard, a mental health therapist; Ms. Ali Mumbach, Campus Ministry Assistant at Howard University; and Sr. Lynn Marie Ralph SBS, Pastoral Care Coordinator at Redeemer Hospital. As one participant shared, that discussion was a highlight of the program. We came away convinced that “We have to listen to young people’s voices, be open to their ideas. Older Catholics must not be judgmental.” Instead, they (we) should create and sustain welcoming spaces for younger adults.
I found that choosing one of 5 workshop topics was challenging since they all resonated with the group’s interests. For instance, in the breakout session entitled “Impact of Social Media on the Black Community,” I learned why and how we should use social media in ministry with Black Catholics today and left emboldened to start. Mrs. Carole Norris Greene, a former editor at Catholic News Service, shared an insightful breakdown of preferences and uses of social media platforms by generation (i.e., Boomers, Millennials, Gens X and Z). Similarly, another attendee gained practical insights for her multicultural parish from Mrs. M. Annette Turner’s breakout session, “Called to Community – Sharing Our Gifts.” Other topics offered were “Thirsting for Justice in an Unjust World, “Broken, Blessed and Empowered,” and “Self-Care for Black Women.”
Internationally acclaimed poet, certified spiritual life coach, and healer Ms. Sunni Patterson led a Public Witness and Prayer Ritual at the parish of St. Martin de Porres. She credits the Sisters of the Holy Family with helping to develop her skills as a youth leader and multi-talented performance artist. Like a collage artist, Ms. Patterson gathered participants’ sentiments regarding the Gathering then masterfully synthesized our reflections into poetry. (Google her.)
In the closing plenary, the Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS), which concluded its 2024 session the week prior, Dr. Kathlen Dorsey Bellow encouraged the group to look into the IBCS gem for themselves. It’s a transformative experience.
A lively Sunday Liturgy closed the Women’s Gathering. Archbishop Sheldon Fabre was the celebrant. He was assisted musically by St. Joseph the Worker choir. After many hugs, photos, and last stops at vendors’ tables, the laywomen departed for home.
Later, a Sister in the Spirit of the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW) offered this brilliant suggestion: Those who were privileged to attend should share their experience with other Black Catholic women in their parish/diocese. I agree: Could Black Catholic women from ADW who were Called, Blessed, and Sent by the Holy Spirit to Louisville convene sisters who were unable to attend and share the gift we received? Perhaps this could be placed on the agenda of a future SIS General Meeting.
Author: Donna Toliver Grimes, Retired from USCCB, Staff, Member of St. Teresa of Avila Church.
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