O f f i c e o f A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n, A f r i c a n & C a r i b b e a n A p o s t o l a t e LOOKING AHEAD Summer 2017 July/Aug/Sept Inside this issue: Looking Ahead Message From Fr. Emeka 1 2 Day of reflection Youth Day 3/4 5/8 NBCC XII 9/12 Historical Glance Bishop Francis celebration Save The Date / Mission Black Parishes 13/16 17 18 19 What is the most important thing? Jesus. If we push ahead with planning and organization, beautiful things indeed, but without Jesus, then we are on the wrong road. Jesus is the most important thing. Pope Francis
Editorial A MESSAGE FROM THE COORDINATOR On behalf of The African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate, I extend a gracious welcome to His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. in his new role as the Archbishop of this great Archdiocese. The Apostolate is grateful for and also looks forward to the support of Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R. and the Chancery Office as we continue our work as Christians to profess our faith through evangelization, our activities, and the many gifts which the Lord has bestowed upon us. As I move forward, I also wish to extend a sincere thank you to Msgr. Arnhols, the Pastoral Vicar for his support and assistance. Also to Sr. Patricia Lucas who previously served as the Coordinator of this Apostolate. Sr. Pat has remarkably set the foundation for this Office which has allowed for my transition to be an easy one. The guidance and expertise Sr. Pat has provided thus far have been instrumental to this Apostolate and has already energized us as WE ARE ON THE MOVE! In the upcoming months, several meetings will be held as we plan for special events which will include an Anniversary Mass for Bishop Joseph Francis on September 30 and The Bishop Francis Scholarship Dinner which will be held on November 10. Additional details will be forthcoming. Our quarterly newsletters are now available for you to enjoy while gaining insight into the richness and authenticity of being black and Catholic. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. Emeka Okwuosa, S.D.V Page 2
DAY OF REFLECTION PLANNED FOR ARCHDIOCESAN FAITHFUL Welcomed by Fr. Emeka Okwuosa, SDV, the coordinator of The African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate, attendees joined in McKnight of Christ the King scription of the Day of Reflec- on his own experiences as a gresses. opening prayers. Deacon Keith Church followed with a brief detion. Deacon McKnight reflected past attendee at previous Con- Fr. Gregory Chisholm, S.J., pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church and Resurrection, Chapel in Harlem, was the keynote speaker at the event. He addressed the elements of black catholicity and its impact on the faithful. Specifically, Fr. Gregory presented a timeline of The National Black Catholics Congress beginning with Daniel Rudd, its founder. On Saturday, April 29, the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate hosted a Day of Reflection in preparation for The National Black Catholic Congress XII. This highly spiritual day enabled all of the faithful to prepare for Congress XII. The event was held at Christ the King Church in Jersey City with all of the faithful in attendance from several parishes throughout the Archdiocese. DAY OF REFLECTION 2017 Page 3
DAY OF REFLECTION 2017 Fr. Chisholm also spoke about the important roles that African American Bishops play in addressing issues that impact black Catholics in their dioceses. He discussed the importance of not only the black faithful, but the need for all of the universal Church, to pray for the cause for canonization for five African Americans who have been delared Servants of God or Venerable. The event also included other guest speakers who addressed issues pertaining to black Catholic history, marriage, social justice, pro-life and issues pertaining to youth. The Day of Reflection concluded with a joyful Mass celebrated by Fr. Emeka. Page 4
BLACK YOUTH DAY: IN HIS IMAGE and act as one made In His Im- The keynote speakers were Howard Roberts, Program Coordinator of Urban Youth Ministry Programming/Black Catholic Ministries of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. On Saturday June 24, 2017 The African American, African and Caribbean Apostolate held its first Spiritual Youth Retreat entitled In His Image at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center in Kearny, New Jersey. The purpose of the youth retreat was to introduce youth from Essex and Hudson counties that, they are Royalty and children of dreams when you believe age. IN HIS IMAGE Keith Brown, a spoken word artist founder, Director Righteous Linguistic Ministries, led the youth in presentation with a highly spiritual testimonial message. Perfectly imperfect mirrored the message that you are exactly as you are supposed to be, broken to be blessed to be a blessing. Page 5
IN HIS IMAGE Maya Ciree Roberts, Digital Media Specialist, from the University of Baltimore led the youth into large and small groups in the identity game incorporating movement with a power point presentation. The youth were instructed to create a Blue Print using the theme In His Image. This was a hands on activity which involved a reproduction of technical drawing and documenting where do they see themselves in the future. All of the youth were extremely excited and engaged constructing accurate and precise knowledge of who they are and where they see themselves. The youth participated in a highly spiritual Mass which was celebrated by Most Reverend Hyacinth Egbebo, MSP: Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate of Nigeria. Bishop Egbebo addressed the importance of appreciating all of God s creation and to not take it for granted. He stated that everyone was created In His Image. Page 6
All of the youth were able to reflect on his homily as well as participate in all of the activities which centered on the retreat theme In His Image. Finally, we can believe and rejoice for Almighty God, pulled from every direction throughout the counties from which over 130 were in attendance and carried his message that we are truly In His Image and of Royalty and our children can dream and make it His Reality. If we continue to open our hearts so that we may hear your love to those we reach and those who may come our way clear our minds so that we may remember what was done for us and what we as your chosen people must do for others. Let our prayers unite as one, Lord God, and testify as true truth that, we have a message from above: we are not things, we are children of the dream, descendants of Kings and Queens. We are Royalty made in your image and I Know you are Bigger than that. IN HIS IMAGE No good things does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly and happy is the one that trusts in the Lord. (Psalm 84:11) Article Compiled by Jacqueline Monique Anderson, MBA, MSA Youth Coordinator at St. Patrick & Assumption All Saints, Jersey City. Page 7
IN HIS IMAGE. IT WAS REALLY A DAY OF FAITH FOOD FUN Page 8
NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII Fr. Emeka Okwuosa, SDV, Coordinator of the African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate led a contingency from the Apostolate to the National Black Catholic Congress XII which was held at The Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, Florida on July 6-9, 2017. A total of 30 representatives and three youth attended the Congress which is held every five years. The theme for Congress XII was The spirit of The Lord is upon me, Act Justly, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with your God. Speakers included His Eminence, Peter Kodwo Cardinal Turkson, who opened the General Session with a keynote address entitled, The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me: Act Justly, Love Goodness, and walk Humbly with Your God. Other Keynote speakers included Fr. Maurice NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII Emelu, who presented Gifted to Lead as well as Bryan Stevenson, Esq., who presented, Love Mercy and Do Justice: Confronting Mass Incarceration, Racial Bias, and Poverty. The special event highlighted was The Racial Divide in America and In the Catholic Church by Most Reverend Edward Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D. In addition to keynote presentations, there were over 20 workshops presented for attendees to participate in. Workshops included topics which focused on social justice, racism, mental health, mass incarceration, project Rachel Ministry, theology of the body, the economy of exclusion in The U.S., and other faith related topics. The highlight event was a Mass at Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe with His Eminence, Peter Kodwo Cardinal Turkson, as the celebrant. Page 9
NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII Throughout the Congress, youth workshops included a presentation by Damon Owens entitled, Love on the Brain: Finding Your Heart Without Losing Your Mind. Other youth workshops also addressed Bible Study, Sacrament of marriage in the African American community, and pro-life presentations. In addition, a special youth track presentation of the Tolton Drama which highlighted the life of Fr. Augustus Tolton, one of five African Americans whose cause for canonization is before The Vatican. The many youth and young adults present at National Congress XII also participated in a Black Catholic history scavenger hunt as they discovered new and interesting facts about Black Catholics. The focal point of the Congress XII gathering area was a mural located in the Regency Ballroom. As in the photo We Are All Called To Be Saints all persons represented are as the depicted saints who come from diverse states of life, many are canonized, some are blessed, and some are neither underscoring the universal call to holiness which the Church has communicated to her children since her founding, and reiterated emphatically by the Second Vatican Council. Congress XII was eventful and fruitful for all in attendance. An urgency for the prayers for the cause for canonization for five African American was thematic throughout the Congress. Prayer cards for Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Servant of God Fr. Augustus Tolton, and Julia Greeley were distributed for the faithful to pray for their intercession. Page 10
At the conclusion of the Congress, a special Mass was offered with Bishop Cheri of New Orleans, delivering a musical version of his homily entitled My Thank You List reminding all of the faithful that we must offer daily thanks to The Lord and place Him on our Thank You list! The Congress XII closed with the following preliminary recommendations for a Pastoral Plan tobe executed and reviewed yearly: Re-committing ourselves to live our Baptism as authentically Black and truly Catholic as we seek leadership in our Church at all levels. NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII Committing ourselves to promote the causes for canonization for the five holy women and men being considered for sainthood. We commit ourselves to act who are suffering and specifically to born to natural death. justly by living in proximity to those promote the dignity of life from the un- We commit ourselves to love goodness by sharing our Faith with others using creative ways such as social media. We commit ourselves to walk humbly with our God and affirm the universal call to holiness as it is lived out in all forms of vocations in our Church marriage, single life, consecrated women and men, and clergy. Page 11
We commit ourselves to listen and respond to the needs of the youth and young adults in our community as we pass on the legacy of our Faith. NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII We commit to align these priorities with the outcomes of the Convocation of Catholic Leaders as missionary disciples called to spread the Joy of the Gospel. Finally, we commit ourselves to apply these priorities, on the local diocesan, regional, and national level and review them on a yearly basis. Given at Congress XII, July 9, 2017 Finally, African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate and Fr. Emeka are grateful to the Archdiocese of Newark and the Black and Indian Mission for sponsorship to National Black Catholic Congress XII. All of the Apostolate members who participated at Congress XII attested that The Spirit of The Lord was upon them and will continue so that they can act justly, love goodness, and walk humbly with God. IT S GREAT TO BE BLACK AND CATHOLIC!!! Page 12
HISTORICAL GLANCE: SAINT PETER CLAVER CHURCH, Montclair Perched on a small hill in the predominately African American section of Montclair and known to many as the South End is a rich history which embodies the Black Catholic experience. Since 1931, the Black Catholic community can rightly be acknowledged for the Gifts that they shared inside and outside of Saint Peter Claver Church. Located on a street which abuts three predominately African American churches for the faithful, SAINT PETER CLAVER CHURCH, MONTCLAIR namely Trinity Presbyterian Church, St. Paul s Baptist Church and St. Mark s Methodist Church, all have served as the spiritual meeting places for African American faithful in and around Montclair for many years. On October 1, 1931, its doors officially opened as a mission with the assistance of Fr. Cornelius Ahern, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church (Newark) for the African American faithful. St. Peter Claver Mission was a haven for Black Catholics in Montclair who were not well received elsewhere with open hearts, but now a place was found where they could truly call HOME. Longtime parishioner, Mrs. Margaret McCray, provided a partial oral history of St. Peter Claver reminiscing about the realities of many Black Catholics and the racism which was experienced during the early sixties. One question frequently asked by many Black Catholics during that time was Why weren t Black Catholics welcomed in other churches in Montclair? Much of the oral history of St. Peter Claver Church is a sole recollection of a Mass that was held in the basement of a local church for Black Catholics while they listened to a sound system where mainstream Catholics were attending Mass upstairs. When the news about a mission established for Black Catholics spread, Black families fled to the St. Peter Claver Mission located at 51 Elmwood Avenue. Page 13
SAINT PETER CLAVER CHURCH, MONTCLAIR As the mission grew and ministries were developed, so was the need for a larger gathering place. As a result, St. Peter Claver Church was erected and later dedicated in November of 1939. In the sixties, under the leadership of Fr. Charles Brady, several youth and adult ministries were formed. Under the leadership of Fr. Charles McTague, in the early seventies, St. Peter Claver was officially designated a parish with Fr. McTague serving as its first Administrator. Soon after, a community of Korean faithful was welcomed as the African American faithful shared the many gifts of the Church. Korean faithful gathered from approximately 20 communities to attend Mass, socialize, and grew into a large spiritual community which later resulted in the formation of a Korean parish in Orange. Following this period of time, a large Haitian community then followed which was the beginning of the first Mass in French/Creole at St. Peter Claver Church. It was this small church, erected plain in its architecture, which aided several Haitians in developing friendships and assisting some in their initial cultural displacement. Their well-known ministry of serving Haitian young adults began with Let the Children Come to Me Ministry which provided Haitian youth the opportunity to grow in their Christian Faith through service to their parish and their community. Years later, the Haitians began their charismatic prayer group along with other ministries. Deacon Wilfred Leconte has proudly served St. Peter Claver for many years. This year, 2017, marked the 46th anniversary of the Haitian community worshiping at St. Peter Claver Church. On September 10, 1978, Fr. John Holian was installed as the first pastor by the first and only African American Bishop in the northeast, Bishop Joseph A. Francis whose Anniversary Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph Tobin at Sacred Heart Basilica this September. In 2002, under the spiritual leadership of Fr. John Nickas, a Spanish Mass and the beginnings of a small prayer group evolved. The tenure of spiritual leadership soon followed under the guidance of Fr. Jose Gamba and Fr. Richard Carlson, respectively. Years later, the Latino faithful began to grow at St. Peter Claver with the formation of other Latino ministries under the leadership of Fr. Zephyrin Katompa, who currently serves as the church s pastor since November 2015. This year, 2017, marked the 15th anniversary of the Latino community worshiping at St. Peter Claver Church. Many other priests have served St. Peter Claver in so many ways which include Fathers John Stanley, George O Gorman, David Price, Joseph Lenihan, Thomas Brennan, Paul Hayes, James Heavy, Albert Drew, Francis Hurts, John Sullivan, Frederick Eid, George Donovan, James Carroll, Paul Bootkoski, George Lutz, Joseph Kyug Dong, James Thiry, Beaubrun Ardouin and Anselm Nwaorgu. Page 14
As noted in a recent survey, African American churches are one of the most welcoming of catholic communities compared to their catholic counterparts. This ability to welcome and open their hearts to others has been well documented in the history of St. Peter Claver Church. In addition, Black Catholics at St. Peter Claver continue to possess a strong sense of community which is evident in the presence of their parish s Black Catholic Concerns Ministry which was formed in 1980. The Black Catholic Concerns Ministry s three fold mission continues to ensure that all worshipers, particularly African Americans, find acceptance and warmth in the Roman Catholic Church; to share our rich spiritual and cultural heritage with the entire faith community and; to be a positive contributor to programs that promote the advancement of African Americans, both within the Archdiocese and the community at large. Also noted in the aforementioned survey, A greater sense of community that comes from worshiping with others who share cultural heritage also heightens religious engagement. Contemporary worshipers of African American descent continue to attend Mass at St. Peter Claver while others in attendance are part of its rich legacy. Over the years, Black Catholics of St. Peter Claver Church participate in Montclair s African American Heritage Day Parade, Black History Month, and Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Every year, all of the faithful gather to honor their patron saint, St. Peter Claver, with a Mass and celebration. This year, 2017, marked the 86th Anniversary of existence for the African American community worshiping at St. Peter Claver. Challenges have existed for black Catholics over the years within the Universal Church. However, the importance of recognizing that Black Catholics are Gifts to be shared and cherished should be acknowledged. As parishes continue to grow multi-culturally, spiritual leaders must be sensitive to the cultural mores of Black Catholics and how they worship through song, praise, and their active engagement in the church. For African Americans at St. Peter Claver, they have witnessed the many changes that have occurred in their parish. The history of St. Peter Claver and its Black Catholic followers have displayed goodness through their strong faith while at the same time adopting ways to maintain a delicate balance between tradition and change. Several generations of African Americans, along with other ethnic populations, actively worship at the church today holding on to a wonderful legacy while the parish continues to evolve multi-culturally making available to all parishioners the opportunity to pray at Mass in their respective languages: English, Spanish, and French/Creole. Overall, it is the uniqueness of Saint Peter Claver Church s history, both as a mission and parish that is a true reflection of the welcoming hand which is boldly affixed above its bronze green doors that serves as a welcoming call for all who are in search of a place to worship. This welcoming hand represents the invitation that has attracted so many other faithful to this small church of great stature. SAINT PETER CLAVER CHURCH, MONTCLAIR Page 15
SAINT PETER CLAVER CHURCH, MONTCLAIR Sulpician, Fr. Anthony Pogorelc states, It is easy to deal with people who are like you rather than to have to stretch and deal with someone who is different than you, but if we are truly Catholic, that s what we do. 1 For the African American Catholics at St. Peter Claver Church, that is what they have always done. What has resulted is a unique gift, a shared gift, a blend of diverse catholic cultures African American, Caucasian, Haitian, and Latino all of whom are truly living in the image of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Souls Look back in wonder.a partial history of St. Peter Claver Parish (Compilation of various sources 2013) Partial Oral History provided by Margaret McCray (SPC Parishioner) Notre dame Survey of African American Catholics Offers Important Insights. (National Black Catholic Congress & Notre Dame s Institute for Church Life and Office of the President) By Wiliam G. Gilroy November 17, 2011 1 Study: Catholic Parishes are Increasingly Multicultural by Katerine Burgerr, NCR, Nov. 18, 2013 SOURCES: Negro Chapel Dedicated Despite Rain The Montclair Times, November 7, 1939 A Dying Parish Comes to Life Lani Luciano; Montclair Library December 1976 Article compiled by Susan Rich, Ed.D African American, African, and Caribbean Apostolate Page 16
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Save The Date Bishop Francis Annual Scholarship Dinner Friday, November 10, 2017, Newark Waterfront Center 1100 McCarter Highway, Newark, NJ 07102 More information will follow closer to date. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the African American, African, & Caribbean Apostolate is to: DISCOVER and PROMOTE leadership among Roman Catholics of African descent in the Archdiocese of Newark. ENCOURAGE Fiscal responsibility and self reliance. EMPOWER young adults to embrace their cultural identity and to refuse to live their lives apart from their Savior Jesus the Christ. LOVE who we are and to Whom we belong thus striving to eradicate all form of racism and oppression. Page 18
Important 2017 Dates and Events: Archdiocese of Newark Day of Reflection, Christ the King Church, Jersey City Archdiocese of Newark In His Image Youth Retreat, Kearney National Black Catholic Congress XII Orlando, Florida Anniversary Mass for Bishop Joseph Francis, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, New- Bishop Joseph Francis Annual Scholarship Dinner, The Waterfront Center, Newark April 29, 2017 June 24, 2017 July 6 9,2017 September 30, 2017 ark November 10, 2017 Black Parishes in the Archdiocese AFRICAN-AMERICAN (38 parishes) (Founded as African-American Parishes.) (E) Newark, Queen of Angels (E) Montclair, St. Peter Claver (H) Jersey City, Christ the King (Parishes with African-American Catholic families.) (B) Bergenfield, St. John the Evangelist (B) Englewood, St. Cecilia (B) Hackensack, Holy Trinity (B) Leonia, St. John the Evangelist (B) Teaneck, St. Anastasia (B) Tenafly, O.L. of Mount Carmel (E) East Orange, Holy Name of Jesus (E) East Orange, Holy Spirit/ O.L. Help of Christians (E) East Orange, St. Joseph (E) Irvington, St. Leo (E) Maplewood, St. Joseph (E) Montclair, St. Peter Claver (H) Jersey City, Christ the King (E) Montclair, Immaculate Conception (E) Newark, Blessed Sacrament/St. Charles (E) Newark, Sacred Heart (Vailsburg) (E) Newark, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart (E) Newark, St. Mary (Abbey) (E) Newark, St. Patrick Pro-Cathedral (E) Newark, Parish of the Transfiguration (E) Newark, St. Rose of Lima (E) Orange, O.L. of the Valley (E) Upper Montclair, St. Cassian AFRICAN-AMERICAN (H) Jersey City, Resurrection (H) Jersey City, O.L. of Sorrows (H) Jersey City, O.L. of Victories (H) Jersey City, St. Aloysius (H) Jersey City, St. Anne (H) Jersey City, St. John the Baptist (H) Jersey City, St. Patrick/Assumption-All Saints (H) Jersey City, St. Paul the Apostle (U) Elizabeth, Holy Rosary/St. Michael (U) Hillside, Christ the King (U) Plainfield, St. Bernard and St. Stanialaus (U) Plainfield, St. Mary (U) Rahway, St. Mary HAITIAN (6 parishes) (E) East Orange, Holy Spirit/Our Lady Help of Christians (E) East Orange, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (E) Irvington, St. Leo (E) Montclair, St. Peter Claver (H) Jersey City, St. Patrick (U) Elizabeth, Holy Rosary/St. Michael (U) Roselle, St. Joseph the Carpenter IGBO (1 parish) (E) Newark, Blessed Sacrament/ St. Charles Borromeo Counties: B = Bergen E = Essex H = Hudson U = Union Page 19
Archdiocese of Newark Office for African American, African & Caribbean Apostolate Fr. Emeka Okwuosa,SDV 171 Clifton Avenue Newark, New Jersey 07104 Phone: 973-497-4304 Fax: 973-497-4317 Email: okwuosem@rcan.org www.rcan.org Under Ministries/ Offices Mailing List Sign Up If you would like to be added to our mailing list for Events, Luncheons, Newsletters and much more, please complete the form below and mail to the address provided. NAME: - ADDRESS: -- CITY, STATE, ZIPCODE: EMAIL: -- TELEPHONE: Mail completed form to the contact above Page 20