OFFICE OF LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
DIOCESE OF CAMDEN
Mission Statement
To evangelize by spreading the good news of the Gospel and to enlighten by sharing our diverse cultures of worship in order to unify all of God’s people into one body in Christ.
Vision Statement
We envision a vibrant and diverse black Catholic community that is unified and alive with the Holy Spirit and one that welcomes all to experience our rich cultural heritage and to rejoice with us in the our worship of God.
BLACK CATHOLIC MINISTRY COMMISSION
Background
The Black Catholic Ministry Commission (BCMC) was established on February 1, 2011 by Bishop Joseph Galante. Thirty-two members of the Black Catholic community became members of the Commission which represents African-Americans, Haitians, and Africans from various countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. (Catholic Star Herald article on Commission)
The ministries of the BCMC reflect the six pastoral priorities:
Liturgy
Celebrations/Masses
Annual Mass in the African Traditions
Monthly African Masses (St. Charles Borromeo)
Martyrs of Uganda Celebration (June)
Diocesan Gospel Choir
Haitian Farm Worker Ministry
Compassionate Outreach
Afternoon of Jazz (Catholic high school scholarship fundraiser)
MLK Annual Blood Drives (St. Josephine Bakhita and St. Bridget)
Lifelong Faith Formation
Black Family Retreat (Cape May)
Black Catholic Voice (Newsletter)
National Black Catholic Congress
Implementation of National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan
Ministry to Black Catholics (MBC Certificate Program)
Youth and Young Adults
High School Scholarships for Black Catholic Students
Essay Contest
Priest, Diaconate and Religious Vocations
Clergy and Religious Committee
For more information about the Black Catholic Ministry Commission, please contact James E. Andrews, Director, Black Catholic Ministry and Coordinator for the Racial Justice Commission at 856-583-6184 or email james.and
rews@camdendiocese.org