For Cheryl Wright, chairwoman of the diocesan Black Catholic Ministry Commission, attending the National Black Catholic Congress when it organizes every five years has become something to look forward to.
“Seeing old friends, making new ones, sharing our stories – it always feels like going home,” she said. “After experiencing the pandemic and changes in our Church communities, it was a much-needed boost I needed in my life. It helped me to keep my mind on Jesus and know that God will take care of us.”
Wright, of Sacred Heart Parish, Camden, was one of 13 laity and clergy who comprised the Diocese of Camden’s delegation to the National Black Catholic Congress XIII, which met July 20 to 23 in National Harbor, MD. There, they joined more than 3,000 fellow Black Catholics from more than 80 parish and diocesan communities across the country for a gathering filled with song, prayer, reflection, learning and inspiration. The theme of this Congress was “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive.”
“What was most impactful were my people who have struggled being Black and Catholic in this country and still remain faithful to our Lord and Savior and the Catholic Church,” Wright said, reflecting on her experience. “Through prayer, song, spoken word, shared knowledge [and] preaching … it lifted my thoughts and love of our Catholic faith and encouraged me to continue being active and involved in my parish and to encourage others to do the same.”
Wright was inspired in particular by the words shared by Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the first Black cardinal from the United States, along with Louisville Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, who is a member of the Congress’ board. The cardinal celebrated Mass for Congress participants at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Mass was concelebrated by several bishops and archbishops, and more than 130 priests.
“It was a beautiful sight to see so many bishops, priests and deacons process to and from the altar,” said Blanche Toole, a member of the Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City.
She was also moved by Cardinal Gregory’s keynote address. “He asked us to open our hearts fully and take this opportunity to renew our faith and be guided by the word of God as we go forth into the workshops, listening to the word and lifted up by the music that will allow us to grow in our ministry,” she said. “The Holy Spirit, he said, was already in the room.”
Toole has attended the Congress in the past, and she wanted to participate this year to bring back ideas to her parish community. She attended various workshops – including one focusing on gentrification, and the role parishes can play to support communities affected by development – but one key theme emerged: the need for evangelization.
“It seems we all feel the need to evangelize, to bring more people into the Church, evangelize specifically to the African-American community,” she said. “I think we have to be more creative in how we evangelize.”
She sees music as one way to help evangelize in the Black community. Music was a central feature of the Congress, with praise and prayer each morning and members of choirs from around the country singing as one voice.
“It was a beautiful sight to see 3,000 people together, singing, clapping hands, standing, praising God and enjoying each other,” Toole said. “We were one in the Spirit, and that Spirit stayed with us the entire day.”
Karen Johnson, who serves as the secretary for the Black Catholic Ministry Commission, described the experience as enlightening, as well as a time for reflection. “There were many exciting and heartwarming moments, especially seeing all the youth present and participating.”
Johnson, of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Egg Harbor Township, said that the experience gave her valuable insights, and provided memorable experiences and networking opportunities. It also left her with a strong hope.
“I pray that my parish and many others, when prompted by the Holy Spirit, will listen to Pope Francis’ call for us to walk a synodal path of encountering, listening and discerning,” she said. “Together, we will continue to strive and thrive.”
Toole encourages all Catholics to consider attending the Congress in the future, and to experience the strong faith that bonds participants.
“It was beautiful to stand and shout out at the roll call,” she said. “There were some [diocesan communities] with 100 and even more attendees present, but we were all proud and clapped and shouted just as loud as they called out the Diocese of Camden.”
Added Wright, “We are a resurrected people, and I truly feel that Congress has resurrected me to be a better follower of Christ.”
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