Sept/Oct 2013
Office of Multicultural Ministries 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 820, Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: 703 284-9483, Fax: 703 329-0726, Email: obcmva@aol.com 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 alandersonjr@verizon.net 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, sara.40days@cox.net 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 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 Pride Covetousness Envy Anger Gluttony Lust Sloth The Corporal Works of Mercy The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Wisdom Understanding Knowledge Counsel Piety Fortitude Fear of the Lord The Cardinal Virtues Prudence Justice Fortitude Temperance 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 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 Mcjones67@verizon.net 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 (magmarieosp@yahoo.com) 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, jisaac3@verizon.net, 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 mcleary@ccda.net or call (703) 841-2531. Fridays, volunteers are needed for the Catholic Charities Administrative Office. Please contact Beth at bfitz@ccda.net. 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 ajuan@ccda.net 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 phummel@ccda.net. 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 kharrell@ccda.net. 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 lwaller@ccda.net 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 phummel@ccda.net. 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: 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 alandersonjr@verizon.net 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
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