African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte

Fall 2019 Vol. I History of the African American Affairs Ministry

On May 17th 1985 a and was a part of the group of ten individuals Diocesan Ministry for AAAFM History calling themselves the Justice and Peace.  1st meeting May 17th 1985 committee for con- In August 1989 it became a  Officially began as the cerned Black Catholics separate office to address and Diocesan Committee on met to discuss issues Black Catholic Ministry serve the needs and and Evangelization July and concerns they felt concerns of Black Catholics African American 1985 Affairs Ministry were particular to Black within the Diocese of  August 1989 became a Diocese of Charlotte separate office to address Catholics in the Diocese Charlotte. The ministry; and serve the needs and of Charlotte. Out of the The Ministry plans and concerns of Black Catholics renamed The African in the Diocese of Charlotte meeting emerged a American Affairs Ministry conducts a variety of programs, retreats, resounding need to give is now one that is fully workshops and events visibility to the work of recognized by the diocese during the year that are Black Catholics in the and supported by the open to all in the diocese. Inside this issue diocese and to educate Bishop. The ministry also various diocesan groups  Charlotte Diocese host The Ministry’s primary maintains linkages Tolton Play to the contributions of goal is to give visibility to within the diocesan  Racism Workshops Black Catholics in the the work, contributions, community, with  Black Catholic facts various . traditions and culture of regional and national  Our Daily Prayers In July 1985, the Black Catholics to the networks among Black  Meet the Board ministry was officially Church and to society; Catholic leadership, and and to propose adequate  National Events begun as the Diocesan with other relevant Committee on Black Diocesan responses to national organizations. Catholic Ministry and racism and other social Evangelization injustices. Meet the Board

Rosheene currently serves as the Director of the African American Affairs Ministry. She has been in this role since 2014. She is a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church Charlotte, NC and is a member of the Young Adult Ministry. Rosheene holds a BS in Economics from College of Charleston, Charleston SC and an MBA from Winthrop University, Rock Hill SC. She currently serves as a Club Leader for the Charlotte Chapter of the College of Charleston Alumni Association. She is a member of the Charlotte chapter of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority Inc. where she served as past president and is currently the treasurer. She has a daughter and loves to travel Page 2 African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte

Charlotte Diocese hosts Tolton: From Slave to Priest

Two cities in the Diocese Audiences left the show of Charlotte hosted feeling that they had “met” “Tolton: From Slave to Father Tolton. Priest,” a powerful one- The production was man multimedia play enhanced by an original depicting the life of soundtrack based on Jim Coleman posing with audience Jim Coleman as Father Tolton Father , traditional African American the first African American spirituals, orchestrated by priest, who lived from composer Tony Manfre- The title ‘venerable’ “Father Tolton’s story needs 1854 to 1897. donia. recognizes that he lived a to be told,” says Coleman. In Charlotte, the play ran “Father Tolton’s story needs life of heroic virtue. Once “As a black man, this very it is confirmed that one important part of history is June 7-8, at The Great to be told,” says Coleman. “ something that I want the Aunt Stella Center and As a black man, this very miracle has been granted world to hear about. I truly in Greensboro, June 10- important part of history is by God through the feel blessed to be the one to intercession of Tolton, he share Father Augustus 11, at St. Mary’s Church. something that I want the will be declared “blessed”. Tolton with all who will “Tolton: From Slave to world to hear about. I truly listen!” - Jim Coleman A second miracle may be Priest” featured a full cast feel blessed to be the one to required for . of characters on a video share Father Augustus screen who interacted Tolton with all who will Learn more about August Tolton at :https://tolton.archchicago.org/ with actor Jim Coleman listen!” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ live on stage. This unique Father Tolton’s life was one Augustus_Tolton format was visually of hidden holiness. His — SueAnn Howell, senior report- engaging while also cause for canonization was er; St. Luke Productions contrib- Purchasing Tolton Books retaining the personal advanced June 11th 2019 by uted after the show effect of a live Francis when he issued performance. a decree declaring him “venerable”.

Jim Coleman signing Board with actor Jim Coleman Tolton books and stage manager Sean Hanus Jim Coleman signing Tolton books Jim Coleman as Tolton Meet the Board Cont...

Musetta Glenn is a cradle Catholic of 66 years at St. Helens in Gastonia, NC. She is the Chairperson of Council head of the Evangelization Committee, a reader of the word, a member of the choir, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Faith Formation teacher, and a Cursillista. She has devoted her life to serving Christ and continues to do so everyday Musetta is mother of 2, grandmother of 5, and great grandmother of 3. African American Affairs Ministry Page 3 Diocese of Charlotte

African American Affairs Ministry, Catholic Charities and the Sisters of Mercy host a series of Workshops on Racism

Charlotte Diocese parishioners gathered Sister Cora Marie Billings RSM, at multiple parishes during May and Anti-Racism Team, Sisters of Mercy June to learn more about “Responding who spoke on Saved by Grace in to the Sin of Racism,” an effort to Striving for a More Racially Just dialogue and raise awareness about Church and Society” and Ralph racism in light of the U.S. bishops’ 2018 McCLoud, Director Catholic pastoral letter against racism entitled Campaign for Human Development “Open Wide Our Hearts – the Enduring US Conference of Catholic Bishops Donner Grimes, US Conference Call to Love.” who spoke on The Intersection of Catholic Bishops The events were educational opportuni- Poverty, Wealth & Race in America. ties jointly sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, the African American Affairs Ministry, and the Sisters of Mercy to reflect on themes presented in the bishops’ pastoral letter. Presenters were Donna Toliver Grimes, Assistant Director, Office of African American Affairs, US Conference of Deacon Clarke Cochran , Ralph McCloud, US St Peter Church Catholic Bishops; who addressed how to Conference Catholic Bishops implement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,”, Deacon Clarke Cochran of St. Peter Church who covered “Promoting Racial Justice and Ending Health Disparities in the USA.”,

Sr. Cora Marie Billings, Sisters of Mercy Workshop participants

"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of rac- ism is why we are writing this letter now."

- Open Wide our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love

Resources for Combatting Racism

 The National Black Catholic Congress - https://www.nbccongress.org/  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops - http://www.usccb.org/  National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus - http://www.tnbccc.com/  Institute for Black Catholic Studies - https://ibcsxula.com/  We are Salt and Light - https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/  Combatting Racism - Educational Resources - http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and- dignity/racism/educational-resources-on-racism.cfm  Combatting Racism - Parish Resources - http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/ racism/parish-resources-on-racism.cfm Page 4 African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte Black Catholic Facts Currently, five U.S. dioces- The Church has designated November There are 3 million African es are headed by African as Black Catholic History Month since American Catholics in the United American bishops, 1990 when the National Black Clergy States. Of Roman Catholic parish- including one archdiocese. Caucus of the United States instigated es in the United States, 798 are it. November seemed appropriate predominantly African American. There are 250 African because it holds special days for two Most of those continue to be on American priests, 437 prominent African Catholics: the East Coast and in the South. deacons, and 75 men of St. Augustine, whose birthday is Nov. Further west of the Mississippi African descent in 13, and St , whose River, African American Catholics seminary formation for the feast day is celebrated on November 3. are more likely to be immersed in priesthood in the United St. recognized St. multicultural parishes as opposed States. Martin de Porres on the First Sunday to predominantly African of the Month. American parishes. There are 400 African There have been 3 African About 76% of African American American religious sisters in the Catholic Church: Catholics are in diverse or shared and 50 religious brothers. parishes and 24% are in predomi-  Pope Gelasius l, who was Pope nately African American parishes. from 492 to his death in 496. At present there are 13 living  , who was Pope of African American bishops, of the Catholic Church from 311 to whom 8 remain active. his death in 314.  Pope Victor I was the first Bishop Historically Black Catholic Churches in the of born in the Roman Prov- Charlotte Diocese ince of . The dates of his tenure are uncertain. However,  Our Lady of Consolation, Charlotte NC one source states he became Pope  St. Benedict the Moor, Winston Salem NC in 189 and died in 199.  St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greensboro NC  St. Helen Mission, Gastonia NC

Meet the Board Cont...

Samuel Cooper is a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church Charlotte, NC. Sam is the Parish Council Chair, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a member of the Men’s Ministry. Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. He currently serves as National President of NCCU Alumni Association and is on the Board of Directors for NCCU Foundation, Inc. He is currently the Director of Business Development with Access Ingredients. Prior to this role, Sam worked at Nexeo Solutions as a Technical Sales Specialist. He was also a chemist with Clariant and Noveon, Inc. Sam is very active in the chemical industry; He has served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), served two terms as Chair of the Carolina Chapter of Society of Cosmetic Chemists and is currently serving as the Chapter’s secretary. African American Affairs Ministry Page 5 Diocese of Charlotte Meet the Board Cont...

Veronica E. Sartor is a member of the Basilica of St. Lawrence Asheville, NC. She serves on the Finance Council and sings with the adult choir. Veronica was on the Advisory Board for the Western region of Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities) for 11 years serving from 1997-2008. Veronica joined the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, local Court Asheville, No. 412 in 2000. She was elected Vice Regent from 2003-2004 and elected Regent from 2006-2008. She is now one of the North Carolina State Catholic Daughters District Deputies. After volunteering with the African American Affairs Ministry for about 2 years, Veronica then became a member of the board in 2004. Veronica is a retired Registered Nurse. She retired in 2014 after 38.6 years of dedication. She was an instructor for Neonatal Resuscitation involving the L/D, Mother/Baby, Maternal/ Fetal, and NICU units at Mission Hospital Inc. Veronica’s future goals involve giving of time, talent, and treasure by meeting the needs of her family, friends, and church. She is a mother of 2 daughters, grandmother of 3 and great grand mother of 2.

Gerald McKoy is a member of Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Winston Salem, NC. He converted to Catholicism in the mid 1960s. After graduation from high school in Fayetteville NC , Gerald attended Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was employed from 1972 to1980 in Information Technology with Burroughs Corporation, now Unisys Corporation and from 1980 to retirement in 2008, Gerald was employed in Information Technology by RJ Reynolds Corporation, now Reynolds American, Inc.

Catherine Hall Gomez is a past member of St Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, Winston Salem NC before relocating to Charlotte, NC and joining Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church about 15 years ago. Catherine is a member of the Black Cultural Commission, Golden Wings, Ladies Guild, the Spiritual Intercessors and she is a Cursillista. In the past, she has served as a reader of the word, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a greeter. Catherine is a retired Registered Nurse. Socially, she enjoys traveling, reading, bingo, card and board games and movies. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and the Red Hatters. Catherine is a mother of 4, grandmother of 7 and great-grandmother of 7 Page 6 African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte Our Daily Prayers

Prayer for Dismantling Racism Prayer for Vocations Written by the Pax Christi Anti-Racism Team http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/ prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm Dear God, in our efforts to dismantle racism, O God, Father of all Mercies, we understand that we struggle not merely Provider of a bountiful Harvest, against flesh and blood but against powers and Send Your Graces upon those principalities – those institutions and systems you have called to gather the fruits of Your that keep racism alive by perpetuating the lie labor; preserve and strengthen them in their that some members of the family are inferior lifelong service of you.

and others superior. Open the hearts of Your children Create in us a new mind and heart that will that they may discern Your Holy Will; enable us to see brothers and sisters in the faces inspire in them a love and desire to surrender of those divided by racial categories. themselves to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Give us the grace and strength to rid ourselves of racial stereotypes that oppress some of us Teach all Your faithful to follow their while providing entitlements to others. respective paths in life guided by Your Divine Word and Truth. Help us to create a Church and nation that Through the intercession of the Most Blessed embraces the hopes and fears of oppressed Mary, all the Angels, and , People of Color where we live, as well as those humbly hear our prayers and grant Your around the world. Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord.

Heal your family God, and make us one with Amen. you, in union with our brother Jesus, and empowered by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meet the Board Cont...

Patricia McDonald is a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church Charlotte, NC for over 25 years. She is chairperson of the Usher board, a member of the health ministry, the Black Cultural Commission, the Spiritual Intercessors, she is a Cursillista and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Patricia is a retired Educator of over thirty years. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is a mother of 2 sons; a grandmother of 4, two granddaughters and two grandsons. Patricia enjoys traveling, playing cards and participating in YMCA activities with water aerobics being the favorite. African American Affairs Ministry Page 7 Diocese of Charlotte Meet the Board Cont...

Daisy Duncan Foster is a member of St Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Winston Salem, NC. She is Chair of the Evangelization Commission, assistant secretary to St. Monica’s Guild and a member of the church choir. She is a proud member of The Society of Golden Eagles with a BA Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University , Durham, NC. As a National Urban Fellow, she received a Master’s degree in Urban Administration from Bucknell University in Lewisburg Penn. Daisy was a Social Worker for 15 years and served 9 years as a board of trustee member at Wright State University Dayton, OH. She assisted in the development of the Adopt A School program for the Board of Education. Daisy has served as the Director of the Wilberforce University Cooperative Education Career Planning and Placement Department, Director of the Academic Advising Program, and Academic Advisor in the Multi- Cultural Student Affairs Department at the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH. Daisy is a Life Member of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She has 4 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 5 grandchildren, a goddaughter and 3 niece/daughters

Lettie Polite - Emeritus is a member of the Basilica of St Lawrence Asheville, NC She served on the board from 2004 until 2017. Lettie is a retired Educator and Librarian She is a member of the Asheville Chapter of The Links, Inc. and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority incorporated. She has 1 son and 1 daughter

National Events October  October 10-13 - The 16th National Black Catholic Men’s Conference.Los Angeles, CA  October 10-13 - Black Catholic Theological Symposium's (BCTS) 30th Annual Meeting Charleston, SC  October 20-21 - National African American Catholic Youth and Young Adult Ministry Network Meeting in Raleigh, NC November  Black Catholic History Month  November 7-10 - 2019 Pastoring In Black Catholic Parishes Conference in Alexandria, VA  November 20 - NBCC webinar Canonization Process/ on the Path to Sainthood presented by Dr. Camille Brown  November 23 - 190th Anniversary Symposium - Mother Mary Lange: A Legacy of Hope. , MD Find more events: http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/african-american/african-american-events.cfm Spiritual Enlightenment Awareness Outreach Evangelization

Contact Us: African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte 1123 S. Church St Charlotte NC 28203 [email protected] https://charlottediocese.org/african-american-affairs-ministry/