Delegates to Be Commissioned for National Black Catholic Congress

Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 8/15/02)

A team of 26 delegates from the Arlington Diocese’s Office of Black Catholic Ministries (OBCM) will be commissioned Aug. 25 at the 11 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria. The event will mark the team’s final preparation to attend the National Black Catholic Congress in Chicago Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The theme for Congress IX is "Black Catholic Leadership in the 21st Century: Solidarity in Action." The congress convenes every five years and is one of the oldest institutions in the African-American Catholic community.

"In 1889, Daniel Rudd and other black Catholics found the first congress," said Thelma Lucas, OBCM coordinator. "Today, 113 years later, we are still going strong and still committed to the Catholic Church."

Representing several diocesan parishes, team members are active in many ministries and organizations in their parishes and at the diocesan level. They are involved in their parish ministries as well as diocesan organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, pro-life ministries, the social justice commission and Catholic Charities. In addition, 10 delegates from the team have been identified as Congress IX group discussion facilitators.

Lucas said she feels honored that the Arlington team was chosen for facilitator duties.

"This team of facilitators is making history as they bring their leadership skills to the congress’ table," Lucas said. "As I look at our theme this year about black Catholic leadership for the 21st century, I’m proud to say our team is leadership in action and unity. Our leadership model is Jesus. He was spiritually grounded, exemplified integrity and respected and loved all people."

The team brought its many elements together in March with its Day of Reflection at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington. During the day, attendees broke into small-group discussions on eight principles that included spirituality, parish life, social justice, Catholic education, youth and young adults, racism, Africa and HIV/Aids.

The day also featured personal reflections.

"Most of the reflections, the testimonies, centered around being thankful," how even in the darkest time, God was working, using sickness, family problem, disappointment’s to center our lives on Him," said Lucas. "At our Day of Reflection, participants were asked to document the responses to specific questions that will be published under the title ‘The National Black Catholic Congress Declaration of Principles and Pastoral Plan of Action.’" The outcome, she said, will be the five-year plan and focus for the congress’ national programs.

The 26 Arlington diocese delegates are: Albert and Beverly Anderson, Phyllis Bickham, Roseann Brent, Antoinette Cannady, Teres Didon, Patricia English, Eugene Harper, Edward and Michele Jones, Kimberly Jones, Joyce Lewis-Howard, Callie Terrell, Marsha Williams and Lucas, all of St. Joseph’s; Veronica Dabney, Jackie Smith, Dr. Shiela-Harmon-Martin and Sandra Henry of Our Lady Queen of Peace; Emelda August, James and Patricia Brooks, Thomas Brooks, Nazir and Mary Khan and Dr. Jean Simpson, all of Holy Family, Dale City.

St. Joseph Church, the team-commissioning site, is located at 711 N. Columbus St., Alexandria. The parish’s gospel choir will provide music for the liturgy.

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