|
Strategic Plan: The Report of the African American Community |
 |
 |
 |
|
The contributions and history of Black people in the formation of the modern Church has long been ignored or forgotten. A response to The National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan, written in 1989 by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated that "little importance is given to the symbolic value that historic monuments, records, artifacts, and photographs may have in encouraging the faith and evangelization of a people, especially of a people whose history has so often been denied." In 1999 this denial is still evident in the Diocese of Charlotte. Seldom are there icons in local parish churches with which African Americans can identify. And rarely can one openly worship in a manner that is culturally different from that which is proscribed. As a result, to many African Americans, Catholicism is viewed as a religion for those of Anglo descent, thereby leaving them feeling disenfranchised and unwelcomed. To reverse this oversight and unwritten policy, the Diocese of Charlotte needs a method of inclusion for Catholics of African American descent. The Church must seek ways to evangelize African Americans and to retain those who believe in the Catholic Faith, but feel unwelcome. The effort must be deliberate and swift to prevent a further decline in the number of African American youth and young adults who are leaving the Catholic Church and are warmly welcomed into other faiths.
 Download the Entire Report
|
|
|
|
History of African-American Affairs Ministry |
|
|
|
|
 On May 17, 1985 a group of ten individuals calling themselves the Committee for Concerned Black Catholics* met to discuss issues and concerns that were peculiar to Black Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte. A May 29, 1985 memo to then Bishop John Donoghue stated in part, "One need emerged clearly at the May 17 meeting. That is the need to coordinate efforts of Black Catholics in the Charlotte diocese. This coordination would give visibility to the work of Black Catholics in the diocese and educate various diocesan groups (priests, educators, parishes, etc.) to the needs and contributions of Black Catholics in the Church
In July 1985, the ministry was officially begun as the Diocesan Committee on Black Catholic Ministry and Evangelization, and was a part of the diocesan Ministry for Justice and Peace. In August 1989 it became a separate office to address and serve the needs and concerns of Black Catholics within the Diocese of Charlotte.
|
|
Goal: To plan, coordinate and carry out ministries for the improvement of the human condition of African Americans within the Diocese of Charlotte
Objective: To impart leadership skills and technical services for a viable Catholic Church in both the diocese and the African American community
Goal: To have meaningful input in the procedures, appointments and reassignments of priests, deacons and religious who serve the African American community
Objective: To assess and evaluate the performance, attitudes and capabilities of ministers responsible for the spiritual and temporal needs of African Americans in order to encourage, support and provide training where the need is identified
Goal: To document and distribute information throughout the diocese regarding African American concerns, needs and contributions
Objective: To establish a mechanism for the correlation and articulation of the concerns, needs and contributions of the African American community to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte
Goal: To promote racial understanding and unity within the diocese and its multi-structures
Objective: To develop workshops and in-service training programs designed to complete the integration of African American culture, history and tradition into the life of the Church in the Diocese of Charlotte
Goal: To assist African American Catholics in their spiritual and social justice needs
Objective: To develop liturgical celebrations, retreats and workshops that reflect the spirituality of African American people; To teach and promote the distinct richness and tradition of African American life; To analyze, reflect on and act on social justice issues which affect the African American community; To accept our Christian responsibility in promoting the human dignity and self-worth of all persons, African Americans in particular; To rededicate ourselves to be living witnesses of Jesus in our daily lives.
|
|
African American Affairs Ministry
MISSION STATEMENT
- Make recommendations to the Bishop regarding the needs, hopes and concerns of African Americans
- Provide a voice and representation at the planning and decision making level within the diocesan structure
- Articulate the needs of the African American community to diocesan agencies, schools and organizations and assist them in the planning, coordination and implementation of programs and activities that involve the African American community
- Enhance parish life in the diocese through implementation of the National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan and other programs and initiatives from the National Black Catholic Congress
- Raise the consciousness of all Catholics, especially African American Catholics, about African history, culture, tradition, spirituality and contributions to the Church
- Identify, develop and promote African American leadership within the Diocese of Charlotte
- Evangelize ourselves and our alienated and unchurched brothers and sisters through training, outreach, resourcing, consciousness raising and networking
- Promote traditional African American family values, actively practice youth inclusion and development, and foster Church vocations
- Represent the Diocese of Charlotte at state and national African American Catholic conferences and other functions
- Encourage representatives from all diocesan parishes and missions to be active participants in the ministry and to help proclaim and share the good news of Jesus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
