Tenth National Black Catholic Congress ~ by Phyllis Booth

Reflections on the Tenth National Black Catholic Congress held July 12-15, 2007 in Buffalo, NY at the Buffalo Convention Center.

I am proud to have been one of twenty-four representatives of the Diocese of Richmond, VA. As a member of the Black Catholic Commission of our Diocese, I selected Spirituality as my focus from the Eight Principles of the National Organization.

Since the theme was "Christ is With Us: Celebrating the Gifts of the Sacraments," I wondered how the presenters would relate such a broad theme to Spirituality. The first general session "Celebrating the Gifts of Baptism" answered my concerns. Auxiliary Bishop Martin Holly of Washington reminded the audience that Baptism makes us children of God. We become members of a holy family with God as the head. Our earthly parents love, teach, guide and lead us on our journey to believe God's "word" to be wholly true.

Noah Lett, presenter for "A Eucharist Which Is Christ: His Physical Presence for Our Every Circumstance" used John 2:1-12, The Wedding at Cana, as the Sacrament of Marriage. During a joyful celebration a problem arises. The wine runs out.

Mr. Lett divides the story into two parts. The first half reflects life before celebration. We (members of the body of Christ) needed to see God in the flesh (the word is flesh). The second part shows God's Glory, through the action of Mary, the servants, water and jars. The visible signs or symbols were the people and the wine to taste. God gives us wine that doesn't run out through his Son each week. Our symbol is invisible, the spiritual presence of the Son, if we understand and believe the "word" that the Eucharist we partake changes into the body and blood of the Son and strengthens us.

The Spirituality Principle Workshop: "Stepping Deeper Into Black Catholic Spirituality" lead by Dr. Joyce F. Gillie and the members of the Spirituality Leadership Commission used the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, and the Eucharist to help participants to recognize God's Gifts.

The RCIA program illustrated the joys catechumens received during the process and the parish members renewed their journey through welcoming, supporting, bonding and praying with and for the candidates. The symbols used in Baptism and Confirmation (white cloth symbolizing Christian dignity, hope and joy; the candle symbolizing Christ; the flame, illumination; name of saint) help to empower our belief system to follow the sacraments. The oil symbolizes anointing and cleansing of the mind, ears and mouth.

Confirmation shows soul growth and maturity. The catechumen accepts his/her responsibility of faith; receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the twelve fruits.

The Eucharist is thanksgiving with Christ and other believers. The Eucharist changes or transforms us through the spiritual food mentally and spiritually as we reach the rite of passage - mature believers.

In Colossians 3:10, "Put on the new self..." Read and then ask yourself "Who Are You? What is Your Purpose?" Educate yourself and know the value of what you have. Spirituality is what you live out each day, living the experience of Catholic teaching. The power is in what you see; who you are.

Read Isaiah 43:19, "I do a new thing..." Become the new you and know that Christ is with us in the Sacraments.

The Congress, I believe, is one of the best presented by the National Black Catholic Congress. It's my hope during the next five years, many Catholics will become more aware of the mission of the NBCC and attend the eleventh congress in 2012.