Black Catholic Commission Meeting ~ by Phyllis Booth

The Black Catholic Commission meeting was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Saturday, September 8, 2007. The meeting was attended by Commission members, newly appointed Commission members, guests and Diocesan staff.

Reflections from Congress X were given. The eight principles were paired into four groups, brainstormed into three activities that coincide with the goals of the Commission. These activities will be developed into future plans for the BCC.

The Ethnic Ministry members reported that the current term of a priest is six years. The Ethnic Ministry group suggested the new priest be interviewed by the pastoral council of the parish and if the priest is selected, he should work with the current pastor for a six month period.

The next meeting of the group will be in December. If you have a concern that the Bishop can solve, notify Chris Thomas (St. Peter's) or Arthur Singleton (St. Mary's Basilica).

Sandra Antoine (Sacred Heart) appealed to the group to consider a donation to support the Capitol Square Civil Rights Memorial Foundation. This memorial will celebrate Virginia's Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. The request will be researched and placed on December's agenda.

Rich Miech, Director of Pastoral Leadership Formation Ministry engaged the group in a conflict resolution game. This activity helped members to evaluate how we respond to conflict in daily settings.

Michael Taylor (Basilica of St. Mary's) and Annette Wilson (Northern District Deputy of the Knights of Peter Claver) informed the group of the purpose of the Knights of Peter Claver. The purpose of the group is to render service to God and His Holy Church, to be faithful to its doctrine and to be sensitive to the needs of the Church, the family, fellowman and community. The structure of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver offers many opportunities for Catholics to work for their parish. Further info can be found on the web at www.KofPC.org.

Carl Foreman from Catholic Relief Services gave a mini-presentation of the organization which serves 98 counties. Among the projects offered are Fair Trade, The Global Fellow Program, Rice Bowl, and Cyberbridge, through which U.S. high school students are linked to international high schools.