Gavilan Baptism, 8.25.18 - Photos by EJCooley

Rev. Jim Arsenault, with assistance from Deacon Chris Barrett, baptizes & blesses Theodore Javier Belmont Gavilan

~ Photos by EJCooley

St. E's Children Join the Adult Choir for a Song, 8.25.18 - Photos by EJCooley

This Little Light of Mine!

~ Photos by EJCooley

Theodore Javier Baptism at St. E's - 8.25.18 ~ Photos by Connie Hom

~ Photos by Connie Hom

#1: Friday, July 27, 2018 - 4th National Black Catholic Women's Gathering, New Orleans, LA ~ Photos by EJCooley

Grace-Filled Black Catholic Women, Standing on the Promise

2018, 4th National Black Catholic Women's Gathering, New Orleans, LA

Sponsored by the National Black Sisters' Conference

Black Catholic Women from over the United States (Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, CA; Lynchburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond VA; Chicago, Ill, Detroit, Michigan, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, New York State, North Carolina, South Carolina, to name a few) converged onto New Orleans, LA to be welcomed by Srs. Patrice Chappell, Roberta Fulton, Jamie Phelps, Eva Lumas, Jane Nesmith, Martin de Porres Coleman and The Most Rev. Fernand Cheri, III, Rev. Msgr. Mauricio West and Deacon Lawrence Houston.

After check-in and registration, we gathered for dinner and the Opening Plenary: "Black Women's Spirituality in the 21st Century" with Dr. C. Vanessa White, D. Min. as our presenter.  Dr. White spoke about us as "God centered, imminent and transcendent, the essence and the heart."  She reminded us that "God is the first and the last word, of all our affairs", the Bible is not foreign, "the Bible is our story, it is our hope."  Remember the Kingdom of God is a free gift, all acts of gratitude for all God has done for us.  We can do nothing without God's Grace. There is no room for arrogance, pride.  We are not the one for everyone; we are a sacrament to everyone.  By people of God, by your Baptism, we are a Missionary Disciple, who follows the way of Jesus.

~ Photos and article by EJCooley

#2: Saturday, July 28, 2018 - 2nd Plenary Session - Photos by EJCooley

Grace-Filled Black Catholic Women, Standing on the Promise

2018, 4th National Black Catholic Women's Gathering, New Orleans, LA

Sponsored by the National Black Sisters' Conference

After a lite breakfast and a talk from the Second Plenary, entitled "Missionary Discipleship in Troubled Times" with Presenter, Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, OP, PHD, we all separated to attend two different sessions of our choosing.  Our own Sr. Cora Marie Billings, RSM, was one of the three speakers who spoke to Spiritual, Mental and Physical Health. 

Sr. Cora used Promise to relate to us.  P-prayer and promise, R-relationship, O-ownership, blessings from God, M-manna, I-intentional, S-scripture; Luke 2:55 and Luke 5:4, two of Sr. Cora Marie's favorites, E-eternity.

Thoughts from Tyronna and Tonja Jones:  "The Black Women Catholic Conference was powerful.  I was inspired by their testimonies.  I met some new faces and familiar faces during this event.  I was uplifted by the women's walks of faith.  The journey is so real and it's given me the strength to get motivated and do more for my GOD!"  (Tyronna Jones)


~ Photos and article by EJCooley

#3: Sunday 7.29.18 - Eucharistic Liturgy at 4th National Black Catholic Women's Conference ~ Photos by EJCooley

Grace-Filled Black Catholic Women, Standing on the Promise

2018, 4th National Black Catholic Women's Gathering, New Orleans, LA

Sponsored by the National Black Sisters' Conference

Sunday, July 20, 2018. The Eucharistic Liturgy was opened with Drummers, Praise Dancers and Mr. Devin Boucree and the Young Voices of Praise, who sang to the heavens.  The Most Rev. Fernand Cheri, III, OFM was the Celebrant and Homilist with Rev. Msgr. Mauricio West, Concelebrant. Our responsorial Psalm was "The Hand of the Lord Feeds Us; He Answers All Our Needs." Our Gospel Acclamation, "A Great Prophet Has Arisen in Our Midst. God Has Visited His People."

At the end of Mass, we received our "sending forth orders":  Grace-filled Black Women of God, in the name of God of our Weary Years and Silent Tears, Go, live in the manner worthy of the call in which you have been created.  The attendees responded, "Ashe, I shall go, standing on God's promise to feed me." 

Grace-filled Black Women of God, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Go, teach the children of how you made it over.  The attendees respond:  "Ashe, I shall go, standing on God's promise to feed me."


~ Photos and article by EJCooley