Catechetical Ministry to African-American Communities

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis works collaboratively with the Vicar for Catholics of African Descent to provide support, resources, and advocacy for catechists and catechetical leaders who serve our diverse African-American communities of the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston.

Programs in support of catechetical ministry to African & African American Communities:

"Community Conversations" Monthly Dialogue on Faith and Justice
Virtual meetings 10am-noon on the third Wednesday of each month / Sponsored by the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis
Using the USCCB's pastoral letter on racism, "Open Wide Our Hearts" as a guide, these monthly dialogues seek to provide safe space for difficult conversations about race, faith, and justice that are grounded in our Catholic teaching of the dignity of the human person. Each session features a talk by a knowledgeable expert, followed by small group discussion.  All are welcome! 
Click here for information

African American Youth Day
Held annually in the Spring / Sponsored by the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization
"This event is a celebration of Faith for Catholic youth of African descent. It is a one-day event designed to attract junior and senior high school students, providing them with a forum to discern, reflect, fellowship and celebrate the love of Christ with their peers."
Click here for information

Unity Explosion Evangelization & Liturgy Conference
Sponsored by Vicar for Catholics of African-American Descent & USCCB Region X
This conference explores the history and charisms of African American Catholic spirituality through stirring music, lively panel discussions, and engaging talks.  The conference includes a tour of Galveston's African American Catholic historic sites and participation in Galveston's annual Juneteenth re-enactment. Featured speaker Dr. Ansel Augustine, Assistant Director of African American Affairs for the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.
Contact Amy Auzenne at [email protected] for more information 

National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC)
Convenes every five years / next meeting will be summer 2028
The National Black Catholic Congress is an organization committed to supporting Catholics of African descent in living out our baptismal call to evangelize and thrive as sons and daughters of God. The Congress meets every five years to celebrate community and discern a pastoral plan.
Click here for the NBCC website

Archdiocesan offices in support of Catholics of African Descent

Ministry to Catholics of African Descent