Commission of Black Catholics University of St. Thomas 2115 Summit Avenue - Mail #4002  St. Paul, MN  55105 Sr. Sharon Howell, CSJ W Tel:   651.962.6462 Fax:       651.962.6655 Email:  mnblackcatholics@archspm.org

Nature of Work Our ultimate goal is to demonstrate that, in the love of Jesus Christ, by working together to build a community of faith we can break down racism in our Archdiocese, and celebrate the richnes of the Black experience within the Catholic tradition.    Since the Commission's inception in 1986 we have: Celebrated the African/African Catholic community in large Archdiocesan celebration Developed and implemented several surveys that assess the identification and the participation of Black Catholics in their parishes Developed a resource center of information about African American Ministry programs, catechetical materials, videotapes, artifacts, music for use within parishes. Sponsored leadership retreats for adults and youth, with a special emphasis on the development of the annual Kujenga retreat Used every opportunity to partner with Archdiocesan and civic agencies as well as other denominations to bring about systemic change for justice and the eradication of racism.

Target Audience The Commission of Black Catholics advises the Archbishop on matters concerning the Black Community of the Archdiocese.  The Commission is designed to serve the Parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, who wish to be more effective in including the gifts of the Black Catholic Community.

Potential Uses Consultation for leadership development; Africentric liturgy, curriculum for school and religious education; catechetical resources; issues arising from multi-racial communities; national trends in Black Catholic experience.