Tim Keenan | The Michigan Catholic
DETROIT — Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit met March 15-16 at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary gymnasium for the first-ever Black Catholic Convocation, during which ideas were put forth to improve the future prospects for Detroit’s Catholic churches.
During two days of meetings, some 120 representatives from several city parishes explored the results of the 2011 National Black Catholic Survey published by the National Black Catholic Congress and the University of Notre Dame. They also reviewed the National Black Catholic Congress’ 2012 Pastoral Plan of Action as well as heard talks about many aspects of Catholic life. Most important, participants were asked for their input on what can be done in their parishes to improve parish life, family life, vocations and other elements of the Catholic experience.
James, a pastoral associate at Good Shepherd Parish who also works in the archdiocese’s Office of Parish Life, said the early analysis is that the convocation was a success. Its true test, however, will come when it’s time for the parish action plans to be developed and implemented.
“We need this to re-invigorate the old timers and it’s good for the youth to see us do positive things and put it into action,” said Curtis Simpson, Jr., of Corpus Christi Parish, “Hopefully when we get back to our parishes it doesn’t just sit. Hopefully the momentum will take us to the next level. All Catholics, not just black Catholics, are faced with school closings and church closings. Hopefully this will re-invigorate and unite us all.”
Allison Thompson of St. Cecilia Parish said, “This event is getting people to think and come up with ideas and suggestions on how we can move forward and keep our churches relevant and active in the city of Detroit. It’ll put out a call to those who haven’t been active to do something and those who have been active will get a call to reach out and bring more people into parish activity.”
James said the National Black Catholic Survey is a good starting point for the convocation’s discussions.
“It says that African-American Catholics have a lot of gifts to offer to the Church,” he said. “Those gifts are varied from our spirituality to our dedication to the social teachings, especially our concern and care for the poor.”
James also addressed some elements of church life that are different for African-American Catholics.
“The liturgy has a strong social component for blacks,” he said. “We view our participation in the whole. It’s not just words that we’re speaking. It’s about the relationships that we’re building with the people. When we go to church it’s not just about getting that sacrament, it’s about being with the person next to us, having those social interactions with the people we know and love.”
On paper, the priorities of black Catholics appear to be the same as those of all Catholics — such as protecting life and dignity of the human person and encouraging vocations, using two examples from the convocation’s agenda.
But, “there are special concerns when it comes to Catholic social teaching that I think affect the African-American community more so than other communities,” James said. “Violence in our society, for example, disproportionally affects us. The right to life for us is more than just abortion. It’s about violence, murder, loss of income, financial disparities. It’s about all of those issues that are elevated in the African-American community.”
Vocations, he said, are critical “because how else can we continue to see our presence in the Church if we don’t see people who resemble us? We’re all made in the likeness of God, but you need to see that likeness in order to aspire to it.”
Tim Keenan is a Farmington Hills-based freelance writer.
