National Black Catholic Congress X:
Christ is With Us-Celebrating
the Gifts of the Sacraments,
July 12-15, 2007
In Buffalo, NY
A Personal Commentary
by Vivian R. Rouson, Archdiocese of Washington
August 2007
Congress X was a spiritual delight for me
and a heartfelt connection with family (My nieces and nephews, grandnieces and
grandnephews who have since Congress VIII brought large youth contingents from
Columbus, OH and with friends from throughout the country. I was present for
just two days. That time presented opportunities both to minister and be
ministered to among lay Catholics-- almost always my strongest and warmest and
most sincere help throughout my life of being black and Catholic. I am grateful
for the warm, affirming spirituality and love shared by Bishop Holley, Fr.
Speaks and Monsignor East.
Because of my pastor's timely passion, I focused on information for Catholic
schools in the black community. Immediately after Congress X, I sent out to
attendees in my address book, and to the Catholic Standard, a report on
practices and successful models that have resulted in reopening or preserving
these schools, not just for our own, but for others in our communities as well.
The commission chaired by Dr. Veronica Morgan-Lee issued books that summarized
findings. The free books are available from the Congress office.
I would suggest that future Congresses, in the spirit of connecting
follow-through and charge for the future, recapture some of the strong
points of Congress IX. I suggest, for example:
(1)organized workshops on the 8 Principles, where dioceses have succeeded and implications for the future;
(2) assistance for pastors who have yet to encourage parish-wide distribution of the Congress discussions, decisions, charges and responsibility for informing parish councils, as well as engaging parishioners, in support and use of the information;
(3)leadership training for engaging the parish and the pastor in publishing and supporting the Congress charge;
(4) a well publicized report to all participants by all commissions. The book by the commission on Catholic schools is such a report-- a live report still available to all and still collecting input.
Congress X could have great impact on moving
the Church forward- for example, in the areas of racism, HIV/AIDS, youth- with
clear reports on the current status after issuance of the charge five years ago
and recommendations for continued progress just like the tremendous impact on
the right to life at its very beginning.
In our own archdiocese, Catholics may ask for coverage of our own attendees and
what impact that may offer in the Archdiocese of Washington.
Later comments added by Ms. Rouson,
It seemed odd to have so very limited use or appearance of our black Catholic scholars, e.g, Fr. Bryan Massengale, Dr. Diana Hayes, Sr. Jamie Phelps, Dr. Shawn Copeland, Sr. Eva Regina Martin, Dr. Cecilia Moore, etc. It is important to provide a forum, acknowledge, instruct (especially, our youth), and show gratitude for the role of their gifts, knowledge and talents in our coming this far. These theologians, church historians, canon lawyers and scholars are a gift to a Church that largely ignores them, or at least neglects to expose them to the larger Church. At least our own organizations can do ourselves a service, utilize them and honor the rich diversity and the wisdom they have provided to enrich and make more just our Church. We must at least, not ignore their presence.
I am glad I was there! Thank God. Thank you, Michael, for providing this privilege.