The Office of Black Catholics strives to educate and witness to the community by providing opportunities for spiritual, educational, cultural and ministerial growth to the African American community within the Diocese of Lafayette.
Responsibilities of the office include:
Direct diocesan programs, events and ministry efforts for the Black Catholic Ministry
Organize and provide formation programs for lay leaders in the African American community for outreach and Evangelization in accord with the office and diocesan mission.
Assist in developing, coordinating and implementing projects and events that involve African Americans
Coordinate activities as they relate to the African American Catholic Youth Congress and other programs
To endeavor to serve all African American parishes in the diocese
Collaborate with other diocesan offices to foster communication and mutual support in order to accomplish the total mission of the diocese
Offer workshops and presentation on cultural evangelization and, multicultural ministry to parishes, schools and others upon request.
Provide workshops, gathering and conferences addressing cultural/ethnic and racial harmony, (Racial Sobriety Program)
Assist Diocesan Parishes with developing and implementing the National Black Pastoral Plan
Develop appropriate modes and models of Catechesis sensitive to the African American perspectives in line with the National Catechetical Directory and diocesan policies.
Identify, train and develop resource teams sensitive to the needs of African Americans
Assist parishes in the selection of materials, resources, medias, etc.
Represent the Office of Black Catholic Ministries at designated meetings, events, and other affairs
Keep abreast of National Church news, magazines, brochures, important Church documents, in the area of African American formation
Collaborates with and maintains good communication with pastors, pastoral administrators, parish leaders and pastoral office leaders
Coordinate efforts with other ethnic leadership committees for greater outreach in the community by assisting with liturgies and ministry services
Links
Listed below are websites for companies and organizations that provide scholarships for African Americans.