SAN DIEGO — The Catholic Church is a universal one that involves cultures around the world celebrating their faith.
“We’re part of the Church, but our history is not always taught or shared with others,” said Richard Stewart, chair of the Diocesan Commission for African American Catholics.
The U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated November as Black Catholic History Month to focus on that history.
Locally, Christ the King Parish, in Southeastern San Diego, is a hub for Black Catholics. Commission members will focus on an aspect of their history each Sunday during the month. They are inviting the entire community to turn out and learn about their history and spirituality.
Black Catholic History Month
Christ the King Parish, 29 32nd St., San Diego 92102, will highlight Black Catholic history with special rites and homilies in November at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass:
Nov. 6
- Homilist: Deacon Marvin Threatt
- Libation service: Deacon Threatt
- The names of parishioners’ family members and friends who have died will be gathered in a basket before the start of the Mass and brought up to the altar to be prayed for during Prayers of the Faithful.
Nov. 13
- Homilist: Deacon Robert Booth
- Prayers of the Faithful: “Litany of African and African American Saints” to be sung by Ray Trybus and Rick Stewart
- Soul food dinner in the parish hall
Nov. 20, Feast of Christ the King
- Guest homilist: Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano
- Dedication of a plaque bearing the names of the six African American women and men who are candidates for sainthood: Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA; Julia Greeley; Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange; Venerable Henriette DeLille; Venerable Father Augustus Tolton; and Venerable Pierre Toussaint
Nov. 27, First Sunday of Advent
- Presider and homilist: Father Tommie Jennings
- Advent wreath service
