news and events
Africa Day: Pan African Liberation and Restorative Justice
An AdNA Hybrid Event at Bread for the World
Register here: https://bit.ly/4121NHt
United Nations Hybrid Side Event - Remembering Our Roots of Pan-Africanism
7:00 - 10:00 PM EST June 2nd, 2023
DWYER Cultural Center in Harlem, New York
Celebrating Faith Communities
SAINTS OF AFRICA - JUNE 3rd 2023
"A RESPONSE TO THE LORD'S PRAYER; THAT THEY MAY ALL BE ONE"
Over the last circa 15 years, following a tradition of celebrating the feast day of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs of Uganda, we the members of the African Catholics in the DMV come together in the first week of June to commemorate the wealth of saints and other inspirational Africans who are included in our Catholic tradition. We celebrate and pay homage to the many Saints of African Descent, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God of blessed memory. This year we will be including our "Saintly Six", those American-born Africans who are finally being considered for sainthood. We will begin our celebrations with Praise and Worship, before a multi-lingual Holy Mass, to be followed by a luncheon Feast in the St Augustine Hall. The St Augustine Church in DC is honored to be the co-host of this year's celebrations. We look forward to welcoming you all to the "Mother Church of Black Catholics" in the Nation's Capital. For our sisters and brothers who are not able to join us in person, our mass will be live-streamed by our Multimedia Ministry via YouTube @StAugustineMultimediaMinistry and on our Facebook Page.
Blessed Easter! He is Risen, Hallelujah !!!
The African National Eucharistic Congress (ANEC)
A pastoral response of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to African Catholics in the United States giving African Catholics an opportunity to organize and gather on a national level to worship together and rejoice in the gift of our faith and culture.
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Virtual Easter Celebration
Stations of the Cross
Across 5 Continents
UCC RVC Easter Reflection Service. Facebook Page
Striving to be a “Shining City on the Hill” - No one lights a candle and puts it under a basket.
U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Two-day Pre-Summit Events on Friday, 9th and Monday, 12th December 2022

NAACUS African Mass (ANEC Kickoff)
African Catholic’s Association Of DMV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Time: Dec 4, 2022 03:30 PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83392295535?pwd=RzFNRmpnU1lMWW1iUGdPN0ErakQ3QT09
Meeting ID: 833 9229 5535 | Passcode: 4thANEC
NOVEMBER - BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH
In the spirit of the ongoing effort to fight racial injustice everywhere, we join Cardinal Gregory's renewed initiative: ‘Made in God’s Image: Pray and Work to End the Sin of Racism (CCC 1935).’
St. Camillus Anti-Racism Initiative
“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” (Pope Francis)
Our faith, rooted in the fundamental dignity of the human person, challenges us to open wide our hearts and address the evil of racism, particularly anti-Blackness within our church and in society. The St. Camillus Anti-Racism Initiative, in coalition with JPIC, invites our community to walk with us as we pray, educate, reflect, atone, and act to develop programs that repair the damages of racism and allow all Catholics to thrive, in spirituality and safety. We envision St. Camillus Church as a hub for on-going dialogue and encounter focused on practicing the Church’s social teachings and acknowledging the sacredness of all human life.
“We should be a church in dialogue, even with those with whom we have some serious disagreements” (Wilton Cardinal Gregory)
Some history of activities of the St. Camillus Catholic Church, Anti-Racism Initiative of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Ministry in collaboration with St. Augustine Catholic Church, African and Diaspora Ministry of the Social Justice Ministry:
The Anti-Racism Initiative group was formed to provide a powerful statement during the Church's Synod on Synodality | February 2022
A four-session Lenten Reflection series on “Open Wide our Hearts: Catholic Bishops Response to Racism” | March and April 2022
A virtual Prayer service for victims of the tragic, racist murders in Buffalo, NY | May 2022
A Juneteenth speaker event in collaboration with the Sandy Spring Slave Museum | June 2022
Events planned for Black Catholic History Month in November include:
His Eminence Cardinal Gregory celebrating the archdiocesan Black Catholic History Month Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 at St. Augustine (DC), and
A special liturgical celebration at 10:30 am on Sunday, Nov. 20, with Bishop Roy Campbell presiding at St. Camillus.
Open wide your hearts, join the St. Camillus Anti-Racism Initiative!
“Those who lead the many to righteousness, shall be like the stars forever”. Daniel 12:3
BCHM 2022 | Bishop Roy Campbell | St. Camillus - Anti-Racism Initiative
This was another wonderful celebration. Bishop Campbell took us to school; highlighting the contributions of Black Catholics including our 3 Black Popes, Our African Saints, the "Saintly Six" and a number of prominent Catholics of today, one of which we rather keep in the closet ...
Enjoy the album of photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jcgcMhTEH9776WVKA
BCHM 2022 | Wilton Cardinal Gregory | St. Augustine Catholic Church | Africa and Diaspora Ministry
November - Black Catholic History Month
"This month of November, should not simply be a time to boast about past historical achievements or ponder over yesterday's tragedies too long endured, or even dwell on famous individuals. It is more than merely a time for claiming our own saintly, heroes and heroines. It is a challenging time for those of us who are now called to make Black Catholic History in our own contemporary world."
"November cannot be just about YESTERDAY; it is even more important to reflect each November about TOMORROW" --
Cardinal Wilton Gregory (Archbishop of Washington), Mass Celebrant.
We need the Courage and Tenacity of our Saintly Six to fill us with Hope and Determination for TOMORROW!
POSTPONED
The Sandy Spring Odd Fellows Lodge is continuing a century-old tradition of fostering social cohesion by promoting social and cultural activities in the community. The Lodge provides a wonderful space in this historical building, which provides excellent opportunities that encourage diversity and creativity in the cultural, fine, and theatrical arts.
In September of 2021, Montgomery County Council held its inaugural African Heritage Month Commemoration with the theme: "Resiliency of African Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.". This was mainly online via Zoom and subsequently shared on their website. This year the Council commemorated African Heritage Month by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals who have brought aspects of African culture to the County, contributing to the region’s diversity and rich cultural traditions. This year’s theme is: “The African Influence on America”; showcasing African art, dance, food, fashion and music in the County.
The Sandy Spring Lodge has embraced celebrating the African Heritage Month ...
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