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The Office for Black Catholics facilitates on all levels within the Archdiocese participation of the Black Catholic Community in the life of the Church.Director
Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, M.A., M.Div.
222 North Seventeenth Street - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1299
Phone: 215-587-3634 - Fax: 215-587-3561
BLKCATH@adphila.orgMAAC (Ministry to African American Catholics)
Mrs. Marion Corbin, Administrator
Phone: (215) 587-3587St. Peter Claver Center for Evangelization
Mr. John Keith White, Administrator
Phone: (215) 735-3164The Director is responsible for setting a vision for all aspects of pastoral ministry to Black Catholics by collaborating with various offices in the Archdiocese to affirm the gifts African Americans offer to the Church. The office supports and fosters the ministry in the Parishes and sponsors initiatives such as MAAC (Ministry to African American Catholics). A 24-credit undergraduate certificate designed for those specifically engaged in pastoral service to African Americans. The Pastoral Ministry Certificate is sponsored by the Religious Studies Division of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and the Office for Black Catholics. St. Peter Claver Center for Evangelization is another major initiative of the Office for Black Catholics. The Office supports the programs of the Center to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the formation of the laity.
Programs
Vocations to the Priesthood
The office collaborates with the Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood to promote vocations among African American men. To learn more, visit the website of the Vocation OfficeKUJENGA
A Christ-centered, family-oriented leadership weekend for African American youth (grades 9-12)
Effective Black Parenting Program
A culturally sensitive parenting program designed to support anyone who is
concerned about the welfare of African American children
Voices for Life
Pro-Life Outreach Initiative in the African American community
Family Focus Day
An annual day of reflection for African American Catholics to celebrate Faith and Family!
St. Martin de Porres Mass
Celebration of the life and ministry of the Saint of Unity and the first man of color in the western hemisphere to be canonized a saint in the Catholic Church
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service
An ecumenical and interreligious prayer service held in honor of Dr. King. This prayer service provides an opportunity for the Catholic community to foster a spirit of unity by gathering people from other faith communities for prayer,
fellowship and common witness.
Other Resources
The Saint Martin de Porres Foundation
Unique to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Martin de Porres Foundation provides funding for many of the endeavors initiated in the interest of African American Catholics.
Links
National Black Catholic Congress
Secretariat for African American Catholics / U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Shrine to our Mother of Africa
"In a Word": A Monthly Publication For and About African-American Catholics
Knights of Peter Claver
Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament / Saint Katharine Drexel
Institute for Black Catholic Studies
''Healing Racism through Faith and Truth''
1998 - Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua
(Click the Office for General Services for more info)