Regional Plan of Action for Black Ministry

The Diocese of Austin is creating a Regional Plan of Action for Black Ministry in partnership with you, the laity.

In 2023, Black Catholics across the country reunited for the National Black Catholic Congress XIII, a conference that takes place every five years. Under the year's theme, “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive,” Congress XIII invited the Black apostolate not only to listen to God’s voice through Scripture but also to become prophetic people who move towards a vision to thrive. This historic quinquennial gathering of Black Catholics – and those who minister within the Black apostolate – was an outstanding witness and affirmation of the Faith in our communities and our fellowship and communion with one another. 

The main topic of the survey of Congress XIII attendees revealed a concern for the future of our church. They asked, "Where are we going?" "What will our church look like for our kids; our grandkids?" 

Creating our Regional Plan of Action for Black Ministry

In an effort to look ahead at the vision of our Church, the Office of Social Justice and Multicultural Engagement, with Deacon Joseph Cannon, will host a series of gatherings to discuss and gain insight as to what the most pertinent objectives and action items are for the black apostolate of the Diocese of Austin. The fruits of these gatherings will result in our new Regional Plan of Action concerning the Black Apostolate.

These gatherings will be open to all lay faithful across the diocese who wish to participate. While participation in all six sessions is encouraged, it is not required. 

Location: Online or In-Person at the Pastoral Center (6225 E Hwy 290 SVRD EB, Austin, TX 78723)
Dates: Every 1st Tuesday evening of the month
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

View the session information and register below.

Session 1 & 2: August 5
Welcome, History, and our Self Relationship with God
The first meeting of our six sessions will be an introduction to the Social Justice and Multicultural Engagement Office and Black Ministry, a history rundown of the National Black Catholic Congress and the purpose of our gatherings.
‘Rebuild and Make Strong Our Relationship with God’
Deacon Joseph Cannon will lead us in an exercise focusing on how we see our personal relationship with God. Our own relationships are the foundation to helping others. Where do you see your own personal needs being served or underserved?

Session 3: September 2
Collaboration and Rebuilding
‘Rebuild and Make Strong a Vision to Address the Situations and Struggles in Such a Time Like This’
This meeting will focus on our relationship with others. In times of disparity, do we ask ourselves if we really care about what is happening to the people in our community? To the vulnerable? How do we approach these struggles?

Session 4: October 7
Community
‘Rebuild and Make Strong the Community at Large within Our Parishes: Tell the Story of the Wonders of God Through Dreams and Visions of the Faithful’ 
What visions and dreams has God placed in your heart to follow for your parish community? 

Session 5: November 4
Review and Reflect 
In this meeting, we will gather from all of the reflections and see what has been brought up by our participants. We will discover what the larger needs are and the smaller ones. By the end of this meeting we will have decided on 3 areas of focus for our diocesan parishes.

Session 6: December 2
Call to Action
In this final meeting, we will have our 3 areas of focus finalized. During this meeting we will discuss ways to address the areas of need in our parishes, how to ask for support from your pastor, community, and other relevant offices and organizations.