After months of planning, meeting and scheduling, November 6-7 dawned. Sister Kathleen has invested 110% of her energies to bring together this gathering of our Black Catholics in the Delta of Mississippi.
Registration tables are in place and the Silent Auction items are ready for bids.
Ready with big smiles at the registration table.
Brother Patrick and Sister Elena look over the Silent Auction items while Sister Mary Ann assists with handing out the Conference T-shirts.
Meanwhile in church the activity begins.
The libation display in front of the altar hints at the opening prayer service.
Members of St. Francis Parish lead us in the opening ritual in the spirit of Sister Thea Bowman.
Tony McQueen, a former student of St. Francis of Assisi school, was welcomed back to accompany the choir during the 2-day event.
M. Roger Holland, a nationally recognized musician and composer,led a wonderful evening of prayer, scripture and song.
-
- A light social and fellowship followed.
-
- Sisters Elena and Mary Ann sold M. Roger Holland’s CD’s.
-
- Sister Kathleen poses with one of our parishioners in African attire.
Saturday is a cool, rainy November day but inside the church a purification ritual calls us to prayer.
The significance of the Pan African colors gave form to the prayer.
Dr. Timone Davis gave two lively presentations on Theology of Baptismal Vocation and Missionary Discipleship.
Dr. Davis gave us some questions for thought; “What does service look like in my life? How have I been challenged in my service? How have I been inspired by my serving? How does being called by your name make you feel?
A delicious BBQ chicken meal satisfied everyone’s hunger.
Will Jemison from the Office of Black Catholics in Jackson Diocese gave two talks; American Black Catholic Causes for Sainthood and Wills and Planned Giving. As these sessions were being given Fr. Tony Clark from St. Augustine’s Parish in Memphis had Youth Sessions for our younger Black Catholics.
A rare moment when Sister Kathleen was standing still!
The day closed with a spirited celebration of the Eucharist with several of our priests who serve in our area. The Gospel Choir from St. Augustine Parish in Memphis provided music ministry with 25 voices strong. As the rain continued to fall, all left filled with inspiration.