Black Catholic Ministry Goals

By way of episcopal directive and in conjunction with the USCCB Executive Summary, “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight: THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO RACISM IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING “Brothers & Sisters To Us” document, the focus of this ministry office specifically addresses:

Speaking Out Against Racism

Sharing in Responsibility and Decision Making

Fostering Vocations through Appreciation of Distinct History and Cultural         Traditions of Minorities

Ecumenical Cooperation in Pursuit of Justice and Peace

Inculturation of the Liturgy, Pastoral Programs, and Educational Initiatives

Spiritual and Financial support of Associations of Minorities Within the Church

The Continuation and Expansion of Catholic Schools in the Inner Cities and other Disadvantaged Areas

In the application of this ministry, Black Catholic Ministry assists the diocese towards accomplishing the Diocesan Goals of 1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, 3, 3.1, 3.3, 4, 4.1, 4.4, 5, 6.2 and 7.
(See http://dioceseoflansing.org/pastoralplanning/pastoralplan.pdf, for a copy of the pastoral plan). 
Additionally, when and where requested and necessary, to assist diocesan offices, departments, parishes and other juridic entities in various activities and in a manner consistent with the overall purpose statement of this ministry.

The Office of Black Catholic Ministry also serves as the voice, conscious and representative, of those ethnic groups ( primarily Native American and Vietnamese) not directly represented in the Central Services infrastructure. The Office of Black Catholic Ministry works to provide collaborative and consultative ministry to the people of the Diocese of Lansing and its parishes in the areas of:

Leadership Development
The African American Family
Inculturation
Consciousness Raising
Networking
Pilgrimages
Workshops/Presentations/Multi-media Applications

Goals:

Assists the Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing in ensuring that the Church become more relevant to the needs and hopes of Black people.

Promotes evangelization and fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Sensitizes all diocesan offices to the integral relation Blacks and other people of color within the Diocese of Lansing.

Fosters special ministries for the improvement of the human condition of Blacks and other people of color within the Diocese of Lansing.

Works collaboratively and consultatively with various parish, regional and diocesan entities as well as public and private organizations to provide ministry services, information, referrals, workshops, programs, and initiatives that focus on Black/African-American Catholics specifically, and other people of color, generally. These include (but are not limited to) areas such as health, substance abuse and restorative justice, academia, pilgrimages, youth ministry, religious education, evangelization, family ministry and development.