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To: Pastors, Parochial Vicars, Deacons, Religious Brothers and Sisters, Department Heads and Cultural Ministry Coordinators
From: Jairo Martinez, Director, Office of Intercultural and Ethnic Diversity
The Office of Intercultural and Ethnic Diversity of the Archdiocese of Atlanta invites your participation in the National Black Catholic Congress XII (NBCC), taking place July 6-9, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The theme for the 2017 Congress XII is, “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me: Act Justly, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with Your God.”
We encourage all parishioners, clergy, and religious interested in attending NBCC to join us for a “Day of Reflection” on Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 25 Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
The Day of Reflection will be an opportunity for guests to receive specific information about the event and what is needed to be an official archdiocesan delegate. The Day of Reflection will also feature presentations by Chancery employees to help guests assess and respond to the needs of their parishes through the Atlanta Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan and the NBCC Plan of Action.
This congress is a continuation of a longstanding national effort to engage Black Catholics in the life of the Church more fully. Began by Catholic newspaper editor Daniel Rudd in 1889, the National Black Catholic Congress was originally organized as a means for Black Catholics across the country in the 19th Century to network, support one another, and promote the evangelization and advancement of African Americans in the United States through the gift of the Roman Catholic Church.
In the modern era, this annual gathering occurs once every five years and generally attracts several thousand Black Catholics from around the country, including a delegation from our very own archdiocese.
To register for the Day of Reflection or for more information, please contact Ashley Morris, Associate Director of the Office of Intercultural and Ethnic Diversity, via email at amorris@archatl.com or by phone at 404-920-7585.