A PROVEN FOUNDATION FOR FRUITFUL MINISTRY
CONGRESS X PLAN OF ACTION
Most Reverend John H. Ricard, S.S.J.
President of the Board of Trustees
(Article: Page 3 of 19)
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A PROVEN FOUNDATION FOR FRUITFUL MINISTRY
CONGRESS X PLAN OF ACTION
NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS
2007
[Jesus said,] "Remain in me,
as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its
own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you
remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever
remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without
me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be
thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and
throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me
and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be
done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit
and become my disciples." John 15:4-8
INTRODUCTION
 The Tenth National Black Catholic Congress
met in Buffalo, New York from July 12-15, 2007 with this theme:
"Christ is With Us: Celebrating the Gifts of the Sacraments."
Formed by the convictions of the Gospel, filled with the Holy Spirit,
and inspired by the witness of our ancestors, we are deeply grateful
for the gifts of our Catholic and African heritage. Our contributions
to our Church and society enrich the lives of people of every ethnicity.
We continually work to promote
positive strategies for building the Catholic Church in the
Black Community. Daniel Rudd, who convened the first congresses
in the late 1800s, believed that the Catholic Church had a
powerful message to proclaim in our community. Catholicism is
completely compatible with our culture. Africans have been a
part of the Church since its beginnings, shaping her message
and advancing her mission (cf. Acts of the Apostles 2:10;
8:26-40; and 13:1-3). African nations, such as Ethiopia, were among
the first Christian nations.
Africans are counted among those chosen to be the early Church fathers,
mothers, and martyrs. Catholics of African descent were canonized
saints to serve as exemplary models of Christian discipleship.
As disciples of Jesus and members of the Catholic Church, we have the opportunity and responsibility to learn about our Faith, love our Faith, and to live according to our Faith. This is the legacy that our ancestors in the Congress Movement have handed on to us.
Congress IX convened in Chicago, Illinois in 2002, declaring eight Core Principles of concern. Since then, parishes, diocesan offices, and national organizations of Black Catholics have used the Congress IX Pastoral Plan of Action as a framework for addressing these eight principles: promoting vibrant expressions of
spirituality and experiences of parish life; affirming the presence and contributions of
youth and young adults in our Church; sustaining Catholic education in our communities; advocating for
social justice; eradicating racism; strengthening bonds with Africa; and providing for a compassionate response to those who suffer from
H.I.V. and/or A.I.D.S.
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