"Revitalizing the Catholic Faith"

July 07, 2009

Year for Priests

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Yesterday, after a few weeks of vacation, I returned to the office only to find the usual piles of mail and messages, as well as a plethora of meetings scheduled throughout the day.  Oh, how the first day back usually makes one wish for a few more days of vacation!

One of the highlights of my first day back came at the tail end of the day.  I attended the meeting of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Milwaukee. It was a very lively and productive meeting.  Some discussions centered on the Black Catholic experience in the archdiocese and the trials and tribulations Black Catholics face as the archdiocesan central offices evolve.  The Commission reviewed some of its most recent activities and continued planning for some significant upcoming events.  I was greatly impressed by the zeal and faith of these committed Catholics. Their enthusiasm called to mind Pope Benedict’s recent apostolic pilgrimage to Cameroon and Angola.  That visit carried great significance for African-American Catholics throughout our nation, but more specifically for our own people here in Milwaukee.

While the pope’s African visit signifies greater awareness of Catholics around the globe, specifically Africans, the Black Catholic Ministry Commission in Milwaukee was busy celebrating African Catholics here in our archdiocese.  Last month, a Mass for the Ugandan martyrs was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee.  During that Mass, there was a Gospel procession that replicated the Cameroonian presentation of the Gospels done during the pope’s African visit.  While I was not present for the Mass at the cathedral, those who were remarked that it was one of the most moving and reverent Gospel processions they had ever witnessed.

As the Ugandan Mass illustrates, the Black Catholic Ministry Commission is very active and sincere in communicating and revitalizing the Catholic faith in archdiocese.  The Commission has two additional important events scheduled that you might want to keep in mind.  First, a sacred music workshop called “Let Us Worship the King” is slated for Saturday, August 1, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cardinal Stritch University.  This event will feature nationally-known composer and recording artist, W. Clifford Petty.  Petty is a pastoral musician specializing in the area of Gospel and traditional music for Catholic worship.  The archdiocese is extremely proud and happy to welcome him and grateful to the Black Catholic Ministry Commission for extending the invitation.  Mark that date on your calendar.

Secondly, the Commission is sponsoring the Black Catholic Sacred Liturgy on Sunday, August 2, at the Peck Pavilion, Marcus Center for Performing Arts, at 10 a.m.  Father Manuel Williams, C.R., pastor of Resurrection Church in Montgomery, Alabama, will be the celebrant of the Mass. W. Clifford Petty will lead the musical responses.

Presently, there are so many wonderful activities stirring the growth of our Catholic faith. Together, we rejoice in the good works of all who help us to pray and become closer to God in worship and song.
Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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