National Black Sisters’ Conference
1968 - 2011
February 2011
Celebrating Lights of Courage
There are many strong, faith – filled lights of courage. They were committed, determined and had a bold courage. In
this reflection, several of them will be highlighted.
St. Josephine Bakhita – 1869 – 1947
At the age of 30, Josephine Bakhita from Sudan made her profession of Vows as a member of the Conossian
Daughters of charity. She was admired & respected. Those who write about her lift her up as a gentle woman of
prayer & courage. On October 1, 2000, John Paul II canonized her patron of Sudan.
Father Augustine Tolton – 1854 – 1897
Father Augustine Tolton was the first black priest in the United States. He was born into a black Catholic slave
family. Fr. Tolton became a Catholic priest despite the unbelievable hardships he endured. He left behind a shining
legacy of holy service to God, the Church and his people. He had the courage to rely on God. He could sing boldly “I
Feel No Ways Tired.”
African American Catholic Bishops
On September 9, 1984 the ten Black Bishops of the United States published “What we’ve seen and Heard.” They
courageously brought to the table challenges involved with evangelize on the Black community.
National Black Sisters’ Conference
Excerpt from The Survival of Soul: National Black Sisters’ Conference Position Paper, 1969
“We, the members of the National Black Sisters’ Conference pledge ourselves to work unceasingly for the liberation
of black people.” In NBSC’s 42 years of existence, there has been a continuous effort to engage others in the
commitment to be lights of courage.
These lights of courage were willing to do what seemed impossible. They had more courage than many of us today.
They had that inner peace that enabled them to give so that others could live.
They had the courage to stand up for change & they did change us all. Let us continue to lift up these lights of
courage so that generations yet to come will have the strength to walk, talk and live for others.
Message from the President
Dear Sisters and Associates,
Historical Weavings
To remind me of the stony roads our ancestors trod, I have pictures of several African
Americans in my office. Harriet Tubman, a troop of Buffalo Soldiers, Frederick
Douglass, Martin L. King, Jr. & Rosa Parks. They remind me of my roots and of the
thousands of African Americans who dared to step out in faith. They are there because I
don’t want to forget the love, courage and determination of our people.
We are God’s children. The ultimate challenge before us is to stand on the horizon &
follow the North Star. In these times, I believe there is a deeper invitation for us to look at
the needs of our day. People still need bread, dignity, freedom and social justice. It’s time
to get up, stand up & pray up. We must remember that we’ve come this far by faith.
My prayer is that we remember the amazing grace of our elders and do everything to
keep our organization alive. The spirit will lead and guide us.
With gratitude,
Sister Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N.
Sister Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N.
NBSC BOARD MEMBERS
Sr. Roberta Fulton, R
SSMN-President,
Sr.NCallista
OSF-Vice
EFLECTIO
S B YRobinson,
A FOU
N D I N GPresident,
M E M BSr.E Ronnie
R O F Grier,
N B S SOF-Secretary,
C
Sr. Gayle Lwanga-Crumbley, RGS-Treasurer, Sr. Anita Baird, DHM, Sr. Mary Ann Henagan, MSBT,
Sr. Monica Oboagwina, OP, Sr. Patricia Ralph, SSJ, Ms. Corrine Grant, Associate
I am proud and happy to inform you that I am a founding member and recall vividly
those first few years when we few originals met monthly with Sister Martin de Porres
often at the airport because of our tight schedules. Those were exciting years when we
felt deep within us that we were about something truly great and historical. We were
glad to be a part of it. Personally, I gained much from the close associations formed
during those years when I was able to attend the annual conventions. I loved every bit of
heart still feels a bit of excitement each year when a couple of our Sisters fly off to distant
places for their annual dose of incomparably precious and lasting friendships. I am 93
now and about to celebrate in August, 2011 my 75th year as an Oblate.
Sincerely in Providence,
Sr. Mary Alice Chineworth, OSP
National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) Convocation
November 4-8, 2010
Theme: Casting the Net ……Vocation Ministry in a Global World
The Rev. Bryan Massingale, STD was one of the four Keynote Speakers. He explored the
Theology of Globalization. Sister Anita Baird, DHM, Rev. Joseph Brown, SJ. were
workshop presenters. They spoke on “Best Practices” in inviting, in the welcome and in
the maintaining of African American candidates into Congregations with predominantly
white membership.
The NRCV board approved Sisters Patricia Rogers, OP (co-chair), Patricia Dual, OP,
Chala Marie Hill, FHM, Marcia Hall, OSP, Magdala Marie Gilbert, OSP,
Gayle Lwanga Crumbly, RGS, and Josita Colbert, SNDdeN as members of the NRVC’s
Committee on Black Religious Vocation.
Presently serving on the NRVC Board are Sister Marcia Hall, OSP and Sister Josita
Colbert, SNDdeN. Sister Anita Beard, DHM serves on the NRVC Editorial Advisory
Board for the Horizon Magazine.
Submitted by Sr. Josita Colbert, SNDdeN
Tenth Anniversary Celebration
The Tenth Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Katharine Drexel was celebrated at the
Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Bensalem, PA with three major
events.
On Friday, October 1, 2010, Xavier University Concert Tour Choir and Jazz Ensemble
gave outstanding performances in St. Catherine Auditorium on the SBS motherhouse
grounds. The Concert Choir was under the direction of Dr. John Ware, D.M.A., Director;
Dr. Wilfred Delphin, D.M.A., Pianist; Dr. Malcolm J. Breda, Ph.D., Organist and
Associate Director; Dr. timothy R. Turner, D.M.A., Director of the Jazz Ensemble.
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, a Gala Celebration with food, fun, exciting guests, alumni,
Sisters, reunions of various kinds, music by the Xavier University Jazz Ensemble,
auctions, raffles were held under a Hugh tent on the motherhouse grounds. There was
wholesome fun and celebration for everyone!
On Sunday, October 3, 2010, a Mass at 2:00 p.m. was celebrated in the Cathedral
Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Justin Cardinal Rigali was the main
celebrant and homilist. Several priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including
Monsignor David Benz, were concelebrants for the Mass. The Xavier University Concert
Choir provided music, as we lifted up our hands and hearts in thanksgiving for Saint
Katherine Drexel.
By Sr. M. Roland Lagarde, SBS
Congratulations
Sister Magdala Marie Gilbert, OSP received the prestigious National Religious Vocation
Conference Award for her outstanding contribution to vocation ministry.
Sr. Dorothy Hall, OP made final vows in the spring 2010, and Sr. Chala Hill, FHM made
final vows in the fall 2010.
February is Black History Month
(TEST YOU KNOWLEDGEGE)
DO YOU KNOW YOUR CATHOLIC AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY?
1. WHO WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN MENTIONED IN THE GOSPELS?
2. WHO WAS THE BLACK “WISE MAN” AT THE BIRTH OF JESUS?
3. WHO WAS THE FIRST BLACK BISHOP IN THE UNITED STATES?
4. WHO WAS THE FIRST BLACK PRIEST?
5. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN ORDER OF
WOMEN RELIGIOUS?
St. Cyprian Catholic Church Celebrates Black History Month
St. Cyprian Catholic Church Pastor and parishioners in Philadelphia, PA were proud to
present, recognize, to honor our African American Sisters, Priests, Brothers and
Seminarians during their 11 AM Mass on February 27, 2011. A Soul Food Brunch
followed in the rectory dining room. The NBSC members who participated in this
beautiful celebration were Sr. Cora Billings, RSM, Sr. Mary Ann Henagan, MSBT, Sr.
Stephanie Henry, SBS, Sr. Roland Lagarde, SBS, Sr. Beulah Martin, SBS, Sr. Norbert
Moline, SBS, Sr. Odessa Stanford, SBS, Sr. Princess Dawson, MSSH. Fr. Britto, Pastor
of St. Cyprian, Fr. Steven Thorne, a Norbetine Seminarian and Associates of the Sisters
of the Blessed Sacrament also participated in this beautiful event.
Submitted by Sr. Roland Lagarde, SBS
National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family
The National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family was created by Fr. James Goode, OFM in
1989. It is a day set aside to give special thanks to God for our families and place our every care in the arms of Jesus.
www.blackcatholicsforlife.org
BLACK WOMEN’S PROJECT
The Black Women’s Project Committee continues to look forward. The Gathering in
Charlotte was a great success. By now everyone in attendance received a follow-up
postcard from the Administrative Team with general information from the evaluations
received. Thank you to Vanessa Griffin Campbell, Corrine Grant and Sr. Barbara Moore
who assisted with ensuring that the mailing was created and sent. We are still hearing
great comments about the event.
Future Directions for the BWP - We have proposed two regional gatherings for this year.
One in the New England Corridor (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) and
one in the State of Florida. Our next meeting is scheduled to be held April 2/3 at Bethany
House in Providence RI.
Under the leadership of Rose Palmer and Barbara Parks of the Black Catholic
Implementation Team in Kansas City, Missouri, a local gathering was held in fall of 2010
as a follow-up of the 3rd National Gathering. The theme was prayer. Sister Constance
Phelps, SCL was the keynote speaker and approximately fifty women attended.
Currently several women in St. Louis who attended the Gathering are planning a regional
gathering for May 2011. Karen Curls is scheduled to be their keynote speaker. Sister
Antona Ebo has met with the women who are also in communication with Sr. Barbara
Moore. Gwendolyn Crimm has been the liaison with Sisters Ebo and Moore. Several
women are also again a special thank you to Sr. Patty Chappell and Lee Gooch for their
willingness to take on the responsibilities of Co-chairing the 3rd National Gathering. God
has been good to the National Black Sisters Conference in allowing us to gather one more
time in his name. Thank you to the NBSC Board Members for their support and prayers.
Submitted by Sr. Barbara A. Moore, Co-Chair & Carol F. White, Co-Chair
WHO IS JESUS?
Jesus is my Joy, my Life, my King
He’s my Rock of Ages, my Strength,
my everything
He’s Good Shepherd, always at my side;
He’s my true Friend, my Leader, my Guide
He’s my Blessed Assurance, my Living Bread,
It’s in His Body and Blood that I’m daily fed.
Jesus is my Way, my truth, my Life
If I follow in his footsteps, there’ll be no
He’s my Precious Lord, who takes my hand
Who leads me on so I can stand
Whenever I fall through failure and sin
Jesus is there to take me in
He lifts me up in His Mercy and Love
Fills me with Amazing Grace from above
He’s my Redeemer, He set me free
He offered up His Life on Calvary
He’s Spouse, my God, my Everything
Yes, Jesus is my Joy, my Life, my King!
Submitted by Sr. Loretta Theresa Richards, FHM
GOOD BOOKS
All Along the Way: Gifts Blessings and Graces from Our Loving God
The Memoirs of Sr. Louise Marie Bryan with foreword by Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
Racial Justice and the Catholic Church
Fr. Bryan N. Massinagle
Sustaining Catholic Education in and for the Black Community
By Lois J. Carson, Sr. Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N., Dorothy Gupton, Veronica MorganLee, Freida D. McCray, Mary Crowley McDonald, Kathleen A. Merritt, Sr. Jamie T.
Phelps, O.P., Ph.D., Brother Gary Sawyer, ECSA, Deacon Marvin Threatt, PhD.
National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC) www.NBSC68.com
“Together we form a strong and cohesive voice in support of the dignity and rights of
women.” We are standing on the shoulders of NBSC’S Lights of Courage.
JOINT CONFERENCE 2011
Without a Vision the People Perish:
A Vision for the Future
July 24 – 29, 2011
Greenbelt Marriott Hotel
Greenbelt, Maryland
Tour: Washington, DC
National Black Clergy Caucus (NBCCC)
National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC)
National Association of Black Catholic Deacons (NABCD)
National Black Catholic Seminarians Association (NBCSA)
Updates will be sent via e-mails and websites.
Answers to Black History Quiz:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32)
Melchior, The Magi
Bishop James Healy (1875)
Fr. Augustus Tolton (1886)
The Oblates Sisters of Providence (182)