The Distinctive Gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church

Course Level: Intermediate

Course Summary

This course intends to ignite a new spirit in Black Catholics. Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory recently said, "Since we alone are both Black and Catholic. We realize, of course, that we belong to a universal Church and must live within that Church, but we also realize that the gift of Blackness is uniquely ours to offer to the Church." (American Catholic History Research Center and University Archives) Through discernment, the Holy Spirit empowers Black Catholics in the universal Church to combat racism in the world, the Church, and other issues with their unique gifts of Blackness.

Therefore, this course builds on our understanding of Black and Catholic today and tomorrow. With a plethora of challenges, Black Catholics today are ready to share their gift of Blackness with the universal Church. They are ready and eager to do the work of evangelization to build a better tomorrow. We do this by responding to the daunting issues of today, and by stirring up our gifts.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

Understand the term Black and Catholic
Discern "Nice Racism"
Identify the challenges in sharing your gift with the Church
Build ideas to address racial issues in the Church
Understanding the call to Black Lives Matter

Course Materials

Required Book: Ansel Augustine Leveling the Praying Field – Can the Church We Love, Love us Back? Orbis Books, 1st edition (February 23, 2022) ISBN: 1626984506; ISBN-13: 978-1626984509; ASIN: B09NRXB6JT
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Course Structure and Highlights

Week 1: What does Black Catholic mean?
- Define the term Black Catholics
- Explain why Black Catholics may feel uncomfortable with calling themselves Black and Catholic
- Encourage the use of Spiritual gifts amid the struggle in your community
- Identify what voices are silent in your local community (neighborhood, school, church, recreation centers, etc.)
Week 2: How is Black Catholicism perceived today?
- Identify what voices are silent in your local community (neighborhood, school, church, recreation centers, etc.)
Week 3: The Struggles of Racism in the Catholic Church
- Define the term "nice racism"
- Identify nice racism actions by the Church
- Explain the term, Black Lives Matter
Week 4: How should Black Catholics respond to Black Lives Matter (BLM)?
- Discuss BLM as it relates to Black Catholics
- Recall moments when you were affirmed as a Black Catholic
Week 5: Hope against Hope
- Reflect on our vision for the Church
- Ponder the true understanding of the universal Church and the contribution of Black Catholic Spirituality
- Network with others to help with vision

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