This Fall Immaculate Conception will take a “deeper dive” into the Saintly Six, leading up to a public acclimation on All Saints Day where ICC parishioners can “stand up” for the Saintly Six together with Catholics across the country. The series of awareness events to help the parish get to know and reflect on the lives of the Saintly Six, includes:
The Saint (s) of the week in the bulletin, Universal Prayers and displayed the Commons.
A 5-part Book/Film Series using the book Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood and viewing clips from the documentary, A Place at the Table.
Participating in the Stand Up for the Saintly Six, Public Proclamation on All Saints Day, November 1, 2024.
Their Stories are Our Stories, during Black Catholic History Month, where parishioners of all ages share stories of how one of the Saintly Six is also their story.
ICC Voter Information Events
Leading up to this year’s election, ICC will offer several opportunities to raise awareness about the sacred right and responsibility to vote (Faithful Citizenship) and to access voting information and materials. We hope to answer the Pope’s call to participate for the common good and make ICC a 100% Voting Congregation!
A Voter Information Table after the Masses on September 28/29 and October 12/13 (to include Sunday Supper) with resources to register to vote, to make sure voter information is correct, check districts and voting locations, view actual ballots from the local Voting Registrars and pick up information and resources that will help with understanding how and what we are voting for in this election.
A formation session on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. to explore the Catholic perspective on the Call to Faithful Citizenship. Using resources from the VCRJ September Gathering, ICC will explore what the Church’s teaching on Faithful Citizenship calls us to do and facilitate engagement with resources that help to answer that call.
Our Lady of Nazareth
Honoring Msgr. Walter Barrett By Colleen Hernandez
On February 1, 2023, Our Lady of Nazareth in Roanoke was honored to welcome Msgr. Walter Barrett for a potluck dinner and reflection on his 47 years of priestly ministry as one of the few Black priests ordained in the Diocese of Richmond.
Msgr. Barrett spoke to the audience of about 60 people, many of them his previous parishioners, of his time here from 1977 to 1985 as the first Black pastor of St. Gerard in Roanoke. He recalled the days past with fondness, speaking of the welcome by Catholics and others in the Roanoke Valley. Even though some members of St. Gerard’s were initially uncertain about having a Black pastor, Msgr. Barrett remembered a number of them cried along with him when he left in 1985.
Those attending the presentation enjoyed his many stories and the memories he brought back when recalling them. Parishioners throughout the valley wish him the very best in retirement and hope he returns for a visit soon.
Msgr. Walter Barrett (right) speaks to longtime St. Gerard parishioners Altermease and James Brown at Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke, on February 15, 2023. (Photo/Karen Adams)
Immaculate Conception
Racial Justice Formation at Immaculate Conception in Hampton by Joan Kennedy
After celebrating Black Catholic History Month and hosting the Shannen Dee Williams event, ICC parishioners continued to explore the formation of a racial justice ministry. In March 2023, a group of about 25 ICC parishioners gathered to review and discuss three episodes (Democracy, Fear and Justice) of the 1619 Project. At the last session, a Plan of Action Survey was completed by those present. Here is a summary of responses.
What would a Racial Healing Ministry look like?
Who: A diverse (age, race and world view) community of parishioners.
Doing: truth telling, education, opening hearts and minds, raising awareness, actions
Qualities: welcoming, sociable, place of love and dignity.
How should we get started?
Educate.
Build a coalition.
Develop a plan.
Add a family/children component.
Who should be involved?
Everyone in the parish – all ages, races and world views and the pastor.
Friends and neighbors.
Invite other churches.
Those who can offer their gifts.
Next up is a 4-week Book Study of Leveling the Praying Field by Ansel Augustine. Once we test our pilot, we will share with others who may want to do a study of this book.
Saint Edward the Confessor
A Call to Share by Joanie and Dave Evans
Saint Edward the Confessor welcomed Zke Zimmerman, author of A Call to Share, on February 11, 2023, to discuss his book and engage in dialogue with parishioners.
Zke Zimmerman, retired Army Colonel and school administrator and author of “A Call to Share” (2022), spoke with 60 St. Edward’s parishioners and guests on Saturday, Feb. 11th on the topic of racism justice/systemic racism.
Courtesu of David Evans
We had an excellent turnout of 60 participants for our program with retired Colonel and high school administrator “Zke” Zimmerman, author of “A Call to Share”. Following a potluck lunch in the parish commons, Zke briefly shared his life story and how he came to write his series of 25 letters on his experiences, perceptions and reflections on systemic racism. He fielded and responded to questions from the entire group and then small group discussions were facilitated by St. Edward’s JustFaith study group members.
Some of the many topics that Zke and participants discussed were the importance of mentoring and supporting those in our communities who struggle to achieve their goals due the impacts and legacy of systemic racism and the essential role of public education in expanding opportunities. Zke challenged those of us with the greatest opportunities to extend ourselves to help others who face an “opportunity gap” in pursuing their life goals. Participants enjoyed their discussions so much that more than half were still talking with each other 20 minutes after the event formally ended.
In addition to St. Edward’s parishioners, we also welcomed visitors from Huguenot Road Baptist Church next door, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church. We hope to have equally good participation in our “My Neighbors Voice” event on Saturday, March 18th. More information on this listening game is available at My Neighbor’s Voice (myneighborsvoice.org)
Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach
Holy Family’s JustFaith Racial Justice and Unity by Joe Panchik
The Just Faith Racial Justice and Unity Ministry at Church of the Holy Family is a dynamic and motivated group who endeavors to promote justice and equality for all people. The ministry has been meeting for 1.5 years on a bimonthly basis to perform and discuss activities that encourage this initiative.
Among our activities have been a visit to Mesob Cafe, which serves Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. A fine menu which serves authentic delicacies was presented and enjoyed by our sixteen members. The host presented her fare in a traditional manner which was the highlight of African-American History month.
Additionally, group members have read and discussed the following literature:
Between the World and Me byTa-Nehisi Coates
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
“The Kind of Revolution That Martin Luther King Envisioned” by Esau McCaulley
Group participants discussed viewpoints and reviewed the literature in a mature and compelling manner. The succeeding title for discussion will be Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston). During every meeting, additional resources are presented and reviewed in an effort to expand the knowledge base as well as to ignite future activities.
Finally, group members traveled to Fort Monroe Museum in Hampton, VA to tour the African-American historical landmarks and to receive a presentation by Ms. Teesha Vincent, Museum Cultural Coordinator. Ms. Vincent presented the difficult journey that people of color have experienced using a historical timeline.
The group presently has several initiatives and experiences under way and will continue to present positions that promote equality and justice for all.
Liz and Joe Panchik enjoy Ethiopian and Eritrean food at Mesob in Virginia Beach
Virginia Catholics for Racial Justice 