Black Catholics -
Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors
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February is African American Heritage Month. All are invited to a special Mass and celebration at Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy and Saint Giles Parish in Saint Giles Church on Saturday, February 14, at 4:30 PM.
Why is it important? Because African American History is Catholic History. The faith, courage, music, and witness of African American Catholics have deeply shaped the Church in the United States and continue to enrich our worship today. Are you aware that one of our saints in the making is Venerable Augustus Tolton, an African American Catholic. who carried the gospel with courage, creativity, and hope in the face of injustice? He was the first openly Black Catholic priest in the United States and served as a parish priest in Chicago.
This celebration is not just about honoring the past, but about recognizing the living Body of Christ among us now. It reminds us that the Church is truly catholic - universal - and that we are strongest when every voice and gift is honored. This annual celebration was a long-standing tradition at Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy. Our recent participation in this celebration is one of the many blessings received as a result of the unification of our parishes.
Why should you attend? In a time of division and injustice, gathering for prayer is a powerful act of unity and hope. This Mass will invite us to listen, give thanks, and renew our commitment to dignity, justice, and love. Let’s come together to honor the gifts of African American Catholics, to show that we stand for dignity, justice, and inclusion, and that we believe the Eucharist makes us one. Come celebrate, pray, and grow together our communities of faith, hope, and love in Christ on Saturday, February 14. A light reception will follow at the back of the Church, allowing time for those celebrating Valentine’s Day to still go out and have dinner. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
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The Catholic Communities of Oak Park celebrate the diversity and cultural richness of the Black Catholic community through many events throughout the year. The deep faith, rich history, and crucial contributions to the Catholic faith and tradition by Black Catholics since the very beginning of the church.
While each and every Sunday celebrates the diversity of our community, the annual African American Heritage Celebration organized by the worshipping community St. Catherine-St. Lucy church is a treasured celebration full of love, joy, honor, and music. During Black History Month and Black Catholic History Month, special presentations and events lift up the voice of Black Catholics.
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