Annual Black Catholic History Month commemoration
The Archdiocese of Washington’s annual observance of Black Catholic History Month, celebrating and giving thanks for the enduring witness, faith, and contributions of Black Catholics to the life and mission of the Church, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 12010 Woodmore Road in Mitchellville, Maryland. This celebration offers an opportunity to honor their legacy, deepen our understanding of their experiences, and recommit ourselves to building communities of faith marked by unity, justice, and hope. People will gather at Holy Family Church from 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. Parking may be limited, and carpooling is recommended. From 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., Father Joseph Jenkins, the pastor of Holy Family Parish, will offer a welcome, and then there will be a talk about the lives of early settlers by descendants of pioneer families. From 3 to 4 p.m., the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered. From 3:15 to 3:45 p.m., self-guided tours can be made to the St. John Prayer Center, Grotto and the Holy Family Cemetery. From 4 to 4:45 p.m., there will be “Stations of Color” with readings and prayers highlighting the contributions of Black people to the Catholic faith. From 5 to 5:30 p.m., praise and worship will be led by St. Joseph’s Catholic Choir from Largo, Maryland. Then at 5:30 p.m., a Vigil Mass will be celebrated by Washington Auxiliary Bishop Robert Boxie III. The theme for the month is “Black and Catholic: Answering the Call to Thrive.”
Remembering witness of ‘Saintly Seven’ Black Catholics
A morning of prayer, fellowship, and reflection will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 to remember the witness of the “Saintly Seven” Black Catholics on the path to sainthood and explore what their lives teach us about faith, discipleship, and the mission of Black Catholics today. Presented by Wendi M. Williams, executive director of the Archdiocese of Washington’s Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach, the gathering will take place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 8908 Old Branch Avenue in Clinton, Maryland. The day will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and fellowship at 9:15 a.m., and a presentation and discussion from 9:45 a.m. to noon.
Commemoration of Native American Catholic Heritage
To mark Native American Catholic Heritage Month, a program highlighting the recent beatification of the Georgia Martyrs will be held on Nov. 19, 2026, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, 3900 Harewood Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. The program, titled “Walking Together in Faith: Honoring Native American Catholic Heritage” is being held in partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah, Georgia; the Archdiocese of Washington’ Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach; and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. The Georgia Martyrs were five Spanish Franciscan missionaries who gave their lives for the faith while serving Indigenous communities in what is now the state of Georgia. Their witness of courage, evangelization, and fidelity to the Gospel continues to inspire the Church today. For questions, contact the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach at culturaldiversity@adw.org. The event is free, but for planning purposes, people are asked to RSVP at https://JP2NAHM2026.eventbrite.com.
