2026 Continuing Education/Enrichment Programs Application

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Institute for Black Catholic Studies Application; LAST DAY TO APPLY IS JUNE 18!

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Information in this section is voluntary and will be used in a nondiscriminatory manner consistent with all civil rights laws. All applications for admission are considered without reference to sex, ethnicity, religion or handicap.

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Preregistration:
Please select a morning and afternoon course option for the week(s) you plan to attend the IBCS Session.

Week 1: June 29 - July 3, 2026

CORE 0003K: Black Catholic Ethics: Social Justice and the Christian Experience. Examine Catholic Social Teaching principles in relationships with contemporary ethical issues in Black and Brown communities, Participants will engage scripture, theology and personal narratives to navigate moral dilemmas in the ligh of Jesus Christ, the epistemological and ethical starting point. LaShaunda Reese, Ph.D. (M-F, 8:45 am - 11:45 am).

CORE 0003I The Pauline Letters and Synodality in Black Church. This course will meet at the intersection of 21st century synodality and the letters of St. Paul, reaching back into the New Testament to imagine Black Catholic approaches that highlight social justice, digital evangelization and leadership development, concerns of Gen X and Gen Z people of God. Fr. John Segun Odeyemi, Ph.D. (M-F 8:45 am - 11:45 am).

CATF24 Tie Up a Lion: Catholic Social Teaching and the Nguza Saba: The Kwanzaa principles celebrate African American family, community and culture. Although Kwanzaa is not expressly religious, the spirituality of the principles reflects holy scripture and Catholic Social Teaching. Using these and other spiritual resources, students will create action plans that support effective pastoral ministry and bold Christian discipleship. Ms. Charlene Howard, M.A. (M-F, 1:45pm -4:45pm)

CORE 0001J Synodality: What Does It Mean for the Black Church? Fostering communion, co-participation, and mission in the Catholic Church, synodality is "journeying together": listening, dialogue, and shared discernment among all of its members guided by the Holy Spirit. The course will explore how Black Catholics across all generations are called to build, reform, and animate the church to meet the complex challenges of our parishes and times. Ms. Trimiko Melancon, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45pm-4:45pm).

Week 2 July 6 - July 10, 2026

CORE 0008D Eulogy or Paschal Mystery?: A False Dichotomy. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRL) and many diocesan directives advise that the homily at the funeral Mass focus exclusively on the Paschal Mystery; eulogies are to be avoided. This class will assert that both can be accomplished with integrity in the same homily. Participants will study techniques and homilies which celebrate the life of the deceased in the context of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Fr. Manuel Williams, C.R., Th.M. (M-F, 8:45am - 11:45am)

CORE 0034L Lift Every Voice: Synodality in Black Catholic Black Liturgy. Enter into African American liturgy through the lens synodality, highlighting the role of the assembly as full and active participants. Experience how communal song, preaching, gesture and prayer embody walking together in faith, affirming identity, fostering dialogue and celebrating God's liberating presence in worship. Ms. Lauren Warner, Ph.D. Cand. (M-F, 8:45am - 11:45am).

CORE 0005C Rome to Home; Black Catholic Spirituality. Reflect on the richness of Black spirituality through Fr. Lee's 2025 pilgrimage experiences in Italy and Alabama. His pilgrim journeys to Rome and Montgomery connect culture, memory, suffering and hope-affirming both spiritual experiences as deeply Black and authentically Catholic. Fr. Roy A. Lee, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45pm - 4:45pm).

CORE 0002J Lord, Teach Us to Pray. In African American tradition, prayer unites God and humanity in holy discourse that has the power to change things. Many Christians, however, tremble in fear and embarrassment when asked to lead fundamentals of the ministry, learning different approaches and practicing under the leadership of an experienced prayer leader. Rev. Dwight Webster Roy A. Lee, Th.M. (M-F, 1:45pm - 4:45pm)

Week 3 July 13 - July 17, 2026

LDER 0040 Local and Parish Histories for Black Catholic Evangelization. This is a course for history lovers who want to learn how to use their communities' histories to evangelize. Class activities will include 1) identifying and conserving Black Catholic resources; 2) workshopping ideas for interviews and writing local and parish-based historical pieces; and 3) planning ways to use Black histories to spread the good news of Jesus Christ today. Ms. Cecilia A. Moore, Ph.D. (8:45am - 11:45am)

CATF 0023 The Fire This Time: An Introduction. Join an editor of The Fire this Time: A Black Catholic Sourcebook, to explore key cultural, spiritual and liturgical resources related to the faith journey of the African American community in the Catholic Church. Guided reflections and discussions will provide invaluable information, spiritual formation and practical insights for pastoral ministry in these times. Ms. Kim Harris, Ph.D. (M-F, 8:45am - 11:45am).

CORE 0002H Sexuality, Gender, Race and a New Theology of Black Embodiment, Participants will engage a number of questions: How are the experiences of LGBTQ persons changing our understanding of God and ministry formation? On these questions, what does a welcoming Church look like to Gen Z? What difference does our shard Blackness make when we are divided on these topics? Craig Ford, Ph.D. (M-F, 1:45pm - 4:45pm)

LIMU 0003 Music Ministers Formed and Fashioned. This course offers ministers a safe space for experimenting to develop new skills in leading African Americans - the assembly and the choir - in sacred song. Explore the rich history of music ministry and its relevance to biblical teachings, perspectives that are fundamental to creating worship experiences that prepare the people of God to follow Christ in their everyday walk. Mr. Meyer Chambers, M.L.M. (M-F, 1:45pm - 4:45pm)

SREP 0001 Elders Retreat: Renewed - Revived - Ready! African American Elders (age 62+) spend the week in prayer, reflection, discussion and recreation. Come celebrate the legacy of eldership in the Black Catholic community. Let the Spirit renew, revive, and get you ready in the spirit of wisdom that continues to sustain our community. Limit 15 retreatants. Chaplain Thelma Lucas, Th.M. (M-F, 9am - 11:00am and 2:00pm - 4:00pm).

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2026 Continuing Education/Enrichment Programs Application

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