Spring 2002
This is a condensed version of the full report. To receive a copy of the full report, contact the African American Ministry Office at 414-769-3365 or allens@archmil.org
Foreword
The African American Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee sees itself at the service of the entire Church community. We are called to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. This call demands that we be ministers of the Gospel, instruments of peace, a witness of love and drum majors for justice. United with our brothers and sisters of every race, we walk in faith as one family in God.
As the Black Bishops of the United States declare, “There is a richness in our Black experience that we must share with the entire People of God. These are gifts that are part of an African past. For we have heard with Black ears and we have seen with Black eyes and we have understood with an African heart. We thank God for the gifts of our Blackness. In all humility we turn to the whole Church that it might share our gifts so that ‘our joy may be complete (1 John 1:4).’ ” (What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization, issued September 9, 1984, Feast of St. Peter Claver.)
Though the central city of Milwaukee is the historical point of departure for ministry to African American Catholics, all parishes have the opportunity to minister to and with African Americans who live or work in their vicinity. We extend an invitation to the entire Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to embrace and actively welcome the African American presence in our midst.
Mission of the African American Ministry Office
To insure inclusion of African American Catholics’ voice, presence and leadership at all levels of the life of the Church.
To highlight the history and heritage of African Americans in the Catholic Church. We want to teach and be taught, to lead and guide as to how the Church must respond to our needs and concerns.
To address racism and other obstacles to evangelization of African Americans as well as to develop and make available the resources for evangelization.
To encourage participation of Black Catholics in programs and activities that contribute to our faith and progress in the Church and in the community.
Origin and Purpose of Report
This African American Ministry Status Report and Recommendations: A Working Document is an assessment of the ministry to and with Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee prepared by the African American Ministry Office at the request of Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., and in consultation with Black Clergy and Religious of Wisconsin, the African American Ministry Board and appropriate parishes and offices in the archdiocese. (Note - The term "African American" and "Black" are used interchangeably throughout this report to denote persons of African heritage.)
To prepare the report, diocesan staff consulted with members of the Black Catholic community on September 16, 2000, at a gathering which included a review of the archdiocesan mission statement and the document “The Future of the Catholic Church in the Central City of Milwaukee,” a pastoral plan prepared by the District 13 Planning Committee in 1994. Further consultation with deans, pastors, parish directors, council and staff members of select parishes and schools took place in the ensuing months.
It is important to note that as of the writing of this report, the National Black Catholic Congress, a gathering of Black Catholic leaders which takes place every five years, had not occurred yet. The archdiocesan delegates who attend the Congress in the Summer of 2002 will play a significant role in ministry to African Americans in the Archdiocese.
The pastoral plan prepared in 1994, “The Future of the Catholic Church of the Central City,” focused on the parishes which existed at that time in the western section of District 13. The plan offered recommendations meant to ensure and strengthen Catholic presence in light of the priest shortage and parish mergers.
A key component of the 1994 pastoral plan was the intent to “ . . . support and empower a much stronger African American presence in the Central City Catholic Church” (The Future of the Catholic Church in the Central City). While the current treatment of pastoral needs in this report builds upon the foundation laid by the 1994 document, it also takes into account the significant populations of African Americans and Black Catholics who live and work in areas beyond the central city of Milwaukee.
The report has the following objectives:
- To review progress made on the recommendations set forth in “The Future of the Catholic Church of the Central City;”
- To identify the key pastoral needs of the Black Catholic community within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee; and
- To suggest proactive and energetic responses to address those needs in the areas of evangelization, vocations, lay ministry training and effective clergy formation relative to Black Catholic ministry.
How to Use the Report
It is vital that all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee realize the importance of the African American presence in our Church. Whether or not specific parishes have African American members, elements in this document apply to their standard mission and ministry as communities of faith. Our hope is that this working document will be a useful tool for parishes to initiate dialogue where ministry to the African American community has not yet been explored and to raise up and support the efforts of parishes which are already actively involved in this area. Therefore, the process of bringing these pages to life begins with the deans in their district meetings and continues at the cluster and parish level.
We invite each district to engage in thoughtful dialogue regarding the various ways the African American presence is experienced in their parishes, schools and neighborhoods using this report as a resource. We likewise invite diocesan offices to consider how the African American presence is experienced in their particular area of ministry.
In light of what your dialogue and review of this report reveals,
- study the recommendations for all parishes and schools;
- also study the recommendations specific to your district or area of ministry;
- revise and prioritize the recommendations as needed;
- contact the Office of African American Ministry and your parish consultant for assistance in your initial dialogue and in developing a plan of action.
A Task Force for African American Ministry has been created that will work with the Office for African American Ministry Office to assist parishes in this process. Implementation of the recommendations listed in the report will require a common vision and unwavering determination to see that our African American brothers and sisters and all people of faith are welcomed at the table.
Assumptions
- The pastoral needs of the African American Catholic community will be met most effectively through comprehensive planning at the local level (parish/cluster/district) and prudent stewardship of local leadership and resources.
- Every effort will be made by the appropriate Archdiocesan offices and agencies to support and complement initiatives at the local level.
- Collaboration is a key component of all ministerial efforts set forth in this document.
- Due to the priest shortage and other factors, African American priests are not readily available to pastor in the African American community.
- The development and nurturing of lay leadership is crucial for effective African American ministry.
- Recommendations made in this report take into account the planning directives which were promulgated by the Planning Commission in 1997 and reviewed annually by the Implementation Commission.
Summary of "The Future of the Catholic Church of the Central City" 1994
Parishes in the central city of Milwaukee have led the way in ministry to and with the African American community in the Archdiocese. Although most of the recommendations from the 1994 report are being met — at least partially — there is still much to be accomplished. The need to “ . . . support and empower a much stronger African American presence in the Central City Catholic Church (The Future of the Catholic Church in the Central City)” is felt as forcefully as ever. The areas of evangelization, vocations, lay ministry training and effective clergy formation relative to Black Catholic ministry will continue to be focal points of ministerial activity in the Black community in the foreseeable future. In answering to these needs, we need to remember that African American Catholics stand ready to offer their gifts and service for the benefit of the Church at large. Their input and participation is key.
Clearly, the need for collaboration among parishes is stronger than ever, especially in light of the unique demands priests, pastoral agents and volunteers face for the skills and resources that will equip them to minister in a cross-cultural and sensitive manner. Whether parishioner or priest, diocesan or parish staff, this is a journey we share, since the responsibility for welcoming African Americans and all people of faith belongs to the whole Church.
General Parish Recommendations
- That the priest and parish council dedicate time at a council meeting for thoughtful dialogue regarding the quality of African American ministry in their geographic area. The discussion should include exploring creative ways to support ministry and outreach to African Americans who live in the area. In areas where there is no sizeable African American community, the parishes are invited to discuss ways to encourage interaction with African American Catholics and formation regarding the African American presence in our diocese. The recommendations that follow are meant to provide concrete ideas for follow up on this initial dialogue.
- That the parish council establish a task force or committee that will develop a diversity plan for the parish. Parishes with schools should include school staff in the task force or find other ways to ensure the school is represented in the planning. A “diversity council” has been formed by the cluster of St. Catherine, St. Sebastian, Mother of Good Counsel and St. Margaret Mary parishes in Milwaukee in collaboration with Catholic Charities. Their work is recognized and supported by the pastoral leadership and through a grant from Catholic Charities USA.
- That parishes, with the assistance of the Prayer and Worship Office, strive to enrich and diversify their worship and music style in light of the need for liturgical celebrations that are more inclusive of African American spirituality and the reality of a multicultural Church.
Milestones in Black Catholic History in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
1886
Catholic layman Charles Boettinger, a member of Old St. Gall Church which was staffed by the Jesuit Fathers at 4th and State Streets, launches efforts to convert Milwaukee Blacks to Catholicism. 140 converts are received that year.
1908
Captain Lincoln C. Valle, a Black Catholic layman from Chicago, and his wife gather a small group of Black Catholics in Milwaukee at a storefront on 4th Street. Valle’s efforts won the sympathy of Archbishop Sebastian Messmer who helped him secure a meeting place in the church hall of Old St. Mary’s Church in downtown Milwaukee. Door to door visits by the Valle’s and some priests netted a small increase in the number of Black Catholics.
1909
Archbishop Sebastian Messmer establishes mission headquarters for work among blacks at 530 N. 5th St., with a chapel dedicated to the black saint, Benedict the Moor, with the help of Notre Dame Sisters.
1911
(January 16). Capuchin Fathers of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 4th Brown Street are placed in charge of the St. Benedict the Moor Mission.
1912
(September) The Capuchin Fathers under Fr. Stephen Eckert’s leadership at St. Benedict the Moor Mission open a free day school staffed by two members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Thirty-five children formed the first class.
Capuchin Father Stephen Eckert from Dublin, Ontario becomes first pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Mission (July 13) on 9th and State Streets. With eleven children he establishes a boarding school and a day nursery.
1942
St. Benedict the Moor School graduates its first high school class of three students. Richard Bowen, a member of St. Francis Parish, was one of students.
1950
(August) Archbishop Moses Elias Kiley takes vacant Sacred Heart Church on 7th and Galena Streets and re-dedicates it to Blessed Martin de Porres for work among black Catholics, placing it as a mission under the care of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Capuchin Fathers.
1964
(May 16) Father Robert Harrison of Saint Benedict the Moor Church is the first black native Milwaukeean ordained a priest by Bishop Frederick Freking of La Crosse, for service in the St. Joseph Providence (Detroit) of the Capuchin Order.
1966
Sister Reginalda Polk (Sinsinawa Dominican) becomes the first black principal of a Milwaukee Catholic School at St. Gall Church on North 3rd Street (known today as Martin Luther King Drive).
1967
Following civil disturbances in Milwaukee during the Summer of 1967, Fr. William Lanser opens the House of Peace as a means of outreach at St. Francis Parish.
1968
The House of Peace is relocated to 17th and Walnut Streets. Capuchin Brother Booker Ashe becomes its first director (doors open officially January 1968). Br. Ashe holds this position until 1996.
Major closings and consolidations of Catholic Elementary Schools in the Milwaukee area occur: St. Boniface closes, St. Elizabeth becomes Harambee Community School, St. Francis closes, St. Gall becomes Martin Luther King Community School, St. Leo becomes St. Leo Community School and St. Michael becomes Urban Day School.
Fr. James Groppi of St. Boniface Catholic Church led open housing demonstrations that brought the church to a conscious awareness of the social injustice of housing discrimination.
1970
Capuchin Father Kenneth Stewart becomes the first black pastor of a Catholic Church in the Archdiocese at St. Boniface Church.
1973
The Black Catholic Lay Caucus is founded with pioneer efforts of Brother Booker Ashe, Samuel Sims, Corrine Bryant, Virgil Williams and Betty Thompson.
1975
(May 24) Archbishop William E. Cousins ordains the first two black priests for service in the Archdiocese: Father Marvin T. Knighton of Detroit and Father Joseph N. Perry of Chicago.
Archbishop William E. Cousins ordains the first two Black Permanent Deacons for service in the Archdiocese: Mr. Edward Blaze of St. Leo Church and Mr. Keith Nicholas of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
1976
Mr. Nathaniel Gillon becomes the first black lay principal of a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee at Holy Angels School.
1977
Sister Callista Robinson (Little Falls Franciscan) becomes principal of Harambee Community School at Saint Elizabeth, 2nd and Burleigh Streets.
1979
Black Catholic Women (BCW) is founded by Mrs. Nettie Olds of St. Agnes Church.
The Office for Racial Integration is established and directed by Mr. Lou Burrell. It is a precursor to the Office for Black Catholic Concerns. Mr. Burrell later becomes director of Human Resources for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
1980
The Black Catholic Men Organization is founded by Mr. Jesse Hegwood of St. Boniface Church.
1981
Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., establishes the Office for Black Catholic Concerns for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Mr. Ricky Townsell is the director.
Black and Interracial Christian Couples is founded by Vida and Unis Matthews of Holy Angels Church.
Ms. Janice Jackson of Washington, D.C. becomes the second director of the Office for Black Catholic Concerns.
The St. Boniface Chapter of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, the first in the city, is founded by Brother Booker Ashe at St. Boniface Church. Other chapters soon follow in inner city parishes.
1983
(May 20) Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., ordains the first native Milwaukeean for service in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: Father Bryan N. Massingale of St. Agnes Church.
Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., ordains Dr. Anthony Mensah of St. Agnes Church, Permanent Deacon.
Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., appoints Father Joseph N. Perry Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese and Episcopal Delegate for Ecclesiastical Processes.
1986
Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., ordains the second native Milwaukeean for service in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: Father Roy Lee.
Brother Joseph Hager, FMS, of Washington D.C., becomes the third Director of the Office for Black Catholic Concerns.
1987
Ten Delegates from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee attend the National African-American Catholic Congress in Washington, D.C.
1990
(August 12) Sister Vicki J. Chambers, SSND, becomes the first black native Milwaukeean to profess with the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Elizabeth Church.
1991
Pauline and Kenneth Vernon receive a Vatican II Award from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., in the category of Service to Families.
1992
Augusta Travitt receives a Vatican II Award from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., for Service in Society.
(Feb. 27) First African-American lay ministry students commissioned by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B.
Dr. Sandra Noel Smith becomes the first African-American Assistant Superintendent to the Archdiocesan School Office. She was the only African-American in this capacity in the nation.
1993
Dr. Anthony Mensah receives a Vatican II Award from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., for Service to the Missions.
Reuben and Mildred Harpole receive a Vatican II Award for Service in Society.
Sister Shawnee M. Sykes, SSND, becomes the fourth director of the Office of Black Catholic Concerns.
The name of the Office for Black Catholic Concerns is changed to the Office for African-American Ministry.
The first African-American Marriage Enrichment Retreat is held at the Cousins Center with nine couples in attendance.
Fr. Bryan Massingale, a native of Milwaukee, is named Vice-Rector of Saint Francis Seminary in July of 1993. He serves for four years, until June of 1997. He is the first African American to hold this position in the diocese.
1994
Valeria and Acklen Banks receive a Vatican II Award from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., for Service to Families.
Mary Bracy received a Vatican II Award from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., for Service in Ecumenism.
(August 7) Sister Shawnee M. Sykes, SSND, becomes the second native Milwaukeean to be professed with the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Elizabeth Church.
Reorganization took place of the Central City Catholic School System to two Urban Academies - St. Leo Catholic Urban Academy and St. Rose Catholic Urban Academy.
Ron Johnson becomes the first non-Catholic African-American to be a principal of a Catholic School in the Archdiocese, at St. Leo Academy.
The District 13 Central City Planning Committee and parishioners receive notice of approval from Archbishop Weakland to merge nine parishes. The parishes to be merged include: St. Agnes, St. Anne, St. Boniface, St. Elizabeth, St. Gall, Holy Angels, St. John de Nepomuc, St. Leo, and St. Thomas. Two new parishes are to be established, which jointly will sponsor a chapel. Before choosing their names they were known as Parish East, Parish West and St. John Chapel for Senior Ministry.
(Nov. 6) Rev. Fred Alexander O.C.D., is named temporary administrator at Parish East.
1995
(March 18) Archbishop Weakland officially names the two new parishes created after the mergers in the central city of Milwaukee: Parish West - All Saints and Parish East - St. Martin de Porres.
(May) Nigerian Father Romanus Nwaru is ordained by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., for service in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
(June 11) The Rev. Marvin Knighton is named pastor of St. Martin de Porres.
(June 18) The Rev. Joseph N. Perry is named pastor at All Saints Parish.
(October 4) Ms. Betty Thompson receives the Vatican II Award for Service to Society. Brother Robert Smith, O.F.M. Cap., receives the Vatican II Award for Service in Education.
1996
Black Catholics in the archdiocese join in a year-long celebration of their presence in the archdiocese. "A Legacy of Faithfulness: Our Walk in Faith" is the theme for the celebration.
(June 14) Sr. Vicki Chambers, SSND, first native Milwaukeean to profess with the School Sisters of Notre Dame pronounces final vows and profession at All Saints Parish.
(August 4) Connected with African World Festival at the Summerfest Grounds, the African-American Ministry Office with assistance from St. Martin de Porres, All Saints and St. Francis parishes hold a Mass to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of Black Catholic presence in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
(October) Mr. James Cameron, a member of All Saints Parish and founder of Milwaukee's Black Holocaust Museum, receives the Vatican II Award for Service to Society from Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. Arlene Skwierawski receives a Vatican II Award for Service in Education.
1997
(February-August) Intensive preparation for the 1997 National Black Catholic Congress VIII, to be held August 28-30, 1997 in Baltimore, Maryland.
(August 3) Second annual Mass at African World Festival. Fr. Bryan Massingale is the celebrant. 70 representatives are commissioned to attend the National Black Congress .
(October 1) Mr. Nathaniel Gillon receives the Archbishop's Vatican II Award for Service in Education.
(October 17-19) The 5th Annual Umoja Retreat was held at the Cousins Center. Sixteen couples attended, the highest number of couples since its inception. Connie and Fred Sambrone, from Atlanta, facilitate the weekend.
1998
(May 5) Father Joseph N. Perry, pastor of All Saints Parish, Milwaukee, is officially named Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. His episcopal ordination takes place Monday, June 29, 1998 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois.
(June 1) Celia M. Jackson is named the fifth director of the African-American Ministry Office. Sr. Shawnee M. Sykes, SSND, MAPS, resigned from this position on June 30, 1998, in order to pursue doctoral studies at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.
(June 24) A sending off prayer service is held at Messmer High School for Bishop Elect Joseph N. Perry, Vicki J. Chambers, SSND, and Shawnee M. Sykes, SSND.
(September 24) The Vatican II Awards are presented at the Mater Christi Chapel in the Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center. Celia M. Jackson, Director of the African-American Ministry Office, receives an award for Service in Society.
1999
(July) Celia M. Jackson, African American Ministry Director, is named the Director for Community Services as well as the Archbishop’s Delegate for this area.
(August) The 3rd Annual African World Festival Mass takes place on the Summerfest Grounds. Fr. Clarence Williams from Detroit, Michigan, and Director for the Office of Black Catholic Ministries, was the celebrant and homilist for this event. One of the largest crowds for this event was present.
(September) The Vatican II Awards are presented at the Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center. Br. Booker Ashe, OFM Cap, former director of the House of Peace, is presented with the award for Service to Society. A special exhibit is displayed in his honor.
(September) Schauneille R. Allen is named the sixth Director for the African American Ministry Office in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
A special ceremony is held at St. Mary’s Nursing Home in honor of Br. Booker Ashe. Bishop Joseph Perry attends along with other family, friends and acquaintances to celebrate his many years of service and ministry among the poor.
(October 26) David Fields, Jr. is named the Director of the Campaign for Human Development.
2000
(July 20) Sr. Shawnee Marie Daniels-Sykes, a Milwaukee native, takes final vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame at All Saints Parish.
(September 16) African American Catholics from across the diocese gather at Harambee Community School for dialogue regarding ministry to the African American community.
(August 3-5) Fr. Clarence Williams conducts facilitator training in the “Recovery from Racisms” process. Five of the participants are archdiocesan staff.
(November 5) Archbishop Weakland and Bishop Sklba lead a Jubilee Celebration with the Black Catholic Community at Messmer High School.
(December 24) Brother Booker Ashe, O.F.M. Cap., dies after a prolonged illness. His funeral is held at St. Francis Church.
2001
(August 5) Archbishop Weakland is the main celebrant for the African World Festival Mass.
Programs Sponsored by the African American Ministry Office
While these programs and special events address the specific needs of Black Catholics, all are welcome to participate.
Umoja Retreat
This retreat weekend is offered for married and engaged couples who through this experience have the opportunity to deepen and enrich the spirituality within their relationships. The retreat is offered in collaboration with the Adult and Family Ministry Office.
Lincoln and Julia Valle Lay Leadership Program
A program of study and formation, with emphasis on Afrocentric spirituality, to form and develop lay ministers and leaders in the Catholic Church community.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Service
Held on the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday this annual prayer service is offered in collaboration with Sacred Heart School of Theology and St. Francis Seminary. It offers an opportunity to come together to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King and our tradition of Catholic social teaching and renew our commitment to peace and justice.
Lenten Revival
Held during Lent each year this revival provides a time for renewal, reconciliation, and rebirth in preparation for the celebration of the Risen Christ.
Day of Reflection For Black Catholics
A time for reflection on what it means to be Black and Catholic in today’s church.
Prison Ministry
An opportunity to work with, walk with, talk with and pray with our brothers and sisters in the Wisconsin penal system.
Kujenga Youth Leadership Retreat
Allows high school students within the diocese to come together and develop their spirituality and leadership skills.
African World Festival Mass
A joyful Eucharistic celebration held annually during the African World Festival weekend. It gathers the Black Catholic community from throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and provides an opportunity for the larger Catholic community to come to experience worship in an Afrocentric tradition.
The African American Population in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The population of the ten counties of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has grown by 147,864 in the decade of 1990 to 2000. In 1990 the population of the ten counties was 2,080,833 growing to 2,228,747. There was a natural increase of 125,563 and a net migration of 22,302. The net migration figure is lowered by the fact that Milwaukee County had a net loss in migration of 83,262.
The ten counties are composed of 81.4 percent White, 12 percent African American, 0.47 Native American, 1.8 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, 2.8 percent some other race, 1.5 percent two or more races. The Hispanic population that is of any race is six percent of the population in the ten counties. The largest racial diversity is found in Milwaukee county; the least racial diversity is in Washington County. The highest percentage of any racial minority group is found in Milwaukee County, except for Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics. Sheboygan has the highest percentage of Asian/Pacific Islanders and both Racine and Kenosha have higher percentages of Hispanic residents than Milwaukee. In actual numbers of people, Milwaukee County exceeds all other counties in the number of racial minorities.
According to the most recent census, the total population of African Americans in the sixteen districts or ten counties of the Archdiocese is 267,442. This is an increase of 45,682 over the 1990 Census. In District 13 alone there are 115,229 African Americans or 43.9 percent of the total population of African Americans in all sixteen districts. However, there was a loss of 18,678 African Americans in this district between the 1990 and 2000 census. In this same time frame the African American population in District 11 doubled in size to 72,272 and District Fourteen tripled in size to 5,667. The African American population in the City of Milwaukee accounts for 83.36 percent of African Americans in the Archdiocese. This translates to a number of 222,933 individuals. In District 2, the city of Racine has 16, 634 African Americans or 6.21 percent of the total. In District 1, the city of Kenosha has 6,943 African Americans or 2.60 percent of the total. These three cities alone account for 92.17 percent of the total African American population in the Archdiocese.
Contact the Parish Consultants’ Office for more specific demographic information. |
