Black Catholic Network
The Black Catholic Network is a group of Black Catholics who are passionate about their faith. They share their love for Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic faith by planning and implementing events and activities to evangelize and enrich the lives of Catholics of African descent who live, pray and work in the Dallas Diocese.
Membership
The Black Catholic Network consists of volunteer members from various parishes who meet every other month to reflect, plan, and strategize ways to serve the Black Catholic community. There are currently only 7 parishes represented around the decision-making table. Ideally, at least two representatives from each parish should attend Black Catholic Network meetings to enhance greater participation and service to the diocese. Membership is not limited to a few individuals. All are welcome. Contact us for more information.
BCN Leadership
Mildred Derrough Pope - Chair
214.374.8067
You Can Participate!
You are invited to attend our meetings. The BCN gathers periodically. Please contact the chair for further information.
Meetings usually are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1st floor conference room. It is located at 3725 Blackburn (Corner of Gilbert and Oak Lawn).
What Areas are Addressed?
All areas of concern to Black Catholics may be addressed. However, authentic Black Catholic worship, youth enrichment, and spiritual education are some areas that have surfaced as ongoing needs. The Black Catholic Network also focuses on implementing the National Black Catholic Congress Pastoral Plan of Action in the areas of Spirituality, Parish Life, Youth and Young Adults, Catholic Education, Social Justice, Racism, Africa, and HIV/AIDS.
The Meaning of Our Symbol: The Acacia Tree
The Black Catholic Network, in solidarity with the National Black Catholic Congress and the Black Catholic ministries of many other dioceses, has adopted the Acacia tree as its symbol.
The Acacia tree is native to Africa. It has deep roots, and survives through drought, dryness, and famine. It is a strong tree, which provides shelter for wild animals from the soaring heat of the sun, and it also provides food and nourishment. The Acacia tree is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Exodus and in the Book of Isaiah. The wood of the tree was used to build the Ark of the Covenant. It is mentioned in Isaiah as a sign of the Messianic restoration in Israel. Since biblical times, the Acacia has been a symbol of stability and resilience. The tree is still found in many areas of Africa and has been a symbol of that land.
BCN MISSION STATEMENT
The Diocesan Networks strive to foster unity among cultures, empowering God's people to know each other by acknowledging, understanding and accepting differences. Through education, ritual and festival events, we share the richness of cultures and promote harmony and solidarity in our diversity.
The vision of the Black Catholic Network is to foster and strengthen Christian growth of Black Catholics through education and evangelization, and in collaboration with the Bishop, to initiate activities that meet these needs.
BCN and the NBCC
The National Black Catholic Congress is organized into 13 regions, with an African American bishop responsible for each region. The Diocese of Dallas is part of Region X.
Together with the other 13 dioceses of Region X and the remaining 12 regions of the United States, the Diocese of Dallas - through the Black Catholic Network - is committed to focus its efforts to address the eight core principles of the NBCC.
Region X Structure
Most Reverend Curtis Guillory, Diocese of Beaumont
Member Dioceses:
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Diocese of Amarillo
Diocese of Austin
Diocese of Beaumont
Diocese of Corpus Christi
Diocese of Dallas
Diocese of El Paso
Diocese of Fort Worth
Diocese of Little Rock
Diocese of Lubbock
Diocese of Oklahoma City
Diocese of San Angelo
Diocese of San Antonio
Diocese of Victoria