BLACK CATHOLICS SERIOUS PEOPLE WITH A SERIOUS MISSION

In the Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 5: 17-37, Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfil it. Jesus also says the letter of the law is important, but we should live by the spirit of the law. He gives specific examples of how the law makes one demand, but God seeks even more of us. God’s intent is not slavish obedience to rules, but for us to experience the freedom and joy of an abundant life. Jesus further clarifies what he means by leaving us, ‘a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.’ (John 13:34) 

Jesus thus sets a standard for his followers to ‘go beyond.’ We are asked to ‘go beyond’ what is expected, ‘beyond’ what is easy, and ‘beyond’ the norm. Matthew’s Gospel passage also calls for a sense of urgency.  Jesus tells his followers that if your hand or eye causes you to sin, cut them out and throw them away.  Jesus is not advocating self-mutilation, but rather, telling us in graphic terms that following him is serious business. 

This passage reminds me of the serious commitment African Americans have made to the Catholic faith. Ever since I was confirmed Catholic twenty-six years ago, I have been amazed at the faithfulness black Catholics have shown to an institution that often has little regard for black issues. That might even be an understatement. ‘The History of Black Catholics In The United States’ by Cyprian Davis, or ‘Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African-American Freedom Struggle’ by Shannen Dee Williams, and other books provide a glimpse of serious black Catholic faith.   

America has many laudable attributes; however, racism is deeply embedded in our culture, institutions, and values. Though the Catholic Church rests on a rich tradition of spirituality, prayer, and social justice, the church in the US has not escaped the plague of white supremacy. Consequently, many dioceses, bishops, religious orders, priests, deacons, and laypersons have created unwelcoming places for black Catholics through discrimination, indifference, or even outright hostility.  

Daniel Rudd, Founder of the First Black Catholic Newspaper

Despite that history, Black Catholics have demonstrated, in the words of M. Shawn Copeland’s book, an ‘Uncommon Faithfulness.’ Consider these few examples. Just years after slavery’s end in 1865, Black Catholic Daniel Rudd built the first national catholic newspaper founded by a layperson. In 1889, he brought together Black Catholic leaders from around the country in the first National Negro Catholic Congress gathering. Yet perhaps his most powerful legacy is his conviction that the Church could overcome racial division. His faith persisted even as many bishops and priests used the ‘N’ word, Blacks were forced to receive Eucharist last, and were often relegated to the balcony or the back rows. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he proclaimed that the Catholic church was the only place on the continent where rich and poor, black and white, must drop prejudice at the threshold and go hand in hand to the altar.

Sr. Dr. Thea Bowman, Servant of God, Pray for us!

Sister Thea Bowman, born in Mississippi and familiar with the racism of the South and the church, joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Through song, sermon, lecture, prayer, and action, Sister Thea Bowman linked Catholic spirituality and black pride into a beautiful tapestry. In an unforgettable address to the US Bishops, she told them she entered the church with her whole self, in all her blackness and giftedness. Her witness lives on in black Catholics who express their faith and their heritage with integrity and courage. 

Years ago, for a project for my Master's of Pastoral Studies at Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry, I interviewed Black Catholic elders about their faith journey. Specifically, I asked why they stayed in a church that marginalized them in New Orleans, Baltimore, Seattle, and other cities. They all replied, in separate interviews, that the Church and the Eucharist are where they experienced God, and no one could take that away from them. 

Rudd and Bowman are but two of the millions of examples of Black Catholics whose serious faith is a gift to the community and the church. Our parishes and communities are full of black Catholics who remain devoted to the Church despite its failures. They know that Jesus expects a serious commitment, and that is how they live. There are parishes, non-profits, schools, ministries, and communities graced by the vocation of devoted black Catholics. 

The Book of Hebrews (12:1) notes, ‘since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.’

As Black Catholics, we understand that race involves seriousness, courage, truth-telling, justice, and mercy. To that end, let us draw from the riches of black Catholic spirituality and continue and expand our Christian commitment. In addition to Rudd and Sr. Bowman, the faith of many others inspires our call. Bishop Fernand Cheri, Sister Cora Billings, Fr. Bryan Massingale, Dr. Ansel Augustine, Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver, Sister Jamie T. Phelps, Nate Tinner-Williams, Lena Horne, Amanda Gorman, and many more run alongside us. 

We recognize that the times are hard, the church is imperfect, racism is rampant – but obstacles for Black Catholics are not new. In fact, obstacles are why we are strong, obstacles are why we believe God ‘makes a way out of no way.’  That’s why the Black National Anthem proclaims, ‘Let us march on, til victory is won.’ So let us run, march, vote, protest, preach, make peace, do justice, show mercy,  and live as gifted members of the Body of Christ on earth. The world is much bleaker, and the Church less effective, without us in it.

Finally, whatever you do, do it with others. Black Catholic spirituality is not about isolation, but community; that’s why our Anthem proclaims, ‘let us march on’. Let us all join in the march! 

Daryl Grigsby is an author of several books, including ‘Catholics For the Common Good: An Eternal Offering’. The book profiles 36 contemporary Catholics, including several African and African American, who have worked for justice and human dignity around the world. He is also on the Board of Directors for FutureChurch and Leadership Foundations (LF). LF is a global network of faith-based urban ministries serving formerly incarcerated, at-risk youth, victims of human trafficking and other populations. Daryl has a Master's in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry and completed Loyola Institute of Spirituality's nine-month Spiritual Exercises of Everyday Life program. He is also a regular contributor to the National Catholic Reporter and Black Catholic Messenger. 

As of Feb. 12, 2026, Daryl Grigsby was awarded the Writer's Award in Spirituality, Loyola Institute of Spirituality: Click here to read more: Hearts on Fire 2026 | loyola-institute

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