Diocese of Toledo to Celebrate Black Catholic History Month
From worship and music to theater and fellowship, November will offer opportunities across the Diocese of Toledo to celebrate the faith, history and contributions of Black Catholics.
Black Catholic History Month invites Catholics to discover stories of faith that have helped shape the Church and to celebrate that heritage through opportunities for prayer, learning and fellowship in their own communities.
Discovering Stories of Faith
Established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, Black Catholic History Month celebrates the long history and heritage of Black Catholics. November includes significant dates, including the November 3 feast of St. Martin de Porres and the November 13 birthday of St. Augustine of Hippo. Beginning with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November is also a meaningful time to remember Black Catholics whose lives and faith have enriched the Church.
Generations of Black Catholics have shared the Gospel through their families, parishes, religious communities and service to others. Their stories offer examples of faith, perseverance and love for Christ.
Among those who helped shape this history is Daniel Rudd, a Catholic journalist who organized the first Black Catholic Congress in 1889, bringing Black Catholics together from across the country.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also highlights seven Black Catholics whose causes for canonization are underway:
— Venerable Pierre Toussaint: A successful hairdresser who used his resources to support charitable works and care for people in need.
— Venerable Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange: A founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, whose ministry included educating Black children.
— Venerable Henriette Delille: Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans, dedicated to education and care for those in need.
— Venerable Father Augustus Tolton: Born into slavery, he became the first publicly recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States.
— Servant of God Julia Greeley: A Denver Catholic known for her charitable service and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
— Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman: A Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who invited others to encounter God and shared the richness of Black Catholic spirituality.
— Servant of God Friar Martin de Porres Maria Ward: A Conventual Franciscan priest who spent decades serving communities in Brazil.
Readers can explore their lives and find links to their individual causes on the USCCB’s “On the Road to Sainthood: Leaders of African Descent” webpage.
Celebrating in the Diocese of Toledo
Here in the Diocese of Toledo, November’s events offer opportunities to explore that history and celebrate the faith of the Church today.
Darrell and Norma Jean Jackson, the singing duo Rejoicing Voices, have helped organize this year’s Black Catholic History Month events. Through their music and involvement in Black Catholic ministry, they also help bring these celebrations to life.
Before coming to Ohio, the Jacksons spent 35 years in Los Angeles, where they celebrated Mass each Sunday with a community that embraced Black Catholic traditions. They have also participated in liturgical celebrations and Catholic gatherings across the United States.
“Celebrating Black Catholic History Month opens the doors for all communities of African descent to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy and contribute to their faith communities in their culture,” Darrell said.
For Norma Jean, one gathering offered an opportunity she still remembers: meeting Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman at the Religious Education Congress in Los Angeles.
“Had I not taken the time to be open and present I would have missed the magnificent layers of joy and rich authentic worship embedded in these gatherings,” she said.
This year’s celebrations include:
— November 1 — St. Martin de Porres Feast Day Celebration: 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres, 1119 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, featuring Deacon Mel Tardy.
— November 1 — Gospel Mass: 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, featuring evangelist Richard Lane and music by Rejoicing Voices.
— November 9 — Tolton: From Slave to Priest: 6:30 p.m. at the Maumee Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee.
— November 18 — A Concert Celebrating Americans on the Road to Sainthood: 7 p.m. at the Maumee Theater, exploring “their stories… their struggle… their holiness,” with a reception to follow.
— November 19 — Revival: 6:30 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres.
— November 21 — Prayer Luncheon and Potluck: 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, featuring keynote speaker ValLimar Jansen.
Norma Jean hopes the events will offer opportunities to learn about Black Catholic roots, build friendships and experience the joy of worship together. She encourages families to take part.
“Bring your children and young people so they too will discover what we have in the Diocese of Toledo for Black Catholic Ministry,” she said.
The witness of Black Catholics, past and present, is a gift to the whole Church. Their stories invite Catholics to deepen their faith, discover examples of holiness and appreciate the many ways the Gospel has taken root in people’s lives. This November offers an opportunity for everyone to learn, give thanks and celebrate that shared Catholic heritage.
For more information about the local events, contact Darrell and Norma Jean Jackson at rejoicingvoices@gmail.com.
Posted October 30, 2026 at 8:00 am