Why Do We Need an OBCM?

Why is there an OBCM? There has been a lot of controversy happening in our ministry lately. We will not go into pros or cons here, but the past few months has made some of us wonder what is the Office of Black Catholic Ministry doing or even why there is an OBCM?

Our mission statement is placed on the back of this bulletin for a reason— it is to show people what we feel is important to us and this ministry. But sometimes things we see on a regular basis isn’t enough. Sometimes we need to take a look from outside the box.

In researching information for this bulletin, I came upon a web page from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and on that page was the information from their OBCM. What follows was listed under the question “Why do we need an OBCM?”

• To ensure 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.

This information made me sit and think “Have we done any of this as a ministry lately?” Then I went back and re-read our own mission statement. I think you need to do the same if this ministry is vital and important to you and as you do that, ask yourself “Have we done any of this lately?” When you do this, be honest.

- FCD