Diocesan Black Catholic ministry appointments (updated 11/2/22)

A running list of individuals appointed to head Black Catholic ministries in various dioceses around the country.

, and Nate Tinner-Williams

September 17, 2022 . 10:58 PM

2 min read

Find below a running list of appointees to diocesan Black Catholic ministry offices since Fall 2020:

2022

11/2, Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Kim Walker appointed, succeeding James E. Andrews. Director of the Redeemer Ministry Corps and a parishioner at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
9/6, Diocese of Cleveland: Sr Jane Nesmith, SBS appointed, succeeding Cary Dabney. Former parish administrator and a well-known speaker, activist, and writer.
7/27, Diocese of Richmond: Msgr Walter Barrett appointed, succeeding the late Dcn Charles Williams. Second African-American priest ordained for the diocese, and former pastor of the "Black Basilica", St Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk.
6/17, Archdiocese of Baltimore: Adrienne Curry appointed director of Office of Black Catholic Ministries, succeeding interim director Sherita Thomas. Scholar, theologian, and expert on social justice.

12/6/2021, Archdiocese of New Orleans: Dr. Ansel Augustine returns as director, succeeding Fr Daniel Green. Also an area director for Vagabond Missions, author, and speaker.
11/2021, Archdiocese of Washington: Wendi Williams named cultural diversity director, succeeding Dr. Ansel Augustine. Formerly the ADW Schools' assistant superintendent for advancement and enrollment management, and is a member of Holy Redeemer in College Park, Maryland.
2021, Diocese of San Diego: New chair Richard Stewart, succeeding Jo Hart-Lloyd. Parishioner and choir member at Christ the King Catholic Church.
Summer 2021, Diocese of Austin: Lauren Warner appointed, succeeding F. DeKarlos Blackmon. Chair of theology department at St Michael's Catholic Academy and pastoral musician.
4/18/2021, Diocese of Phoenix: Fr Andrew McNair installed, succeeding Dr. Robert L. Watson. Appointed parochial vicar of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral last July.

11/1/2020, Diocese of Providence: Linda A'Vant-Deishinni appointed, succeeding Patty January. Director of St. Martin de Porres Center, professional caregiver trainer, president of the Advisory Committee, and developer of the Strategic Plan for the office.
10/16/20, Diocese of Wilmington: Brenda Burns, 77, appointed following the departure of Fr Paul Williams. Gospel artist, liturgist, member of the Wilmington Diocese Gospel Choir, music director at St Joseph's on French Street, and Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver.
08/2020, Archdiocese of San Francisco: Christopher Major appointed, succeeding the late Fr Kenneth Westray, who passed earlier in June 2020. Soon-to-be deacon (around May 2022), special education teacher, and director of a youth chess program in Novato.