Joint Conference to celebrate Black Catholic clergy, religious, and seminarians in Louisville

The 2024 Black Catholic Joint Conference is set to gather clergy, religious, seminarians, and deacons’ wives from July 28-31 in Louisville, Kentucky, where they will operate under the theme of synodality.

The annual event draws members of the National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC), National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC), National Association of Black Catholic Deacons, and National Black Catholic Seminarian Association for business meetings and fellowship.

This year’s gathering comes at a time of unexpected mourning, with the sudden passing of NBCCC president Fr Norman Fischer on July 14 while on sabbatical. He was elected to lead the organization of Black Catholic priests, deacons, and religious brothers in 2023.

His funeral is scheduled for Monday, July 29, the opening day of the Joint Conference. Attendees plan to travel to be present for the Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington with Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.

“We are honored to come together as a community to explore the transformative truth of synodality. Also to honor the memory of Father Norman Fischer, a beloved leader and advocate for unity within our religious organizations,” said NBCCC Vice President Fr Kareem Smith in a statement. 

“This year's theme underscores the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and solidarity as we navigate the complexities of our world and strive for a more just and welcoming society.”

One highlight of the week will be the yearly awards banquet on the evening of Monday, July 29, where the respective organizations will honor notable members at the Joint Conference venue, the Louisville Marriott East.

Tuesday will feature a jubilarian Mass celebrating clergy and religious making milestone anniversaries in 2024. The public is invited to the 6pm ET liturgy at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, a local Black parish in the Parkland neighborhood.

“We are deeply grateful to the Archdiocese of Louisville and Saint Martin de Porres Church for hosting this year’s conference with the spirit of compassion, inclusion, and truth,” said NBSC president Sr Addie Lorraine Walker, SSND.

“The Jubilarian Mass serves as a guiding light for us as we come together to deepen our understanding of synodality and strengthen our bonds of fellowship and shared purpose.”

The theme of the gathering reflects a larger movement in the global Church under Pope Francis, who has pressed into the idea of a “listening Church” since his election as pontiff in 2013. Since 2021, he has organized the Synod on Synodality, which seeks to reach those on the margins and inspire a more just and open dialogue among Catholics.

The Joint Conference, which comes just ahead of the final in-person gathering of the Synod this fall in Rome, is being described by its organizers as an extension of the larger vision of collaborative listening and renewal.

“Participants can look forward to a rich program featuring joint sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Organizational leaders will share their insights on how synodality can foster unity, dialogue, and collaboration across diverse perspectives and traditions,” the organizers said.

“The 2024 Joint Conference promises to be a gathering of inspiration, learning, and fellowship, where participants can engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and strengthen the bonds that unite them in faith and purpose.”

Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.

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