In the last three years, Father Ricard has welcomed 26 St. Augustine students into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Each one has a story, but Confident stands out. “Chris is a wonderful young man, and because of his being at St. Augustine, he has fallen in love with the Catholic Church,” Father Ricard said. “I also think being a counselor at camp, where he was watching these other guys who were great examples, made him think, ‘They all go to church, and I want to be a part of that, too.’ Our boys were evangelizing him without even knowing it.” Read More

Fifty years after the death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Catholics can still learn much from his legacy, said a leader in the largest predominantly black Catholic organization in the U.S. “Dr. King’s legacy is one of faith and overcoming external forces working against you. His life, work, and ultimate sacrifice illustrate that we are called to work for the greater good,” Percy Marchand, associate director of the Knights of Peter Claver, told CNA April 3. “Dr. King’s legacy is a shining example of self-deprecation and personal sacrifice for one’s fellow man.” Read More

When Sebastian “Bash” Watts was baptized at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans, he became the sixth generation from his family to receive the sacrament at the church since it was integrated in 1920. That was the year the Josephite Fathers purchased a school, rectory, and church building formerly known as St. Ann’s. The Josephites bought the church to serve the predominately African American population of what is known as the Treme area of the city. Read More

Founded by St. Katharine Drexel in 1925, Xavier is the only historically black Roman Catholic university in the United States. "One of the essential reasons Xavier exists is that Xavier disabuses the country of the narrative that young black students, sons of daughters of slaves, could not learn," explained Xavier President Dr. C. Reynold Verret.  "Xavier is the leading university in this country in preparing African Americans to go on and complete medical school." Read More

In conjunction with the start of National Marriage Week USA, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is pleased to announce the launch ForYourMarriage.org. The site offers resources on the meaning and beauty of marriage in God’s plan and provides support to couples at every stage of their journey. The resource section offers daily tips, help and support links, and solutions to common challenges. Finally, questions specific to planning a Catholic wedding as well as related Church documents and teachings are available on the website. Read More

The Knights of Peter Claver Council and Court No. 63 held its 43rd Annual Mardi Gras Ball Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Cyr-Gates Community Center in City Park. Mr. Michael Cormier and Mrs. Carla Cormier were crowned King and Queen at the festive event. Read More

Another little-known character in Black History comes to light through Jim Coleman’s portrayal of Father Augustus Tolton. The theatrical drama, “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” features Coleman depicting the commitment and struggles of the first recognized African American Catholic Priest in the U.S. Presented by St. Luke’s Productions, the play completed shows at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove on Jan. 28 and now continues its nationwide tour to tell the inspiring story of the remarkable Tolton. Read More

To experience the effect Martin Luther King, Jr., left on America 50 years ago was to glance at the Behnke family during the Mass in his honor. A kaleidoscope of colors filled a pew at St. Mary’s Basilica, Jan. 15, as the family of 11 celebrated the Atlanta pastor and civil rights leader who preached acceptance and love and led peaceful demonstrations during a tumultuous period in U.S. history. Read More