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Join us for a discussion about understanding, encouraging, and uplifting the Next Generation of Black Catholic Ministry Leaders! More Info
Howdy KPC Family,
On behalf of the Texas State Conference Board of Directors, I am excited to invite you to save the date for our 96th Texas State Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2026 at:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Richardson
1981 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate our shared mission.
Our theme for this year is “Called to Serve, Commissioned to Serve.” Inspired by Matthew 28:19–20, it reminds us that we are called to go forth, serve others, and share God’s message. Just as we are commissioned to make disciples and teach His ways, this conference is an opportunity for us to unite in service, fellowship, and mission.
Please see the attached PDF for the link to reserve your hotel rooms at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out immediately—we are here to help.
Attachments
- Download Communication
- Download Save the Date Graphic with Hotel Link
Reminder: This is an election year, so your participation is especially important.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fraternally,
Darrion J. Smith Sr.
Texas State Conference President
More Info
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Sr Gail Trippett elected to congregational leadership of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - Oct 03, 2025  From BlackCatholicMessenger.com: The former parish administrator and longtime educator was chosen by her fellow sisters this summer and will be installed next spring.
 NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) — In a city renowned for its seemingly genetic ability to parade, party and partake, the 100th anniversary of Xavier University of Louisiana has focused on the gifts of faith, love and reading the signs of the times.
Xavier was established in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel on the financial strength of the multimillion-dollar inheritance she received from her Philadelphia father’s banking estate,
Stories are legendary about how the socially conscious heiress — a slight but energetic nun who overcame the hostility and indifference of society and the church — established an amazing network of schools, churches and missions specifically for Blacks and Native Americans. Read More By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald
It’s not often that a national Catholic service organization built for the entire family arrives in the diocese.
On Sept. 12, the Knights of Peter Claver Council 419 was officially established in Hawaii in a ceremony at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi, followed by a Mass the next day at 5 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. Read More Great news from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Approves Transition of Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism to a Permanent Subcommittee
September 10, 2025
WASHINGTON – The Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved the transition of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism into a permanent subcommittee of the Conference on September 9. The new Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation will fall under the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, whose mandate includes Catholic social teaching on issues of domestic concern such as poverty, housing, the environment, criminal justice, and other challenges that often have a disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Read MoreBy Tessa Gervasini
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 9, 2025 / 14:14 pm
Bishop Simon Peter Engurait was ordained last week, making him the first African bishop in the mainland United States. On Sept. 5, Engurait was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana during a ceremony at Nicholls State University.
Engurait was appointed in June by Pope Leo XIV after working as administrator of the diocese since January 2024. He had also previously served as the vicar general and as the pastor of St. Bridget Parish since 2017. Read More From www.cathstan.org: The country’s oldest predominantly Black fraternal Catholic organization, the Knights of Peter Claver, held its annual national convention in Rockville, Maryland from July 17-23.
According to Grant Jones, executive director of the Knights of Peter Claver, approximately 1,400 knights and members of the Ladies Auxiliary registered for the convention, which was held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Read More Saint Katharine Drexel Preparatory School (SKDP), the only all-girl Catholic high school in the nation that is privately owned and operated by its alumni, proudly celebrates a historic milestone: the graduation of its largest class in recent years and a transformational donation to help secure the school’s future.
This year’s graduating class of 36 young ladies, the Class of 2025, achieved a 100% graduation rate, 99% college acceptance, and collectively earned nearly $6 million in scholarships. These accomplished scholars have been accepted to over 100 colleges and universities across the country, continuing Drexel Prep’s legacy of academic excellence, faith-based leadership, and community impact. Read More Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Simon Peter Engurait to be the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The announcement was made this morning in Rome by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
Bishop Elect Engurait has served as the Diocesan Administrator in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since January 2024, upon the passing of Bishop Mario Dorsonville. He previously served as the Vicar General since 2017 and has also served as the pastor of St. Bridget Parish since that time as well.
“I did not expect this—I am humbled beyond words that the Holy Father has chosen me, not from outside, but from among the ranks of the priests of this beloved Diocese,” said Bishop Elect Engurait. Read More
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