April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
ST. JOAN/BLACK APOSTOLATE
Apostolate's 'spiritual evenings' leave people charged with faith
Members of the Black Catholic Apostolate at St. Joan of Arc parish in Menands do it differently.
Since the inception of the Black Catholic Apostolate 31 years ago, the community has been celebrating adoration of the Blessed Sacrament biweekly. Every Wednesday, parishioners gather at 6:30 p.m. for what they call "spiritual evenings," with boisterous praise and a strong community environment.
Alternating weeks are focused on adoration or on what participants call "intense" Bible study that "roots us in our faith," said Paul Eduah. "Studying the Bible is such a form of prayer. It's spiritual, uplifting."
The adoration time acts as a mid-week recharge for many, including parishioner Brother John Bryda, MIC.
"It's my way of reconnecting and gathering with the 'family,'" he told The Evangelist. Feuscina Uwsu began attending the spiritual evenings because she "wanted to know God more." Paul-ine Permeu said she finds them "very inspirational, very uplifting."
The gatherings take place in a small chapel in the rear of St. Joan of Arc Church. Parishioners lean to listen as Rev. Kofi Ntsiful-Amissah, pastor, speaks of Jesus' sacrifice and love. Small children wriggle in their seats while the adults close their eyes to help them focus.
"What you miss on Sunday, you capture on Wednesday," said Marva George, referring to the evening's close, personal look at God's relationship with people. Father Ntsiful-Amissah always delivers such an interactive sermon during the evenings; some people offer a heartfelt, "Amen," or, "Praise God," while others gently raise their hands to ask questions.
Lively music and enthusiastic prayer in front of the monstrance containing the Eucharist are also part of the gatherings. Many people offer prayer petitions aloud, either in words or in soulful song.
"People are very willing to open up and share," noted parishioner Jacqueline E. King. "It's all about the sacrifice," said Khetherine Bouza. "It's not just the music or people."
For Yvonne Prescott, the experience allows her to stay "spiritually grounded" and "celebrate the Blessed [Holy] Spirit."
The group who attend the evenings have become like family; Ms. King called them "a community of brother[s] and sister[s]." When members feel a prayer has been answered, they always come back to the group to share the good news.
"I feel the Spirit is here," said Dawn Hewitt. "It can only come through faith. "The community prayers have brought so much healing," she added. "We all pray in the Spirit." Ms. King believes the outcomes of some of the prayers are "nothing short of miraculous. I hesitate to use that word, but sometimes you just have to."
"I keep coming here because of the vibrancy," said Martin Amissah, who is the parish's choir director. Ms. King agreed, noting that "it just feeds your spirit; it feeds your soul."
The parishioners all said that the evenings' freedom of expression is important: They can sing praise to God, reflect quietly or share in spoken word with the group.
"We come here every Wednesday not just to pray," Mr. Eduah told The Evangelist. Sharon Prescott said, "I keep coming here because it helps me be more faith-filled. Sometimes you need that extra push."
"It's the faith community [that keeps me coming back]," said Mabatho Matima. "It's an extension of my family -- that freedom to be myself with my God."
The group ends the evenings by holding hands, praying for one another, for loved ones and for the days to come.
"This is my therapy," said Mr. Matima. "I come here to replenish myself."
(For information, call 518-463-0378.)[[In-content Ad]]
250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD
Events
250 X 250 AD
Comments:
You must login to comment.