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Within the first few steps of walking into the Black Catholic Apostolate Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church in Menands, a visitor is welcomed with a smile and a jubilant "Good morning" while being handed a hymnal by an usher.

For the past 25 years, the Black Apostolate has served as a home for African-American Catholics to celebrate Mass in a vibrant, joyous manner. The congregation opens the celebration singing and clapping to rousing gospel songs much like those heard in a Black Baptist or Evangelical church.

"The whole atmosphere is more joyful and spiritual," said Chris Grosse, a member of the church. "But at the same time, there's no confusing you're not in a Catholic church." 

Minority outreach
The Black Apostolate began in 1984 in the back of the sacristy at the now-closed St. Joseph's Church in Albany's Arbor Hill. Back then, about 15 people could be found attending the Mass regularly. 

The apostolate was then based at the former St. George's Church in Albany for more than ten years and had a brief stint at St. Casmir's Church in Albany. In 2005, they settled at St. Joan of Arc.

Rev. Kofi Ntsiful-Amissah, a native of Ghana who came to Albany for his studies decades ago, has been its pastor from the beginning. He also serves St. Joan of Arc and Albany's Sacred Heart parish. 

The apostolate represents a sustained effort to provide a home for a minority in the Church. In the Albany Diocese, the 900 black Catholic households represent less than 1 percent of the total of 133,000 households. Nationally, they represent about 3 percent of Catholics.

Open doors
Today, more than 150 people consider the Black Apostolate as their primary Mass.

According to Mrs. Grosse, the Mass attracts more than the local African-American community.

"The mix has changed," she said. "There are a lot more white faces than 25 years ago."

Along with Mrs. Grosse, those faces include Jim and Maggie Whelan, who have been attending the Mass for seven months.

"We feel the spirit," said Mrs. Whelan.

"And the love," added Mr. Whelan.

"Yes," his wife agreed. "We certainly feel and share the enthusiasm of faith."

The apostolate not only celebrates the faith of God, but it also recognizes the various cultures represented in the congregation, who embody a traditional sense of attire and decorum. Many members wear African attire, while others favor suits and dresses. Women often wear elaborate Sunday hats.

"We believe that the Mass is something that should be revered," said Mrs. Grosse. 

"It's almost like the old-time Sun-days when you had Sunday clothes." 

High voltage
For the parishioners, the energy and the atmosphere are an integral part of the celebration, but it is the Mass itself that has made the apostolate so successful over the years.

"As a Catholic, I enjoy the entire Mass," said Sonpon Keta-Nah, who has attended the Mass since its inception. "I think the message is being taught through the best of their knowledge."

Jacquie King has been a member of the Black Apostolate for close to 20 years. 

During her time there she has served as a member of the choir, a lector, and has worked in prison ministry among other initiatives. For her, the Mass brings a sense of fulfillment.

"It's where I find that my spirituality is fed," she said. "It's nurturing. It simply energizes me."

Ms. King and the rest of the Black Apostolate will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special Mass on September 13 with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and Cardinal Peter Turksen of Ghana.

Still growing
Though the members of the Black Apostolate are proud of their quarter-century anniversary, they hope it is just a beginning. To ensure this, the apostolate has put a strong emphasis on the congregation's youth.

"We've always been keen on involving the younger people," said Ms. King. "We've involved them in participating in the Mass and participating in other programs."

"We know it evolves," she continued. "We'll have a group of young kids who grow up and will maybe go away, but right behind them are new ones. It's like an ever-changing cycle."

For both young and old, the Black Apostolate tries to send the message of the Gospel in a fun and vigorous way. For many members, it does that and more.

"The spirit here is fully alive," said one parishioner. "God is with us in this moment today and He has been since the beginning." [[In-content Ad]]

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