BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY

August 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Mario Arthur carries a basket of gifts during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Joelle Mukendi, center left, hands a basket of gifts to Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Flags from African nations fly outside of the home of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Elizabeth Amissah follows along in her Bible during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Tejitu Molla, right, a founding member of the church, prays during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, right, raises the body and blood of Christ during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Joelle Mukendi, center, sings during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Sybil Chukwudi, 7, uses a Bible for a pillow as she naps during mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Black Catholic Apostolate on Sunday, Aug.11, 2024, at St. Joan of Arc in Menands, N.Y. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

The Black Catholic Apostolate (BCA), a diocesan congregation which shares worship space with parishioners of St. Joan of Arc Church in Menands, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Mass on Aug. 11 with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger as celebrant. A brunch at Wolfert’s Roost Country Club immediately followed the Mass.

The goal of the Black Catholic Apostolate is to bring Black Catholics and those looking for a more dynamic and spirit-filled liturgy back to the Catholic Church in a setting that incorporates the teachings of the Church, the music and rhythm of the African-American and African cultures, and readings and prayers particularly meaningful to Mass participants.

From the handful of people who began the Black Catholic Apostolate in 1984, the faith community has grown to over 120 families. Members are Black, African, Asian, Cuban, American Indian, Hispanic, Latino, West Indian, and Caucasian – coming from all walks of life and from all over the Capital District.

Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 10:15 a.m., at St. Joan of Arc Church. All are welcome!