This Black History Month, we invite you to watch our three-part Faith & Culture video series focusing on music in the Black Catholic Church.
Catholic Extension Society is proud to work in solidarity with Black Catholic parishes, leaders and ministries across the country. They are powerful examples of vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities.
At Black Catholic parishes across the country, music is a reflection of history and culture.
Catholic Extension Society has a long history of supporting Black churches and ministries across the country, especially in the Deep South.
Video 1: Music in the Black Catholic Church
In our first video, Black Catholic faithful from faith communities in the Extension-supported Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, and Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, discuss the role of music in worship.
Unlike anything else, music is that one source that can stir up that soul. We’re all coming together for one thing and that is to give God praise.”
Video 2: Sacred Heart Camden
The second video in our Faith & Culture series takes us to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, a faith community our donors have supported for over 50 years. Edd Hightower, director of music for the parish, discusses the significant impact music has had on the church’s culture.
Music ushers the Holy Spirit in. You open with praise and close with praise. When you leave you’re supposed to be feeling something. You’re ready to go out and conquer the world.”
Video 3: Black Catholics in Lafayette
We travel to the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, for the next video in our Faith & Culture series focusing on music in the Black Catholic Church. Within the diocese, there are 36 predominantly Black churches, and for 100 years, we have proudly supported each one of these parishes. Watch how music impacts worship in these Catholic communities that are alive with faith and spirit.
We express our feelings and our whole being. It resonates with our soul.
You can watch all of our videos from this series above and on our social media channels.
