GREENVILLE—The Diocese of Charleston’s annual Black Catholics Heritage Celebration will be May 6-7, hosted by St. Anthony of Padua Church.
This year’s theme is “New Beginnings” featuring Kevin P. Johnson as the keynote speaker.
Johnson, who has a doctorate in music, is an associate professor at Spelman College in Atlanta. He is a musician and composer who provides choral workshops and retreats for music educators and churches. He is also the minister of music at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Atlanta.
Johnson has composed several works, including “A Choice to Change the World,” commissioned by Spelman College; “The Mass of Faith,” written for Father John Adamski; and his current work in progress “The Mass of St. Peter Claver” for the Knights of Peter Claver.
Other speakers include Sister Oralisa Martin, who has a doctorate in ministry; Franciscan Father Patrick Tuttle, pastor of St. Anthony; Franciscan Father Paul M. Williams, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Anderson; Father Emmanuel O. Andinam, administrator of Corpus Christi Church in Lexington; and Judge Arthur C. McFarland.
Conference topics include:
New Beginnings and the new Roman Missal, which will discuss how the church’s music ministry can prepare for the transition; Telling the Story from the Beginning, which highlights the history of black Catholics and their gifts to the church; Whose Swagger is It? for youth and their leaders. This discussion will focus on the individuality and spirituality of youth and how they can create new beginnings. It will also talk about how relationships influence young people and who they are.
Registration will be held at the Hyatt Regency May 6 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Festivities will kick off with a family social starting at 8 p.m., and will include musical acts and a game of Family Feud.
On May 7, the opening ceremony will be held at St. Anthony of Padua at 9 a.m. Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone will celebrate Mass and deliver the homily. The multicultural event, which is coordinated by the Office of Ethnic Ministries, is open to everyone.
The cost for the celebration is $35 per person, plus $15 for the social event. Call the Hyatt Regency Hotel for room rates at (800) 891-3797 or (864) 528-5835.