National Black Catholic Congress

320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 410-547-5330 Fax: 410752-3958

FOR RELEASE: AUGUST 10, 1997
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Gaither at (410) 624-3600 Fax (410) 945-0157

EVANGELICAL THEME DRAWS YOUTH TO THE EIGHTH

NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS IN BALTIMORE

When the National Black Catholic Congress convenes on Thursday August 28, 1997 over three thousand people from across the country will flock to Baltimore's Convention Center to celebrate and to explore the theme of "Evangelization." Attendees will include the bishops, priests, brothers, deacons, women religious and lay ministers who lead and serve the African American Catholic community. There will also be a large contingent of youth and young adults attending the Congress.

The foresight of the national office and the planning committee is largely responsible for what is considered a much better than average turnout for such an event. Youth Ministers from across the nation have spread the word about Congress VIII to youth and young adults, urging them to get involved in the work of Evangelization and challenging Dioceses and organizations to sponsor youth who wished to attend. The result of everyone's effort is well over six hundred registered youth and young adults.

Registrants will participate in the general activities of Congress VIII. There are, however, specific activities planned which are geared towards youth and young adults. Many of these include youth leaders, groups, soloists, dancers and presenters. Keynote Addresses will be given by Rev. Jamal Bryant, National Youth Director of NAACP, and Brian Johnson, Director of Regional Catholic Youth Ministries. "Word Events' will be conducted by the Baltimore, Philadelphia and Newark Dioceses to educate and empower youth and young adult attendees.

Time has been set aside on Friday evening for the youth young adults and Youth Ministers to caucus and focus on effective evangelization initiatives targeting youth. The session will be facilitated by invited host of B.E.T. Youth Summit, DaJour and will be conducted in a panel like discussion. No youth gathering is complete without a little fun. Congress VIII is no exception. Friday evening's activities will also include a Youth Showcase and Salute. Everything from prayer and praise, to the creation of a youth visual, to talent presentations. All of these activities will enable youth participants to share their creativity and to have some good, old-fashioned fun. Those attending will also travel to Washington, D.C. for the dedication of "Our Mother of Africa Chapel" on Saturday Youth talent will round out Saturday evening's Afrocentric Festival.

Judging from the many planned activities and events geared towards or including youth and young adult participation, Congress VIII promises to be one event which will allow the young and not so young to come together, gathered together, united for a purpose, and working as one towards a common goal. This is an opportunity for each to learn from the other. Each participant will draw knowledge from the past and innovations of the present to solidify and guarantee a prosperous future!