Special Observances

"We proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence."    -U.S. Catholic Bishops, Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, November 2001

The National Black Catholic Congress has assembled a Timeline of Black Catholic History which begins on September 8, 1565 - when the oldest town in the U.S., St. Augustine, FL, was founded with the help of the black community. This event paved the way for the first U.S. town where blacks were a free people, the town of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, most commonly known as "Fort Mose." 

For stories of African Americans in the Catholic Church as well as the organizations and events that support the Black community, please visit the following link to the USCCB website: 

USCCB Subcommittee of African American Affairs | Links 

Additional Resources:
On the Road to Sainthood: Leaders of African Descent 
National Black Catholic Congress Website
Black Catholic History Month | USCCB
Timely Resources for Ministry with Catholics of African Descent | USCCB
NBCC Write the Vision Pastoral Plan of Action.pdf 

 "Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, 
you did it to me”.  Matthew 25:40

In his Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te, the Holy Father Leo XIV addresses all Christians on Love for the poor. He urges us to "not abandon almsgiving. It can be done in different ways, and surely more effectively, but it must continue to be done." Pope Leo, assures us that through our unwavering service, "the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: “I have loved you” (Rev 3:9)."

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will fill our hearts with God's love for the poor and inspire us to hold fast to the words of Christ,“Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40)."

“God’s heart has a special place for the poor... The entire history of our redemption is marked by the presence of the poor.”

Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te, of the Holy Father Leo XIV 
to all Christians on Love for the poor.

Prayer Intentions (Prayer of the Faithful):

For the Church, that our hearts may be filled with God's love for the poor and that we may never cease to serve our brothers and sisters in need through prayer, works of mercy, and almsgiving. 

Por la Iglesia, que nuestros corazones sean llenados del amor que Dios tiene por los pobres y que nunca dejemos de servir a nuestros hermanos, que se encuentran en la pobreza, a través de la oración, obras caritativas, y la limosna.

Additional Resources: 

Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of the Holy Father Leo XIV on Love for the Poor (4 October 2025)
Exhortación Apostólica Dilexi te del Santo Padre León XIV sobre el amor hacia los pobres
USCCB | World Day of the Poor Reflection Guide
USCCB | Poverty Education
Poverty in The USA | Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Ways to Give:

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

"Take courage! I have overcome the world" 

John 16:33

The Annual Celebration of Youth and Young Adults, commonly known as "World Youth Day" coincides with Christ the King Sunday. This day is a reminder for the Church to celebrate its youth (ages 12-18) and Young Adults (ages 18-39) by expanding the ministries that are provided to young people to better accompany them throughout their journey.

On this feast day [...] the Church proclaims the Kingdom of Christ, 
already present, but still growing in all its mystery towards its full manifestation. 
You, young people, are indispensable bearers of the dynamics 
of the Kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world.

St. John Paul II, from his address to young people 
on The Feast of Christ the King, 1984.

Additional Resources: 

Global Celebration of Young People - Graphics | USCCB
Ideas - How your Parish can Celebrate World Youth Day
Christ the King / Global Celebration of Youth - Guidebook For Leaders
Cristo Rey / Celebración Global de la Juventud - Guia Para Líderes
Prayer for Youth and Young Adults
Una Oración por la Juventud

“I urge all members of the pilgrim Church in the Americas, pastors and faithful, to participate in this celebratory journey that aims to promote an encounter with God through Our Lady of Guadalupe, for the renewal of the social and ecclesial fabric of these peoples and communities.”

– Pope Francis, Mass for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (2022)