September 18, 1999

A Black Catholic Vigil for Life, sponsored by the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life, will be held on Saturday October 2, 1999 at The Lady Chapel, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at 2 PM.  This vigil for life in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is part of the Respect Life weekend observance. Black Catholics throughout the nation will be holding vigil services on October 2nd for Life.  This is the second year for this national vigil.

Father James E. Goode, OFM, President of the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life and the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and Guardian, St. Clare Friary in Manhattan will preside.  Father Christopher L. Coleman, Parochial Vicar, Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, Diocese of Brooklyn and member of the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life will give the homily.  St. Mark the Evangelist Gospel Choir, under the direction of James Wade, will provide the music.

According to Father Goode, “During the Black Catholic Vigil for Life we as Black Catholics will reaffirm our Catholic Christian vocation to be found always and everywhere on the side of life. Our great task is to boldly proclaim that the Gospel of Life is the good news that every person is sacred and loved by God the author of Life.”

For more information contact Brother Tyrone A. Davis, CFC, Office of Black Ministry, Archdiocese of New York 10022 -(212) 371 1000 ext. 2681.