Africa and Diaspora

"Gather into one the dispersed children of God"

John 11:52

We are parents and grandparents, single and married, young and not so young, US citizens and immigrant parishioners­­­­ updating the parish of social justice issues concerning peoples of African descent around the world. Through this information, the parish is able to aid our brothers and sisters by raising funds or collecting needed items. This group also keeps in contact with our sister parishes in Philadelphia, Brazil and South Africa.

Our approach is education and advocacy and relies on collaborations and partnerships with other parish ministries, churches, as well as social, service, and cultural organizations.

The African and the Diaspora Ministry is part of the parish Social Justice Ministry. We seek to inform St. Augustine's parishioners and the community-at-large of issues concerning people of African descent all over the world. Our goal is two-fold:

1. to create awareness and enlist the involvement of people of good will in nations aimed at bridging the gap among us, and bringing about a change in the conditions of our peoples and of other people of color disproportionally impacted by oppressive policies; and
2. to evangelize to any "unchurched" Africans living in Washington (DMV) and help incorporate all African and Caribbean parishioners fully into parish life.

• Ad hoc forums ("Black Coffees")
• Bi-annual Africa & the Diaspora Day
• Symposia and film screenings
• Public advocacy
• Welcoming new Diasporan parishioners and hosting social evenings
• Welcoming foreign dignitaries (religious and secular) to Mass and conducting outreach to embassies

E-mail Lydia Curtis at 202 361 0501 or [email protected].