On November 6, we as a parish launched Black Catholic History Month (BCHM) with the resumption of our First Sunday refreshments and a conversation in our Parish Hall, focusing on identifying activities that will be held throughout the month of November. All are invited to participate.


Holy Cross NBCHM Committee Members

Marian Johnson-Thompson, Joyce Ellis,  Reginald Ross-Weeks, Deidra Guion-Peebles, Carmelita Myers, Lauren Green, and Gloria Burton


About NBCHM

National Black Catholic History Month (BCHM), founded on July 24, 1990, by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States, celebrates the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics. November was selected for this remembrance because of several dates (listed below) that are important to Catholics of African descent. November also is when the church prays for all saints and souls in loving remembrance, and when we recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.


Members of the BCHM Committee at Holy Cross are preparing activities – including the student essay competition mentioned below – that will take place throughout the month of November, to inform and educate our Holy Cross family about the contributions of Black Catholics to our rich Catholic faith. Details will be posted to our Upcoming Events Calendar, the News Blog section of our parish website, and in the parish Bulletin. Information also will be distributed via our Flocknote network. Check in at our Flocknote dashboard to enter or update your email and mobile phone contact information, to assure you receive parish news and events information.


Holy Cross Black Catholic History Month (BCHM)

2022 Student Essay Competition


About the BCHM Student Essay Competition


All Holy Cross students enrolled in Faith Formation are encouraged to participate in this competition, held each year during Black Catholic History Month. This competition is sponsored by the Holy Cross Black Catholic History Month (BCHM) Committee, with the objective being to increase knowledge among our Faith Formation members regarding the history of Black Catholics and current topics about Black Catholics.  

BCHM Judging Criteria

Submissions will be judged on the basis of originality of thought, clarity in presentation, adherence to guidelines and the use of standard grammar.


Selection Committee

  • Members of the BCHM Committee will serve as judges.
  • All decisions of the judges will be final.


Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced at the November 27, 10:00 AM Mass.


Prizes

  • First Place: Barnes and Noble gift certificate, $25.00
  • Second Place: Barnes and Noble gift certificate, $15.00

Essay Competition Rules

  • Students may select any topic related to Black Catholics, including historical and current topics.
  • The essay must be no longer than one double-spaced typewritten page and at least 350 words, but no more than 400 words.
  • The essay must be submitted as a Word document attachment, via email to marianjt3@aol.com by November 19, 12 noon.
  • Students should not include their name or any other identifying information on their essay document. Students are to submit the essay as an attachment in an email message. The email message must include the student's full name, age, grade, name of school, and faith formation teacher’s name.
  • Student must agree to the requirement that the essay be posted in the Holy Cross church 'Gathering Space' from November 20 – November 30. Submitting an essay means that this agreement is accepted.
  • The student is responsible for retrieving the essay after Mass on November 30.
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