Our documentary sheds light on one story of the Black Catholic experience, unknown to many in our church. An undertaking that, although unique, is relatable to the Black Catholic (specifically African-American Catholic) throughout America. This film highlights the joy, pain, and struggles faced in the Black Catholic community, specifically in the Tremé portion of New Orleans, Louisiana. Through a series of interviews, the unique struggle found in youth and young adult ministry within the Black Catholic community is brought to the forefront. Whether through “America’s Original Sin”, classism, or various other social ills; we are witnessing this unique expression of our Catholic faith disappearing before our eyes.
As told through Dr. Ansel Augustine, the Psalm 119 Step Team (young adults that have performed with Dr. Augustine), Ms. Pearl Dupart, and Deacon Allen Stevens, we see how the experience of Black Catholicism is a “gift to the church”, as Sr. Thea Bowman said to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The goal of the documentary is to serve as a resource for our communities to address racism within our church, and to create bridges of hope and understanding so we may all be one Body of Christ.
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Overcoming Cancer: The Story of John Verly
The incredible story of John Verly, a man who lost his Catholic way, who overcame a long and arduous battle with cancer. Through this unfortunate process, Verly learned to believe in the power of faith once more. An amazing leap of faith and courageous perseverance brought him back to the Church and Jesus Christ.
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The Saints Project
Photographer Kristyn Brown was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over time, she began shooting professionally in Los Angeles, California. After six years on the west coast, Kristyn and her family moved back to Philadelphia, where she started The Saints Project – A Modern Portrayal of Catholic Saints. In 2015, she was contacted by The World Meeting of Families to create custom banners for the youth congress portion of the event. Since then, she has created over 80 images of Saints and the Holy Family in modern times.
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Should Catholics Use Social Media?
While some people say that technology doesn’t work well with our mission as Catholics, we believe that like any other saint or any person who lives a religious life, we can always use the tools available to us in our time, to evangelize. In our modern time, we are so blessed to have these tools that connects us in a way the we’ve never been connected before. Whatever medium or social media platform we use, we are always called to be the light of Christ in our day-to-day life. Whatever our job or our vocation is, social media is a way for us to easily share our faith with others and connect in a more intimate way with other Catholics. Meanwhile, it’s also always exciting to see the way that different Catholics all across the globe have answered that call, to bring the beauty and the truth to the platform.
