Black Catholic Clergy Gather in Houston for Annual Convocation
Nearly 50 Black Catholic ministers and seminarians met in Houston, Texas, from July 21 to 24, 2026, for the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus convocation. The gathering, led by Fr. Kareem Smith, focused on moving from ''maintenance to mission.'' Auxiliary Bishop Robert Boxie III celebrated a jubilee Mass, and attendees heard a presentation on the Black Catholic Flourishing Project.
Nearly 50 Black Catholic ministers and seminarians gathered in Houston, Texas, from July 21 to 24, 2026, for the annual convocation of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
Fr. Kareem Smith led the gathering, which carried the theme "Dwelling Together as One." He called on attendees to shift their focus from maintaining existing church structures to actively pursuing mission in their communities.
Auxiliary Bishop Robert Boxie III celebrated a jubilee Mass during the convocation. The event also featured a presentation on the Black Catholic Flourishing Project, an initiative designed to provide investment and support for Black Catholic institutions across the country.
The caucus has served as a network for Black Catholic clergy since its founding in 1968. Members use the annual gathering to share resources, address challenges facing Black Catholic communities, and coordinate advocacy efforts within the broader Catholic Church.
Organizers said this year''s convocation drew participants from multiple dioceses. Discussions covered topics including youth ministry, financial sustainability for Black parishes, and the role of Black Catholic voices in national church conversations.
The Black Catholic Flourishing Project, presented at the convocation, aims to direct funding and institutional support toward schools, parishes, and organizations that serve Black Catholic communities.
