On Sept. 18, the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA) convened its annual meeting in Newark, NJ. In attendance were over 75% of the group’s membership who traveled from all around the country, including the Diocese of Birmingham’s director of Black Catholic Ministry, James Watts.

Following new member orientation, Cardinal Tobin of Newark celebrated Mass, then welcomed attendees offering a presentation and a question and answer session. Attendees also conducted a business meeting, were offered a professional development session by Brother Tyrone Davis, listened to young adults give insights on how to engage communities, and held a strategic planning session.

A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of this year’s President’s Award for outstanding service. Given by the group’s president, Father Reggie Norman, the award went to Adrienne Curry of Baltimore, Dale Brown of St. Petersburg, and the Diocese of Birmingham’s very own James Watts. 

NABCA was founded in 1976 to support Offices of Black Catholic Ministry in serving their communities and sharing their cultural gifts with other communities.