St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fairfield hosted a listening session with Bishop Steven Raica and the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary of Zone 4 on Nov. 15. Fathers Vernon Huguley, Philip Paxton, and Kenneth Keke participated with Diocesan Director of Black Catholic Ministry James Watts giving a presentation. 

Zone 4 President Grand Knight Thomas Edwards also gave a short presentation after Grand Lady Victoria Jackson of Saint Cecelia - Court #140 welcomed those present. 

During the two-hour gathering, Watts provided an overview of the Black Catholic Consortium and highlighted the parishes involved: St. Joseph’s in Huntsville, Our Lady of Fatima in Birmingham, Holy Family in Birmingham, St. Mary’s in Fairfield, St. Francis of Assisi in Bessemer, Our Lady Queen of the Universe in Birmingham, and All Saints in Anniston. 

For more information about the Diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry, please visit www.bhmdiocese.org/black-ministry.