On Sept. 4, over 200 black Catholic men from dioceses across the country gathered in New Orleans, LA, for the four-day Father Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference, hosted by the Bowman-Francis Ministry which is led by two Society of Divine Word priests. This long-standing conference, celebrated for 22 years, offers workshops, exhibits, speakers, community service activities, and Holy Mass, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose. 

This year, 12 delegates from the Diocese of Birmingham, including laypersons and clergy, proudly represented Alabama. The conference theme, inspired by the Christian film The Forge, underscored the significance of fellowship among black Christian men and the vital need for mentorship for the next generation. An ecumenical group of speakers —clergy, evangelists, educators, healthcare workers, and politicians—addressed topics such as Catholic social teaching, social justice, mental and men's health, leadership, vocation, financial literacy, and spirituality.

The annual conference will come to Birmingham next year. For more information, please contact James Watts at jwatts@bhmdiocese.org.