The Diocese of Birmingham hosted the 2026 Father Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men’s Conference Oct. 15-18, highlighting the theme “The Rock I Stand On.” The diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry, headed by its director, James Watts, collaborated with the Bowman-Francis Ministry and the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries to provide a full itinerary of keynote addresses, workshops, a museum tour, praise and worship opportunities, and the sacraments.

The conference began with an opening ceremony at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ensley. The next morning began at the host hotel, Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, with Mass, breakfast, and a keynote address from Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell. Friday also featured a Civil Rights panel discussion and adoration. Saturday was filled with various workshops led by priests, deacons, and lay people. The day’s keynote address was given by Father Manuel Williams, C.R. The day and conference concluded with Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Birmingham, celebrated by Bishop Raica. 

The success of the conference proved a fulfillment of Bishop Raica’s prayer: “May your time together in prayer, reflection, and fraternity be a source of encouragement and renewal as you continue to live out your calling as Catholic men in your communities.”

Full coverage of the conference will be featured in the January/February issue of the One Voice magazine.