‘Promoting unity, reconciliation, and service’
Diocesan Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Prayer Breakfast
Diocesan Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Prayer Breakfast
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry traces its roots back to 1984 when Bishop Joseph Vath, the First Bishop of Birmingham, established the office to better represent the community. Like other diocesan ministries, it is supported by the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries, also known as Catholic Charities. Sister for Christian Community Rita Washington was chosen to be the office’s founding director. For eight years, she worked relentlessly not only to build up the Catholic Church in the black community but also to share the community’s rich culture with the broader Church.
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry traces its roots back to 1984 when Bishop Joseph Vath, the First Bishop of Birmingham, established the office to better represent the community. Like other diocesan ministries, it is supported by the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries, also known as Catholic Charities. Sister for Christian Community Rita Washington was chosen to be the office’s founding director. For eight years, she worked relentlessly not only to build up the Catholic Church in the black community but also to share the community’s rich culture with the broader Church.
In 1990, Sister Rita instituted the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Prayer Service, which was held in the Cathedral of St. Paul and brought together diocesan parishes, diocesan schools, and the northern and central Alabama population, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
Almost two decades later, Bishop Robert Baker, the Third Bishop of Birmingham, requested that the prayer service transition to a prayer breakfast; hence, the Diocesan Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Prayer Breakfast was created.
Director of the Diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry James Watts noted that the event “benefits the community by promoting unity, reconciliation, and service in alignment with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, legacy and Catholic social teaching.” In 2011, the office established the Sister Rita Washington Stewardship Award, which recognizes commitment and service to the diocese, the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, the parish, and the community. The award is presented every year at the prayer breakfast.
This year, award recipients will be Deacon Jacky Rodgers and Brent Patterson.
Deacon Rodgers serves St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Fairfield. He was ordained in 2018. He is married to Patricia Gayle Rodgers, and they have one son, Gregory Rodgers, and two grandsons, Gregory, Jr., and Joseph.
Brent Patterson converted to Catholicism 15 years ago and joined Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Birmingham. His service to both the Church and the community is extensive. Professionally, Patterson works at UAB St. Vincent’s East Hospital as a physical therapist assistant. He is currently pursuing a master’s in theological studies at Saint Leo University. He is married to Dawn Patterson.
Remarking on the Prayer Breakfast, Deacon Rodgers said: “The diocesan MLK Prayer Breakfast serves as a recognition of all the good work that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., achieved. … I learned at an early age that fighting was not the answer. Love will always be stronger than hate.” Patterson pointed out that the breakfast is more than “just an early Saturday morning meeting and meal.” Rather, he said, “It is a unified, spiritual and cultural renewal, a recommitment, and a call to action through Catholic social teaching in a sacred gathering place that honors the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” The breakfast, he continued, “brings people together and helps to build bridges from across many denominations, generations, and communities.” “The MLK Prayer Breakfast,” he concluded, “is a reminder that we are all united in one Body (Jesus Christ), gathered at one table (Eucharistic) for one purpose (agape).”
The 2026 Diocesan Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Paul Life Center in Birmingham. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by contacting James Watts at 205.838.8313 or jwatts@bhmdiocese.org. The life center is located at 2120 3rd Avenue, North.
