Watch

Community Thrives at This Historically Black Catholic Parish

Creator:
Published:
March 27, 2024
June 19, 2021
Watch why the mother of black Catholic churches is known for its community.|Watch why the mother of black Catholic churches is known for its community.

St. Augustine Parish in Washington, D.C., has been called the "mother church of black Catholics." But what really makes this parish special is the community that gathers here.

As one parishioner shares, "St. Augustine Parish is definitely a safe place for me — as a black person, as a woman, as a Catholic."

Video Transcript

Washington, D.C.: Saint Augustine Parish, one of the oldest African-American Catholic parishes in the U.S. Founded in 1858, seven years before slavery was abolished.

Woman singing: I love the Lord, He heard my cry, and pitied every groan. Long as I live, and troubles rise, I’ll hasten to His throne.

(Gospel choir music plays in the background.)

Female parishioner: St. Augustine Parish is definitely a safe place for me — as a black person, as a woman, as a Catholic.

Second female parishioner: I actually moved here from the Netherlands, and I was looking for a Catholic church with soul and a real sense of community, and I stumbled upon St. Augustine on the internet when I saw a sign that said “St. Augustine, mother church of black Catholics.” I'm like, "Wow — who are those people?" So I came here, and what kept me here is the community and just how everybody — they're really, truly friends. When they do the sign of peace, they're really coming over, hugging you, shaking your hand, a smile on their face — and that warmth is what has kept me here all these years.

Male parishioner: The first time I was here, I heard prayerful intentions and naming off the names of homeless people in the area. I'd never heard that before, and that resonated to me because, I think, in a world that has all kinds of struggles and difficulties, you want something that's real.

Priest preaching a homily: Be strong in the Lord, be strong in the mission. Because God's still on mission. God is still extending His arms. God is still giving His heart and God is still looking for witnesses who will not be deterred.

Priest: The parish — it's a community in mission. Meaning, it is supposed to be out of focus. It's not a clubhouse — it's more like a lighthouse. Think about it: a lighthouse exists for everything but itself. Hopefully, people see the light and even come and check it out.

(Gospel music)

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
March 27, 2024
June 19, 2021
On a related note...
Music Programs for Kids with Special Needs

Music Programs for Kids with Special Needs

Grotto

How Prayer Taught Me to Love My Body

How Prayer Taught Me to Love My Body

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

Take Me Home: A Grotto Short Film

Take Me Home: A Grotto Short Film

Grotto

What My Mentors Taught Me About God

What My Mentors Taught Me About God

Gabriella Patti

Why Thoughts and Prayers Do Make a Difference

Why Thoughts and Prayers Do Make a Difference

Emily Mae Mentock

How an Indie Horror Game Renewed My Faith

How an Indie Horror Game Renewed My Faith

Lisa Jordan

How Canceling My Credit Cards Changed the Way I See Credit

How Canceling My Credit Cards Changed the Way I See Credit

Renée Roden

Christmas Music Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Christmas Music Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Why Geek Culture is So Important

Why Geek Culture is So Important

John Tuttle

Fashion Shows Raise Awareness of the Effects of Violence on a Community

Fashion Shows Raise Awareness of the Effects of Violence on a Community

Grotto

What It’s Really Like to Give Away a Kidney

What It’s Really Like to Give Away a Kidney

Josh Noem

Giving to Charity Isn't the Only Way to Help Those In Need

Giving to Charity Isn't the Only Way to Help Those In Need

Chuck Lamphier

Voices of Synod 2018 | Maryssa Gabriel

Voices of Synod 2018 | Maryssa Gabriel

Grotto

Jesus' Favorite Podcast EP 11: Coming Forth with Father James Martin

Jesus' Favorite Podcast EP 11: Coming Forth with Father James Martin

Grotto, Ebony Moxey, Javi Zubizarreta

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter | #GrottoMusic

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Happy Easter from Grotto

Happy Easter from Grotto

Grotto

How To Thrive in Isolation, From a Cancer Survivor

How To Thrive in Isolation, From a Cancer Survivor

Mary Beth May

St. Mark Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

St. Mark Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Walking With Refugees on the Border

Walking With Refugees on the Border

Fr. Joe Corpora, CSC

"Is There Food at the Library?"

"Is There Food at the Library?"

Grotto, Kevin DeCloedt

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.