Certificate in Contemporary Black Catholic Spirituality
This certificate program focuses on the concerns of Black Catholics and their unique history, traditions, and voice in the universal Church. The first course in the two-course series begins online February 27; enroll by Feb. 17 for an Early Registration Discount. Click below to enroll in Sharing Our Gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church, or scroll down to Registration to read more about this course. Details on the certificate are below under General Information.
The second course in the series also begins soon, on Thursday, Feb. 23:
Black Catholics' Spiritual Call: Using Theological Reflections
It is recommended to take the two courses in order.
To evangelize effectively and prophetically as members of the Catholic Church, we have to build on a deep sense of who we are and how Christ impacts each one of us personally. This program will examine the presence of Black Catholics in the Catholic Church, building leaders to assist in the life of their parishes.
Who Should Participate
This program is open to all, even as it focuses on the concerns of the Black Catholic community. This program is therefore also helpful to those who wish to become allies to assist the Black Catholic community as the community seeks to remain faithful to the Gospel of Christ and to remove the stain of racism in the Catholic Church.
Program Benefits
Upon completion, participants will be better equipped to evangelize disgruntled Black Catholics who attend church, those unchurched, or those with a broken relationship with God.
General Information
Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.
Please note: because this is an online program, enrollment eligibility is dependent on place of residency. Please review these provisions in full before enrolling.
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Begins: Feburary 23, 2023
Courses:
- AAMX 921: Black Catholics' Spiritual Call: Using Theological Reflections begins February 23
- AAMX 920: Sharing Our Distinctive Gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church begins February 27
Enroll: Registration is open; select the links above or call (310) 338-2799
Tuition: $375 per course | Early registration and tuition assistance is available for both courses. Select links for more information.
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These courses meet live via videoconference. Click links for schedules:
- AAMX 921: Black Catholics' Spiritual Call: Using Theological Reflections begins February 23
- AAMX 920: Sharing Our Distinctive Gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church begins February 27
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Instructor
Lecturers
- Dr. Ansel Augustine
- Most Rev. Edward K. Braxton, PhD, SThD
- Patty Chappell, SNDdeN
- Dr. Valerie D. Lewis-Mosley
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Please refer to the course page in the catalog for required text, class meeting location, and other general information.
Coursework: AAMX 920 and AAMX 921
Reading Materials
For course AAMX 920, all students can download all reading materials and videos online. Dr. Ansel Augustine's book, Leveling the Praying Field - Can the Church we love, love us back?, will be available online through Loyola Marymount University's library.
For course AAMX 921, all students can download all reading materials and videos online. Students must purchase the textbook Black Saints on the Road to Sainthood. You can go to the Catholic Company web page to buy a copy for $9.95.
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AAMX 920
Sharing Our Distinctive Gift of Blackness with the Catholic Church
2.5 Semester HoursTo evangelize effectively and prophetically as members of the Catholic Church, we have to build on a deep sense of who we are and how Christ impacts each one of us personally. This first course takes a deep look at our identity as Black Catholics. This course will examine the presence of Black Catholics Today and Tomorrow in the Catholic Church, building leaders to assist in the life of their parishes. Provided in this course will be historical documents identifying the struggles of the past, along with materials that speak to the life of Black Catholics today, and guest speakers. Using the oral tradition through Zoom meetings, we will also engage discussion boards, videos, and personal journaling. Participants will encounter a deep awareness of how their gift of Blackness makes the Catholic Church a universal beacon of light.
AAMX 921
Black Catholics' Spiritual Call: Using Theological Reflections
2.5 Semester HoursThe practice of Theological Reflection (TR) is foundational in every Christian’s life. TR is a spiritual movement summoning an individual or group to recognize God’s presence in all occurrences in life. Every day we must respond to God's prompting, similarly to the Psalmist's testimony: "Seven times a day I praise you because your judgments are righteous" (Ps. 119:164). Using TR, this course will examine practical ways that God continues to call Black Catholics to discipleship in the Catholic Church. Provided in this course will be a weekly chart to assist participants in recognizing their own call to ministry, along with that of Bishops, Priests, Nuns, the individuals on the road to Sainthood, guest speakers and other notable leaders in their community. Using the oral tradition through Zoom meetings, we will also engage discussion boards, videos, and personal journaling. Participants will encounter a deep awareness of knowing the importance of their calling as Black Catholics.