"Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love."

- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In this edition:

BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Rev. John H. Dorsey
ELECTION DAY '22: November 8th - every Claver votes!
FOUNDERS DAY '22: 113 years of Claver
NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK: November 6th - 12th

www.kofpc.org

BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Rev. John H. Dorsey

Did You Know?

Rev. John Dorsey is one of the seven founders of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
In 1902, he became the second Black-American priest educated and ordained in the United States
Both he and Fr. Charles R. Uncles, S.S.J., the first Black-American priest educated and ordained in the United States, attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the first parish established for Blacks
He was a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker
He often faced racism / bias treatment as he carried out his duties - many times from other clergy and religious

We are grateful for the bold, fearless inspirational leadership and service Rev. Dorsey displayed - not allowing anything to distract him from putting his love of God and His people into Catholic Action!

Visit our Black Catholic History Page for more facts and updates

Celebrating Black Catholic History Month

Here are a few suggestions:

Highlight Black Saints
Highlight African-Americans on the Path to Sainthood
Read / discuss stories about / by Black Catholics
Work with other groups / organizations to present events / activities
Host a discussion / informative session on issues impacted Black Catholics
Participate in / host a Black Saints parade
Host an Black Catholic History themed essay / poetry / quiz bowl contest
Inform and invite friends and family to join our Church!

Significant Black Catholic Dates :

Nov. 2 All Souls Day: a time to remember all those African lost to cruel treatment in the Middle Passage crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nov. 3 Martin de Porres became the first black American saint. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 16, 1962. Throughout his life, St. Martin de Porres exemplified God’s love for all people, regardless of their level in society.
Nov. 7 The Knights of Peter Claver was founded at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Mobile, Alabama with the establishment of Mobile Council No. 1 . The Noble Order would eventually grow to be the largest historically Black Catholic lay fraternal order!
Nov. 13 The birth of St. Augustine in 354 A.D., the first Doctor of the Church from North Africa.
Nov. 20 The death of Zumbi of Palmares in Brazil, South American founder of a free state for Blacks

Partial Source: Catholic University of America

LEARN MORE about Black Catholic History Month

DOWNLOAD the Blacks in Catholic History Month Moments Booklet

ELECTION DAY '22: November 8th - every Claver votes!

FOUNDERS DAY '22: 113 years of Claver

Make sure your unit is prepared for Founders Day Weekend!

Units are encouraged to celebrate the founding of our Noble Order November 5-6 OR November 12-13 as Founders Day (November 7) falls in the middle of the week.
Setup recruitment tables
Don't just sit behind the table and wait for people to approach you!
Approach potential members and speak to them about our Claver family
SEAL THE DEAL: ASK THEM IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER!
A wealth of free downloadable/printed recruitment materials as well as well as pre-printed recruitment materials for purchase are available online at www.kofpc.org/recruit
Socials, game/movie nights, community service projects, and informationals are just a few ways your unit can celebrate Founders Day while helping to expand our Noble Order!
Invite non-members to participate
Use your church bulletin to advertise/Promote Claverism / Founders Day at your church
Ask your Pastor if a brief presentation can be made before mass or during announcements.

Here are some Claver Historical Highlights

Download a printable pdf of short bios of our seven Founders

NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK: November 6th - 12th

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Loving and Generous God,
it is You who call us by name
and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love
and Service of our Church
as we experience it today.

Give us the energy and courage
of Your Spirit
to shape its future

Grant us faith-filled leaders
who will embrace Christ's Mission
of love and justice.

Bless our Church
by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends
who will serve Your people as Sisters,
Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers.

Inspire us to know You better
and open our hearts
to hear Your call.

We ask this through our Lord.