Remembering Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A

Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A., (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) who dedicated her life to spreading the joy of the Gospel and promoting cultural awareness and racial reconciliation, is one of six Black Catholics currently on the road to sainthood. She was also a founding faculty member of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) at Xavier University in New Orleans.

I had the privilege of being present in several of her lectures at the Institute while I was a participant in the Master of Theology Program in the 1980s.

I learned more about Black spirituality, Gospel music and how to interpret it from her.

When Sister Thea was with us it was a conference type gathering. She used Gospel music and Scripture when she spoke to us.
We were going through the process of education and formation. Both are very much needed in ministry. We were learning about evangelization and catechesis, all through music and word.

Sister Thea would have conversations with us regarding being Black and Catholic.

She would tell us to minister with your entire mind, body and soul; use all of the gifts that God gave you; be proud of who and what you are. To be Black and Catholic means to get in touch with the world church. That is to get in touch with each other, to pray and work together, to take care of each other … to do as Jesus did.

We would also engage in conversation with Sister Thea about Black leadership in the church. Education and formation are needed. Even with education and formation, many are not accepted at the table. Many have not only the education and the formation, but they also have the experience, and are still not included in the decision making.

Attending IBCS, I saw and see the Catholic Church with new eyes. I see very little African American Catholic leadership. I don’t blame the church, for we as African American Catholics must step into leadership. We are servants of God, also. We must take our place and serve. We have gifts, God given gifts. You are never too old or too young to serve the Lord. We need to encourage our children in our parish school of religion programs, speak to parents about their children serving in the church, their sons becoming priests, their daughters becoming religious nuns, or young men becoming deacons.

One of the many things I learned from Sister Thea and the professors at IBCS is that there is no one program that fits all. Because of “who and whose we are,” our needs are different. We have different relationships with our creator and savior.

As Pope Francis says, “A shepherd should smell their sheep.” The only way that will happen is for us to go among those whom we are ministering. Socialize, listen to their stories, and find out what are their pastoral needs. Encourage those that we are serving to come and join us in ministry. Ask them to pray and listen to/for God’s calling.

I highly recommend that those in leadership and those who serve in the Black Catholic community attend IBCS. Attend the program and live on campus. You will learn and experience life not only from your Catholic faith, but spiritually. The education will open your eyes not only to serving the Black community, but also to serving in diverse communities.

The Institute for Black Catholic Studies offers a Master of Theology program or a Continuing Education or Enrichment program.

Master of Theology Program
The theology program is taught from a Black Catholic perspective. It is set in the context of IBCS academic prayer, worship and community life. The degree program forms students for theologically and culturally competent service as ordained, religious or lay ecclesial ministers in the Black community or the church at large.

The Continuing Education and Enrichment program
This program provides lifelong learning and spiritual formation for clergy, pastoral leaders and others who minister with Black communities or serve in multicultural communities.

(Christine Streams is the diocesan liaison for Black Catholic Ministry.)