African Catholic Ministry Indianapolis Archdiocese

Holy Angels Catholic Church

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African Catholic Ministry Mass
June 1, 2008

        Quarterly African Masses, coordinated by African Catholic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, take place on the 1st Sunday of every quarter at St. Rita's Church. In cooperation with the Office of Multicultural Ministry, the purpose of the ministry and the mass is to gather African immigrants or anyone who is concerned with the issues of the African community for friendship, worship, and meaningful participation in the life of the church in Indianapolis while addressing issues facing the African Catholic community.
        The main celebrant of June 1 Mass was Fr. Gerald Okeke from Nigeria and an Associate Pastor at St. Lawrence Parish. Also in attendance were 6 other Priests all from Nigeria.
        The mass was celebrated in different African languages as a representation of all members of the ministry and our culture. Drumming, singing and dancing were also included in the mass as a representation of our African Catholic traditions of worship.
        Refreshments are provided following after mass so that people can fellowship together (our culture) and get to know one another.
        Several members of Holy Angels Parish participated in the June 1, 2008 service and Holy Angels Gospel Choir was invited to provide the Communion Meditation Song.

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A collage of the entrance procession of priests and lay ministers
An choir composed of African and African-American singers offer hymns of praise in African languages and English.	Connie Morris of Holy Angels Parish served as commentator for the mass.
An impressive gathering of priests from various parts of Nigeria - presently assigned in Indiana - concelebrated the mass. (above left)	Scripture readings including the Psalm were offered in a variety of African languages as well as in English. (above right and below left and right)

The Gospel reading	Father Gerald Okeke offered a spirited homily in which the congregation participated.
Offering of the gifts	The liturgy of the Eucharist
Holy Angels Gospel Choir, here seated among other worshippers, offered the Communion meditation song, "When I Was In The Spirit".	At the conclusion of mass, gifts for the celebration were brought forward for blessing. Remarks and an African festival meal followed.