About Us

The Office of Black Catholic Ministries celebrates and cultivates the rich diversity of the Black Catholic community—especially within the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Its mission is to educate the local Church about the historical and ongoing contributions of Black Catholics, and to uplift the gifts they bring to both Church and society.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the office advocates for equity in education, social justice, and pastoral ministry across the Archdiocese and the wider community. It works to ensure full and meaningful participation for all by raising awareness within archdiocesan leadership and by advising the Archbishop on matters affecting the Black Catholic community.

Rev. R. Tony Ricard, M.Th., Div. 
Director 

Ms. Marilyn L. Madine
Associate Director

• Committee Chairs

  Funmilayo  Smallwood | Edith Stevens
  Environment
  
   Veronica Downs-Dorsey 
  Gospel Festival
  
  Myron Creecy | Anthony Carter

• Gail Barnes Johnson 
  Black Saints Celebration
  
  Devon Watts
  Habari Gani
  
  Adrian Jackson
  Youth & Young Adult Ministry 
  
   Janice Collins | Monica Chanel
  Sankofa Day of Prayer & Reflection
  
  Olivia George | Shawn Robertson | Terrie Claverie

• Barbara Hornsby | Rosalind Brooks Sennett

• Special Projects

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• Council of Elders 

  Gail Barnes Johnson | Carol Ali Jenkins | Vanessa Matthews

• Janice Collins | Funmilayo Smallwood

• Edith Stevens | Deacon Allen Stevens | Janice Collins

• Deacon Jesse Watley | Fr. Tony Rigoli 
  
  

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