How great is our God? A celebration of African-American Catholic youths.

How great is our God?

A question answered in so many facets, through the light and lives of more than 200 African-American youths in Baltimore, who showed just how great he is through song, dance, spoken word and other ministries.

April 17 was the date of the African American Catholic Youth Mass and 25th Anniversary celebration of Harambee, a Swahili word that means Let’s all work together. This day was orchestrated to represent the culture, commitment and creativity of God’s chosen ones, a nation of young adults that is being nurtured to change a generation. Praise and worship came forth through Devine Trinity, led by Kenyatta Hardison, the ministry of song brought to us by the St. Ambrose children’s choir directed by Betty Butler, the dance ministry of Immaculate Conception Parish and Incensing of Worship Space led by. Tracie Jiggetts and the amazing spoken word came forth through. Keith McBrown. In addition, the word and the spirit of God were present in many different ways and through so many youths, parents, advisors and celebrants.

Resources were readily available to aid in growth and development, to inspire higher levels of education and vocations and to reveal new possibilities.

The powerful and life-changing message delivered by Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden at the New All Saints Church, where we gathered, was one that presented a challenge to our youths. That challenge was to use our ministries, our lives and our testimonies to the Glory of God and the building of his kingdom, to seek out the lost, the broken and those who do not know our Heavenly Father personally, and lead them to salvation, to go out into our community and let our lights shine.

Just how great is our God to distribute such unique purposes to the youths of the African-American Catholic community? Our young people have been strategically placed according to his will, to carry out our Holy Father’s mission for their lives. We must acknowledge the fact that the road is often harder for this generation. The media is highly influential, gangs and violence are prevalent and sexual impurity is common. However, God named us and gave us our assignments before birth, so there is nothing in our path and in our lives that is too hard for us to overcome through Christ.

On this day the confirmation was made clear. God’s strength and power, with the help and encouragement of our elders, enables our youth to stand, endure and fulfill what God wants for their lives. By the closing of this event, the dirt and residue of past mistakes, wrong turns and sins had been washed away and the stains were no more. Our youths walked back into the world refreshed, renewed and restored and with a new vision.

Howard Roberts, our events coordinator, was also honored on this day. He was recognized for his dedication to the youths. He has been a major part of the Harambee Organization for 23 years. He consistently gives of his time and talents toward their development. Roberts was also acknowledged for his commitment to culture, history and our faith as a Catholic community and to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. During the presentation he was honored with the Archdiocesan Medal of Honor by Bishop Madden and an Ashante Stool from Therese Wilson Favors.

How great is our God?

That the African-American Catholic youths can gather in his name, to pray, worship, work together and honor who he is and what he has done, to use the gifts and talents that he has placed in each one to give him glory. Truly on this day, he operated through these magnificent people and showed us a glimpse of promising futures and an inspiring present. The challenge was accepted to continue the journey and see Gods purpose to its completion.

How great is our God!

Tenesha D. Dorsey is a parishioner of St. Ambrose in Baltimore.

Catholic Review

The Catholic Review is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.