The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics will kick-off the month-long Black History Month celebration with an observance of:

National Day of Prayer for African American Families
Sunday, February 5, 2006
11 a.m.
Saint Cyprian Church
Cobbs Creek Parkway at Cedar Avenue
Philadelphia

Throughout the month of February in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia there will be various commemorative events honoring Black History Month:

Saturday, February 11, 2006
Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 56th and Chester Avenue, Philadelphia - 215-790-0694
2:30 p.m. - Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary #320 presents the play "Rahab: Harlot to Holiness."

Sunday, February 12, 2006
St. Rose of Lima School, 1516 North Wanamaker Street, Philadelphia - 215-473-6030
3:00 p.m. - St. Rose of Lima Drama Club presents The Hall of Black American Heroes.

Thursday, February 16, 2006
Cardinal Dougherty High School, 6301 North Second Street, Philadelphia
7:00 p.m. - Students of St. Athanasius-Immaculate Conception School - (215-424-5045) will perform Black History Show "A Tribute to Famous African Americans Who Died This Past Year."

Saturday, February 18, 2006
St. Athanasius Parish, 2050 East Walnut Lane, Philadelphia - 215-548-2700
5:00 p.m. - A concert featuring Professor Irvin Brockington and the renowned gospel choir Brockington Ensemble in concert.

Friday, February 24, 2006
Saint Raymond of Penafort School, 7940 Williams Avenue, Philadelphia - 215-548-1919
7:00 p.m. - Legacy of Pride Program

Friday, February 24th and Sunday, February 26, 2006
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, 344 North Felton Street, Philadelphia - 215-474-4011
7:00 p.m.- Friday and 3:00 p.m. Sunday - Students will be performing a Black History Show.

Saturday, February 25, 2006
St. Peter Claver Evangelization Center, 502 South 12th Street, Philadelphia - 215-587-3634
10 a.m. - Sister Mary Roger Thibodeaux, SBS will speak at African American Catholic Spirituality Day.

Sunday, February 26, 2006
St. Benedict School, Medary Avenue and Garnet Street, Philadelphia - 215-424-8073
1 p.m.- Junior CYO and Catholic school presents the 2006 Annual Black History Month Speech and Poetry Performance.

Black History Month celebrations will conclude with the Second Annual Black Heritage Concert "An Afternoon of Ecumenical Praise":

Sunday, February 26, 2006
4 p.m.
Saint Cyprian Parish
Cobbs Creek Parkway and Cedar Avenue
Philadelphia

The Office for Black Catholics facilitates participation of the Black Catholic community in the life of the Church. Black History Month is an annual celebration that began in 1926.

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Editor's Note: Please contact Parish/School directly if you plan to cover event.

Contact
Meredith V. Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747