The Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson is one of the sponsors for the 2016 Interregional African American Catholic Evangelization Conference (IAACE) this summer and has a limited number of scholarships available to parishes.
The theme this year, ‘You are my witnesses,” is taken from Isaiah “You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may trust me and understand that I am the one.”
The conference brings together presenters from across the nation to talk about evangelization from a variety of perspectives. Organizers use the National Black Catholic Congress’ youth and young adult principles to structure and guide this conference every year.
Keynote topics include using social media, how to bring dying parishes back to life, becoming an inviting and welcoming church, apologetics without apology, reaching inactive black Catholics, and sacred movement. Will Jemison, director of the diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry, is a featured speaker  along with ValLimar Jansen, Father Anthony Michael Bozeman, SSJ of New Orleans and Sister Gwynette Proctor, SSND, from Baltimore.
“Our major goal is to ensure that the common thread of what it means to be a witness will permeate every aspect of the conference. This conference will provide excellent resources and life-giving faith experiences,” wrote the conference founder, Annette Mandley-Turner in her welcome letter.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear from some of the best voices in African American evangelization from across the country,” said Jemison. His office is encouraging all parishes to participate.
The conference will be held Friday June 10-Sunday June 11, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky. Registrations received before May 15 will cost $150. A hotel rate of $129 per night is also available until that time.
The day before the conference, ICCCE will offer a one-day institute for lay ecclesial ministers. The institute costs extra, but offers continuing education credits in three tracks: youth ministry, leadership for evangelization and formation.
To register, call J. Vincent Johnson, 901-634-0037, or email jvj6965@gmail.com. Those interested in getting financial assistance to attend should contact Jemison, 601-949-6935, or email at will.jemison@jacksondiocese.org. Scholarships will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.