This ministry seeks to provide refuge, resources, and renewal for Catholics of African Ancestry.  Meetings are held monthly. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 516.334.0021 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CAA Black Catholic History Month Celbration

On Sunday, February 22, we finally managed to beat the snow (just barely), and had a fun-filled afternoon celebrating Black History Month and each other.  Some of our young participants presented art projects based on unsung Black heroes.  

We shared ethnic recipes and stories while gospel music played in the background. In teams, we played games that focused our experiences and varied backgrounds.  What would a celebration be without food? Several people brought in ethnic dishes to share, and we collected food items for parish outreach.

Many of us dressed in Afrocentric or African clothing. We shared our experiences as Catholics of African Ancestry.  We were many, yet one.

Our March 8th meeting will probably be a Zoom.  You will be notified if we have your email and/or phone number.  If you think we don’t, please send your contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CAA News

• If by any chance you are not a registered parishioner, you can find the census form here. One family registration is good for all members of that family. There is no cost.
• To download the MCAA Volunteer Certification form, please click here . 

Congratulations to Our Scholarship Awardees!

On Sunday, July 13, St. Brigid’s Catholics of African Ancestry held its award reception in St. Anthony’s Hall. Nearly one hundred thousand dollars was awarded to thirty-three students.  The seven students new to the program were all graduates of St. Brigid/ Our Lady of Hope Regional School.  That school must be doing something right!

These students have maintained a B average and committed themselves to volunteer work here in the St. Brigid’s community and in the general population as well.

Catholics of African Ancestry Scholarship Awardees 2025

None of this would have been possible were it not for our sponsor, Mr. Janetschek, many St. Brigid’s staff members, Fr. John and my wonderful dedicated assistants, Charmain Auguste, Stephanie Chacon, Glenda Frooks, and Juanita Hall. A big thanks to Alexandra Buck who graduated Summa cum Laude this year and returned with her mom, Irene to help. Of course, behind every hard-working student, there is a dedicated and supportive parent.  We thank them as well!

We are on summer break now, but look for CAA Ministry announcements at the end of the summer.  I am grateful for you all.

Updates from the Ministry of Catholics of African Ancestry Scholarship Committee

There are some changes to the scholarship. All participants must be registered parishioners. One family registration is good for all the members of that family.

Students must maintain a B average and actively serve our Saint Brigid community. Your avocation as an altar server, choir member, or lector is admirable. However, we are looking for community service to St. Brigid’s.  These are some of the activities: pantry assistants, thrift shop help, Outreach assistants, event assistants, help on any of the projects that appear in the bulletin.  You may help at fundraisers and ministry events. If you cannot think of anything, please email the appropriate name at the bottom of the volunteer form with your availability.  That person will provide suggestions.

Your volunteer work may also extend beyond the local community. If you are in college, it often does. As the participation requirement is required of college students, each should strive to be a part of at least one Saint Brigid activity when they are home on break or during the summer.  It is possible to assist remotely. New college applicants must provide evidence that they are active in the Saint Brigid community or ministry. If we have to make a decision between deserving candidates, this extra effort comes into play. It would be best if you also were an active ministry member. Applicants who are a part of ministry events will receive preferred status. We always have more applicants than scholarships. 

New applicants must provide two verifiable letters of recommendation (character references) from a teacher, counselor or coach, St Brigid clergy, or for college students, an employer.  The letters must be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (A-L) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (M-Z). Alternatively, they may be mailed to Catholics of African Ancestry, St. Brigid’s Church, 85 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590

The generosity of our gracious donor makes it possible for these students to attend Catholic and private schools. This is a wonderful opportunity that they will pay forward.  The summer of 2025 will marked the 10th Anniversary of our sponsor’s participation. We will recognize the awardees and the sponsor at the annual awards ceremony.  Barring documented illness, all candidates must attend.  Only college students who have advised the committee in advance of their participation in coursework at a distance from Westbury are excused. They must notify us in advance and provide required proxy information. This must be documented before July 1. 

If you know a student who is a member of the St Brigid community and a Catholic of African Ancestry, you may want to find out more about this yearly scholarship. 

For general questions email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CAA Needs Volunteers

We have ideas for family events. If you are working with children or vulnerable adults, you will need VIRTUS training. 

This is from Fr. John: Please make sure that all adult volunteers who have not completed VIRTUS training (and completion of the Code of Conduct and Background Screening) are aware of these classes.

EACH VOLUNTEER MUST SIGN UP THROUGH THE VIRTUS WEBSITE if they need to attend the class and complete the Code of Conduct and Background Screening.  - https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/index.cfm. 

VIRTUS is available online. When you click on the link, it should bring you to the options.

I completed the online version.  It is informative and painless.

Ongoing Issues

Do you have a moment to check what ongoing issues are of special interest to Catholics of African Ancestry?  Please have a look at this website:  The National Black Catholic Congress https://www.nbccongress.org/