In celebration of Black History Month, St. Luke parishioners are invited to participate in a screening and discussion of Going Home Like a Shooting Star: The Thea Bowman Story at 6:00pm on Saturday, February 25, in the Fireside Room at St. Bridget Church, 4900 NE 50th St., Seattle. As we embark on our Partners in the Gospel pathway, this opportunity to consider her life in the company of others in our North Seattle Deanery is well timed. The event will follow the 5:00pm Mass, and free pizza and beverages will be served.

One of six Black Catholics who are being considered for canonization, Sister Thea was born in Canton, Mississippi. Raised by her Methodist parents and with their consent, she converted to Catholicism at the age of 9. Inspired by the sisters who taught her at Holy Child Jesus Catholic School, she became the first Black American to become a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration.

Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA (1937-1990), made great strides in the ministry of the Catholic Church to African Americans. As a scholar, educator, musician, liturgist, and unabashedly persistent and joyful soul—her life reflected her faith and a spirituality that moved hearts and changed minds. In 2018 a case for sainthood was advanced by the bishop where she had lived. The same year Pope Francis designated her “Servant of God,” the first of four steps toward canonization. We hope you will join us at St. Bridget’s for the lively documentary about her extraordinary life.

Sister Thea Bowman is just one of 28 notable Black Americans highlighted in a Black History Month calendar for 2023, developed by the JPIC Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood. Follow the link below to their calendar and be sure to scroll past the calendar itself, where you’ll find additional information about each person.
Black History Month Calendar

November is Black Catholic History Month, a time to reflect on the challenging history of Black Catholics in the U.S., and to honor the many contributions Black Catholics have made and continue to make, to our church, our nation, and our communities. Among the many Black American Catholics who have dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel, six are now on the path to canonization. Next month the Multicultural Ministries of the Archdiocese of Seattle will sponsor a unique opportunity to learn about one of them: Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, who became the first Black American priest in the United States.

Tolton: From Slave to Priest is an exciting blend of cinema and stage entertainment. Actor Jim Coleman inhabits the title role live on stage alongside a cast of actors on the set’s giant screen. A deeply personal tale of heartache and reconciliation, Tolton tells the story of a man’s escape from slavery and his persistent pursuit of spiritual fulfillment in the priesthood. The drama speaks to audiences from a place all can relate to: family, longing, and belonging. The score, based on traditional African-American spirituals, is brought to life by the talented Elissa Sanders, who sings the beloved melodies in her role as Mama Tolton, Augustus’ loving and feisty mother.

Suitable for ages 10+, Tolton runs 75 minutes. All local performances are free. Free will offerings may be made at the door.

To register for your free seat at Seattle U, use the link below, advance the calendar to November, and click on Tolton, Seattle, November 19. All other performances do not offer reservations. Reserve Seattle U Seats