Cultural Diversity
The Office of Cultural Diversity is committed to serve and address the pastoral and spiritual needs of the various cultural communities of the Diocese of Buffalo. We are focused on bridging the gap between those in the mainstream culture and those who feel marginalized from the church because of ethnic or cultural division. For the calendar of events, please go here.
We are currently recruiting people to be members of various commissions that are being formed.
To apply, please fill out the following form: Commissions Application
African American Commission
To address the social, economic and spiritual concerns of all persons of African and African-American ancestry. To promote leadership, foster evangelization and address issues of racial injustice through the emphasis of family and education programs, and to come up with a Black Pastoral Plan.
The Albert Lenhard Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 through a bequest to the estate of Albert M. Lenhard. The scholarship was developed to assist applicants who wanted to continue their formal education beyond high school at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply for the scholarship, please fill out this form and return to the Office of Cultural Diversity.
We are inviting you to our second annual Cultural Diversity Dinner Celebration, “Enchanted Evening with the Stars” on Friday, October 14, 2022 which will take place at Classics V; 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd. Amherst, NY 14228 from 6:30 P.M – 11:00 P.M. Tickets are $50.00. Guests will dance to music from our various cultures. It will truly be an enjoyable evening.
We are soliciting sponsors. This is our major fundraiser that we have annually. Proceeds from this event will be used to support our Cultural Diversity outreach projects and activities. Community support will allow us to continue programs including: leadership training, educational courses, scholarships, prison ministry, radio programming, revivals, retreats, and ethnic celebrations, such as the African Bazaar, Hispanic Heritage Mass, Black Catholic Heritage celebrations and Family Days.
Commission Members
Cheryl Calire, Exec. Director of Cultural Diversity
Sr. Roberta Fulton, SSMN Asst. Director of Cultural Diversity and Social Justice
Yoharis Montanez, Assistant
Barbara Breckenridge
Richard E. Clark
Edward Dean
Arlene Feaster
Marjorie Lewis
Althea Porter
Rodney Richardson
Deacon Ron Walker
AAC Newsletter
Fill out a google form to receive a monthly African American Commission Newsletter directly to your email where you can learn about the events, highlights and news from the Office of Cultural Diversity and within the Diocese of Buffalo.
Upcoming Events
Synod Listening Session for the African Community | June 5th from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Our Lady of Hope Parish. Let just walk together as a church with the Holy Spirit. English Flyer. French Flyer.
Enchanted Evening with the Stars | Friday, October 14th from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm at Classics V; 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228.
Learn more. | Event Flyer. | Sponsor Letter.
Hispanic/Latino Commission
The need for a constant pastoral conversation is emphasized that allows the church to respond with more fidelity and enthusiasm to its missionary essence, particularly in its response to the Hispanic/Latino presence in parishes and dioceses. This will empower the Hispanic/Latino people to live their joyful missionary vocation to the whole church more fully.
African Commission
The National Association of African Catholics in the United States (NAACUS) seeks to engage, support, nurture, build communities of African Catholics, give direction and promote their spiritual well-being while liaising, coordinating and involving all African Catholics to maximize their charisms as a faith and worship community in the United States.
Staff:
Cheryl Calire, Director
Yoharis Montanez, Administrative Assistant
Sister Roberta Fulton
Deacon Miguel Santos
Deacon Alejandro Manunta
Deacon Ronald Walker
Additional Resources
About the Justice for Immigrants Campaign
The primary objectives of the JFI campaign are:
- To educate the public, especially the Catholic community, including Catholic public officials, about Church teaching on migration and immigrants
- To create political will for positive immigration reform
- To enact legislative and administrative reforms based on the principles articulated by the bishops
- To organize Catholic networks to assist qualified immigrants obtain the benefits of the reforms
Links to other organizations
Por tu Matrimonio, encuentre recursos para durante la preparación del matrimonio, y durante el matrimonio.
http://www.portumatrimonio.org/
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
http://www.usccb.org/
Resources for Minority Students
Articles, scholarship, agency resources and more all in one place: Doctoral Resourses
CELAM – Consejo Episcopal Latino Americano
Questions?
Contact us!
For additional information about any of the Commissions or if you have questions or need help, please reach out to us by filling out the following form and we will do our best to respond promptly.
