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.
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 Hispanic Community | Wednesday May 25th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Holy Cross Parish Cafeteria, 345 7th St, Buffalo, NY 14201. Register today.
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.
Let’s Walk Together as a Church with the Holy Spirit
Please join us for Synod 2021-23 to discuss concerns and hopes for the future of the Church
Listening Session for the Hispanic Community
Wednesday, May 25th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Holy Cross Parish Cafeteria | 345 7th St., Buffalo, NY 14201
Pope Francis has invited the People of God…all people – regardless of their faith or current engagement with the Church – to come together. “Synod 2021-23” encourages us to share and envision the future of the Church.
The Pope is asking us to be honest and open about our real-life experiences with the Church, and to reflect together on what the Holy Spirit might be revealing through what we share with one another in listening sessions.
You are invited to share your perspective on the future of the Church – your concerns, your hopes, your participation in its mission. Please join us to help build the Church of the 3rd millennium.
Refreshments will be served. Space is limited and registration is necessary.
To register please click here: https://hispaniccommunity.eventbrite.com
For more information go to: https://www.buffalodiocese.org/synod/
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.