AAMEN holds Lenten Retreat

RALEIGH - The African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network (AAMEN) of the Diocese of Raleigh hosted a Lenten Retreat March 26 at the Catholic Center.

Dr. Ansel Augustine, an author and director of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, delivered the keynote address to the 50 attendees.

Augustine started with getting the participants to actively engage in an activity and then shared some of his personal journey.

“We are thankful for the wonderful keynote message ‘Black Catholics Our Journey from Crucifixion to Resurrection: A Lenten Journey’ and engaging the youth in their breakout session,” said Jennifer Jones, AAMEN administrator.

Jones added that the recommendations from the youth break-out session were shared with the large group.

“Their ideas on how to engage more youth in church activities and the reminder from one of our elders, Wilena McPhatter, on the role we all have in providing for our youth will be reviewed for implementation,” she said.

The event also included prayer, reflection and a recorded video message from Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama. Deacon Bernie Zdancewicz of St. John the Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids and Deacon Rick Fisher of St. Paul in New Bern led a prayer service.

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