FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 4, 2021 

CARDINAL DOLAN TO RESUME PUBLIC SCHEDULE ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 WILL CELEBRATE 10:15 A.M. MASS AS WELL AS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH MASS AT ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL 

(New York, NY) Cardinal Timothy Dolan, having again tested negative for Covid-19, will resume his public schedule on Sunday, February 7, 2021 by celebrating the 10:15 a.m. Mass in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by the 1:00 p.m. Black History Month Mass, also in the Cathedral.

The Cardinal has followed the guidance of health professionals and been under quarantine since last week after coming in close contact with another individual who had tested positive for Covid.  He has never tested positive, has consistently felt fine, and never had any symptoms. 

The Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York will host the Annual Archdiocesan Black History Month Mass at 1:00 p.m..  This day is also the observance of the “National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family.” Father Gregory Chisholm, S.J., pastor of St. Charles Borromeo-Resurrection Parish in Harlem and Dean of Central Harlem, will be the Homilist. The principal celebrant for the Annual Black History Month Mass, as mentioned, will be Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Bishop Edmund Whalen will concelebrate along with other priests of the archdiocese. 

Each year, the Black History Month Mass brings together the diverse Black Catholic Community throughout the Archdiocese and persons of other cultures and faith traditions to celebrate the faith, culture, history, and richness of African diasporic peoples. This celebration is also a time to recognize African and African Americans’ contributions to the Roman Catholic faith community and the various communities in which they reside and minister. The theme chosen for the 2021 Archdiocesan Celebration is: “We Celebrate, We Remember, We Believe.” 

The  2021 Mass and celebration will honor those whom we have lost to COVID-19 and the essential workers who have faithfully served and cared for the community during this pandemic. Many of our black parishes have suffered loss or separation from family and friends during this time. Due to the public health crisis, admittance will be limited and masks and social distancing required of all in attendance in accordance with state safety regulations. Those wishing to participate in the celebration are encouraged to join us over livestream at https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintPatricksCathedralNYC

This year, in addition to Mass on Sunday, The Office of Black Ministry has organized a weekend of activities that include a day of service to benefit Food Pantry ministries in local churches on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Kennedy Center. The Office of Black Ministry will also partner with The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture to co-sponsor a panel discussion titled “The Church and Racial Justice: A Conversation in Truth and Hope” on Friday, February 5 at 7:00pm. For more information about the panel discussion please visit The Sheen Center site at https://www.sheencenter.org/.

The Mission of the Office of Black Ministry is to listen to and promote the aspirations of the Black Catholics; to encourage self-reliance, cultural identity, economic self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth; and to work towards the eradication of racism and discrimination, and any and all forms of injustice that may exist within the Church and society.