Written by Very Rev. Kevin P. Fausz, CM, VU, pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Michael Church
The first Sunday in Black History Month is a National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family founded by Father Jim Goode, OFM, in 1989. This day is celebrated around the country in our African American parishes allowing special time for families to come together, pray together, celebrate together, but most of all to celebrate“ Who we are and Whose we are.” Especially in this time of pandemic and as we look back over the past year we have so much to be grateful for and we at Holy Redeemer use this special time to begin our celebration of Black History Month with the Ritual of
“Libation” celebrating those whose shoulders we stand on and continue to stand on as we continue to “Keep our Hands on the Plow – Hold On”.
Holy Redeemer Parish celebrated 120 years of Black Catholic Ministry in South Texas this past November 2021 on the Feast of Christ the King. From the beginning of the century in 1901, the foundation of Holy Redeemer Parish was laid in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. We have reached many milestones in the 120 years of existence. This celebration was a commemoration of what we have accomplished as a “beacon of hope” for the African American
Catholics throughout the entire archdiocese.
I am blessed to have served as pastor here at Holy Redeemer since 2008. We have ministered not only to the Catholics in our parish and the archdiocese, but also the community at large. Our outreach programs make it possible to reach out and serve those in need. The rich heritage and deep roots of faith continue to thrive and flourish at Holy Redeemer through its vibrant faith life spirit-filled liturgies, and a deep sense of community and hospitality. The history of Holy Redeemer is filled with joy, hope, struggles and life. Today as we move forward we continue to build for the future as we grow and continue to build up the Kingdom here at Holy Redeemer.
Come join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for our Sunday liturgy. Witness first-hand who we are and what we do. Our mass has been livestreamed for the past year and has touched the lives of many people not only in this country but abroad. The parish is now the only predominately African American Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.