Our Cultural Communities

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is a Church community rich in diversity. We invite you learn more about a few of the cultural communities within our church and encourage you to join us at events that celebrate our diversity.

African American/Black, African, Caribbean and South American Catholics

Black Catholic CommunitiesThe former archdiocesan Office of Black Catholics, established in September 1974, is now part of the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach. The office listens to the needs and concerns expressed by Black Catholics and assists the Archdiocese in its responses. It provides and develops resources for education, participates in archdiocesan planning and decision making, and implements and assists with relevant programs.

The office continues to expand its outreach to African communities by maintaining contact with local and national groups with similar purposes and goals.

The office supports the Archdiocese of Washington Gospel Mass Choir, which represents 15 parishes, in evangelizing through liturgical and sacred music. The office also provides racial, ethnic and cultural sensitivity and awareness materials and workshops. It offers training and encouragement for upcoming and current African American Catholic parish leaders.

Asian and Pacific Islanders

The Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach engages with the local Catholic Asian and Pacific Islander community in a variety of ways, including through support to the Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage, held each first Saturday in May at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The office also works with the USCCB Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs.

Hispanics and Latinos

Pilgrims carry a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the Walk with Mary pilgrimageThe former Office of Hispanic Ministry is now part of the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach. The Office listens to the needs and concerns expressed by the Hispanic and Latino Catholic communities and assists the Archdiocese in its responses. It provides and develops resources for education, participates in archdiocesan planning and decision making, and implements and helps with programs.

The office maintains contact with local and national groups with similar purposes and goals, and actively participates in V Encuentro and Catholic Hispanic conferences in the United States.

Native Americans

The Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach supports the local Native American Catholic community through ongoing outreach, support and events.

The office also works with the USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.

Contact the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for more information.