'A Celebration of the African Family Tree'
is June 5 at Holy Angels Parish in Indianapolis

By Mary Ann Wyand

“A Celebration of the African Family Tree” will bring African-Americans and Africans now living in the archdiocese together to share faith and friendship at 4 p.m. on June 5 at the Holy Angels Parish Center, located at 740 W. 28th St., in Indianapolis.

The celebration includes a prayer service, music, dancing and food.

“It’s an occasion to bring African-Americans together with Africans that have come to live here,” said Sister Demetria Smith, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the mission educator for the archdiocese.

“That’s one of the things that is a grea t concern and interest,” Sister Demetria said, “because just this year 114 Africans have come to Indianapolis to live, and a large number of the people coming from Africa are Catholic. We want to help them to appreciate their faith here in this country.”

Sister Demetria, who ministered in Africa for two decades more than 20 years ago, said that, “For me, it’s very exciting—having spent so many years there—that now I am able to relate to the people here. It’s just been very exciting and heartwarming for me.”

Father Kenneth Taylor, director of the archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministry and pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Indianapolis, said the African Catholics who have been resettled in the archdiocese are still learning about the American culture and making new friends.

The prayer service and celebration is open to the public, Father Taylor said, and he hopes archdiocesan Catholics will participate in the gathering.

Sister Demetria said cultural adjustments, including learning a new language, are very difficult for refugees resettled in the United States.

“People think that because they are black that the Africans should be completed adjusted immediately to the culture of the African-American,” she said, “and there’s a whole world of difference. That’s something that we’re going to really have to work through. …. It’s a concern to me that we really do try to understand one another. Every year, we would like to have some sort of celebration. Food is a good way to bring people together. Let’s taste each other’s food and eat together.” †