The National Black Sisters' Conference

07/22/2026

In just four days, the National Black Sisters’ Conference will gather in Towson, Maryland, for the **2026 NBSC Annual Assembly!**

Under the spirit of **“Reflect. Renew. Respond.”**, Black Catholic women religious, associates, partners, and friends will come together for sacred prayer, meaningful reflection, inspiring workshops, joyful fellowship, and a renewed commitment to serve the Church and our communities.

We look forward to:

🕊️ Remembrance and Reflection
💡 Inspiring Workshops and Conversations
⛪ Jubilee Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church
🥂 Opening Reception and Fellowship
🎉 The Harambee Banquet
❤️ Sisterhood, Renewal, and a Collective Call to Respond

This is more than an assembly—it is a sacred homecoming and a celebration of the faith, strength, leadership, and enduring legacy of Black women religious.

📅 **The journey begins Sunday, July 26!**

Pack your spirit of expectation and prepare to be renewed. We cannot wait to welcome you!

07/10/2026

The National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC) is proud to serve as a campaign partner for See. Love. Vote, a national, nonpartisan initiative led by NETWORK Advocates and faith partners across the country to encourage informed, faithful participation in the 2026 elections.

As Black Catholic Sisters, we have long witnessed to the Gospel through advocacy, service, education, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Our faith calls us to uphold the dignity of every person, seek the common good, and encourage active participation in shaping communities where all people can flourish. Voting is one important way we live out that call.
Rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the See.

Love. Vote. campaign equips individuals and communities with trusted, nonpartisan resources to become informed and engaged voters. Rather than endorsing candidates or political parties, the campaign encourages prayerful discernment, civic responsibility, and participation in our democratic process.

As a campaign partner, NBSC invites our members, associates, supporters, and communities to learn more about the issues that affect our nation, engage in respectful dialogue, and prepare to vote with conscience, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
Together, let us continue our legacy of faith-filled leadership by ensuring every voice is heard and every vote reflects our shared commitment to the common good.

Learn more about the See. Love. Vote. campaign and access voter resources by visiting:
https://networkadvocates.org/vote

"Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4

06/21/2026

Dear Heavenly Father,

We lift up all fathers with gratitude and prayer. Please grant them patience in the everyday moments, courage to stand firm for their children, and a love big enough to cover every challenge. Bless their homes to be filled with peace, joy, and hopeful memories, even amid busy days and hard moments. Guide their steps with gentleness when needed and boldness when called for, and help them feel seen and supported by family, friends, and their faith community. May they be nurtured by Your grace, uplifted by Your presence, and empowered to love quietly, teach relentlessly, and build a brighter future for us all.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

06/20/2026

Join us July 26-30th in Towson, Maryland, for a week of reflection, renewal, and response. For more information, www.nbsc68.org

Registration Early Bird Special AVAILABLE!

06/15/2026

Are you registered? Have you reserved your hotel room? NO?! Don't worry, there is still time!

Look forward to fellowshipping with you in Towson, Maryland, July 26-30th!

July 26–30, 2026 — Towson, MD. NBSC Annual Conference: Reflect, Renew, Respond. A time to reflect on progress, renew our commitments, and respond with impact. More info visit www.nbsc68.org/aa2026

National Black Sisters' Conference

06/15/2026

The 45-year-old chaplain is set to become the nation's youngest Catholic prelate and the latest African-American auxiliary bishop in Washington.

05/22/2026

With deep sorrow, NBSC shares in the loss of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ—our shepherd, mentor, and friend. His lifelong service as a Josephite priest, educator, pastor, bishop, and humanitarian inspired us all. NBSC deeply respected and cherished the steadfast support he offered to our community and to so many others.

05/21/2026

They are among at least nine North American Black Catholics receiving Holy Orders this year in the United States.

05/21/2026

Official Statement on the passing of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ

Washington, DC — It is with deep sorrow that the Josephites announce the passing of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ, Superior General of the Josephites and Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, who died on May 20, 2026, at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Washington, DC.

Born on February 29, 1940, Bishop Ricard faithfully served the Catholic Church for decades through his ministry as a Josephite priest, counselor, educator, pastor, bishop, humanitarian, and leader. He devoted his life to the proclamation of the Gospel, humanitarian efforts worldwide, the mission of the Josephite Society, and the pastoral care of God’s people, especially within Black Catholic communities.

The Josephite community asks for prayers for the repose of Bishop Ricard’s soul, for the Josephite community, his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing.

Further information regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be shared soon.

Media & Public Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:
Very Reverend Ray Bomberger, SSJ

Vicar General
Email: [email protected]

05/07/2026

With profound joy and prayerful thanksgiving, the National Black Sisters’ Conference congratulates Bishop-elect Father Robert P. Boxie III on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.