Re-Release of the African American Catholic Youth Bible Marks a Renewed Commitment to Identity, Faith, and Evangelization
Washington, D.C. — February 26, 2026 — In continued commitment to God and family, Saint Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart (The Josephites) announces a rerelease of the African American Catholic Youth Bible in response to the requests of the faithful apostolate. Originally developed to affirm the rich spiritual heritage and lived experiences of African American Catholics, the African American Catholic Youth Bible continues to serve as a vital resource for young people, acknowledging the lived realities Black American youth as reflected in Sacred Scripture.
At a time when sweeping attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have created confusion, pain, and marginalization for many African American families, this re-release stands as a clear witness: the Church’s embrace of the full dignity and gifts of the Black community is not a political trend, it is a Gospel mandate. The Josephites and their partners remain steadfast in affirming that the history, culture, and spiritual genius of Black Catholics are integral to the life of the Church.
“For over 150 years, the Josephites have served African American communities with fidelity and love,” said John Ricard, Bishop Emeritus of Pensacola-Tallahassee and Superior General of the Josephites. “This Bible is more than a publication. It is a pastoral response. It is an act of evangelization. It seeks to strengthen faith, intergenerational dialogue, and communal resilience. It is an affirmation of our cultural identity and a declaration of Christ’s love and presence in the lives of young people and the nearness of the Holy Spirit throughout history.”
Founded in 1893, but serving the Black community since 1871, the Josephites have long been committed to ministering to Black Catholics and addressing evolving pastoral needs. The Josephites are investing in resources that strengthen parents and children, equip parishes, and promote authentic evangelization in the modern era.
Complementing the Bible’s re-release, the Josephite Pastoral Center is also developing a thematic Bible study guide for Black families, scheduled for release later this year. This forthcoming resource will address the pastoral and spiritual realities facing Black American families while offering wisdom that will benefit the entire Catholic community. It is rooted in Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and the lived experience of the Black Church. The newly updated African American Catholic Youth Bible is sold exclusively through the Josephite Pastoral Center at https://josephitepastoralcenter.org, with proceeds directly supporting the Josephites’ pastoral ministry and evangelization efforts within African American communities nationwide.
