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Catholics of African Descent Diocese of San Jose (CADDSJ) 

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Inside of a Castle

ABOUT US

Worship and Fellowship with the African Diaspora

The Catholics of African Descent in the Diocese of San Jose (CADDSJ) serve as advisors and liaisons to the Bishop on all matters relating to the Catholics of African Descent (CAD). CAD includes African Americans, Afro-Latin Americans, Caribbeans, and indigenes of different African nations in the Diocese of San Jose.

Pray

Cherishing and caring for others unconditionally

Learn

Being brave and taking risks in the face of adversity

Serve

Appreciating the blessings in our lives and expressing thanks

Join us

Showing empathy and kindness towards others in need

BELIEFS THAT UNIT US

Empowered by God to reach others for Christ

Our community makes us unique. They have an energy that reverberates around them. Their mission in life is to ensure the wonder in the world is not overlooked.

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Meet Our Leadership

Fr. James Okafor

chaplain of the Nigerian Igbo community

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Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Connect with us and stay in touch

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Our Mission is to be a convening place for different faith communities in order to drive racial reconciliation.

The idea to begin CADDSJ started when the leaders of different African communities identified a need to bring together the people of African descent within the Diocese of San Jose. Fr. James Okafor, the chaplain of the Nigerian Igbo community, along with Mawuko Nyuiadzi,  the first president of CADDSJ and Margaret Muchemu, the first secretary of CADDSJ, led leaders of other African diaspora communities to the first meeting of CADDSJ on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Holy Family Parish, San Jose.

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At this meeting, the idea to celebrate the first diocesan Black History Month Mass was agreed on. The first celebration was held Sunday, February 15, 2020, with Bishop Oscar Cantu presiding, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint . About one month later, all community masses in the diocese were halted due to the COVID pandemic. During this challenging time, the CADDSJ continued to create and keep the community vibrant and active.

Since 2020, CADDSJ consistently plans and hosts the annual diocesan Black History Month Mass, in February. The parishes where CADDSJ has hosted the February Black History Mass are:​

  • 2020 - St Joseph Cathedral

  • 2021 - St. Lucy, Campbell

  • 2022 - St. Francis of Assi, SJ

  • 2023 - St. Frances Cabrini

  • 2024 - St. Frances Cabrini

  • 2025 - St. Frances Cabrini

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