October offers Black Catholics across the country opportunities to gather in faith, celebrate Black Catholic life and culture, deepen their spiritual formation, and connect with Catholic communities beyond their own dioceses. From retreats and conferences to parish celebrations and special liturgies, this roundup highlights events taking place throughout the month that may be of interest to Black Catholics.
Whether you're looking for a local gathering or an opportunity to connect with Black Catholics in another part of the country, explore the events below for dates, locations, registration information and more.
Know of an event that is not featured below? Reach out to Sheila at sheila@blackcatholicmessenger.org to have it considered for inclusion. Submission does not guarantee a feature.
Priority Entrance Reservations
All events during the Saint Bernadette Relic Visit are free.
A Priority Entrance Reservation is not required to visit Our Lady of Lourdes or to venerate the relics.
Reservations are offered only for those events where church capacity must be limited.
A reservation gives you priority entrance ahead of the standby line for that particular event.
Priority Entrance Reservations open to the GENERAL PUBLIC on September 8 at 12:00 midnight
Free admission • Free neighborhood street parking • Priority Entrance Reservations available for selected events
Complete schedule, reservations, directions, parking, accessibility information and updates:http://www.ourladylourdes.org
NOTE: - OUTDOOR SEATING: Outdoor seating will not be provided.
Pilgrims who wish to bring a portable chair are welcome to do so.
Please clearly mark your chair with your name or attach a luggage tag.
When entering the church, chairs may be left on the Parish Center porch as space permits.
The porch is monitored by security cameras; however, the parish cannot assume responsibility for chairs or other personal belongings left there.
Time & Location
Oct 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT – Oct 18, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
About The Event
REGISTRATION FEE:
Adult – $195.00 (Lenten Special Registration Price); $215 Starting April 6
$150.00 Youth age 10-17
FOR ROOM HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Hotel Room Must Be Booked By September 1 (NO Exceptions)
HOTEL BOOKING INFORMATION
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Throughout the month of October, there will be screenings of the film Tolton: From Slave to Priest.
About the Film:
The new film from Saint Luke Productions tells the remarkable story of Venerable Augustus Tolton, who was born into slavery and overcame extraordinary racial barriers to become America's first Black Catholic priest.
Unable to enter a seminary in the United States because of his race, Tolton eventually traveled to Rome, where he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1886. Returning to the United States, he devoted his priesthood to serving people of all races despite the prejudice and opposition he encountered.
His life is a powerful witness to faith, perseverance and the dignity of every person. Pope Francis declared Father Tolton Venerable in 2019, recognizing that he lived a life of heroic virtue.
Explore Screening Locations and Tickets: https://toltonmovie.com
