Mary Norfleet-Johnson has been on the move for days, traversing the Chicago area, shaking hands and sharing well wishes. Not that she’ll complain about the hectic schedule. The director of the archdiocese’s Office for Black Catholics since July 2009, Norfleet-Johnson knows similar archdiocesan offices around the country are consolidating or closing. And yet, Chicago’s office remains vibrant and spirited, particularly in the midst of its 25th anniversary celebration in late October. “We’re blessed to still have an office that specifically addresses the needs of the black Catholic community and … communicates those needs to the archdiocese and its agencies,” Norfleet-Johnson said. In the 1980s, the archdiocese struggled with a fleeting base of black Catholics. Increasingly, black Catholics were drifting from their faith roots for other denominations they felt better met their spiritual needs. As early as 1981, a number of devoted black Catholics, including priests, clergy and laypeople, noted the discouraging trend. The group began discussions to identify the needs of the local black Catholic community, namely providing the spiritual, cultural, and social nourishment that could reverse the negative trending numbers. Getting started In 1982, the group met with Cardinal Bernardin and presented their solutions, including the formation of an archdiocesan office for black Catholics, the appointment of a black bishop and more black pastors, and a commitment to Catholic education in inner-city neighborhoods. Such efforts and initiatives, the group believed, could revive and reenergize the area’s black Catholic population. By October 1985, the Office for Black Catholics was up and running, targeting its evangelization and advocacy efforts in about 80 predominantly black Catholic parishes, including reemphasizing adult religious education, training laypeople to encourage the return of lapsed black Catholics and bringing enthusiasm to traditional Catholic rites. At the time of its founding, Father Patrick Brennan, the office’s first director, told the Chicago Tribune, “People want to feel God. They want to hear good preaching and feel community. I feel that’s the tug and pull of the evangelical churches. They provide people with a religious experience.” Evolving over 25 years Through its 25 years, evangelization and advocacy have remained core issues for the Office for Black Catholics, often working alongside Bishop Joseph Perry to strengthen outreach and involvement. Last December, the office launched its revamped website (see www.blackcatholicchicago.org). The new virtual home serves as a portal for black Catholics throughout the Chicago area and the nation, providing communications, materials, programs and events of interest to black Catholics. The office has also played an important role in the canonization quest of Father Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first acknowledged black Catholic priest who served Chicago’s black Catholics in the late 19th Century. “As black Catholics in Chicago, we know we stand on the shoulders of Father Tolton,” Norfleet- Johnson said. The office has been quick to evolve as necessary. Initially conceived as an office addressing African-American issues, the office has expanded over the years to include a diverse range of black Catholics including Africans, Haitians and Caribbeans. To further its reach, the office has forged partnerships with other credible, like-minded organizations both in and out of Catholic circles. The office has also placed an increased focus on youth and young adults, holding workshops that encourage young black Catholics to examine their faith and take leadership roles in the church. “The youth and young adults are our now, especially if we want to be a viable community within the Catholic Church,” said Norfleet- Johnson, whose staff includes secretary Anita Owens, music consultant Tyrone Pittman, and domestic violence consultant Beverly Ann Stewart. Over its 25 years, the office’s presence has made a positive impact in the lives of many local black Catholics. Serving a local black Catholic population of 90,000, Norfleet- Johnson knows much work remains and yet stands eager to pursue the future’s promise. “We know where we’ve been and we’ll take those experiences to lead us where we want to go,” Norfleet-Johnson said.