National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus 2026 Convocation

 

Theme: Dwelling Together as One (Psalm 133:1)

 

July 21–24, 2026

Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown

1200 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002

 

Dear Brothers in Ministry,

Christ is risen!

I write to invite you to the convening of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus in Houston, Texas, from July 21 through July 24, 2026. This gathering will take place just ahead of the annual convention of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, offering us a providential opportunity to be present united and visible in the life of our wider Black Catholic community.

The convening will bring together bishops, priests, deacons along with their wives, religious brothers, and seminarians. The primary focus of this gathering will be the strengthening of fraternity and relationships among the brothers. In the midst of our many pastoral responsibilities and the increasing demands of ministry, it is both necessary and life-giving that we come together not primarily for business but for brotherhood.

Our time in Houston will provide space for prayer, shared reflection, honest conversation, and the deepening of the bonds that sustain us in our vocation. We recognize that our effectiveness in ministry is strengthened when we are rooted in authentic fraternity. When we support one another, challenge one another, and walk together, we become more faithful witnesses to the Gospel and more effective servants of the people entrusted to our care.

This gathering is an opportunity to renew that commitment to one another. It is a moment to be present, to listen, and to build the kind of relationships that endure beyond meetings and moments.

I encourage you to complete your registration as soon as possible so that we may prepare adequately for our time together. Information regarding hotel accommodations is also provided below.

Let us continue to keep one another in prayer, asking the Lord to bless our time together and to deepen the spirit of unity and fraternity that defines our shared mission.

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Rev. Kareem R. Smith
President
National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus

Outline of Activities

 

 Tuesday, July 21

– Evening Prayer

– Welcome Reception

 

Wednesday, July 22

– Continental Breakfast

– Morning Session

– Mass

– Lunch

– Afternoon Session

– Dinner on your own (group fellowship encouraged)

 

Thursday, July 23

– Continental Breakfast

– Morning Session

– Lunch on your own (group fellowship encouraged)

– Free time for site-seeing and relaxation (group fellowship encouraged)

– Offsite Mass & Dinner (transportation will be provided)

 

Friday, July 24

– Breakfast on your own

– Mass

– Morning Session

 

Registration Rates

Individual: $300

Deacon & Spouse: $400

Seminarian/postulant, etc.: no cost

 

 

Registration Instructions

 

Convocation registration and hotel reservations are handled separately.

Additionally, to foster a safe and professional environment for all participants, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus requires clergy and religious to submit a letter of suitability (letter of good standing) to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. Use the information below when requesting the letter from your diocese or religious order.

 

Letters of Suitability:

 

Letters of suitability are to be sent to the Office of the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston:

 

Office of the Chancellor
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
1700 San Jacinto
Houston, TX 77002

 

Event: National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus Convocation

Location: Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown, 1200 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002

 

Ordinary: Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez

Chancellor: Most Reverend Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

Chancellor Email: kherrera@archgh.org

 

Additionally, please email a copy of your letter of suitability to:

Rev. Desmond Drummer, NBCCC Secretary

info@blackcatholicclergy.org

 

Hotel Reservation

Use the link below to reserve your room under the NBCCC Convocation hotel room block:

https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/HOURH/G-KPCN

To secure a reservation under our hotel room block, you must do so by June 28, 2026.

Special instructions for KPC National Convention participants:

If you are planning to stay onsite for the KPC National Convention, you will have to make separate hotel room reservations for the NBCCC Convocation and the KPC National Convention under the respective hotel room blocks. You will be able to remain in the same hotel room for both conferences if you adhere to the following guidance:

  • Ensure your check-out date for the NBCCC Convocation hotel reservation is the check-in date for the KPC National Convention hotel reservation.
  • Ensure you reserve the same room type under the NBCCC Convocation hotel room block and the KPC National Convention hotel room block.

 

Registration Form