This meeting, facilitated by the Intercultural Ministries Office, offered the opportunity to revisit a previously raised concern about the lack of an official chaplain or spiritual director for the African community. This concern came from a desire to ensure the community is able to have their spiritual needs met while honoring both faith and cultural aspects.

“We have to be considerate of the challenges in the cultural ways of approaching evangelization,” stated one of the attending priests. “This goes beyond language.”  

Bishop Parkes supported establishing a chaplain and stated that, “Encounter is what our ministry is about.” With his support, the priests at this meeting were given the opportunity to nominate who they thought would best fill the role of chaplain and elected Fr. Peter Okojie.  

Another point discussed was the desire for an increase in collaboration between the African and broader Black Catholic population, especially the African American community. To facilitate the connection with the African American and broader community, Fr. Okojie requested that Deacon John Carter, currently serving the Catholic community at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, be named Associate Chaplain.  

Bishop Parkes accepted the recommendation for Deacon Carter, and officially established Fr. Okojie and Deacon Carter as chaplains for the African and Black Catholic community.