Attendees encouraged to be instruments of peace, stepping out in faith to help others who are hurting in their communities
DETROIT — Women from across southeast Michigan gathered Aug. 8 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary for the 2026 Black Catholic Women’s Conference, a day of prayer, fellowship and reflection centered on the theme, “Rooted in the Peace of Christ: Persevering Through the World’s Chaos.”
Inspired by Matthew 14:28-33, the conference invited women to reflect on Peter's act of faith in stepping out of the boat and walking toward Jesus in the middle of a storm, and what it means to keep one's eyes on Christ when life feels anything but peaceful.
Charlene A.W. Howard, executive director of Pax Christi USA, challenged the women to remember that Christ is present even when one cannot immediately see him.
Like the disciples' struggle on the sea, it can be easy to become so focused on the storm that one fails to recognize Jesus' presence within it, Howard told those gathered. “The storm was all they could see,” Howard said.
When difficulties, fear and exhaustion become overwhelming, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s presence, Howard said. But Christ does not leave us in the storm.
“Ladies, it’s time for you to know that your God is with you,” Howard told the women.
Peace is not simply as a feeling, Howard added, but a way of life. Being rooted in the peace of Christ means rejecting violence, pursuing justice and being willing to do something when others are hurting, Howard challenged the women.
“It is not enough to call for peace,” Howard said. “We must embody it in a way of life that rejects every form of violence.”
Sometimes, Howard said, that action can be as simple as educating oneself, connecting someone with the help they need, or finding an organization already working to address an issue. “There is always something that can be done,” she said.
A major part of Howard’s message was the importance of women supporting one another. She encouraged the women to build what she called “sacred sister service,” relationships where women can share their stories, listen to one another and find strength during difficult seasons.
She pointed to women throughout Scripture, including Mary and Elizabeth and the daughters of Zelophehad, who found strength in one another and acted with courage.
“We have to be able to recognize when God is passing by,” Howard said, encouraging the women to develop practices that help them remain attentive to God's presence.
The conference included Mass celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, who reminded the women that faith is not meant to be lived alone.
In his homily, Archbishop Weisenburger spoke about the growing individualism in society and the temptation to keep faith private and comfortable. Instead, Christ calls people into a relationship with God and with one another, he said.
Following Christ requires urgency and a willingness to put him first, the archbishop said. He encouraged the women to allow the grace of the Mass and the day's gathering to bring their focus back to what matters most: their relationship with God.
The day also included workshops, a youth track, fellowship and the presentation of the Woman of Faith award, which recognizes women whose faith, leadership and service have strengthened their communities.
This year’s honoree was Joyce Shelton, who has served her parish community, St. Augustine and St. Monica in Detroit, for more than 30 years. Shelton was recognized for her work with young people, retreat leadership and more than two decades accompanying catechumens and candidates through OCIA.
Shelton's nomination highlighted her ability to create spaces where people encounter God's love, find healing, renew their hope and grow in their relationship with Christ. Her ministry, the nomination said, reflects the belief that faith formation is not simply about teaching information, but about walking with people as they encounter Jesus Christ.
The conference also remembered the late Sr. Anneliese Sinnott, OP, honoring her advocacy for justice, racial harmony and racial justice and her commitment to making sure communities had the resources they needed. Sr. Sinnott died in March after 70 years in ministry.
For Destiny Webb, attending the conference has become an annual family tradition.
“I come here every year with my mom and sisters,” Webb said. “I enjoy coming, meeting all these beautiful women and just celebrating our love for God, Jesus and all that he’s brought us.”
Webb said her own faith has been shaped by growing up in the Church and watching her mother serve, giving her a glimpse into the many ways people contribute to the life of the Church.
For the women gathered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, the message was simple but challenging: the storms may come, but Christ remains present. Rooted in Him and strengthened by one another, they can find the courage to keep moving forward.
