St. Catherine dancers celebrate Black History Month

St. Catherine of Siena Church in Donaldsonville came alive Feb. 26 as the New Generation Liturgical Dancers worshiped during the parish’s Black History Month Mass.

During the procession, they danced to African beats from Funga Alafia –  a West African welcome dance. Before the closing prayer, the girls also worshiped to “Total Praise.” They wore African attire Kente Cloth skirts and African print dresses adorned with headpieces.

St. Catherine introduced its Dance Ministry in 2006. Father Raphael Asika MSP reestablished the liturgical dance ministry at St. Catherine when he was appointed pastor in 2021.

Currently, the New Generation Liturgical Dancers consists of 22 girls ranging from ages 6 to 17. Five of the current dancers are second generation dancers.

The ministry’s goals are to create an atmosphere of praise and worship during Mass and to teach and inspire others through spiritual dance. During the past 16 years, about 55 girls and boys have participated in this spiritual group.

In addition to dancing regularly during weekend Masses at St. Catherine, the dancers have also worshiped with many neighboring churches. With family members and the church community serving as a support system, the dancers have traveled to Houston and Beaumont, Texas as well as Mobile, Alabama.

The teachers for the New Generation Liturgical Dancers are Dellina Dennis-Fernandez and Alyssa Collins. The choreographers, who are  from the original group, are Jasmine and Brittany Collins.

The dancers are under the direction of Kerry Patterson, Louie Ann Hall and Cheryl Comeaux, who also serve as dancewear stylists.