WATCH: Here come the saints, in a joyful, spirit-filled Mardi Gras Mass

Mardi Gras is just a week from tomorrow, so to get you in the spirit, check out the jubilant video from Holy Name of Jesus Church in Los Angeles—a reminder, in so many ways, of James Joyce’s famous remark about the Catholic Church, “Here comes everyone.” We are a big Church.

For further proof, read this story that accompanies the video, from Marquette University: 

“What took you so long?”

The Gospel Choir’s leader asked me these words as I signed up for their group last fall.

I thought about it. What did take me so long?

It took me almost four years to understand how God could be active in my life away from home — and to reconcile being Black and Catholic.

When I introduced myself to the choir, I explained I was from Los Angeles and indicated I was Catholic. Many were surprised that I, as a Catholic, even knew gospel music.

With a chuckle, I share my background. My church, Holy Name of Jesus, is an established African American Catholic church. It’s been my family’s place of worship for a half century.

Gospel music is in my upbringing. My understanding of Catholicism rose out of African-American worship.

I grew up watching priests and deacons dance down the aisles, speak to the audience expecting responses, and calling children to the altar. The best part about Holy Name of Jesus was and still is the music. Every Mass elated my soul.

At home, I was blessed to serve in two choirs — the children’s and young adults — accompanied by a full band. I truly enjoy the fellowship in and out of Mass. The feeling you get seeing people clap and sing along to the songs you sing is nostalgic. It offers much more than repetitive acts of orchestrated movements.

My favorite experience was participating in my church’s tradition related to my Creole roots, in celebration of Mardi Gras before Ash Wednesday. I watched as our Caucasian saxophonist and Latino deacon joined with the African American congregation . It was unifying just as it was gratifying.

My understanding of being Black and Catholic became challenged at Marquette, when presented with the reality of Catholicism.

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, relatively few African Americans in the US are Catholic — less than 10 percent. Even more staggering is only 75 men of African-American descent are in the seminary.

I came to understand I was a minority both in my roots and worship.

But read on to learn how joining the Gospel choir changed that.