ADN 0003.011 Joseph A. Francis, 1934-1997 ADN 0003.011 Finding aid prepared by Lori Lauterbach

The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collection Center
Walsh Library, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079
January 2012 This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2013-09-24T11:36-0400 Finding aid written in English. Describing Archives: A Content Standard November 2012 Minor additions to descriptive information, controlled access headings. Joseph A. Francis papers ADN 0003.011 The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collection Center 4.0 Linear feet 1934-1997 Joseph Francis was ordained as a priest in 1950 and became the fourth African American Roman Catholic bishop in the country, and the first ordained in the Northeast. Bishop Francis was a pioneering figure in the discussion of race and religion. The materials in this collection span the years between 1934 and 1997, and includes much of Bishop Francis' own writings for his speeches and sermons. Francis, Joseph A. Related Archival Materials note

John J. O'Connor papers, 1873-1928 (bulk 1900-1927), ADN 0002.004, in the Msgr. William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center.

John M. Osterreicher papers, 1920-2000, Mss 0053. The Monsignor Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Walsh Library, Seton Hall University.

 Biographical note

Bishop Joseph Francis was ordained as a priest in 1950 and earned his Master's Degree from Catholic University prior to his appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, New Jersey. He was only the fourth African American Roman Catholic bishop in the country, and the first ordained in the Northeast. Born in 1923 in Lafayette, Louisiana, Bishop Francis would become a pioneering figure in the discussion of race and religion. His 1979 pastoral letter on racism, "Brothers and Sisters to Us," is well-recognized within the religious community. The founding of Verbum Dei High School in the Watts community of Los Angeles is also a significant accomplishment in Bishop Francis' career. He served there as principal for six years after its founding, expressing a dedication to serving the educational needs of minority communities. In addition, Bishop Francis dedicated much of his time to the Catholic Volunteer Network, serving as Episcopal Advisor and helping in the growth of the program to a national level. He had a profound impact in the spheres of catholic education and racial justice, and was well-respected and admired by his peers and those he served. Bishop Francis died of heart failure, at age 73, in 1997.

 Conditions Governing Use

All materials available in this collection (unless otherwise noted) are the property of the Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center and Seton Hall University, which reserves the right to limit access to or reproduction of these materials. Reproduction of materials or content is subject to United States copyright restrictions and may be subject to federal or state privacy regulations. Permission to publish exact reproductions must be obtained from the Director of the Archives and Special Collections Center.

 Scope and Contents note

The materials in this collection span the years between 1934 and 1997, and includes much of Bishop Francis' own writings for his speeches and sermons. Race and religion is a frequent topic of his pieces, and the work done for his pastoral letter on racism, "Brothers and Sisters to Us," is included. There are also religious pamphlets and newspapers which feature articles by or about Bishop Francis. The eight photographs in this collection capture Bishop Francis in religious ceremonies at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, as well as in the company of non-religious figures such as actor James Earl Jones. Included also are several video and audiotapes of lectures and ceremonies. This collection also includes a great number of awards, honors, and certificates, demonstrating the recognition and honor bestowed upon Bishop Francis by his community.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials were transferred to the Archives and Special Collections Center from Bishop Joseph A. Francis and from the Archdiocese of Newark.

 Preferred Citation

Joseph A. Francis papers, ADN 0003.011, in the Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Seton Hall University.

 Arrangement note

This collection is arranged into seven series:

Correspondence Professional papers Race and Catholicism Speeches and sermons Photographs Awards and honors Audiovisual materials Processing Information note

This collection was processed by Lori Lauterbach in January of 2012. Finding aid written by Lori Lauterbach in 2012; description and finding aid modified, html finding aid created by Tracy M. Jackson and Ben Clark as part of Overhaul Project collection survey, 2012.

 Digital Content

Select items from this collection have been digitized. To view these items, click here.

 Restrictions:

This collection includes audio-visual materials. Access copies of audiotapes, audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, film reels, or other audio-visual materials may need to be ordered prior to on-site research. Please contact us to inquire about access to audio-visual materials.

Otherwise, materials are available for research at the Msgr. William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center. Advance appointments are required for the use of archival materials.

 Francis, Joseph A. African American Catholics. Audiotapes. Bishop Catholics--United States--History--Sources. Letters. Photographs. Prayer books. Racism--Religious aspects--Christianity Video tapes. Correspondence Series I. 1979-1992 Correspondence with Diana Hayes regarding manuscript 1 1 1991 Correspondence with Michael Drohan of Duquesne University 1 2 1985 Correspondence regarding ordinations 1979-1992 Professional papers Series II. 1959-1996 Catholic University dissertation 1 4 1959 Rite of Ordination (Bishop) 1 5 1977 Felician College Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters 1 6 1996 Presentation of Testimony, Sacramento Bicentennial hearings 1 7 1975 Appointment as the Titular Bishop of Valli Posita and Auxiliary Bishop of Newark 1 8 1976 Divine Messenger, special issue on Auxiliary Bishop Francis 1 9 1976 Impact magazine tribute to Bishop Francis 1 10 1976 U.S. Bishops Conference on Liberty and Justice For All agenda and memos 1 11 1976 Call to Action response proposal forms 1 12 1976 Call to Action Conference 1 13 1976 Implementation Guide to Affirmative Action Policy for the Newark Catholic Archdiocese 1 14 undated An Affirmative Action Policy for the Archdiocese of Newark 1 15 1981 Proceedings 22nd Assembly, Prophetic Poverty and Obedience 1 16 1988 Evangelization Editorial Board 1 17 1988-1989 Rite of Confirmation transcript and program 1 18 1977 Report on Bishop Francis by Sister Elizabeth K. Collins 1 19 undated List of Native Lousiana Bishops 1 20 1992 Race and Catholicism Series III. 1974-1996 The Immorality of Racism paper by Sister Thibodeaux 1 21 undated Historical and Cultural Considerations for Black Catholic Worship 1 22 undated Racism and Pastoral Ministry in the Catholic Church in the U.S.A. 1 23 1977 Literature on racism and religion 1 24 1979-1991 Pastoral Letter on Racism 1 25 1989 Materials on racism 1 26 1989-1990 Papers, clippings 1 27 1985-1989 Materials on racism 1 28 1991-1993 Articles on racism 1 29 1982-1992 National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice 1 30 1985-1996 Employment of Minorities within Central Offices of U.S. Catholic Dioceses report 1 31 undated History of the Black Catholic Liturgical Movement 1 32 1983 Assessment of urban catholic school systems 1 33 1983 Sojourners magazine 1 34 1983 In a Word magazine 1 35 1983-1993 The Sin of Racism and our Catholic Response pamphlet 1 36 1996 How Bishops Talk article 1 37 1996 Impact magazines 1 38 1974-1977 Pastoral letters on racism 1 39 1978 Materials on racism and Bishop Francis 1 40 1975-1978 What We Have Seen and Heard, Pastoral on Racism 1 41 1984 A Pastoral Plan to Combat Racism and Renew our Catholic Diversity 1 42 1990 Speeches and sermons Series IV. 1978-1997 Advocate for Justice, and others 2 1 1978-1979 Mary the Mother of Jesus, and others 2 2 1982-1997 Evangelization workshop 2 3 1984 A Message of Thanksgiving, and others 2 4 1991 Our Response to Catholic Social Teachings 2 5 1993 Catholic Social Thought and Minorities, and others 2 6 1995 Reconciliation, and others 2 7 undated Black Catholics and their Church, and others 2 8 undated Spirituality of ministry 2 9 undated Solitude, Iowa retreat 2 10 undated Ecclesiastical spirituality, Iowa retreat 2 11 undated Ecclesiastical spirituality for the minister, Iowa retreat 2 12 undated Temptation to be spectacular, Iowa retreat 2 13 undated Solitude II, Iowa retreat 2 14 undated Temptation to be relevant, Iowa retreat 2 15 undated The third temptation - power, Iowa retreat 2 16 undated Compassion, Iowa retreat 2 17 undated Shared responsibility, Iowa retreat 2 18 undated Prayer, Iowa retreat 2 19 undated Evangelization and social justice, Iowa retreat 2 20 undated Drafts 2 21 undated MLK legacy speech 2 22 undated Photographs Series V. 1976-1979 Bishop Francis and James Earl Jones 2 23 undated Bishop Francis with Peter Rodino, autographed 2 24 undated Bishops Francis, Garner, Dougherty, Marconi with Archbishop Gerety at Newark Airport 2 25 1976 Bishop Francis at SHU podium 2 26 1979 Bishop Francis with Jim Jensen, autographed 2 27 1979 Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica Rectory, Newark, NJ, color photograph, framed 2 28 1976 Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral, color photograph, framed 2 29 1976 Bishop Francis portrait, color photograph, framed 2 30 undated Awards and honors Series VI. 1967-1995 10th Anniversary plaque from "The Grail" in California [image only] 2 39 1986 25th Anniversary celebration of Verbum Dei High School 2 34 1987 Appreciation Award from St. Rocco's Church 2 34 1984 Appreciation plaque from Catholic Woman's Club 2 34 1988 Appreciation plaque from class of '68 2 34 1968 Appreciation plaque from OLHC school 2 34 1983 Bergen County Urban League Paul Robeson Award [image only] 2 39 1981 Bishop Francis Day Proclamation XOF-1 XOFF-1 1989 Bishop Joseph A. Francis Day Proclimation, City of East Orange 17 October 1998 Bishop Joseph A. Francis Faith and Justice Center dedication plaque 2 34 1988 Caldwell College congratulatory plaque 2 34 1986 Catholic Network of Volunteer Service Award [image only] 2 39 1993 Catholic University Master's Degree XOF-1 XOFF-1 1959 City of Austin, TX Honorary Citizen Award OF-1 OFF-11 1977 Commemorative Bowl, 1st place, Kodiak, Alaska 1979 Council and Office of Black Catholic Affairs, Archdiocese of San Francisco 10th anniversary of pastoral letter on racism plaque [image only] 2 39 1989 County of L.A. Honor 2 39 1976 County of L.A. Honor XOF-1 XOFF-1 1987 Doctor of Humane Letters nameplate [image only] 2 39 undated Educational Opportunity Program Recognition Award 2 34 1992 Episcopal Ordination Announcement [image only] 2 39 1976 Essex Catholic High School Hall of Fame 2 39 undated Essex County Proclamation honoring Bishop Francis' St. Rocco's Church award XOF-1 XOFF-1 1989 Gov. Christine Whitman Proclamation Honor upon Bishop Francis' retirement XOF-1 XOFF-1 1995 Holy Name Society Honor, MLK Jr. Communion Breakfast 2 34 1988 Home School Association of Ironbound Interparochial Elementary School Apppreciation Award 2 34 1985 Knights of Columbus Certificate of Appreciation OF-1 OFF-11 1995 Knights of St. Peter Claver Recognition Award 2 34 1977 L.A. and Watts Chamber of Commerce Recognition plaque [image only] 2 39 1967 National Black Clergy Caucus Award [image only] 2 39 1985 National Black Clergy Caucus and National Black Sisters' Conference President's Award [image only] 2 39 1988 National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award OF-1 OFF-11 1982 National Conference for Interracial Justice 10th anniversary of pastoral letter recognition plaque [image only] 2 39 1989 National Office for Black Catholics Recognition Award 2 34 1979 New Jersey Senate Resolution Letter honoring Bishop Francis OF-1 OFF-11 undated Newark Mayor Sharpe James' Proclamation of Bishop Francis Day XOF-1 XOFf-1 1986 Office of Black Catholic Affairs: Presbyterate and Episcopate Ordination Anniversaries 2 34 1986 Office of Black Catholics MLK Jr. Award [image only] 2 39 1986 Office of Catholic Schools Recognition plaque [image only] 2 39 1993 Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year 2 34 1987 Our Lady of the Gulf Recognition Day for Bishop Francis 2 31 1976 Pioneers and Polestars Award for contribution to St. Elizabeth Seton House and the Jersey City community 2 34 1990 Service Award from Verbum Dei High School class of '69 2 34 1969 Seton Hall University Human Relations Week [image only] 2 39 1991 SHU Law School Thurgood Marshall Award XOF-1 XOFF-1 1991 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament commemorative 10th anniversary pastoral letter on racism plaque OF-1 OFF-11 1989 State of Mississippi Proclamation as Colonel on the staff of Governor Cliff Finch XOF-1 XOFF-1 1976 State of Texas Honorary Citizen Award OF-1 OFF-1 1977 UMDNJ Appreciation plaque 2 34 1997 Awards and degrees, 2 32 1987-1991 Honorary degrees 1977-1988 St. Michael's College Honorary Doctor of Social Science 2 33 1977 Framed medallion 2 33 undated St. Peter's College Honorary degree OF-1 1977 Seton Hall University Honorary degree OF-1 OFF-11 1979 Catholic Theological Union Honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology 2 33 1979 College of Holy Cross citation of Honorary Doctor of Ministry 2 33 1981 Lady of the Elms citation of Honorary Doctor of Laws 2 33 1988 Lady of the Elms Honorary Doctor of Laws 2 33 1988 Iona College Honorary degree OF-1 1990 Annual Pierre Toussaint Award (medal) 4 1988 SHU Educational Opportunity Program Award of Recognition 2 34 1997 Father Jim Ferry Award for Evangelization 2 34 1996 Prayer book with the name Norman Christopher Francis inscribed on the back page 2 38 undated Prayer book from students of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School 2 36 1991 Bishop Francis' New Testament Bible 2 35 1941 Enclosures from Bishop Francis' New Testament Bible 2 35 1941 Walking on the Wings of the Wind signed by author Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. 2 38 1980 Audiovisual materials Series VII. 1934-1986 Saint Patrick's Cathedral Black History Mass 3 VT-3 1997 Black Experience with Bishop Francis 3 VT-1 1995 60 minutes with Bishop Francis 3 VT-2 1990 Rev. Anthony Bourges 1st mass, St. Paul's, Lafayette, LA 3 CT-11 1934 Bishop Francis Ceremony, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newark, NJ 3 CT-10 1976 Church in Black Community by Father Cyprian Davis 3 CT-9 1979 "Women in Church" lecture by Sister Joan Chittister, Bishops' Consultation, Notre Dame 3 CT-8 1981 "Why is the Glow off the Inner City?" lecture by Bishop Francis 3 CT-7 1982 108 Information, Chuck and Marie 3 CT-6 1983 Jubilee Mass 3 CT-5 1986 Very Reverend Joseph A. Francis, St. Louis, MS 3 CT-4 undated Bishop Francis I 3 CT-3 undated Bishop Francis III 3 CT-2 undated Bishop Francis keynote address "Family Evangelization and Vocations" 3 CT-1 undated Ordination book 2 37 1934-1950