Contact: Erika L. Forsythe (304) 766-3363 eforsythe@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – An internationally acclaimed gospel choir will join in a special First Friday Mass to celebrate the first anniversary of West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Catholic Campus Ministries on Sept. 6 at noon in the P. Ahmed Williams auditorium in Ferrell Hall.
“The students are very excited to celebrate this one-year anniversary, and we hope to continue expanding the organization in the future,” said Kellie Toledo, faculty co-sponsor of WVSU Catholic Campus Ministries.
The First Friday Mass will feature the St. Paul and Augustine’s Gospel Choir from Washington D.C. The choir has just returned from a major European tour and is known both nationally and internationally for its blend of African-American gospel music and songs for the Roman Catholic Mass.
“The St. Paul and Augustine’s Gospel Choir exemplifies the Catholic Church’s rich history of contributions to gospel music, especially African-American music,” said Dr. Robert Harrison, faculty co-sponsor of WVSU Catholic Campus Ministries.
In addition to their performance in Institute, the St. Paul and Augustine’s Gospel Choir will also perform Friday evening, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston.
Both performances will offer opportunities for Catholic outreach, and all are welcome to attend the events. The masses are free to attend, and there will be collections taken to assist with covering the expenses of the choir.
The P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium is located on the second floor of Ferrell Hall. Free parking will be available in the main lot across the street from Ferrell Hall.
The Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is located at 1114 Virginia St. East in Charleston.
For more information about WVSU Catholic Campus Ministries, contact Dr. Robert Harrison at (304) 766-3313 or harrisonr@wvstateu.edu.