Q. 1. Is black still a liturgical color within the Catholic Church? I have not seen it used in years.

A. 1. The color black, which represents mourning and sorrow, is recommended for (1) All Souls Day and (2) masses for the dead (Requiem Masses), except for baptized children who've died before the age of reason.

In the United States, many priests prefer not to use the color black. That explains why you have not seen it for years. Although this is the case, the color black continues to be a valid liturgical color.