Electronic Newsletter 

Updated Christmas 2018 Message

The Holy Father reminds us, "In switching on the light of the Nativity scene, we wish for the light of Christ to be in us. A Christmas without light is not Christmas. Let there be light in the soul, in the heart; let there be forgiveness to others; let there be no hostilities, which are dark. Let there be the beautiful light of Jesus. This is my wish for all of you, when you turn on the light of the crib" (Pope Francis).
 
Let us allow the light of Jesus to illumine brightly the path that leads to holiness. May you have a blessed Christmas and a grace filled New Year.
 
Sr. Myrna Tordillo, mscs
Register Now! 

Sunday, February 3, 2019, 3:30 PM-4:45 PM - A community workshop titled: New Faces in Need of Justice: Advocacy with Asian and Pacific Island (API) Catholics , will have as speakers: Fr. Simon Kim, Corinne Monogue, Janet Basilan, and Sr. Myrna Tordillo, mscs. The workshop will be heldduring the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2019 CSMG is Let Justice Flow (cf. Amos 5:24): A Call to Restore and Reconcile. In conjunction with the CSMG, the Diversity Outreach Initiative (DOI) will take place. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the CSMG website.
 
Saturday, February 16, 2019 - The Asian and Pacific Island (API) Day at MAC will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore, MD. The theme for the event is Encountering Christ in Harmony: Disciples in Mission, which will feature a number of guest speakers, including: Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, D.D., Most Rev. Thanh Thai Nguyen, Fr. Linh Hoang, OFM, Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, Corinne Monogue, Dr. Jem Sullivan, and Msgr. Joseph Trinh. To register, please see the registration form. Limited scholarships are available; to apply for a scholarship, please see the scholarship application.

Resources 

Encountering Christ in Harmony - A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters (Product Code 7-576) - 
This much anticipated pastoral response will guide the Catholic Church in the United States in addressing the pastoral needs of Asian and Pacific Island communities and provide a framework for dioceses and parishes to create pastoral plans specific to their circumstances. 





Rooted in Tradition: The Chamorro Catholics in the United States (Product Code 7-572) - A new edition to the small book series about a people indigenous to the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific, the Chamorros have a strong Catholic heritage, which they brought with them to the United States.







Resettling in Place: A Vietnamese American Catholic Experience  (Product Code 7-480) - This small book is a snapshot description about a community who rebuilt their faith life by sustaining family values, culture, and Catholic devotional practices.









Harmony in Faith: Korean American Catholics
(Product Code 7-479) - This small book on Korean American Catholics connects each believer to their roots in Korea, weaving through thick layers of their history of faith.

Upcoming Events 
December 2018 - Many archdioceses and dioceses celebrate Simbang Gabi, a Filipino tradition of Novena Masses (nine consecutive days) celebrated in parishes across the country leadi ng up to Christmas. It is "a privileged votive mass, i.e., a mass that does not correspond to the liturgical calendar but has a special intention" said Philippines Church historian Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon. 


US Conference of Catholic Bishops 
Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church  
 | Telephone: 202-541-3384  | Email: [email protected]  | Website