Asian Pacific Islander Family United States ….pptx

Catholic Cultural Diversity Network ConvocationMay 6-8, 2010 University of Notre DameAsian and Pacific Islanders FamilyWho We AreDiverse and rich, brought values and giftsNew and different sense of family yet united in the Catholic faith - from nuclear to extended family - reality of mixed marriages - integrated especially the US-bornCross-cultural experiences, work and worship with different groupsMore similarities than differencesExperience language difficulties at firstImage of God is not a white man We discovered during our conversations with other families that we have much in common - our family values, the challenges we face and our dreams for our familiesChallenges We FaceChinese concept always together and reflected in the writing system Challenge + Opportunity = “Crisis”Wei is danger or threat + Ji is opportunityMajor Challenges/Issues Youth and Young adult leadership - not in national and regional arenas, lack faith and skill formation - ethnic ministries mainly for first generation immigrants, weak in generational differentiated ministries - lack effective use of technology for evangelization - more vigorous support for vocations - changing values, language, culture create confusionVisibility in society and the larger church - APIs remain invisible in many parishes and dioceses, 50% of API’s in the west coast - API’s considered as one family/the same - No critical mass, still in ethnic silos, still timid, quietDiversity - racism masking as diversity - socio-economic issues, povertyInstitutional church, popular religiosity and movements - tension and mistrust of popular religiosity, no affirmation or recognition Opportunities and Next StepsFormation especially for youth and young adult leaders to truly form them (certification) and empower them to lead the church of the future - Work with existing diocesan religious education offices and supplement what is lacking in cultural, language and cross-cultural elements - Find or build resources and off