Catholic Cultural Diversity Network Convocation 2010

Three hundred church leaders – bishops, priests, religious and laity – gathered last May 6-8, 2010 at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana for the Cultural Diversity Network Convocation. It was organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) through its Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church. The historic gathering of peoples from among many cultures and races brings to light the universality of the Catholic Church.

The Church has become as much an immigrant Church today as it was a hundred years ago. It is evident that there are dramatic demographic shifts in Catholic parishes, dioceses and regions throughout the country and in the ranks of the clergy, religious and lay leaders. The convocation aims at providing the pastoral leaders a chance to communicate their stories within their own groups as well as with a wider cross-section of participants from other groups and communities.

At the start of the convocation, a representative of each group/family delivered a witness statement about who the people in that family were, where they came from, the blessings they have experienced on their journey, the obstacles they have faced in their path, the opportunities they want to seize and their vision for the future.

The participants also expressed that they draw their strength and inspiration from God, from one another, from each one's professionalism and expertise, from each one's willingness to be open and to improve, from each one's capacity to be fully human, trusting and serene, grateful and encouraging, from each one's personal commitment to Christ who has commissioned all with this sacred task. Furthermore, they strive to respond to the challenges of this ministry in faithfulness to the teachings of Christ who said, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35) and what "whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me" (Mt 25:40).

At the end of the convocation, a panel of bishops pondered on the meeting, all expressing delight that the convocation had generated a vibrant energy among the participants. The convocation is a truly a special time of celebration and growth among select cross-section of Catholic leaders. There are plans under way for similar convocations in other dioceses to strengthen the Church's unity in diversity.

(Fr. Yul Ibay is the Administrator of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Corpus Christi Beach, Texas and serves as consultant to the USCCB Secretariat on Cultural Diversity-Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.)