About Us
Our Mission
We, representing the different Asian communities, commit ourselves to assist the Diocese of Cleveland in serving the pastoral needs of our people. As a coordinating group, we work for the unity of our particular communities, and our integration and participation in the local church. Appreciative of the rich diversity of cultures and traditions that our people bring, we offer this giftedness as our unique contribution to the building of God's Kingdom today.
Our vision and goals
As followers of Christ and faithful members of the church, we commit ourselves to work closely with the vision and goals of the diocese.
CELEBRATING
As a worshipping community centered in the Eucharist, we celebrate the mystery of the risen Christ, and are committed to the sacramental life and worship of God.
We will:
a. Encourage, promote and integrate distinct Asian elements in the celebration of the liturgy by:
- Incorporating ethnic and cultural elements in parochial and diocesan liturgical celebrations
b. Provide opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal for our communities by:
- Organizing common spiritual renewal programs for Asians such as retreats for different groups and the youth, prayer services and the like.
- Disseminating information regarding spiritual renewal programs in the diocese such as those at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center, Sophia Center, Jesuit Retreat House, Center for Pastoral Leadership, etc.
EVANGELIZING
As bearers of the Good News of God's love, we live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus.
We will:
a. Create ways to empower members of the Asian communities to live the Catholic faith according to their unique ethnic and cultural traditions by:
- Incorporating elements of our distinct ethnic and cultural heritages into the RCIA process
- Organizing common RCIA Programs for Asians
b. Promote dialogue and cooperation with Asians of other faiths by:
- Organizing and participating in ecumenical and interfaith celebrations,dialogues and programs
c. Support the missionary activities of the Church in our respective countries of origin and in the entire Asian region by:
- Bringing the Gospel to new immigrants, Asian students, the youth and others
- Raising funds for missions in Asia
CARING
As serving and caring people reflecting a compassionate Lord, we are committed to the care and support of human life in all its stages, to strengthening the family and to work for justice.
We will:
a. Coordinate with diocesan and civic agencies to provide services to the needy such as new immigrants, the sick, the senior citizens and the unemployed by:
- Making services (e.g., medical, legal, referral, social services) available to those in need
- Disseminating information (e.g. brochures and directories) pertaining to diocesan and civic service agencies and, places of interest for Asians
- Organizing liturgical celebrations and social activities for Asian senior citizens
- Establishing job placement services for Asians
b. Provide services for the strengthening and renewal of marriage and family life by:
- Disseminating information regarding marriage and family life programs sponsored by the diocese and other groups
- Encouraging and providing opportunities for the training of pre-Cana facilitators, marriage counselors and family therapists
- Publishing materials explaining and integrating Asian ethnic and cultural elements in marriage rites
- Establishing programs for strengthening interfaith and interracial marriages
- Organizing family life programs
- Organizing programs and activities geared towards East-West cultural dialogue especially among parents and young people
TEACHING
As a faith community, we are dedicated to the education and formation of each person according to the traditions and values of our Catholic faith.
We will:
a. Promote the development and formation of church ministers (ordained, professional and volunteer) within our communities by:
- Disseminating information regarding different formation and renewal programs sponsored by the diocese
- Actively recruiting and supporting qualified lay people who wish to become certified pastoral ministers, youth ministers, directors of religious education and catechists
b. Provide opportunities for deepening knowledge of the faith especially among the youth and adults by:
- Establishing Christian formation programs, faith sharing and bible study groups for Asian communities
PARTICIPATING
As a community, we recognize and celebrate the giftedness of people and their baptismal call to participate in the life of the parish, thus, we are dedicated to the ongoing development and renewal of parish life.
We will:
a. Promote priestly, deaconate and religious vocations in our communities by:
- Intensifying vocation recruitment within Asian communities
- Offering financial support to Asian candidates to the priesthood
b. Encourage and support greater integration and involvement in parishes and in the diocese by:
- Disseminating information regarding different roles and committees in parishes and in the diocese
- Publishing a directory of Asian church ministers and volunteers
- Inviting Catholics who are not part of the Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese communities to join and participate in the activities organized by the Asian Ministry
- Initiating common projects in parochial and diocesan levels such as social activities, liturgical celebrations, dialogues, etc.
- Organizing common activities for the Asian youth.