Archdiocese of Chicago Announces New Leaders for Asian, Black, Hispanic and Polish Ministries
Chicago, IL (September 10, 2018) – Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has appointed four new archdiocesan coordinators for Asian, Black, Hispanic and Polish ministries. The three-year appointments are effective immediately and end on June 31, 2021. The new coordinators will work in collaboration with the archdiocese’s Department of Parish Vitality and Mission (DPVM) in ministering to promote ongoing dialogue, cultural awareness, acceptance and respect within the Archdiocese of Chicago’s diverse Catholic community.
“By our baptism, we are called to come together as a universal Catholic community to spread the good news and share the gifts the Lord has bestowed on each of us with the people of God,” said Cupich. “We follow Jesus’ command to ‘make disciples of all the nations’ and our church is enriched by the unique, cultural gifts of ethnic faith communities.”
The coordinators will retain the current responsibilities of their assigned parishes and archdiocesan positions. The coordinators will continue the work of their predecessors in promoting greater participation by ethnic communities throughout the archdiocese, providing a diocesan connection and resources to their needs, and empowering ethnic leaders to build their faith communities. They will report to Rev. Peter Wojcik, director of DPVM.
“The Archdiocese of Chicago has had a long tradition of cultural diversity and continues to invite all Catholics to experience the love and joy of Jesus Christ,” said Wojcik. “In this time of renewal, it is especially important to ensure all communities feel represented with a pastoral voice.”
The following is a list of priests and laity assigned to each initiative and the locations where the ministries will be hosted:
- Rev. Phi Nguyen, pastor of St. Henry Parish, 6335 North Hoyne Avenue, Chicago, will serve as coordinator for the Asian Catholic Initiative;
- Rev. Marek Smolka, associate pastor and director of Liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, will serve as coordinator for the Polish Ministry Council;
- Rev. Ismael Sandoval, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3528 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, will serve as coordinator for the Consejo Hispano;
- Mr. Cliff Barber, the archdiocese’s chief strategy officer, will serve as interim coordinator for the Black Catholic Initiative.
The United States Catholic Church has a long history of providing pastoral care through the establishment of ethnic ministries at archdioceses and dioceses throughout the country. Many parishes have committed themselves by welcoming the native languages and cultures of newcomers, raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities immigrants face while integrating within local U.S. communities, and offering diverse intercultural activities.
