Unity in Diversity
Gathering as One
“As the Church in the Diocese of San Diego, we must strive to build love and unity in the midst of our diversity. Pope Francis explains that, ‘Unity does not imply uniformity; it does not necessarily mean doing everything together or thinking in the same way. Nor does it signify a loss of identity. Unity in diversity is actually the opposite: it involves the joyful recognition and acceptance of the various gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to each one and the placing of these gifts at the service of all members of the Church. It means knowing how to listen, to accept differences, and having the freedom to think differently and express oneself with complete respect towards the other who is my brother or sister.’ He then concluded, ‘Do not be afraid of differences!’ (Address to Catholic Fraternity of the Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowship, Oct. 31, 2014.)
“However, unity and love require humility. One of the first disruptions in building unity is believing that I’m better or superior to others, or the Pharisaic mentality that ‘I’m not a sinner like that other one.’ Jesus taught that the greatest is the one who serves (Luke, 22:27), and St. Paul says that we must consider others more important than ourselves (Phil, 2:3)
“Our Bishop, Michael Pham, continuing the labor of Cardinal McElroy, is working to build this culture of synodality, where we listen to each other with an open heart and respect, where we listen to the Holy Spirit, and in communion, then walk together. As a Church, we are called to sow unity and acceptance, not division.
“We are celebrating now the Sacrament of unity, the Eucharist. The Eucharist makes the Church! The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that one of the main fruits of Holy Communion is union. ‘Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Through it, Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body — the Church.’
“Our response to the words ‘The Body of Christ,’ must instill in us that desire to strive for unity. Now that we have an Augustinian Pope, I better use more quotes from St. Augustine. He has this beautiful one about our act of receiving Holy Communion. ‘If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. To that which you are you respond “Amen” (“yes, it is true!”) and by responding to it you assent to it. For you hear the words, “the Body of Christ” and respond “Amen.” Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your ‘“Amen” may be true.
“May our ‘Amen’ today be a witness to unity and love.”
– Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano
Our diocese’s Office for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities testifies so powerfully to the many gifts given to each culture and community, and how our Church is made stronger, better, richer and deeper by them.
The Office bears witness that we are stronger in the world when we stand together as One Body. And that we, the people of all lands, are brothers and sisters in Christ, and called to serve each other, respect each other, reach out to each other, accompany each other in this world.
This fellowship serves as a potent response to the corrosive forces in our society that seek to divide individuals, neighbors and countries. By fostering understanding and unity among all of our communities, the Office is serving not only our local Church but society as a whole.
Whether celebrating each community’s unique faith traditions or Gathering As One, the Office invites each Catholic to discover his or her own cultural roots and the many expressions of our truly universal Church.
– Cardinal Robert W. McElroy
Mission
The Office for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities is committed to the inclusion and fuller participation of all God’s people in the life and ministry of the Church by building up their Catholic identity in a spirit of unity
in diversity.
The Office, in collaboration with Diocesan Pastoral Ministries and organizations, provides resources and services that:
- Promotes ongoing dialogue, cultural awareness and understanding of the Ethnic Catholic communities within the Diocese;
- Encourages parish and diocesan connections with those groups that do not have a parish representative body;
- Empowers ethnic leaders to build up faith communities in the Church;
- Builds coalitions among ethnic groups by encouraging leadership in the pursuit for spiritual growth.
Visiting Priests Protocol
In the Diocese of San Diego, ALL clergy from outside the diocese who will be engaging in ministry within the Diocese, must submit a Testimonial of Suitability prior to their visit. These documents must be dated within three (3) months of event(s).
In addition, parish and diocesan groups should have the Ministry Event Details approved by their pastor and the Vicar for Clergy prior to extending invitations to clergy and religious.
For more information, contact the Vicar for
Clergy (858) 490-8200