Asian/Pacific Islander Ministry
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is blessed and enriched with the presence of many Asian cultural groups within our local churches and communities. They are Filipino, Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, and Sri Lankan Catholics. Karen and Karenni families from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) are among the newest arrivals to our diocese.
Our History
The Office for Asian Pacific Ministry was established by Archbishop Weakland in 1990. The first director was Ms. Rosine Liu Schmitt. Ms. Schmitt is a member of the Vietnamese Catholic Community. Ms. Schmitt worked diligently to gather and organize the various Asian Catholic groups within the Archdiocese. She formed the Asian Ministry Board in 1991. The Board was composed of leaders from each of the Asian Catholic communities within the Archdiocese. It met 4-6 times a year. Its purpose was to advocate for the needs of Asian Catholics within the Archdiocese. The same year the Archdiocese began to celebrate “Asian Unity Day,” an annual gathering which continues to this day and has become a cherished tradition. Asian Unity Day includes a Eucharistic celebration, a festive meal and a cultural program. Some of the gatherings have also included workshops on different topics related to faith and the Asian cultures.
In February 1999, the structure of the Office for Asian Pacific Islander was changed. Archbishop Weakland named Fr. Paul Fliss, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, as Director of Asian Ministry on a part-time basis. At the time Fr. Fliss was studying the Hmong language in Thailand. Some time later, Fr. Fliss received a modification in his appointment. Deacon Blong Yang and Fr. Fliss were appointed co-directors. Deacon Yang continued in this position until in April 2000. Fr. Fliss remained in the position of Director for Asian Ministry, a position he held for nearly a decade.
In May of 2008 the central offices of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee underwent severe restructuring. Several departments and offices were closed, among them, the Office for Asian Pacific Islander. In place of having an Office for Multicultural Services with directors for the various ethnic/cultural ministries, the position for Director of Intercultural Ministries was created to work with existing Boards and Commissions serving the Asian, Black Catholic, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Hispanic, and Native American Catholic Communities. The Office for Intercultural Ministries is part of the Department for Parish Mission at the Archdiocesan Offices.
The Asian Ministry Advisory Council continues to work the Director for Intercultural Ministries to fulfill its mission.
Asian Pacific Ministry Advisory Council Mission Statement
We, the members of the Asian Ministry Advisory Council, representing many Asian Catholic communities, are the bridge between the Asian Catholic Communities and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. As disciples of Christ, we continue his mission by:
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Giving voice to Asian Catholic needs
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Serving as a resource to the Office of Intercultural Ministries, promoting respect and awareness of cultural heritage and diversity, and encouraging unity and greater participation within the larger church community
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Deepening faith through evangelization, religious education and retreats
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Fostering all forms of vocation (Lay, Religious, Priesthood) within our Catholic communities.
Cultural Groups Represented in the Asian Pacifc Ministry
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Chinese Catholic Community
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Filipino Catholic Ministry
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Hmong Catholic Commission - St. Peter Claver, Sheboygan
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Hmong Catholic Community - St. Michael, Milwaukee
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Indian Catholic Ministry
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Indonesian Catholic Community
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Karen/Karenni Ministry - St. Michael, Milwaukee
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Lao Ministry Leadership - St. Michael, Milwaukee
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Vietnamese Catholic Ministry - St. Martin of Tours, Franklin