神修小會的共融園地

橋樑教會的典範: 芝加哥華人天主教會團契

焦寶進

前言： 記得神修小會北美分會 共融營在新澤西州召開的那次，共融營 的主題是”橋樑教會- 海外華人教會的使命”。 當時，大家都在摸索如何實踐這個使命。事隔十多年， 芝加哥的團契不但肩負起這使命， 而且在天主聖神的帶領下， 做得有聲有色。

作者幾十年來 都住在Milwaukee， Wisconsin ，怎麼會對 Chicago， Illinois的華人教會那麼清楚? 原來Milwaukee離芝城北郊僅1.5小時車程， 離西郊 和市中心都是2.0小時的車程，上世紀90年代， 前覺與我經常參加湖濱查經班週六下午與西郊查經班週六晚上的聚會，從臺灣回來以後，我也 不定期地參加每月第四主日在中國城的國語彌撒， 因此與芝城教友的關係非常好。

前不久，連絡組幹事請我給一位大陸神父翻譯一篇中文演講稿，接著總幹事又讓我幚忙接洽Milwaukee朝聖事宜，最後負責接待我們的一位美國修女又請我冩一篇介紹，已刊登在《修會月訊》上，這篇 稿子的內容如下：

Meeting Chinese Catholics in Milwaukee

On August 8, 2015, fifty Chicago Area Chinese Catholics paid a visit to the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee to thank them for their many years of missionary work in China and Taiwan. This visit was a part of their day-long pilgrimage trip to Milwaukee’s historical churches/chapels, namely, St. Joan of Arc Chapel at Marquette University, the Basilica of St. Josephat, St. Joseph Convent Chapel of the School Sisters of St. Francis.

My husband and I first met the founding members of the group in mid-70’s and as the group grew larger and stronger over the years, we have maintained our involvement with them through Bible study meetings, liturgy, retreats, lectures, picnics, etc. We also witnessed at their weddings and their children’s baptisms. They call us “big brother” and “big sister, prefaced with our surname.

Almost all of the group members reside in the suburbs. They are registered members of their local parish and attend Sunday Mass there. For the past 20+ years, however, they gather at St. Therese Mission in Chinatown for Mandarin Mass. Father Francis Li, pastor of St. Therese, is the chief celebrant . The Mandarin Mass is attended not only by Chinese laity but also by Chinese priests and Sisters studying in the Chicago area universities. After Mass the congregation gathers in the parish center for luncheon and fellowship.

Who sponsors the Chinese priests and Sisters from mainland to come to America? Why do they choose to study in Chicago? Since the 90’s, the Maryknoll Fathers has been sponsoring Chinese seminarians, priests, Sisters, and laity from both the Open Church and Underground Church to study in Catholic universities and colleges across the United States. Before they begin their academic program in philosophy, Christian spirituality, biblical studies, theological ethics, religious formation, religious education, they usually spend a year or two in an ESL program first. Upon completion of their degree requirements, they return to China to either teach or administer in one of the six (formerly 12) major seminaries or do parish work. From the group sponsored by the Maryknoll Fathers, there have been several bishopric appointments in China. Most of the Chinese priests and Sisters including those sponsored by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) attends the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. A few enroll at Loyola or DePaul. Thus, the Chicago area Chinese Catholics have been playing a pivotal role in the acculturation, formation and personal and spiritual development of Chinese priests and Sisters studying in Chicago.

How is this role executed? In a variety of ways. For example, most of the Chinese Catholic families in Chicago are involved in a host family program in which they ”adopt” a “student priest or Sister” upon their arrival and help them become comfortable and competent in dealing with their new environment. For the past two years there have been thirteen to fifteen new arrivals each year. As a part of their “host family” and a larger Chinese Catholic family, not only are they invited to every holiday celebration, outings, retreats, and lectures, they also participate to the extent possible in the mission of the church. Priests often concelebrate at Mass or give homilies. Sisters sing in the choir or play the piano. Together they take turns to teach catechism, preside at Bible study sessions and participate in the university outreach program.

Year after year Chicago Area Chinese Catholics bid farewell to the group of priests and Sisters returning home upon graduation. Shortly after, they welcome a new group to their midst and begin the process of journeying with them again. At the yearly ordination ceremony of SVD seminarians, many Chicago Chinese Catholics attend the ceremony wearing their native costumes. The St. Therese choir sings Chinese hymns at Mass. It is always touching to see the host family walk the soon-to-be-ordained men to the altar as their biological parents are unable to attend.

During the time Chinese priests and Sisters study in Chicago, they actively participate in the evangelization of new immigrants from China. They take turns to teach the Bible to the newly baptized and give catechism instruction to catechumens. Such classes are held before Mass. Aside from providing transportation for the instructor and snacks for the participants, several “locals” journey with the catechumens through friendships and sharing of their own faith experiences. Since 2011, a total of twenty people were baptized as Catholic at Easter Vigil. Aa a part of Loyola University campus ministry program, student priests and Sisters and local laity together have been conducting biweekly Bible study sessions with university students from China, all of whom are non-Catholics. Topics of discussion also include Catholic moral and social teachings. A free dinner is provided at the end.

Finally, where did members of this group come from? They are immigrants from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Chicago Chinatown or other cities of the United States. Many came to Chicago years ago as graduate students and later settled in Chicago. Some moved to Chicago from Houston, New York or other places in order to be near their adult children and grandchildren. Despite differences in political views, language used or personal background, they are all united in one common Catholic faith in Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.

It is truly a blessing and joy to have fifty members of the Chinese Catholics from Chicago visit the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Clare Hall and the Motherhouse. Let us pray to the Lord for their continuing success in evangelization among the newly arrived Chinese immigrants and students and for greater religious freedom in China.