News

Hmong Catholics retreat to Green Bay to refresh faith

By Brian Kohls
Compass Correspondent

	RETREAT TIME: Fr. Tom Long, vocations director for the Green Bay Diocese, interacts with Hmong youth during a retreat on June 10 in Bosco Hall on the diocesan campus. The retreat was sponsored by the diocesan Hmong ministry. (Rick Evans photo)

Adult, young adult and teenage Hmong Catholics had their faith refreshed June 10 at their annual retreat in Bosco Hall on the Green Bay diocesan campus.

About 90 Hmong, primarily from Green Bay and Appleton, attended the retreat.

Dcn. Naokao Yang of St. Vincent De Paul Parish, St. Paul, was one of the presenters. His presentation included a discussion of the seven sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.

"Ordinary food is received into our bodies," Dcn. Yang said. But "in Communion, we receive Jesus into our bodies. Christ is really present!" He quoted the Vatican II documents on the Eucharist to remind his listeners that "The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith."

Joe Vang, a member of St. Bernard Parish, Appleton, was excited about the retreat. "(The retreat) refreshes the memory of the people," Vang said. Sometimes people need to be reminded how to "worship God in the right way," he said.

Retreat presenter ChaSong Yang of St. Peter Claver Parish, Sheboygan, discussed church hierarchy, parish council roles and responsibilities and the order of the Mass. Yang also highlighted some departments and programs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

John Lee, an usher and a minister of hospitality for St. Bernard Parish, Appleton, said he came to the retreat to learn leadership skills. "I need to learn from other people and the deacon (how) to help my community and my church," Lee said. "I will share (what I've learned) with my family."

Young adults and teenagers participated in activities and discussions geared toward them. Fr. Tom Long, diocesan vocations director, and Shileng Yang, president of the Hmong American National Catholic Association, led the activities.

"I love working with youth," Yang said. "There is so much to learn. I love when they ask questions." Yang is active at St. Paul Parish, on the U.W. Madison campus, when he is attending school. When he is not in school, he attends St. Peter Claver Parish, Sheboygan.

Yang, who has training in leading Bible studies and high school retreats, says he understands teenagers and young adults who say they are bored when they attend Mass.

"When I was in high school, I thought church was boring because my parents made me go," Yang said. "Being in Madison, the parish is very vibrant. I have learned about the Mass and all the parts (of the Mass). It is important to me."

A vocations discussion was part of the youth activities. Yang said he hopes all the young people take away one important point from that discussion: "You have to be open to your vocation." Discerning your vocation takes time, prayer and patience, Yang said.

The diocesan Department of Stewardship & Pastoral Services sponsors the annual Hmong Retreat, which is funded in part by the Bishop's Appeal.

Mary Sherman, a consultant for Pastoral Care, was one of the organizers of the event, along with Chue Lee, president of the Fox Valley Catholic Hmong Community, and Dar Xiong, president of the Green Bay Catholic Hmong Community.

There will be a Hmong Mass at noon July 16 in St. Peter Claver Church, Sheboygan, in connection with the dedication of the Lao-Hmong American Veterans Memorial in Sheboygan. Frs. Luke Bouchard and Paul Fliss will concelebrate the Mass. A potluck and social hour will follow. All are welcome to attend.

For more information on the July 16 Hmong Mass and potluck, phone ChaSong and Miva Yang at (920)207-6482 or Xia Vue and Pa Yang at (920)457-0779 or (920)457-7066.