The Subcommittee Mandate
The Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs is under the direction of and assists the Committee on Cultural Diversity within the Church by working directly with the standing committee and collaboratively with other USCCB committees to affirm the gifts and contributions of Asian and Pacific Island Catholics and to provide more opportunities for Asian and Pacific Island Catholics to engage in the life of the Church and help shape its evangelizing mission. This mandate includes the following areas of responsibility: The subcommittee is directly responsible for outreach to the Asian and Pacific Island Catholic communities and to work closely with the Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.
We, the Catholic bishops of the United States, offer this pastoral response to assist diocesan and parish leaders and all the faithful in welcoming and integrating our Asian and Pacific Island brothers and sisters as they strive to live a faith-filled life in the Catholic Church . . . Today, the Asian and Pacific Island population in the United States is the fastest-growing minority population. Nevertheless, it tends to go unrecognized in the wider US society, and there remains a need to bring more attention and support to the Asian and Pacific Island communities.
Asian and Pacific Island Catholics in the United States embody a rich and deep history of Catholicism, a synthesis of traditional Catholic practices infused with the unique cultural characteristics particular to each of the various ethnic groups that make up those identified as Asian and Pacific Islander. Asian and Pacific Island Catholics are eager to share their experiences and gifts as well as to receive support from the wider Catholic Church in the United States.
- Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters
Warm greetings in the love and radiance of Christ’s hope!
I am CLARISSA ANN MARTINEZ.
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Assistant Director for Asian and Pacific Island Affairs in the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church at the USCCB. What a gift it is to join you in this sacred work, uplifting the vibrant and faith-filled gifts of our Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic communities.
In this role I hope to humbly serve and uplift our shared ministry and mission. I was raised in faith and love in Manila, and have my roots in Los Angeles, CA, where I was shaped by years of parish and community life, worship, liturgy, pastoral service, evangelization, and most recently, accompaniment with the permanent diaconate ministry in San Diego. Now, as a wife of 19 years, and mom to a vibrant 6-year-old, I’m embracing this new chapter in Washington, DC with an open heart and a spirit ready for new adventures and new discoveries, new beginnings and new stories. All to be treasured and shared—with you.
When I answered ‘yes’ to my vocation, everything shifted – much like the Church’s call to the spirit of synodality – the shift is more than just my life’s framework. It is my response to the way I’m called to live, love, and lead: walking together, listening with love, growing with grace, and responding without reserve to the mission of Christ. I am here to live this call with you and for you.
Many of us have already crossed paths in our ministry of the API Family—especially with the guidance of our dear Sr. Myrna Tordillo, whose unwavering dedication helped shape SCAPA’s path. I hold deep reverence for all those who have poured their hearts into this ministry, including those before Sr. Myrna and not to mention the entire Office of Cultural Diversity in The Church, and I’m here to honor and carry forward the legacy.
Almost exactly one year ago, many of us shared unforgettable experiences at the API National Encounter in Indianapolis—filled with worship and praise to the Lord, storytelling, laughter, joyful meals, and the powerful witness of intergenerational collaboration and intercultural communion. And for those I have yet to meet, I look forward to getting to know you. I’d love for us to meet in the Spirit – to listen to your journey and grow in ministry together.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out by email or phone.
202-541-3384 office
818-519-8392 text
The Spirit of the Lord—our animator and breath of the living Word—is weaving us together from all walks of life, across vibrant cultures and wide-reaching communities. Our hearts are being brought together in communion—held together by grace through our stories, presence, and shared purpose. I would love to participate in and be present to witness and engage in the many works of faith and mission that you accomplish for and with your cultural families. Please know that I am here to accompany you – in prayer, in purpose, and in the quiet presence of walking with you.
We are, indeed, radiant jewels of faith! I cannot do this without you, we need each other. With your voice, wisdom, gifts, and love for the Church, we will continue to live the Gospel in harmony, joy, and bold co-responsibility.
Blessings upon you and your ministry.
Together in faith, we begin this shared ‘camino.’
United in hope,
Clarissa