“My religious background has come from an “insulated” Korean Catholic Community. The community is very tight knit, but is not inclusive of people of different backgrounds. I have struggled with the pros and cons of being an ethnocentric community as well as how much joy and harm it can cause. It seemed identifying as a Korean Catholic superseded the priorities of being a Catholic Korean.
I was introduced to the Alhambra Bible study group through my friend Albert. He would periodically mention going to bible study. After repeatedly declining, I eventually attended several sessions along with a holiday white elephant party and a fundraising talent show, both of which were hosted by members of CACCLC and the Alhambra Bible study. To my surprise everyone was welcoming and friendly. I was truly inspired by how everyone in the group supported each other by sharing key responsibilities in order to keep the community running. It seemed as though everyone was equally engaged which was a dramatic contrast from my Young Adult Community. At my Korean parish, there is a consistent pattern of utilizing a core group that provides services for the whole community. They, however, eventually get burned out and quit. Even people with good intentions would not be willing to volunteer, because they were completely exhausted. This created a culture of the younger generation expecting to just have things handed to them without having to put any hard work to grow in their faith. The grit and willingness to put in work will determine the success of a small faith formation.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:12
I first learned about CACCLC through a church friend many years prior. It’s a Chinese Catholic Camp, but they are open to everyone regardless of race or religion.” I postponed attending, because I had doubts of being welcomed into the community as a non-Chinese. I was so wrong and my own false perceptions prevented me from growing in my faith outside of my bubble.
My experience at the CACCLC retreat was amazing. The underlying principle that resonated with me was solidarity. I was not surprised when I found out that Solidarity was actually CACCLC 2018’s theme, and “Many Parts, One Body” was CACCLC 2017’s theme. These themes were exemplified by how different groups simultaneously conducted camp at the same time even though they were conducting them in different countries (East & West Canada/Northern & Southern California). Another example can be seen how multiple languages were represented during the Sunday Mass.
Small groups were a great opportunity to break out of my comfort zone and have meaningful discussions. I really felt challenged in my own faith-sharing as well comprehending more complicated topics of the Catholic faith. Large group activities reinforced fellowship with team building events. Ultimately, I had a great experience, and I do not regret taking that step to venture out and exploring different communities with my brothers and sisters in Christ.”
— Brian Y, Los Angeles
