Humans of CACCLC: Brian

“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 It seemed identifying as a Korean Catholic superseded the priorities of being a Catholic Korean.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

Humans of CACCLC: Teresa

“CACCLC is amazing! It’s where I relearned about my faith and take it to practice in another level! I started to come in 2005, one year after my confirmation and haven’t stopped since. This my 15th camp!

I really like the theme this year, “Living Hope". I really think God knows how much despaired and loneliness young adult faces in this generation that He wants to reassure us to place our hope in Him. All the talks about how Hope is tied with our past, present and future gives me a more clearer picture of the way I am now, and reminded me the essence of love is freedom, that God granted me the spiritual capacity to live out the best version of myself; in which I am obligated to bring hope to others as a child of God.

I have enjoyed every moment at camp! I treasured the fellowship and friendship established during meal time conversation and group discussion. All the Mass, morning and night prayer allowed me to look deep down in my heart and reflect on how I am to offer my life to God, especially after I leave camp and return to my daily hectic schedule.

One of my most touching moments was Taize. I was blessed to be a part of the choir this year. Although we sacrificed our free time for practice, it was worth every minute. How amazing it is that young adult from different parts of California were gathered together to help others in their prayers by our music and singing. I really enjoyed the walk to St. Anthony side with the group while we take funny photos and enjoyed looking at sunset. Some of us stayed around the parking lot afterwards star gazing, admiring God’s creation.

The prayer intentions at closing Mass was said in six different languages. I was nervous when I said my part in Cantonese. However, it really touched my heart that although we are from different ethnic groups, we are united in prayers. Our Catholic faith is diverse, but unified.

I went to the adoration chapel at a local parish in my area to pray two days after camp. As I sat in the presence of the Lord, I thought about things said privately, the testimonies at the end of the camp, chats with my carpool buddy going home, also conversations with campers via Facebook Messenger after camp. All the tough things each of us are encountering and how courageous it is to open up and share our vulnerabilities without worry about being judged. CACCLC is such a unique community of young adults from different walks of life and in different phases of faith journey. Although we do not see each other often because our locations, we are bond together by our faith and prayers. I definitely will keep everyone in my prayers. In the mean time, let us reciprocate all the wonderful things God has giving to us in serving and bring hope to others.”

— Teresa L, Los Angeles

Share your testimony!

Every year at CACCLC, we end with an opportunity for campers to share their testimonies — how their experience at camp was, something they learned over the weekend, how they saw God moving, etc. It’s always incredibly encouraging and touching to hear from first-timers and old-timers alike. Whether you had a chance to share your testimony at the mic this year or not, we would love to hear about your experience at CACCLC! Your stories help people who are new to CACCLC gain a better sense of what camp is like and what campers are like, and feel more confident about giving it a chance. Thanks for being one of the awesome #HumansofCACCLC!

Humans of CACCLC: Grace

"After years of persistence by our Texas friend, Fr. Reuben Chen, I finally agreed to make the effort to come all the way to Cali for a promised epic weekend of faith, friends, and fun times at a retreat called CACCLC. My Labor Day weekend last year did not disappoint…to say the least. Who knew there was the biggest group of Chinese Catholics I had ever seen in California (of all places), who were not only interested in giving up their Labor Day weekend to go on retreat, but were absolutely on fire about our Catholic faith! This was the first retreat in a while where I could simply sit back and be a participant, and God knew this was exactly where I needed to be. I was blessed by the passion of all those around me with whom God helped reinvigorate my faith. I walked away knowing that in a day and age where Catholics seem to have to fight an ever-uphill battle, boldly being a witness for others can have a bigger impact than you think. So if you’re on the fence about going to CACCLC for the first time, the second time, or even the tenth time, don’t wait years and years like I did. Just do it, y’all.”

— Grace C, Houston, TX

Humans of CACCLC: Cecilia

"When I was first invited to attend CACCLC in 2014, I thought, oh, this is probably just another one of those Catholic retreats that are boring, why would I want to go? Being quiet and shy around new people, I was reluctant to go because I always end up standing in the corner, alone and scared, but eventually, I gave in. One of the first things I learned was that a camp is very different from a retreat. There was a good mix of energy and serenity throughout the weekend, and I was greeted by friendly welcomes from Chinese Catholic campers at various stages in their faith. I was very touched by the amount of kindness these campers had towards new people and felt as if it was a reunion more than a “I just met these people a few days ago.” You never know who you’ll meet at camp and the experience you’ll get out of it, and I was very glad I decided to go. There has been no other place where I can be in this same environment, surrounded by other Chinese Catholics, and this is an something I will cherish and share with these friends for many years to come."

- Cecilia V, Alhambra

Humans of CACCLC: Jacqueline

“I had been passively looking for a young adult group for some time without much success, when one day, my dad randomly brought home a CACCLC flier from his Chinese church. Although it piqued my interest, I was a little hesitant to go alone. I tried to coerce my brother into coming along but he stubbornly refused (typical). After much doubt and deliberation, I convinced myself to just go. When I arrived, I was shocked to find so many Chinese Catholics under the age of 50 gathered in one place that weren’t related to me! I felt like I had stumbled into a nest of rare and mythical beings! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I didn’t feel out of place at all. I had such a lovely experience participating in Taize for the first time, brainstorming hilariously ridiculous skits, singing off key during praise & worship, and making new friends who could relate to me both culturally and spiritually. And the best part was, I discovered that a young adult bible study group had just been started in my area with some of these amazing people! Hallelujah!! So “if today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Don’t delay! Come today! CACCLC will allow you to nourish your FAITH, foster new FRIENDSHIPS, and have a whole lot of FUN!

P.S. My brother finally attended camp several years later and loved it (can I say “I told you so!”) We are both repeat customers now!"

— Jacqueline K, Alhambra

Humans of CACCLC: Matthew

"Before I went to CACCLC last year I found myself in a state of just going through the motions with my faith. I reached one of those points where my faith was stale, uninspired, and stagnant. I think CACCLC really helped to reawaken my passion for Christ, particularly through the faith-sharing, testimonies, and presence of other Catholics and priests who are also struggling on their journeys to holiness. It helped serve as a reminder for me that I am not alone in my faith journey and that the reward is so worth the struggle."

— Matthew W, San Diego

Humans of CACCLC: Justin

"When I first arrived at CACCLC, I was skeptical about how the camp would go. I lost my faith during the time I spent in college, and I only attended to accompany one of my friends. I questioned if I would have a good time, wondering if it was really worth spending a whole weekend here. But soon after, all doubts were cleared when I met all the amazing people at CACCLC. Some were college students like me who had fallen away from the faith in college, as they shared their wonderful stories about how they were able to get it back. At first, even after hearing all their anecdotes, I still didn’t really comprehend. For once, I didn’t have the resource to calculate an answer or formulate a hypothesis, like I did in all my science classes. It was during Adoration, when I closed my eyes to listen to the music. It took me a while, but I finally understood why I had fallen in the first place. I was always too focused on school work and too worried about not getting into medical school. All I needed to do was to pray and let God do the rest.

Looking back now, CACCLC was an eye opening occasion for me, and I still believe that God is steering me in the right direction. Even if you’re not sure about going, give it a try. I guarantee that the weekend will be one of the best you’ve ever had."

- Justin C, Los Gatos

Humans of CACCLC: Jessica

"One of my favorite memories from CACCLC is bonding with the campers especially during morning exercise and late night activities. I like that CACCLC is a place that I can come back to every year to be myself with other campers. I've said this before and I'll say it again, although I don't see everyone from camp on a consistent base, people remember you and when you reconnect with campers the following year, you pick up where you left off. Going to CACCLC allowed me to grow in my faith and meet life long brothers and sisters to help me through my spiritual journey."

— Jessica L, San Francisco