This conference is a program of the Midwest Asian and Pacific Institute for Mission and Ministry in the U.S. Catholic Church is one of five regional institutes held in different parts of the country. This initiative is a collaborative effort among dioceses, the USCCB and educational institutions.

The first Midwest institute was held in 2004. The second and third institutes (2006 and 2009) address major concerns identified by Asian and Pacific communities at national, regional and local consultations. These two institutes are designed for a more effective response and ministry to AP youth and young adults, and directed at their inclusion and active involvement in Church and parish life and the need for leadership formation.

The presence of Asian and Pacific communities in the United States goes back to the 18th century. More recently, the last fifty years witnessed a tremendous growth in our Asian and Pacific Islanders in dioceses and parishes. A pastoral document—Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith, was approved by the full body of  U.S. Catholic bishops in 2001. This document gives priority to the need for training leaders in our Asian and Pacific communities. These Pastoral Institutes are the response to this need for leadership formation and the first, we hope, of a continuing and growing effort.

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