Scholarly Panels
Contributions from academics drawing on the method and resources of their respective disciplines.
Panels / topics proposed to date:
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Sino-Vatican Relations in Historical Perspective
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Sociological Perspectives on Christianity
in Contemporary China -
The Sinicisation of Religion in China Today
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Environmental Issues and the Faith Communities of China
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suggestions for panels and topics
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suggestions concerning speakers (including yourself)
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submission of brief abstracts
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other suggestions or feedback
Note: Panel organizers (only) will have conference registration fees waived in appreciation for their service to the gathering.
Presentations and
workshops
Discussion forums and practical advice from people involved in the life of the Church in China and in the Chinese diaspora.
Practical workshops and presentations requested to date:
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Faith and the Current Generation
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Social Services: Making a Contribution in China Society
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The American University Context
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Relations among Christians and China
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Paths to Discipleship
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Religion in the City
Click this button for a form to enter:
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suggestions for workshops or presentations
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suggestions concerning speakers (including yourself)
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other suggestions or feedback
Note: Presenters will have their conference registration fees waived in appreciation for their service to the gathering.
Who We Are
After many years of faithfully serving the USCCA, Father Michael is moving on to another assignment. We are grateful for his devotion to the mission of the USCCA. Father Michael may be reached at magliardo@jesuits.net.
While we launch a national search for our next executive director, we invite you to communicate with Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Gerald Doyle, at director@uscatholicchina.org. We are grateful for your spiritual and financial partnership with the USCCA mission.
Front office
STAFF
BERNARD CIERNICK
Mission Appeals Coordinator
Bernard Ciernick has worked in parish and diocesan ministry for over 40 years. He has a master’s in theology from the University of San Diego. He lives in the beautiful wine country of Santa Rosa, California with his five children. He has always had a love of East Asia and its religious traditions. He brings his extensive talent and ministerial experience to his work for the USCCA.
Catherine Dugan
Salesforce Consultant
Catherine Dugan is a Salesforce consultant with a background in non-profit program management and development. She holds an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University and a S.T.L. in Marriage and Family studies from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC. Currently, she is researching a dissertation on Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI on the intersection of his personalism with salvation history through a hermeneutic of memory. For Catherine, the praxis of theological study is inseparable with the theoretical. She hopes that by supporting the CRM of the USCCA, their mission to build ties with the Catholic Church in China will lead to a strengthening in ecclesial unity, which affirms and incorporates the histories of individuals and cultures.
Benny Mattis
Digital Communications Coordinator
Benny Mattis contributes to the USCCA's digital communications through web development, email development, and writing. He holds a Certificate in Web Development from Montgomery College, a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Boston College, and an M.A. in Philosophy from Marquette University. Benny is interested in learning more about the history and contemporary trends of Chinese philosophy and religion. He hopes that web
communications can play a part in building bridges of understanding between the US and
China.
Collaborators
Sue li
Fellowship Activity Consultant
Sue Li is the Founding Coordinator of the CAFE Fellowship Program at Seton Hall University and USCCA Board member. She was born in Taiwan and came to U.S. for the graduate study. She received a both master's degree and a doctorate in biochemistry from Seton Hall University. There she also began a longtime friendship with the Maryknoll brothers, fathers, and sisters. They had a great impact on her life, and they helped her to grow in her friendship with God. Through her involvement with the Maryknoll "Seminary Teachers & Formators Project," she has had the chance to meet with many priests and religious sisters from China. They illuminated her faith and encouraged her to serve the Church and the Chinese community. As a result, after a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. Li responded to God’s call to serve as a volunteer in the local Chinese Catholic community. In addition, she collaborates with campus ministry at Seton Hall and other universities to share the Gospel with her fellow Chinese.
Phoebe Qian
Digital Designer
Phoebe Qian, a Catholic from China, studied Architecture as an international student. She has experienced significant growth with the support of the USCCA Friendship Ministry based in Berkeley, CA, where she found better ways to practice her faith. With her skillset in digital design, she is passionate about creating visually compelling content that aligns with the USCCA's mission to engage, inform, and inspire its communities.
Margaret Smetana
Communications Administrator, International Conference
Margaret Smetana joins the USCCA as a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, bringing a lifetime of experience in organizational and educational leadership to her role supporting the 2024 Conference communications. Margaret holds a BFA from the University of Hartford Art School, and professional credentials in Montessori School Management and Leadership.
Margaret believes in the power of shared experiences and as such seeks to imbue all aspects of her life and work with a spirit of community and hope!
Griffin burris
Systems & Organizational Consultant
Griffin Burris is a Director of Development with a missionary non-profit organization, he primarily works in the areas of advancement, workplace efficiency, and change management. Griffin holds an M.Div. from the Catholic Theological Union, a B.S. in Biology, and a Certificate in Data Analytics from Google. Griffin remembers receiving Chinese lessons from his childhood friends, his early introduction to the stories and life of Chinese Americans and how these two cultures come together. Griffin is thankful not only for the opportunity to work everyday with people from across the world, but to work in a special way with the USCCA.
