Fr. Francis Li ( 李东平神父), much beloved pastor of Chicago’s Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta Parish, will chair the USCCA’s Conference Committee and also head up efforts as the event’s local host.
Fr. Li was born in Shanxi Province and first came to Chicago for theological studies. He returned to China and was ordained a priest 1999. After returning to Chicago for further studies, he was asked by Cardinal Francis George, then-Archbishop of Chicago, to take on local pastoral duties, as well. After serving in three diverse parishes and earning an Advanced Pastoral Leadership Certificate through Kellogg School of Management in 2013, and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, in 2016, he was appointed to St. Therese in Chicago’s Chinatown, now part of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta Parish.
As chair of the Conference Committee, Fr. Li will work with USCCA Board members, and with local groups based in Chicago. Together they will make the USCCA’s 2024 conference a visionary gathering that brings together Christians on both sides of the Pacific in their commitment to the Gospel.
The 2024 Conference will be held on August 2-4, 2024; location details forthcoming. As in previous years, the USCCA’s conference will include:
· keynote speakers from the U.S. and around the world
· representatives of organizations that serve the Church in China
· panels with opportunities for learning and discussion
· workshops for networking and building capacity
· the Ricci Award Banquet
· local performers
· and the opportunity to celebrate and worship together!
It is the people that make the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Last updated: 9 October 2023