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On April 18, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss chapters 4–5 (pages 95–170) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . In preparation for the discussion, Book Circle participants have been considering the following discussion prompts from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: This month we are reading chapters 4 and 5 of Dan Wang's book, which deal with two very difficult topics of modern Chinese politics: the one-child birth control policy and the "zero Covid" pandemic control that agonized the country only a few years ago. The close-up observations of these two phenomena reveal the "merits and madnesses" (page 129) of the engineering state. You are invited to ponder the following questions as you read: 1) The one-child policy was inspired by the modern Western science of cybernetics (100-103), which contained an early version of dogmatic faith in artificial intelligence. How do the stories of this policy and of "zero Covid" help you understand the allures and perils of scientific promise? How do they help you negotiate the relationship between science and moral/spiritual matters that are closer to the heart?  2) On page 118, Dan Wang comments that at the most critical juncture, the country lacked "intellectual antibodies" to resist the adoption of the one-child policy. How will you interpret this very interesting phrase, "intellectual antibodies?" How important are they? What, if any, types of "intellectual antibodies" are available to Chinese society as it continues to face its particular challenges?  3) What questions do you have based on this reading? If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates today! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register for our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are looking forward to July 31–August 2, when our 30th Biennial Conference will take place at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.  In fact, we are so excited to see you that we have extended the deadline for our Early Bird discount to May 1, 2026! We invite you to act today by  registering as an attendee of our upcoming Biennial Conference .  Even if you cannot join us for the Conference, we hope that you consider how you might support our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses  or by spreading the word with our Press Release .  ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are glad to share that the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA) has opened registration for the third session in their free webinar series on the topic of "Welcoming Chinese International Students." The third webinar, scheduled for 7PM–8PM on April 14, 2026, will focus on "Forming Student Leaders to Accompany Chinese International Students with Care, Sensitivity, and Confidence." We invite you to learn more and register on the CCMA website . For more opportunities to learn about friendship and dialogue between the people of the U.S. and the people of China, we invite you to register today as an attendee of our upcoming Biennial Conference . Even if you cannot join us for the Conference, we hope that you consider how you might support our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses or by spreading the word with our Press Release . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On March 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle discussed chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) of Dan Wang's book,  Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . As they discussed the opening chapters of Wang's work, participants discussed the differing approaches to governance and economics taken by the United States and China in recent times, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Aside from broader socioeconomic trends and effects, participants also discussed the psychological impact of modern society in both countries on the experience of the individual. While technological progress has brought great material prosperity, participants observed that the erosion of tradition and familial ties remains problematic for mental health and well-being. Ultimately, it was suggested that the U.S. and China have much to learn from each other, in terms of both modern technology and traditional wisdom. Our next Book Circle discussion will be held on April 18, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time. We will be discussing chapters 4–5 (pages 95–170) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates  today ! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We at the USCCA are glad to announce the release of our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting some of our last year's accomplishments and aspirations as we carry them forward into 2026. We invite you to read the latest Annual Report . We hope that you find our Annual Report informative and edifying as we work together toward dialogue, peace, and friendship. For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register today for our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

The next USCCA Book Circle discussion will be held on March 21, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time.  Due to Daylight Savings customs, the time of our discussions have changed back to 9PM instead of 10PM Chinese Standard Time.  Participants will be discussing chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) of Dan Wang's book,  Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . Participants are encouraged to consider the following discussion prompts from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: 1) How has China benefited from the engineering vision of its leaders? What are some negative consequences?  2) What has surprised you the most in this reading? 3) What questions come up for you from this reading?  If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to  sign up for Book Circle email updates today ! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to  register today for our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

In partnership with ChinaSource and the China Academic Consortium, the US-China Catholic Association co-hosts free public lectures through the Speaker Series. We are thrilled to announce two upcoming free public lectures in the coming weeks! On March 20, via Zoom, retired US Government China specialist Gregory J. Nedved will share his perspective on "Clash of Civilizations: China, the United States, and Religion (Catholicism)." Mr. Nedved retired in 2024 from his role as a historian at the Center for Cryptologic History, where he had worked since 2011; prior to that, he worked as an analyst, translator, and instructor of the Chinese language. He is a two-time winner of the Cryptologic Literature Award for China-related topics. We invite you to click here to learn more and to register for Gregory J. Nedved's free virtual public lecture . On March 26, in Minnesota's Twin Cities area, Joann Pittman will give a lecture on "Christianity in China Beyond the Headlines." At ChinaSource , Ms. Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of the ZGBriefs newsletter. Prior to that, she spent 28 years in China as a teacher, student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer. She is also the author of Survival Chinese Lessons and The Bells Are Not Silent: Stories of Church Bells in China . We invite you to click here to read more and to register for Joann Pittman's upcoming public lecture . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

The US-China Catholic Association is thrilled to announce that registration is now open to the public for attendance at our 30th Biennial Conference . Scheduled for July 31–August 2, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, this conference will place special emphasis on the theme of "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ."  This conference is sure to be an unforgettable opportunity to build bridges of friendship among lay and religious brothers and sisters from around the world. We invite you to register today as an attendee of the 30th USCCA Biennial Conference . We are pleased to offer an early bird discount of $50, 25% savings, to all who register before April 15th. In support of students, clergy, and religious, we offer an additional 50% off the standard early bird special. These offers end April 15, so register today! We invite you to share our official press release and our email newsletter subscription form with anyone you know who might be interested in the upcoming 30th Biennial Conference. With your help and sharing of our message, we know you can help us make this conference a true opportunity for friendship and dialogue. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On February 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle discussed Terri McNichol's article, "Leadership lessons from landscape painting East and West: Cultivating a spiritual eco-imagination." "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 Terri, a prior Book Circle participant as well as art historian and founder of Ren Associates , drew participants into the details of Chinese and American landscape painting. Themes included the relationship between humanity and nature, the therapeutic benefits of the practice of calligraphy, and the virtues of sincerity and authenticity. Through connections made over the course of the discussion, Chinese and American artistic traditions were brought into dialogue with such Catholic voices as St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Francis de Sales. Our next Book Circle discussion will be held on March 21, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time. We will be discussing chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates  today ! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On February 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss Terri McNichol's article, "Leadership lessons from landscape painting East and West: Cultivating a spiritual eco-imagination." A long-time Book Circle participant, Terri is an award-winning artist, a Chinese art historian, and president of Ren Associates — a consulting firm dedicated to the creative re-imagining of business education. Her article is available to Book Circle participants along with a separate document of the visual images referenced in the article.  "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 As participants read and prepare for the January 31 discussion, they are invited to consider the following discussion prompt from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: Terri's article approaches the issue of leadership in the context of our ecological crisis through her deep knowledge of American and Chinese landscape art. As you enter the deep layers of the article, what phrases or sentences command your attention and invite a response? You will have an opportunity to directly interact with Terri at our next meeting. In the meantime, I share with you the following passages that I find particularly powerful and my questions associated with them: 1) Terri quotes Paul Crowther on page 58: "If the world is not to one's liking, we would do well to model the artist who through the beauty of art, transforms base matter and makes visible emergent ideas, that rise above the ordinary and create a reality heretofore unimagined." How does Terri's article help us understand the close affinity between nature, art, creativity, and leadership? How similar is leadership to art? 2) In comparing traditional Chinese landscape art with 19th-century American landscape art, Terri notices a "shared sensibility of the sacredness of place" (p. 50). Do you have a favorite piece of landscape painting that similarly evokes a sense of the sacredness, enchantment, power, and awe of the universe? 3) Speaking of the aesthetic power of Chinese landscape (wenrenhua) paintings, Terri remarks that "both painter and viewer were able to see what is not there--the invisible" (p. 56). She further explains the effect of this seeing: "the ability to bring forth with an embodied sincerity, the quintessential trait of a true individual of the Way, the one who hits the mark without effort. For it is sincerity that enables humans to live in social harmony with the world." "Sincerity" in this context is a Confucian virtue of foundational importance. How do you understand its significance in relation to creativity, aesthetic power, spiritual cultivation, and the role of leadership? The discussion will be held virtually via Zoom at 6AM PT / 7AM MT / 8AM CT / 9AM ET / 10PM Chinese Standard Time. If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates  today , and invite your friends to do the same! ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

Happy Lunar New Year from the USCCA! In this Year of the Fire Horse, may we continue to grow in friendship and dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the United States, in China, and in the whole community of the saints. Visiting the families of priests and religious sisters is one of the ways in which the Church in China celebrates the Lunar New Year. This tradition expresses appreciation and fellowship. We invite you to read more about this tradition at the Agenzia Fides website . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

Today is the Feast Day of St. Paul Liu Hanzo. Born in 1778, Liu tended sheep before he was ordained as a priest; he later worked and posed as a merchant by day in order to administer the sacraments under cover of night. We invite you to read more about St. Paul Liu Hanzo on the Asia Harvest website . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.