Uploaded on: 06/24/2007
Diversity invigorates diocese, resettlement coordinators say
By Christina Capecchi
The Catholic Spirit
How does diversity influence our diocese?
Past and present resettlement coordinators have a host of answers — and they’re all positive.
“The word ‘catholic’ means diversity; it means ‘universal,’” said Tom Kosel, director of refugee services at Catholic Charities. “That’s who we are.”
Cultural diversity reminds people of that identity, he said.
“It wakens people to the reality that the church is universal, that all people are welcome in our church.”
Diocesan diversity illustrates St. Paul’s idea of one body formed by many parts (1 Corinthians 12), Kosel added.
Each ethnic group, he said, offers unique gifts.
“They’ve contributed to the community in numerous ways. You name it, every immigrant group ends up adding to the area.”
Dick Flesher, retired programs coordinator of migration and refugee services, agrees.
“The diversity of the population has strengthened the social fabric of the church,” Flesher said. “We’ve benefited from every point of view. We have absorbed and embraced those new communities, and they have enriched us.”
Flesher, a Roseville resident, said he personally has enjoyed exchanges with his Ethiopian neighbors.
“We’ve gotten to know them, assist them, loan them equipment for lawn work, and chat with them. It’s been really beneficial for us to learn about their culture.”
Those neighborly exchanges, Flesher said, are the core of Christianity.
“There are just so many beautiful examples of people in the community who have done yeoman work in assisting the immigrants, and that’s the basis of our faith, that we welcome strangers and reach out to them.”
Kosel said he hopes that practice continues.
“I think that the Catholic parishes in the archdiocese have an opportunity now to live out the Gospel message of welcoming the newcomer.”
Cultural diversity keeps the church moving ahead, Kosel added.
“It presents a challenge to not be stuck in the past but to look forward to the future.”