Ethnic Affairs ministries join Department of Life, Dignity and Justice

The Ethnic Affairs Ministries of the Diocese, which include outreach to Hispanic communities, Asian Pacific Communities, Filipino Community and Communities of African Descent, are now part of the Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice, as a result of ongoing restructuring in the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The diocese’s Native American Ministry, which is staffed entirely by clergy, is now part of the Department of Ecclesial Services.
The Department of Ethnic Affairs, which formerly housed all of the ethnic offices, has been closed.
“The cultural diversity of the Diocese is one of our greatest gifts,” Bishop Alberto Rojas said. “So, it will remain top priority to maintain good connections with our ethnic communities through these diocesan ministries. I am excited to see these ministries flourish in the Department of Life, Dignity and Justice.”
Sister Chilee Okoko, D.M.M.M., Director of the Department of Life, Dignity and Justice, said the ethnic ministries are an appropriate fit for her department because it promotes the “importance and equality of every human life.” This idea is critical as the Church confronts discrimination and racism that is still sometimes directed at different cultural groups, she added.
“It is a great move by the bishop to ensure every person from every corner of the globe share in the communion, collaboration and participation which is an answer to the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ in John 17:21 ‘that all of them may be one Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me,’” she said. “Every human person has a right to be respected, loved, served and assisted for a more dignified life.”
The Hispanic Affairs Ministry continues to be led by Petra Alexander, The Ministry to Catholics of African Descent continues to be led by David Okonkwo, Diocese of San Bernardino Filipino Ministry continues to be led by a volunteer committee that is currently chaired by Nini Duiogi. The Director position for the Diocesan Asian Pacific Ministry is currently vacant. Father Earl Henley, M.S.C., continues to lead the diocese’s Native American Ministry, along with Deacon Andrew Orozco.
With these additional ministries from the former Ethnic Affairs Department, the Department of Life, Dignity and Justice also oversees the ministries of Advocacy & Justice for Immigrants, Community Services and Outreach, Marriage and Family Life, Respect Life & Pastoral Care, Restorative Justice and collaborates with community-based efforts to promote health and wellness, provides bereavement ministry, provides resources to parish food ministries, and serves as liaison to Catholic Charities.