Secretariat for the Diaconate

3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington DC 20017-1194  

Tel: 202-541-3038  Fax: 202-541-3222

  November 8, 2001

  Rev. Mr. Joseph CJ Lee

  President,

  Korean American Deacons Association

  7031 Kenmare Dr.

  Bloomington, MN 55438

  Dear Deacon Joseph:

  On October 29, 2001, Deacon's Michael Om, Pascal Hong, Paul Lee, John Liu, John Nguyen   and Candidate Domingo Tan gathered at my office and requested my assistance in helping   them become recognized as the National Association of Asian Pacific American Catholic   Deacons. They requested I write to you and state their intentions.

  The vision of the National Association of Asian Pacific American Catholic Deacons is a most   admirable one.  The primary purpose of the Association is to build up the Body of Christ.  In   addition, they also wish to:

  .    Promote understanding among Asian Pacific Americans.

  .    Encourage vocations to the diaconate among Asian Americans.

  .    Strenthen relationships and support of Asian Pacific American deacons with bishops and        priests.

  .    Develop materials for formation and continuing education to assist Asian Pacific American        deacons and others.

  .    Seek opportunities to collaborate with other American deacons.

  These are good goals and the Bishop' Committee on the Diaconate is very supportive of the   idea of having an Asian Pacific area.  The Bishops have always felt there should be no   strangers among us.

  Each Deacon National Association sends two representatives to the BCD meetings.  So I   would encourage all of you to join together and have a special voice in the activities of the   diaconate community in the United States.

  At the next meeting on January 9, 2002, the above deacons will discuss several issues, such   as dues, nominations, new memberships, etc.

  Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.  May God bless all of you and your families.

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

  Deacon Gerard R. Wilson,

  Executive Director