Note: Response form is located at the end of the text.

Goal Three: To embrace the diversity of culture in responding to God’s love.

The Archdiocese of Louisville is greatly blessed and enriched by the presence of the diversity of culture in our midst. The cultural gifts and rich history that are shared enable the Archdiocese to truly experience the universality of the Catholic Church. The purpose of this goal is to provide new opportunities for the Archdiocese to respond to our gifts of diversity and to address the emerging and strategic needs of various cultures as well as immigrants and refugees.

Objective 1: Provide resources that celebrate the diversity of cultures in our Catholic community.

Action Steps:

1. Promote and expand multicultural resources available through archdiocesan agencies.
2. Provide support for parishes to expand their liturgical resources so as to enhance their ability to respond to diverse cultures.
3. Expand and make available a multicultural Catholic resource directory.
4. Invite representatives from various cultural communities to serve on boards and committees.
5. Expand worship opportunities and resources that affirm the cultural traditions of the Asian and Pacific Islanders in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Objective 2: Provide opportunities for Catholics to experience the diversity of cultures in our local Church.

Action Steps:

1. Host an archdiocesan day celebration honoring our diverse cultures – sharing customs, dress, traditions, prayer, and food.
2. Assist parishes/archdiocesan staffs to articulate and implement a vision to reach out to cultural groups.
3. Provide opportunities for parishes to appreciate their presence of immigrants and migrants in our parish communities.

Objective 3: Strengthen efforts to affirm the African American culture through education and outreach.

Action Steps:

1. Offer educational programs that develop the gifts and talents of African American families.
2. Develop and implement outreach programs for African American males between the ages of 13- 27.
3. Provide assistance to those transitioning from the judicial system to reconnect with family and church.

Objective 4: Invite, welcome, and embrace Hispanic Catholics into the life of the church.

Action Steps:

1. Develop and implement a pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry in the Archdiocese.
2. Develop a media campaign to invite and nurture the Hispanic communities to participate in the Catholic Church.
3. Provide resources that enhance spiritual growth for Hispanics through bilingual liturgies and sacramental celebrations.

Objective 5: Provide archdiocesan and parish staffs with resources to respond to the diversity of culture in our communities.

Action Steps:

1. Provide leadership training that unites staff from a variety of perspectives to be of service to the Archdiocese.
2. Develop initiatives to create more diverse staffs and volunteers reflecting the cultures of the Archdiocese.

Objective 6: Develop initiatives to encourage parishes to serve the immigrant community.

Action Steps:

1. Gather active support from parish leaders to participate in advocacy and public policy efforts that address immigration issues.
2. Increase the involvement and invitation of new immigrants in parish life.
3. Assist parishes in being contact points and resources for new immigrants in the process of becoming documented.