People in metropolitan areas, such as Washington, D.C., are aware that they live with a culturally diverse population. Spanish Masses, international festivals and ethnic groups have become commonplace, even within the Church. These urban-dwellers may be surprised to find that people in rural towns all across America are facing a similar phenomenon.

"It’s now very hard to find any part of the country without multiculturalism in their midst," said Father Robert Schreiter, a professor of theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

The Convening of the Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR) Networks, held at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington Sept. 7-9, brought together 10 bishops, 45 diocesan directors of multicultural ministry, 33 national ethnic consultants and others involved with multicultural and ethnic ministries in their diocese.

"This is the first time we’ve brought everyone together in one place," said Amy Newlon, coordinator of education and development for PCMR, a department under the Office of Migration and Refugee Services at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Much has happened since the USCCB released the "Welcoming the Stranger Among Us" document in 2000. Many people have tried to put the principles of that document into action. Five years later, PCMR decided to bring everyone together to share ideas and form a network, said Newlon.

"It’s no longer an urban culture, as evidenced by this meeting," said Father Schreiter in the opening keynote address.

"The pull for a better life makes countries like our own very attractive," he said, adding that immigrants are continuing to pour into America.

Dioceses all over the country are finding an increasing number of Hispanics in their midst. But many people also come from Africa, Asia and Sudan.

Father William Pomerleau, director of ethnic ministries for the Diocese of Springfield, Mass., said his diocese is a "secondary migrant" area. Father Pomerleau explained that many immigrants and refugees first go to large cities like Boston or New York City. From there, they spread out. This means that even non-urban parishes are dealing with a rise in ethnic populations and must meet the needs of these people.

San Bernardino Calif. Bishop Gerald R. Barnes, chairman of the USCCB committee on migration, addressed the convention Thursday night.

"It’s nothing more than Christ," he said. "We as bishops and directors need to go back to Christ in everything that we do."

Many people today feel a sense of fear about other cultures, the bishop said, admitting that he experienced this during World Youth Day. Whenever he heard German being spoken, the bishop was reminded of World War II.

"I had to get in touch with my own fears and prejudices," he said. To do this, he began speaking with the German people.

The bishop explained that ethnic groups are often seen at their best during ceremonies or processions showcasing their traditions, music, food and dance. This becomes a problem when people from the dominant culture reduce ethnic groups to these moments.

"Many ethnic groups want to stay there with their processions and devotions," Bishop Barnes said, adding that the goal is to move toward communion, not stay in one place.

"Take the responsibility seriously and get involved in what God is asking us to do," he said.

The biggest need he sees is to bring these ethnic groups into the fullness of the Church. They can’t be limited to the Spanish Mass, the Corpus Christi processions or international festivals. These people need to be involved in all aspects of life in the Church including adult faith formation, religious education and stewardship, Bishop Barnes said.

"Everyone needs to be at the table," he said. "No one can take anyone else’s place."

There is a tendency to have the same people involved in leadership roles at the parish and diocesan level. It’s easier to rely on the same dependable people and not seek out or recruit others. It takes effort to reach out, but that is what needs to happen, the bishop said.

"Society is trying to divide us as it is, but we are Catholic," Bishop Barnes said. He suggested forming alliances between dioceses to support each other and share resources.

After the bishop’s talk, a group of young Vietnamese dancers from Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish in Arlington performed to the song "Christ, Be Our Light," first sung in Vietnamese and then in English. The group of children, aged 6-10, was led by Thu Bui, a parishioner. Bui explained that parts of the dance show patterns of a host, chalice and crucifix.

Father Kenneth E. Taylor, director of multicultural ministry office for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Ind., said that the convention has given him lots of information to take home with him.

"Many dioceses are going to a multicultural model," he said, adding that it was helpful to network and bring ideas together.

Newlon said the speakers for the convention took participants from theory to practice with a vision for the future. Throughout the day sessions, small group discussions and workshops looked at the issues in depth.

While Newlon was not sure if such a large convention would become an annual event, she hopes to gather everyone together again, perhaps biennially.