HONG KONG (SE): The Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group has been granted a three-year extension of its mandate by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, effective from July 1.
Deacon James Shin, spiritual adviser of the group, expressed appreciation at the decision, saying the renewed term would allow more time to strengthen pastoral support for Hong Kong migrants living in the United Kingdom. Bishop Paul McAleenan, appointed by the bishops’ conference, will continue to serve as the group’s supervisor.
Two new officers, Charles Lam and Wendy Wan, have joined the team to assist with youth ministry and promotion work.
Deacon Shin stated that his primary focus over the next three years would be the spiritual formation and faith development of Hong Kong Catholic groups across various regions of the UK.
Reflecting on the past year, he highlighted key milestones such as the launch of the group’s new website and the visits by priests from Hong Kong, including Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha and Father Dominic Lui. He also expressed appreciation for the visit of Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. in July, noting that such encounters “help the laity to deepen their faith and maintain a close relationship with the Diocese of Hong Kong.”
Looking ahead, Deacon Shin shared his long-term goal of building local leadership and self-sufficiency within the community. “Some lay members are now studying theology and catechism,” he said. “We hope that, in time, they will be able to take up pastoral responsibilities and reduce reliance on visiting clergy.”
Francis Law, convenor of the group, said his hope is to continue connecting Hong Kong Catholic migrants through pastoral support and faith gatherings. He added that the addition of two new officers would strengthen outreach to smaller cities with fewer resources and help to engage young people studying or living there.
In August, the group launched its official website, www.ukhkcc.org, which provides information on catechism classes and liturgies in both Chinese and English. Recent activities have included a seminar for couples in Birmingham—led by social workers, who migrated to the UK, on managing marital challenges—and an introduction to pilgrimage sites for the upcoming Jubilee Year.
