News and Events
Media Advisory: First Priest from Mainland China in Los Angeles Gives Customary First Blessing

Media Advisory
Contact: Marisol Barrios-Jordan
Cell: (310) 713-8567
Marisol@MBJcommunications.com
For Release: January 12, 2008

FIRST PRIEST FROM MAINLAND CHINA IN
LOS ANGELES GIVES FIRST BLESSING ON JAN. 13

WHO:     With the rapid influx of Asian immigrants in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and the favorable congregational funding in diocesan and national levels, Asian American mission in the Episcopal Church flourished. Evidence of this ongoing ministry is demonstrated by the ordination of the first priest from Mainland China in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, The Rev. Hui Liang "Thomas" Ni, 45.

WHAT:     The customary First Blessing to those who may wish to receive it after the First Mass following Ni’s ordination will be given.

WHEN:     On Sunday, January 13, at 8:45 a.m. AND at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: St. Edmund's Episcopal Church located at 1175 San Gabriel Blvd, in San Marino, 91118

WHY:     The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, National Missioner for Asiamerica Ministries and Director of Ethnic Congregational Development of the Episcopal Church, headquartered in New York, said this ordination is significant because “it will continue to make our relationship with the China Christian Council even closer. Chinese from Mainland China are some of the new and emerging immigrant groups in the United States and especially in the West Coast and we are happy that we are able to raise clergy from that community.”

The Asian American Ministry estimates there are 13 million Asians in the US.  Eleven percent of the Los Angeles population is Asian for which Ni, current curate at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in San Marino, has begun to formulate ministries that integrates the Chinese community.

“St. Edmund's is pleased to offer one of the few Mandarin language worship services in the Episcopal Church.  We believe this will fill a real need in the San Gabriel Valley, and indeed, many of our Mandarin speakers drive from other areas in greater Los Angeles in order to worship in their native language,” said The Rev. George F. Woodward III, rector of St. Edmund's.

OTHER DETAILS: First Blessing is after the 8 a.m. liturgy at the Altar Rail in the Chapel (scheduled at 8:45 a.m.) and at the Altar Rail in the Church following the 10 a.m. Eucharist (scheduled at 11:00 a.m.) To learn more about St. Edmund's, visit www.SaintEdmunds.org.
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Monday, January 14, 2008