V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

114 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry V. Resources The following resources were recommended by presenters and participants of the V National Encuentro : • Catholic Charities in most dioceses. • Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC – https://cliniclegal.org/ ). • Center for Migration Studies ( http://cmsny.org/ ). • Donald Kerwin, “Hispanic Ministry and Immigration” in Hispanic Ministry in the 21 st Century: Urgent Matters, Convivium Press, 2016. • Justice For Immigrants ( https://justiceforimmigrants.org/ ). • Archdiocese of Chicago, Hispanic Immigrant Social Ministry/ Pastoral Migratoria ( http://www. catholicsandimmigrants.org/ministries/pastoral-migratoria-2/ ). VI. Ministerial Area Team • Episcopal Moderators: Most Rev. JohnWester, Archbishop of Santa Fe; andMost Rev. David G. O’Connell, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles. • Co-Leaders: Ashley Feasley and Elena Segura. • Panelists: Don Kerwin and Sr. Norma Pimentel, M.J. 15. INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCIES I. Vision Accompaniment is a constant theme throughout the Encuentro process. In our U.S. context, it presupposes an encounter of cultures where all members of the Body of Christ respect one another and share the richness of our unique expressions of the Catholic faith. The Catholic Church is working diligently to enhance the intercultural competencies of its leaders throughout the country with the tools they require to be effective in the accompaniment of diverse cultural groups, including Hispanics/Latinos of every national origin and generation. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • Many communities have created safe spaces where diverse cultural groups can share their devotions and traditions, where bilingual Masses are done well, and patron saint festivals are celebrated. Others are still struggling. • There needs to be better communication between the diocese and individual parish groups. This includes cultural and linguistic sensitivity as well as providing more resources in Spanish. • Even within the Latino community, there is substantial cultural diversity by country of origin. • Better working relationships are needed between parish priests and Hispanic parishioners. The Hispanic community needs to feel welcome in the parish and diocesan structures, where they still often feel like “outsiders” even when they are a majority of the faithful in some areas. • Young people in particular are vulnerable because they have grown up between two cultures, often feeling that neither one is fully theirs. It is important to accompany them and strengthen their cultural and spiritual identity. • Language can often be a barrier, but the youth and young adults can help and should be promoted in parish life. Ministerial Area Sessions