V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

118 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry » » Racism: issues and disputed solutions regarding racial equity; the large racial divide in the U.S.; explicit racist attitudes and actions; the Gospel challenge to do what is just, not simply what is right; racially motivated police incidents and racial profiling; and racism even in the pews. » » Incarcerated population: unjust incarceration rates in ethnic communities and “zero-tolerance” policies; family separation; children in the foster care system; and their detrimental impacts on communities (i.e. hunger, poverty, mental health issues, etc.). » » Community organizing: empowerment and training in a context of scarce resources; awareness of community faith-based organizing; opportunities for bridge-building and dialogue with other organizations and groups; engaging people in the pews; and engaging civil society. » » Economic opportunities: low educational levels and immigration status limit opportunities; employers take advantage of undocumented workers; and long work hours or double jobs make further education and family life difficult. » » Pro-life issues: everything is connected: suicide, abortion, capital punishment, violence, drugs, immigration, poverty, etc. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Integrate Catholic Social Teaching (CST) that clearly addresses causes of injustice and the sacredness of human dignity, into the formation of ordained clergy and lay leaders, including direct experiences of advocacy and social involvement. • Allocate more financial and human resources to local ministries that provide or facilitate access to the basic human needs of Hispanic/Latino Catholics. • Foster ongoing education to all Catholics on civic engagement, voter registration, and accountability of elected officials through advocacy, while providing guidance and clarity on the connection between all pro-life issues (suicide, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, human trafficking, domestic and street/ gang violence, substance abuse and overdose, threats to life for the undocumented and migrants, racism, terrorism, poverty, access to healthcare, etc.). IV. Successful and Exemplary Practices • Implement S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Time-bound) in pastoral planning. This is a practical and effective way to support the community’s gifts and skills while developing solutions for a Church that goes forth. • Increase collaboration between diocesan staff from the offices of social justice and Hispanic ministry to address the concerns of the Latino/Hispanic community. • Create an Institute of Formation for the Church’s Social Teaching that trains leaders and ministers to serve in their parishes, dioceses, and communities in the ministerial area of Justice and Peace. • Update and promote pastoral, spiritual, and theological formation courses to include Catholic Social Teaching (CST) on multiple areas including Justice and Peace issues in all dioceses for catechists, group leaders, and people who give pre-baptismal talks, formation for marriage, accompaniment for the elderly, and liturgical ministers. • Work with community organizations such as those funded by the bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) to influence local decision makers on issues that impact Hispanics/Latinos. • Prioritize accompanying single mothers and separated parents—whether through divorce, deportation, detention or other trauma—with support groups, counseling, social services when needed, and support in the transmission of the faith to their children. Ministerial Area Sessions