V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

126 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry • More liturgical and spiritual formation are needed for altar servers at Mass and their parents. • There are several social factors that hinder the people’s active and lively liturgical participation: » » Work schedules in conflict with the parish schedules for Masses in Spanish; the need for survival with access to only low-paying jobs means working long hours or two jobs. » » Irregular marriage situations that impede the reception of communion and other sacraments. » » Immigration status and fear of deportation that lead some people to avoid participating in public events. » » Situations of marginalization (prisons, drug addictions, hospitals, the homebound, etc.). • Religious factors also affecting full participation: » » Lack of liturgical formation and understanding of sacramental life. » » In some regions, lack of enough Spanish-speaking priests. » » Reduced practice of Confession, sometimes also due to the lack of Spanish-speaking priests. » » Loss of attachment to and understanding of popular religious practices. • Realities in support of greater participation: » » Every year there are more Masses in Spanish, as well as more priests who speak Spanish. » » There is increasing attention given to liturgy in Spanish by the Offices for Divine Worship and national organizations such as the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia (INHL), Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC), and the Southwest Liturgical Conference, each providing resources, workshops, and formation. » » More religious publishers are providing resources in Spanish for use in the liturgy. » » In many parishes, there is a multiplication of prayer groups and intensification of popular religious devotions. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Prepare a basic list of resources to help people get started with materials from various publishers (see resources on the next page). • Develop and provide ongoing formation to address the issue: they don’t know what they don’t know. • Spearhead an initiative to provide liturgical education and formation for musicians in Hispanic communities. IV. Successful and Exemplary Practices • Through homilies and adult formation events, correct beliefs and practices that go against the Catholic faith. • Recognize and honor different cultures and traditions, such as Masses in Spanish and celebrations of cultural and national traditions, festivals, and devotions. • Build unity and better communication between the different committees and parish groups. • Involve young people and children in the Mass. • Provide liturgical formation at all levels: priests, liturgical ministers, and people in the pews, with more and better catechetical materials in both English and Spanish. • Musical formation for choirs. • Provide frequent and accessible explanations of the sacraments, the Mass, and liturgical rites. Ministerial Area Sessions