V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 131 • Catherine Martin, Traveling Show Ministries: A Conspiracy to Create Joy: Circus Spirituality Beyond the Center Ring , 2011. • International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains ( https://www.iacac.aero/ ). • Apostleship of the Sea ( http://www.aos-usa.org/ ). • National Conference of Catholic Airport Chaplains ( http://www.nccac.us/ ). • USCCB, People on the Move ( http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/pastoral-care-of- migrants-refugees-and-travelers/people-on-the-move/index.cfm ). • USCCB, Anti-Trafficking Program ( http://www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/index.cfm ). VI. Ministerial Area Team • Episcopal Moderators: Most Rev. Armando Ochoa, Bishop of Fresno; and Most Rev. Joseph Tyson, Bishop of Yakima. • Co-Leaders: David Corrales and José López. • Panelists: Rev. Richard Notter, Rev. Leonardo Fossa, and Rev. Thomas Florek, S.J. 21. MINISTRY AMONG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THE DEAF COMMUNITY I. Vision Members of the Hispanic/Latino community, including those with disabilities or who are deaf, bring the richness of their families and traditions to the life of the Catholic Church. They, like all baptized Catholics, have inherent dignity and rights to full participation in the sacramental life. It is incumbent upon pastors and parish leaders to provide needed accommodations to facilitate meaningful participation in parish life so that individuals may offer their gifts in liturgical ministries, evangelization, pastoral care, and as clergy, consecrated religious, or lay ecclesial ministers. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • Sometimes Latino families hide the presence of children and adults with disabilities, with the result that they do not receive the services available and do not participate fully in the faith community. • People with disabilities often feel ignored or unwelcome when they go to Church. They may be overlooked and may not receive needed supports. • Many assume that deaf members of the community can read lips, but that is not necessarily true. • In the Hispanic/Latino community there are serious challenges with mental health issues and addictions. • Families may need assistance such as advocacy for services in schools, transportation or access to services, and guidance on how best to care for and support their children’s development. • Many Hispanic families who have children with disabilities do not know of available pastoral and social resources that can help them. • There is a need to create awareness and training on disability and mental illness in the Latino community. • People with disabilities and their families experience many health issues and often lack health insurance. • Language barriers can be another obstacle that prevents accessing available services. • Families caring for children, adults, or elders with disabilities experience great isolation and loneliness. • About 1 in 6 Hispanics in the U.S. live with disabilities. Ministerial Area Sessions