V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

134 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry • The second and third generation bilingual and bicultural young adults are a great resource for both ministry within the Church and evangelization in the world, directed to personal networks, the workplace, and public life. • Nevertheless, second and third (and subsequent) generation Hispanic young adults are often the least resourced group in terms of pastoral ministry, and the third generation is the most likely to leave the Catholic Church. • Most of the resources in Hispanic-specific ministries are being poured into immigrant and 1.5 generation young adults, while ministries to non-Hispanics do not always welcome or meet the particular needs of later generations. • Social media is a way to reach out to Hispanic young adults, but nothing can replace personal relationships. • We are challenged to move beyond “We have always done it this way” ( EG 33), and it is through the building of bridges by young adults that we will do so. • The passion for Catholic Social Teaching among Hispanic young adults is profound. They are always asking for increased attention to social justice issues, from prevention of abortion and suicide, to immigrant rights, and respect, care, and inclusion for friends and family members who identify as LGBTQ. • Hispanic young adults are full of joy, gifts, talents, skills, strength, and creativity! The untapped potential of young adults cannot be underestimated. We must continue to affirm and call forth this potential in each and every young adult. • Out of the 176 Latin Rite territorial dioceses in the United States, only 31 currently have a paid staff person responsible for pastoral juvenil hispana . There is currently no comprehensive data about leaders in parishes. • Parish and diocesan budgets are a leading indicator of priorities; human resources should be dedicated to this ministry in the form of full-time pastoral staff devoted to Latino young adults – not just volunteers. • The call for the Church to be more welcoming, honest, and open to people from all cultures and languages rings loud and clear from the Latino young adults in the V Encuentro consultation. • There is a need for more formation resources such as retreats, conferences, and workshops at the regional, diocesan, and parish level. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Secure increased formation and training for Hispanic/Latino young adult leaders. • Allocate more financial resources to ministry with young adults at all ecclesial levels. • Engage young adults in the leadership and decision-making structures of the church at all levels. IV. Successful and Exemplary Practices • Prioritize young adults in the lives of their parishes. • Train Hispanic/Latino young adult leaders to serve as protagonists in this ministry, accompany other young people, and participate in Church ministries. • Allocate funds for Hispanic young adult ministry. • Increase communication between pastoral leaders and young people. • Bring Latino Catholic musicians, entertainers, and evangelizers to motivate Hispanic/Latino young adults in diocesan and regional encuentros . • Build bridges with the ecclesial movements that have a charism for responding to young people and support their ministry among the young adult Hispanics in the community. Ministerial Area Sessions