V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

136 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry • Southeast Pastoral Institute ( http://www.sepi.us/ ): formation and resources for Hispanic ministry and pastoral juvenil hispana, in Regions V and XIV. • USCCB, Resources for Young Adult Ministry ( http://www.usccb.org/yam ) and Pastoral Juvenil Hispana ( http:// www.usccb.org/pjh ). • Vatican, Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment ( http://www.synod2018.va/ ). VI. Ministerial Area Team • Episcopal Moderator: Most Rev. William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore. • Co-Leaders: Nicholas Stein and Rev. Alejandro López-Cardinale. • Panelists: Gabriela Karaszewski and Rev. Frank Donio, S.A.C. 23. MINISTRY WITH HISPANIC ADOLESCENTS I. Vision Young Hispanics are a great treasure for the Church—both protagonists and, at times, high priority recipients of its pastoral care and accompaniment. They have gifts and talents that enrich the Church and are willing to put them at the service of others. Through the V Encuentro process, the Church has listened to their voices and wishes to be a companion and guide as they strive to achieve their personal and spiritual fulfillment: embracing their dreams; sharing successful ministerial practices that form young missionary disciples; accompanying them in their challenges and sufferings; and thus helping prepare them for their role in building a Civilization of Love, the Kingdom of God on earth. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • The consultation identified a need for comprehensive training for Hispanic/Latino teens with retreats, workshops, liturgies, groups, catechesis, and mentors. • Financial support and resources in parishes for pastoral work among Hispanic/Latino adolescents is seldom easily obtained and often completely lacking. • Need more youth group leaders equipped with the linguistic, cultural, and pastoral skills to work collaboratively with the pastor and the community. • The Church should place more confidence in Latino/Hispanic adolescents and invite them to serve in various ministries, also allowing them to exercise their leadership within youth ministry. The best apostles to young people are the young. • Due to cultural, linguistic, and social differences among Latino teens, not to mention differences with non- Hispanic Catholic teens, it is important to open multiple spaces for them to connect and participate. • When a one-size-fits-all youth group approach is taken, studies show that most of the young people will not participate, especially those in greatest need of pastoral care and attention. 29 • The consultation identified several obstacles and challenges faced by Hispanic/Latino teens: » » Choices that prevent them from reaching their maximum potential (i.e. drugs, gangs, alcohol, sex and early parenthood, etc.). » » The lack of economic resources for their education, leaving them in underperforming public schools without a pathway to a college degree. 29 Ken Johnson-Mondragón, “A ‘Community of Communities’ Approach to Youth Ministry,” in Hosffman Ospino, ed., Our Catholic Children: Ministry with Hispanic Youth and Young Adults , Our Sunday Visitor, 2018. Ministerial Area Sessions