V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 145 • Nevertheless, Hispanic/Latino Catholics express a great interest and desire to learn more about Sacred Scripture. For those who have been involved in ecclesial movements—such as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal—this desire has led to greater study and knowledge of Scripture. • Although Hispanic families have often benefited from popular catechesis and theology at home, especially with the help of their abuelas (grandmothers), separation from older generations due to migration has led to a broad-based decline in knowledge of the faith, along with declining sacramental practice. • Many parishes do not have enough qualified Hispanic or Spanish-speaking teachers or quality materials to instruct adults on the Bible and theology, and most catechists are only able to teach what is in the book or other materials they are utilizing with the children. • In the consultation, there was a perceived lack of interest on the part of dioceses and parishes to strengthen biblical and theological formation in the Hispanic/Latino community. • In some cases, scripture study groups and prayer circles have not been welcomed in the parish. • There has been minimal or no supervision from the hierarchy over the instruction and materials in use by groups, and in a few instances, they are being taught using a Protestant Bible or evangelical resources with a proselytizing or anti-Catholic approach. • All of these situations beg for more Bible seminars and biblical missions. • Most dioceses do not have enough professional personnel specialized in biblical studies to teach courses or workshops where they are needed. Even when offered, the schedule of classes may not fit with the reality of the community they serve. • Free online resources for biblical missions and study groups are underutilized because people are unaware of their existence or do not have the knowledge of how to implement them. • Most Hispanic/Latino young people do not have a budget to participate in workshops, conferences or training courses, which limits their participation. • According to the V Encuentro consultation, there are 4,476 catholic parishes with some type of organized Hispanic ministry. However, these parishes are often led by English-speaking priests or pastoral agents near retirement age. There is a need for more leadership formation for leaders in Hispanic ministry. • Dioceses and parishes need to give Hispanic ministry higher priority and dedicate more resources to it, investing in the evangelization and integral formation of all Hispanic Catholics. • Although 61 percent of Catholic parishes are located in the Midwest and Northeast, the greatest growth in the Catholic population is taking place in the South and the West, where 61 percent of parishes with Hispanic ministry are located. The Midwest and the Northeast have 39 percent of the parishes with Hispanic ministry. 32 • Half of all pastoral agents serving Hispanic Catholics in high ministerial positions in dioceses and parishes are not paid. Whereas priests and consecrated women have communities that support them, the diocese and the parish urgently need to address this matter by paying a just wage, as they do for pastoral leaders in other ministries. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Promote the biblical animation of catechesis, ministerial formation and pastoral work in general, especially with young people and Hispanic families, both at the diocesan and parish level. • Promote the development of Catholic programs, retreats, and resources for believers of all ages, focused on the study of Sacred Scripture in English and Spanish, especially in diaconate formation. 32 Hosffman Ospino, Hispanic Ministry in Catholic Parishes: A Summary Report of Findings from the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry , see: ( https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/schools/stm/pdf/2014/BC-NatlStudyParishesHM- Rep1-201405.pdf ). Ministerial Area Sessions