V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

148 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry of Hispanic ministry. Their perception is that the reduction or lack of financial investment in Hispanic ministry is hurting communities and pushing people away from the Church. • One of the most immediate needs is for more Spanish-speaking priests. • Hispanic Catholics affirm their love and support for the Church. However, they experience a lack of investment in the formation of Hispanic pastoral leadership. Their desire to grow in knowledge of the faith and in leadership represents a significant opportunity for the Church. • Advocacy and investment in forming Hispanic leaders and professionals for society is also imperative. Other sectors of society are galvanizing and empowering Hispanics in a way that the Church is not, and we are losing them. • Although their financial resources are often limited, Hispanics/Latinos give generously to their local parish and diocese. While their participation in formal campaigns has not yet reached its potential, when given the opportunity to contribute in “alternative” ways, Hispanics respond wholeheartedly. • It is often the case that Hispanics/Latinos are overlooked and not asked to give in meaningful and personal ways. • The Church speaks about giving time, talent, and treasure, but often Hispanics/Latinos are made to feel that their gifts of time and talent are not valued, only money counts. • Many Hispanics/Latinos feel that their contributions to the Church are undervalued. They contribute a significant amount of volunteer hours in various ministries that keep parishes vibrant. They also place their skills at the service of the Church, often providing experienced manual labor to their parishes. • The most important treasure that Hispanics offer to the Church are the values that mark them as a people. Faith, service, wisdom, joy, loyalty, and humility are among those treasures. • Hispanics confront various challenges that inhibit their participation in parish life. Transportation is a major obstacle, not just for attending parish services, but for taking advantage of formation opportunities. • The Hispanics/Latinos in the consultation expressed a desire for greater attention to facilities. When given access to meeting spaces and Catholic schools, Latinos recognize that the Church has a real commitment to their families. Valuing their presence and contributions is an investment in the future of the Church. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Educate and invite Latinos—and all cultures—to an experience of co-responsibility (stewardship), which is embodied in the culture, methods, and ways of giving that are born from within our culture. • Invite Latinos into leadership positions—including their presence in finance and pastoral councils—that allow them to partake in decisions about how resources are distributed. • Invite Latinos to be protagonists with regard to the methods and messages that invite them to offer their gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the Church. • Educate families and young people to discover stewardship, looking for ways they can offer their gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the Church. They should understand that their role in the Church is not only to receive, but also to provide. IV. Successful and Exemplary Practices • Invest in leadership formation for young Hispanic men and women, expand diaconate programs, and provide training for priests to gain linguistic and cultural competence. • Invite and train Hispanics/Latinos to serve in various ministries, councils, and commissions. Promote new leaders, especially young adults and adolescents. Ministerial Area Sessions