V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 149 • Raise awareness among the Hispanic community about the importance of contributing financially. • Formation programs at diocesan and regional levels offer opportunities for the development of a pastoral de conjunto . These programs should include exercises for discerning gifts, talents, and vocations for ministry and professional life. Engage Catholic universities and other institutions to play a key role in this. • Increase the participation of Hispanics in parish leadership bodies that direct resource allocation and pastoral priorities. Pursue Latino professionals and business owners for these roles. • Research the places or areas in the diocese where Hispanics have made significant financial contributions. Distribute findings that identify purpose, methods, and results to use as best practices when engaging Hispanics in Church development. • Offer a program in Spanish to educate Latino Catholics on the importance of sharing their treasure in support of the mission of the Church. The program must respect the uniqueness of Hispanic cultures, provide an outline of the various ways the Church carries out its mission, and describe ways to offer support. • Evaluate opportunities for infrastructure investment that can have a significant impact in the life of Hispanics, then galvanize the entire community to address these infrastructural opportunities. V. Resources The following resources were recommended by presenters and participants of the V National Encuentro : • For a summary of Hispanic/Latino patterns in philanthropic giving, see Mark Rovner, “Diversity in Giving: The Changing Landscape of American Philanthropy,” Blackbaud, 2015 ( http://www.thenonprofittimes. com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Diversity-in-Giving-Study-FINAL.pdf ), 10-11. • Corresponsables de Dios /Stewards of God ( https://www.corresponsablesdedios.com/ ). • USCCB, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 2003. VI. Ministerial Area Team • Episcopal Moderators: Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland; Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi. • Co-Leaders: Joseph Citro and Javier Bustamante. • Panelist: Michael Murphy. 28. VOCATIONS I. Vision All baptized Christians are called to know, love, and serve God; to be disciples of Jesus Christ and build the Kingdom of God. From this universal call to holiness and discipleship spring all other specific vocations, the diversity of ways in which a person can be called. These ways include matrimony, the single life, ordained ministry, and consecrated life. Clergy—both religious and diocesan—as well as consecrated religious men and women, are key participants in the promotion of vocations; however, families, movements, and lay associations, as well as youth ministries, play an important role when it comes to inspiring young men and women to follow Jesus by living a life of service. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • An urgent need in the Latino community is the promotion of the vocation to sacramental marriage, because there are many unmarried couples, often due to lack of money or immigration status. • Immigration status and/or the level of academic education can be impediments to entrance into the seminary or religious life. Ministerial Area Sessions