V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 31 Moment 1: Thursday, September 20, 2018, 4:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. A Church that “Goes Forth” – Procession and Opening Session On the first day of the V Encuentro National Gathering, we came together ready to take the first step on a national level. We arrived as delegates and participants from different dioceses, ministries, interests, and cultural families, but we convened as one Church, united in our mission to be Witnesses of God’s Love. In the passage of the disciples on their way to Emmaus, Jesus takes the first step ( primerea ), reaching out to the disciples. Jesus approaches them with deep respect, knowing what it is his disciples think, feel, and do, and seeing it in their own words and gestures. In the process of the V Encuentro , this first step consists of going out, moving past our fear, to meet Hispanics/ Latinos in their daily reality, to know their problems, challenges, joys, and dreams. This involves going into their environments, perceiving their reality, observing through the eyes of a disciple, and listening with attention and respect. Event Emcees Musical Directors Armando Cervantes Rodolfo (Rudy) López Christina Lamas Pedro Rubalcava Opening Procession Historical Memory of the Encuentros Sr. Ana María Pineda, R.S.M. Evening Prayer Leader and Homilist: Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio Welcome Most Rev. Michael Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth Opening Remarks Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and USCCB President Keynote Speaker Most Rev. Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America Taking the First Step – Called to a Loving Encounter with Jesus