V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 39 Nevertheless, these visits also identified a number of areas where the Church’s pastoral outreach within the Hispanic/Latino commu- nity has been deficient at times: care for mar- ried couples and families in the problems they face; support for youth in crisis and their fam- ilies, including care and sensitivity for young people who identify as LGBTQ; accompani- ment of single mothers or the divorced and separated; reaching out to people at risk or suffering from violence, substance abuse, and gangs; advocacy for the unemployed and those receiving substandard wages; mental health services and counseling for the depressed, grieving, and mentally ill... to name some of the more common concerns. Other comments related to experiences of rejection or ill-equipped pastors and pas- toral teams. They spoke of being told to go to another parish because they speak Spanish; of the divisions and unequal access to resources and facilities in the parish; and especially of their frustration with priests who cannot find time to be with the Hispanic com- munity, to learn the language and culture, or to provide spiritual sustenance through the popular devotions and celebrations. They seek greater openness and collaboration across cultures and languages and a will- ingness from all leaders, whatever their cul- ture, to engage and learn from other cultural groups. Some felt that parishes were more concerned about rules than people, and they would like to see easier requirements for sac- ramental preparation. Youth and young adults. The pastoral care and accompaniment of Hispanic/Latino youth and young adults was also a common con- cern. The people visited frequently voiced the perception that existing services did not cater to the majority of young Hispanics, and par- ents were distraught or frustrated to see their children abandon the faith—especially after completing Confirmation—or to hear them express that their gifts were not welcome in the Church. Young Latinos who are dealing with serious challenges in life are typically the most abandoned. The parents would like to see more retreats, groups, sports, and mis- sion experiences in which young Hispanics take the lead. Obstacles to participation. In many cases, the voices from the peripheries admitted that it was not all the Church’s fault. They recog- nized that frequently those who are marginal- ized have only themselves to blame, and they are not at all motivated to engage in the life of the parish. Nevertheless, they appreciated being visited and the concern expressed by listening to their responses. In some cases, they did ask for more Masses in Spanish or for the availability of priests and pastoral leaders who know the language and culture, but obstacles such as a lack of transportation, work schedules, or a lack of understanding of Church teaching prevented them from bene- fitting from the services already available. Human life and dignity. Another class of fre- quently mentioned pastoral needs and situa- tions could be described as threats to human life and dignity. The high cost of medical care for the elderly puts a strain on many families without insurance, causing a great deal of anxiety both for one’s parents and for one’s own healthcare in old age. At the same time, unrecognized or unanswered mental health challenges have led to an epidemic of sui- cide among young Latinos, especially among Echoes of the Encounters in the Peripheries