V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

40 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry adolescent girls and young women. For some it may be caused by oppressive parenting, machismo, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or even human trafficking. The lack of under- standing among immigrant parents about U.S. cultural standards for the care and disciplin- ing of children can be a contributing factor. Although unintended pregnancies and abortions are on the decline, far too many young Latinas are still encouraged by society to make a “choice” to end the life of their unborn children, then are left without sup- port to deal with the regret or anguish that may follow. Many of them arrive at that point because they see no realistic pathway to raise a child (or another child), or because they are afraid to admit to their parents that they have become sexually active. Substance abuse has also taken a large toll on human life in Hispanic communities, whether by overdose, liver disease, DUI, or drug-induced violence. Indeed, violent crime continues at epidemic levels in the Latino community, led by gun and gang violence. Many young Hispanics are faced with the terrible alternative of joining a gang or succumbing to a physical attack. In all of this, the undocumented are doubly vulnerable, and they face unique threats to life especially when crossing the border. Even climate change and environmental pollution have an outsized effect on the lives of the poor, including many Hispanics. Pastoral care of families. The final category of pastoral needs and situations has to do with the accompaniment of Hispanic/Latino families. A major concern is the absence of many Hispanic fathers in the lives of their children. In fact, the “irregular situations” of which Pope Francis speaks (see Amoris Laetitia, 296 and following) have become the norm for many Hispanic families. The families desire support, guidance, mercy, understand- ing, and accompaniment in these difficult sit- uations, yet they may avoid going to Church because they are not allowed to receive com- munion and they feel judged and rejected. Over time, they may reach a point of accep- tance living life without the Church, although they continue to believe in God, and some may make efforts to live a spiritual or devout life on their own. Immigrant parents also need guidance—per- haps in the form of workshops or courses—to help them understand what their children are experiencing as they grow up between two cultures. Challenges of poor communication, isolation, and a variety of other problems already mentioned also burden both the mar- riage relationship and family life. For many Latino families, the existing problems are compounded by the necessity to work long hours at low-paying jobs in order to survive, leaving the children to “raise themselves.” They seek guidance and a connection with God and the community; if they do not find it within the Catholic Church, they are likely to go to another denomination or practice brujería (sorcery), santería, or engage in the services of psychics and mediums. Obstacles and Challenges Basic and higher education. Outside of immigration status, which has already been addressed, the most frequently mentioned challenge among the voices from the periph- eries was education. Although reports indicate that the high school dropout rates have come down, they often do not take into account the Echoes of the Encounters in the Peripheries