V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 47 This Encuentro is a privileged space to ask: Where is God opening a door today? It will be nec- essary to review structures and strategies. We must ask if these are what the mission requires at this time and if they are as effective as they were in the past. We must ensure that we do not think and speak from an introspective Church, but have our eyes set on the mission and what it demands of us. “This Encuentro is a graced moment where we can invoke the Holy Spirit and ask: Where is God opening a door for the Church today? If the Holy Spirit helps us discover the door, we can count on [having] what we need to enter.” “We can be sure of it: we will not find our ‘where’ – the place of mission – within the walls and structures of our parish churches, movements, and societies.” Friday Mid-Day Mass Homily – Most Rev. Gerald Barnes, Bishop of San Bernardino Bishop Barnes began his homily by recognizing that we are all blended together—a mixed race. This combination is a proud heritage of unity for it provides a unique identity, history, common language, traditions, and an enormous love and faith for the church. The history of the Encuentro s has been a history of joy and hope, but not without its struggle, uncertainty, and discrimination. Thus, the mission of the Encuentro can only be learned by being missionaries— hearing other voices along the way, the voices of those who go unheard. The words of Saint Paul remind us to be patient, humble, and gentle—to bear with one another in love, united in the Spirit. Amid all of the divisions we see in the world around us, the pro- phetic voices we have heard in this journey of the V Encuentro resound in our hearts. The young people have been especially enthusiastic in sharing their concerns and vision for the future of youth and young adult ministry. The needs of families were also highlighted, with groups passionately addressing higher education, migrant ministry, and restorative justice. With this in mind, the Hispanic community of the United States is called to be an instrument of unity and a promoter of communion. This Feast of Saint Matthew moves us to respond to the call of Jesus who is present in our families, on the streets, in the fields, and at our places of work. The invita- tion of Jesus during the V Encuentro is to recover the vocation of being missionary disciples—a call for change and transformation. “We are here, continuing the path of so many committed lay people, religious, priests and bishops that broke new ground in Hispanic ministry in the United States.” “Jesus preaches this mission with actions that carry a profound message. To sit down with the excluded is proclaiming the Gospel right then and there.” Getting Involved