V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 79 Some table groups recommended that social media could be used more effectively to highlight the stories of immigrants and ref- ugees seeking asylum, thereby building sol- idarity and compassion for their acceptance and welcome in the United States. Others recommended establishing funds to assist migrants in their legal process to obtain a visa with a work permit, asylum, or permanent residence. There was also a recommendation to highlight solidarity with immigrants as a life issue with a moral imperative to work to over- come racism and harsh enforcement policies that separate families and leave many people to die in the wilderness or subjecting them- selves to the dangerous influence of human traffickers, searching for a better life or reuni- fication with their loved ones. The common recommendation here is to engage in a con- tinual process of listening to needs, increas- ing awareness, and serving all. F. INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCIES The delegates in this session recognized that a deep and meaningful encounter of cultures in parishes and ministries might not happen on its own—it needs to be an intentional pro- cess to overcome barriers of distrust, nega- tive stereotypes, language and/or social sta- tus. They recommended forming committees to work across cultures to bring the diverse groups in the community together to share food, stories, prayer/liturgies, and concerns. They also emphasized that young people are emerging as a distinct cultural group—it is important to include young Hispanics/Latinos as well as the 1.5, 2 nd, and 3 rd + generations in the conversation. New approaches may be required to effectively engage them in the life of the Church and in the processes of Hispanic/Latino ministry. As missionary disci- ples and leaders, we must make a personal commitment to take the first step and partici- pate in the activities of other groups. Specific training for pastoral leadership in multicultural settings and shared parishes was also highly recommended. Some table groups specifically mentioned the Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers train- ing program developed by the USCCB, as well as evangelizing and parish renewal pro- grams from a variety of organizations that are available in English and Spanish. Others recommended a practice of intentionally including representatives from various cul- tural groups in the parish pastoral and finance councils so that they can take part in shared decision-making. The support and clear vision of clergy and pastoral leaders is important— without their intercultural competence and commitment to the process, the path to ecclesial integration, not just assimilation or forced compliance, can be difficult. Some table groups recognized that while it is important to have advocates and well- formed leaders with intercultural competen- cies, it is also important for the leadership of the community to reflect the diversity of cultural experiences, values, and social hori- zons of the people. They recommended supporting and/or creating pastoral insti- tutes for Hispanic/Latino ministry formation to foster new leaders and the pastoral and spiritual growth of current leaders. Religious orders and vocations directors should prior- itize encounters and retreats for the diverse cultural groups in the parish or diocese. The liturgy can also be a space in which ecclesial integration is promoted through intentional Recommendations