V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 91 in that order. • More than 1 million Latina women make regular recommendations on social media, 11% more than the average Internet user. • U.S. Hispanics spend nearly 66% more time per week watching videos on their smartphones than the total market; the top two platforms: Facebook and YouTube. Hispanics love social media—especially video. • Too often, content on parish/diocesan newspapers, social media and websites is only available in English. There is a lack of pastoral de conjunto between parishes and diocesan groups, such that they do not take into account the diverse literacy levels of immigrant communities. III. Top Recommendations from the National Encuentro • Form priests, seminarians, diocesan and parish staff, and volunteers in the use of technology and new media for the purpose of evangelization. • Create content focused on young people that invites them to participate in the life of the Church and distribute that content in every way possible. • Create a strategy and a communication plan that will serve as a model for parishes, dioceses, ecclesial movements, universities, and organizations serving Hispanic/Latino Catholics. IV. Successful and Exemplary Practices • Make extensive use of bilingual bulletins, newspapers, websites, and social media accounts. • Promote programs via every medium—radio, email, websites, Church bulletins, pulpit announcements, and social media—with special attention to those separated from the Church. • Evaluate current communication systems for their effectiveness in reaching people in parishes, dioceses, and regions, then develop strategies to identify and reach those who are missed. • Use technology and media to share diocesan and parish information on activities, programs, calendars, and resources according to the age, culture, level of education, and access to technology of the target audience, ensuring that everything is mobile-friendly. • Create or expand radio programs in Spanish. Many are already available through syndication. • Utilize simultaneous translation equipment at events to ensure everyone feels welcome. • Secure assistance in the translation of documents and content; bilingual young adults can be a valuable resource. • Provide a workshop for diocesan and parish teams about the great use of technology in various formats, especially social media, to share diocesan information to young people • Identify and promote regional communication models (radio, television, newspaper) to reach specific ministries and those who are away from the Church. • Formation on the principles and tools of marketing to better promote parish activities, ministries, etc. (bulletin, social media, website). • Promote the use of social media to evangelize family members, young people, and adults. V. Resources The following resources were recommended by presenters and participants of the V National Encuentro : • USCCB, Social Media Guidelines ( http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/social-media-guidelines.cfm ). • National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Recommended Technology Guidelines for Pastoral Work with Young People ( http://nfcym.org/s/NFYM-Recommended-Technology-Guidelines-for-Pastoral-Work- with-Young-People.pdf ). Ministerial Area Sessions