Local News
Hispanic Ministry Leaders Focus On Growing Role
Published: September 4, 2008
Jose and Esperanza Vera share some thoughts on being called to lay ministry during a table discussion. The couple attends St. Michael Church, Gainesville.
ROSWELL—More than 250 Hispanic church leaders gathered for a one-day workshop to strengthen their efforts as “co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.”
The Hispanic Ministry Office hosted the mid-summer event at St. Andrew Church, Roswell, to connect community leaders from across the Atlanta Archdiocese who work with Hispanic Catholics.
“It planted a seed in the leaders. It was an educational opportunity,” said Jairo Martinez, the leader of the Hispanic Ministry Office.
Latinos in north Georgia make up close to half the Catholics in the archdiocese. Sixty-two parishes hold a Spanish Mass weekly out of nearly 100 parishes and missions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta; in 2003 there were about 50.
Sister Laura Vazquez, left, and Sister Carmen Medel attend the July 12 Hispanic Ministry Encounter at St. Andrew Church, Roswell. The sisters serve at St. Mark Church, Clarkesville. (Photos by Michael Alexander)
The July workshop focused on the increased role of ministry in the church by women and men. People examined two documents issued by church leaders. In 2005, U.S. bishops issued “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord” that examined how Catholics are encouraged to collaborate with church ministry.
The second report studied was the 2007 report of the South American bishops meeting in the Brazilian city of Aparecida. The group studied what are called “ecclesial base communities,” small groups of parishioners that aim to build bridges within the church. Jaime Bascunan, leader of the Hispanic Ministry Council in the Chicago Archdiocese, led this discussion.
Jorge Garcia, right, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Smyrna, has a follow-up discussion with Hispanic Ministry Encounter speaker Jaime Bascunan following his presentation on the development of lay ecclesial ministry.
Martinez said his office is working to bring people together in small groups to discuss how faith blends with day-to-day concerns.
The ministry office suggested a three-prong approach to help parishes serve Latino Catholics depending on needs. In area’s where Latinos are starting to appear, what is needed is a welcoming ministry. In parishes with an established Hispanic community, leaders need to offer services so the church moves “from a place to a home.”
Above left: With a charismatic and energetic style Father Benjamin Bravo, pastor of San Felipe de Jesus Church, San Jeronimo, Mexico, speaks during an afternoon session at the 2008 Hispanic Ministry Encounter. This year’s theme was “Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.” Above middle: Leonardo Jaramillo, director of Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry, offers suggestions on how to delegate responsibility and leadership to young people. Above right: Lazaro Martinez, foreground, and Georgina Torres of San Felipe de Jesus Mission, Forest Park, take notes as they listen to a speaker.
