EXPLANATIONS OF THE TOP THEMES

Note: Listed in parentheses after each theme is the number of comments related to that topic.

Themes From

Hispanic Catholic Experience on Church, and Trends and Challenges

Of the major challenges facing Hispanic ministry and leadership, which ones most resonate? Which one is the most important?

1. Educating and empowering Latinos, especially youth (12 comments). The most frequently mentioned challenges related to education for Latinos (e.g. debt, waiting lists for religious education, low percentage of Latinos with college degrees, language and financial barriers, lack of Latino children in Catholic schools). The groups also identified the need to empower youth by having Latino leaders that can speak Spanish, engage youth, be inspiring and relevant, and speak to vocations.

2. Resource allocation/disparities for Hispanic ministry and leadership development (7 comments).

Groups specifically pointed to resources allocation, disparities, and resource matching as a challenge for Latino/Hispanic programs, to meet growth, and to meet the biggest needs.

3. Integration versus assimilation and concern with lack of intercultural competency (7 comments).

Groups that mentioned this challenge pointed to areas they see in the Catholic Church as lacking intercultural competency. Examples mentioned were concerns with a highly professional theology and lack of familiarity with other cultures. Focusing on integral, holistic, and culturally relevant ministries (e.g. ministries that hire those who speak Spanish and who are connected to the community) were among some of the suggestions.

4. Differences within the Latino community and the implications (7 comments). Groups clearly acknowledged the many differences within Latino communities, and how these will have implications for Hispanic ministry and leadership. Among the differences include U.S. born versus immigrant Latinos, generational differences, age, and social class. Among the implications include identity, ministerial approaches, and theology.

1. Latino youth (9 comments). Groups were inspired by Latino youth because of their characteristics (faith, vigor, vitality), and because they see opportunities for education, engagement, spiritual growth, Catholicism, ministry, and leadership.

2. Leadership formation and development (6 comments). Groups engaged ideas around formalized training, education, leadership, activism, self-esteem, and providing greater access to Catholic education at all levels. Comments also related to shortages and funding needs.

3. Catholic education (4 comments). These comments were geared toward the belief that Catholic education needs to be more available, culturally and linguistically relevant, and financially accessible.

4. Other themes that received more than one comment but were not mentioned as frequently include: intercultural competencies, solidarity, and the role of parishes.

Action steps

1. Encourage education and development of leaders (8 comments). Specific action steps related to this include scholarships for Catholic education and concerted efforts to develop Hispanic lay leaders. More general ideas include: enhance hospitality, encourage talent and energy, help youth discern their calling, orient newly arrived Hispanics to the Church in the U.S., and educate children and their parents.

2. Increase intercultural competencies (6 comments). A specific action step was to increase Spanish proficiency and cultural knowledge in ministry. More general ideas include welcoming the gifts Latinos bring – including their spirituality, personal relationships, and their communitarian values (e.g. serving as a volunteer versus being employed). Challenge ecclesial systems to support more Latino formation.

3. Engage youth (5 comments). Get feedback from youth on engagement and Church, involve youth and students on social issues and service, and officially recognize youth ministry as essential to Hispanic Ministry.

4. Other themes that received more than one comment but were not mentioned as frequently include: involve decision makers and realigning resources.