Hispanic/Latino Update

The Hispanic Presence: Challenge and Commitment (bilingual edition), National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1983. 

Besides challenging the Church in the United States to carry out the conclusions of the Third Encuentro, this document mentions five special reasons that the Hispanic/Latino people are a blessing to the rest of the people in the United States:

• They are the oldest European culture here in America.

• They have a deep, reverential love for life and for family.
• They have a strong identification with the suffering Christ and deep devotion to Mary. 
• Faith is a part of their everyday life. 

• They save time for celebration and the enjoyment of life.

Available from the United States Catholic Conference, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194. Phone: 800-235-8722.

National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry (bilingual edition), National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 1987.

This Pastoral Plan is addressed to the whole Church, not just Hispanics. It not only calls for an analysis of our present reality and a search for answers to address the present needs of people. It also calls for deep theological reflection and discernment and a process which helps build the Kingdom of God by portraying the Church itself as communitarian, as evangelizing and missionary, as incarnated in the reality of the people, and as a promoter and example of justice. The participation of all the members of the Church is called a úPastoral de ConjuntoîÄ"A Collaborative Pastoral Action."  

The Plan tries to help the Church as a whole understand that the cultures of different groups complement, enrich and úpurifyî each other, and that is how the Spirit will help us to fulfill our mission as Church.

Available from the United States Catholic Conference, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194. Phone: 800-235-8722.

Prophetic Vision: Pastoral Reflections on the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry (bilingual edition), edited by Soledad Galerfn, Rosa MarÃa Icaza, Rosendo Urrabazo, Sheed & Ward, 1992 (in cooperation with staff of the Mexican American Cultural Center, San Antonio, Texas).

Many different Hispanic/Latino national leaders with years of experience in this ministry take a critical look at the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry and offer very valuable insights, reflections and suggestions.  It is made up of three parts:

• The Journey Toward the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry

• Global Aspects of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry

• Reflections on the Specific Objectives of the Pastoral Plan

Useful to both Spanish and English speaking groups for study and reflection. 

Available from Sheed and Ward, 115 E. Armour Blvd., P.O. Box 44194492, Kansas City, MO 64141-6492. Phone: 800-333-7373.

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