Office Of Hispanic Ministry Focusing On Encuentro In 2017
The Diocese of Evansville kicked off its V Encuentro activities with a March 4 gathering at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Center in Dale. More than 225 individuals participated in the half-day of prayer, presentations, Mass and a meal. Bishop Charles C. Thompson concelebrated the Mass with St. Francis of Assisi Pastor Father John Brosmer, Benedictine Father Noël Mueller of St. Meinrad Archabbey, Father Crispine Adongo, Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper and Father Homero Rodriguez, associate pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville. Father Rodriguez also serves St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Mary Parish in Huntingburg, spending time at each parish on a monthly basis.
Martin Zavala, a nationally known missionary, writer and lecturer, offered the keynote presentations at the kickoff event. His first talk, “Missionary Discipleship: A Call to Serve, a Response to Jesus’ Invitation,” highlighted the need for Catholics to learn more about their faith and participate in liturgical and other activities of their parishes. He challenged all to be open and respond according to their personal talents and call. During “A Journey of Hope,” his second presentation, Zavala focused on how participants can converse with non-Catholic believers and share our beliefs with others.
The V Encuentro (fifth Encounter) is a process to discern ways that our Church can better respond to the Hispanic presence, and to enhance the ways that Hispanics respond to the call of the New Evangelization. Activities, including Parish Leader training sessions and parish Encuentros, will happen throughout 2017. In 2018, regional and national meetings will take place, and our diocese's plans will be included in the resulting national pastoral plan. If you would like to participate as a parish leader, contact Juan Ramirez at 812-499-8638.
