The document discusses strategies for Catholic churches to effectively reach out to and minister to Hispanic young adults. It notes that Hispanic young adults want to feel welcomed in their church community. It recommends that churches integrate, rather than assimilate, Hispanic young adults and their cultural traditions. Churches should meet people where they are, make them feel at home, develop ministries and ministers that address their needs, build relationships across cultures, and encourage leadership from within the Hispanic community.

1. The Reality of Hispanic Young Adults How do we reach out?

2. Introduction The group referred to as “Hispanic” is as diverse in itself as the American population as a whole, however most have been raised as Catholics. The Hispanic population is made up of people from Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain itself. Because of Immigrants looking for work, the young adult population especially continues to soar.

3. Effective Outreach It is necessary to understand Who they are What they need from the Church Ways we can help …In order to better minister to the Hispanic young adult community

4. Who are Hispanic Young Adults? Like other young adults, they are between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of gender, marital, or parenting status. Many different cultural identities are encompassed in the broad term “Hispanic”. The large majority of Hispanic immigrants are male, searching for work, and undocumented. The Hispanic young adult community is generally of the lower socio-economic classes.

5. Statistical Overview

6. Religion is Intrinsic In most Latin American countries, there is little to no distinction between faith life and daily life. Whereas in the United States it is quite easy to separate one’s secular existence from Church, Hispanics learn that faith and culture are one in the same. With this comes a sometimes poor understanding of the meaning behind Catholic ritual and tradition, but also a deeply instilled set of Catholic values.

7. Hispanic Catholics believe strongly… In the respect and dignity that each person deserves In the beauty and importance of family life In the need for community and celebration In the unparalleled gift of life In the authentic and consistent devotion to Mary (HPCC #3)

8. What do Hispanic young adults need from the Catholic Church? First and foremost, these young adults look to feel welcomed. Church is often the first place they look to find a sense of familiarity and community. They are a community-centered people, needing to feel that they belong to the Church, and that the church is also theirs. A sacred space where they can be themselves, including worshiping in their native language and practicing familiar religious customs, gives these young adults the comfort they need to feel welcomed.

9. Integration vs. Assimilation As part of a universal church which promotes acceptance and diversity, it is essential to integrate rather than assimilate the young adults of the Hispanic community. Integration is the process by which immigrants are welcomed as part of the larger faith community, but are encouraged to maintain their own cultural identity, whereas assimilation champions the decision to forego one’s own traditions to be a part of the American cultural tradition. (NPPHM #4)

10. How can we reach out? Practical outreach begins with welcoming. Hispanic young adults want to be involved, but they are not sure that they are wanted in parish life. Extend an invitation to parish events. Utilize their gifts and talents at mass and in ministry. Cross language barriers by finding “bridge builders” who are bilingual.

11. Stages to Successful Ministry Meet people where they are Make them feel at home Develop ministries and ministers Build relationships across cultures and ministries Encourage leadership from those within group (USCCB)

12. Meet people where they are

13. Make them feel at home Success is reached when it is possible to adapt to a different culture from a position of strength. Meaning, they are first given the opportunity to be themselves, and then offered the ability to become part of the larger parish community. No one wants to remain on the periphery of a group, but it is important to feel welcomed and comfortable before becoming part of the group.

14. Develop ministries and ministers In keeping with the inviting environment we hope to create for Hispanic young adults, it is necessary to give them appropriate ministries to ensure that their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs are met. These needs may be, but are not limited to…

15. Build relationships across cultures and ministries Afford Hispanic young people the opportunity to share their experiences with the larger faith community. Build unity among different Hispanic ethnicities.

16. Encourage leadership from within group