What is the V (Fifth) Encuentro? Many parishioners still wonder
what it is. One of the reasons and objectives of the V Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral
Hispana, an initiative of the bishops of the United States, is to encourage the
Catholic faithful to listen with deep attention to the needs, challenges and
aspirations that the growing Hispanic population faces in their daily lives.
Above all, it prepares us as a church to better recognize, embrace and promote
the many gifts and talents that Hispanic people share in American life and
society.
Most of our parishes have taken seriously this initiative, which
included four previous encounters with major pastoral success at the national
level.
The Hispanic community at several diocesan parishes is preparing for
this encounter. The goal is to strengthen ties of friendship, cooperation, and
active and visible participation with our English-speaking brothers. We must
recognize that we are not an island; we are not a separate church. We are one
family in Christ and together, through the Holy Eucharist, we proclaim one church,
one faith and one Jesus Christ.
The V Encuentro has given us the opportunity to prepare ourselves
to be true missionary disciples: witnesses of the love of God. It is an
excellent intentional process of listening and consultation. Since we have experienced
great changes in the approach of the different movements — and personally in
each training, visit and support that our office of the Hispanic Apostolate
does — we see the
need to unite more in prayer to alleviate our fears and support our immigrant
families, and to reach the peripheries of our diocese to attract those who have
not had a personal encounter with Christ.
A Eucharistic celebration with Arlington Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge will be held Dec. 9, the feast of St. Juan Diego, at St. Joseph Church
in Herndon.
With the spirit of Emmaus we will come to our churches to
evangelize and proclaim a living Christ.
Fr. Hoyos is director of the diocesan Spanish Apostolate.