An all-day retreat for Hispanics studying in the Church Ministry Institute of Camden (CMIC) program, was held on May 4 at the St. Pius X Spiritual Life Center in Blackwood.
In attendance were more than 100 students, who have recently completed Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the September-May classes.
With this year’s theme of “Celebrating the Year of Faith,” the morning’s speaker was Teresa Rosero, who works with the Diocesan Pastoral Institute, teaching theology courses for Hispanic adults, in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Participants also took part in afternoon workshops, facilitated by Rosero; Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Camden; and Kathia Arango, diocesan coordinator for Hispanic Charismatic Renewal.
“All ministry, to bear lasting fruit, must flow from a personal relationship with God,” said Linda K. Robinson, director of Lay Ministry Formation for the diocese.
“Prayer, days of reflection, theological reflection and faith-sharing are important components of the Church Ministry Institute program.”
The CMIC provides lay men and women with a foundation in theological studies, pastoral skills, and spiritual development, integrated with preparation for ministry and service. Hispanic CMIC classes have taken place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden; St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, Northfield; Parish of the Holy Cross, Bridgeton; St. Damien Parish, Ocean City; St. Gabriel Parish, Carneys Point; and St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral, Camden.