At St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Camden, on March 28, Hispanic ministry leaders throughout the Diocese of Camden came together for a day of formation and workshops on how to effectively lead small Christian communities and prayer groups in their own parishes.
Some 125 individuals participated in the all-day event, which included a keynote on the “Spirituality of a Leader” from Silvia Mariella, a Paraguay-born Catholic songwriter and speaker.
In addition, afternoon workshops brought further formation, for pastoral musicians (facilitated by Mariella), prayer groups (led by Kathia Arango, director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia), and small Christian communities (Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Camden).
Arango noted that the day was an important, and effective, one for the participants.
“In the Latino community, music is key to attract people, and we need well-prepared pastoral musicians,” he said. “As well, small Christian communities and prayer groups are key to forming disciples, and creating a family-oriented Christian environment.”