All are invited to celebrate Mass with Bishop Dennis Sullivan and South Jersey’s Hispanic community this weekend in Vineland, to mark the Diocese of Camden’s V Encuentro.
The 11 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Divine Mercy Parish, 23 West Chestnut Ave., will occur in the midst of an all-day gathering of parish delegates from the six counties of the diocese, designed for prayer, reflection and consultation on how the diocese can best serve, and be served, by its Latino faithful.
U.S. census estimates show that about 29.7 million Hispanics/Latinos in the United States identify as Catholics, which represents nearly 59 percent of the total Hispanic population in the country. Among millennials, Hispanic Catholics represent 54 percent of U.S. Catholics born in 1982 or later.
U.S. Catholic officials say the church’s Encuentro process is an essential opportunity for many parishes and dioceses to promote and grow unity, leadership and cross-collaboration.
“We’re going to listen to the needs of the Latino community, in order to respond in the best effective way to them,” said Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry.
Throughout the United States of America, V Encuentro gatherings have brought together Hispanic Catholics in reflection and fellowship, to discover how best to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their brothers and sisters. Next year, a national V Encuentro will take place. Previous national Encuentros were held in 1972, 1977, 1985 and 2000.
Following the Mass, there will be refreshments. For more information, call 856-583-6170, or e-mail norma.guzman@camdendiocese.org
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