Hispanic students of the Diocese’s Instituto de Ministerio Eclesial de Camden (IMEC) formation program gathered last month for a daylong retreat to share fellowship and enrich their formation.
A three-year certified program in lay ministry formation, IMEC contains coursework in areas such as sacred Scripture, theology, spirituality and pastoral skills to strengthen lay leaders.
Highlights of the retreat, held at the Monsignor Victor Muro Hall of Divine Mercy Parish in Vineland, included Eucharistic Adoration; music led by Edward Facenda from Camden’s Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral Parish, and a keynote talk on synodality from Father Erlein Mora, parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Bridgeton.
Father Mora’s presentation, timed with Pope Francis’ worldwide Synod on Synodality initiative on listening, prayer and dialogue, was an opportunity for all to understand “how we can listen to the needs of our sisters and brothers who we live and work with and serve,” said Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of evangelization in the Diocese of Camden.
“It was a blessing to be together again,” he continued, saying that there are 109 participants studying in five locations around the Diocese: Blackwood (Our Lady of Hope Parish), Bridgeton (Holy Cross Parish), Camden (Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral), Northfield (Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish), and Vineland (Divine Mercy).
“The day helped all have a personal encounter with Jesus and grow in relationship with him,” Arango said. “They are now empowered and renewed to go and share Jesus with others.”
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