VINELAND – More than 120 students from the Camden Spanish Lay Ministry Formation Institute (IMEC) came together for their annual retreat May 10 in Msgr. Victor Muro Hall, Divine Mercy Parish. This gathering, under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” offered a time for reflection, formation and prayer for lay leaders preparing to serve in their parish communities.
The event was organized by the Diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry as part of its ongoing faith formation program. IMEC is a three-year theological and pastoral formation program for lay leaders. Currently, this program is offered in six locations in the Diocese: Atlantic City, Camden, Carneys Point, Blackwood, Bridgeton and Vineland. Thanks to this structure, more and more Hispanic faithful have access to solid formation that is close to them and adapted to their parish realities.
Throughout the retreat, participants experienced intense moments of spirituality and renewal, accompanied by the teaching of Father Dalton Reyes, who serves in Saint Joachim Parish, Bellmawr, and Sacred Heart Parish, Camden. His presence was a source of joy, and his preaching touched the hearts of all those present.
The day began at 8:30 a.m. with a warm welcome, followed by an opening prayer that prepared the hearts of those present for the retreat. This was followed by a brief introduction to the theme of the day, highlighting the connection with Jubilee Year of Hope and the importance of the retreat as a spiritual component of the formation program. At the same time, participants were encouraged to share with colleagues from other parishes, creating a true spirit of diocesan community.
The first teaching, titled “Hope – A Way of Being,” was given by Father Reyes. In it, he emphasized how Christian hope is born from the certainty of God’s love and is sustained even in the midst of difficulties. He invited the laity to cultivate a spirituality of hope that would lead them to be a light in the midst of darkness.
Afterward, the participants moved to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to celebrate Holy Mass, the central moment of the retreat. The Eucharist was celebrated with great devotion, followed by a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where the living presence of Jesus was felt in the silence, praise and personal prayer.
After lunch, the participants returned to the hall for singing, paving the way for the second teaching of the day: “Missionaries of Hope – A Challenge.” In this reflection, Father Reyes reminded us that every baptized person is called to be a missionary, and that living hope is a necessary witness in a world that often suffers from the temptation of discouragement or despair.
The day ended with a final prayer that united everyone in a spirit of gratitude. The testimonies confirmed that this retreat was a true encounter with God, renewing the faith, vocation and desire to serve of each participant. Without a doubt, this retreat was a blessing for the local Church and a sign of the Diocese of Camden’s commitment to accompanying its Hispanic lay leaders.
Andrés Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Camden.
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