VINELAND – Now that he has completed the Diocese’s IMEC formation program, Jose Pena feels equipped to be a change in his community, and maybe a bit farther, too.
“Pope Francis wants us to go out to the world and proclaim the Gospel … and this program gives us that edge, that confidence to be able to express and teach our faith,” said Pena of Divine Mercy Parish, who is involved with the John XXIII Movement, which organizes retreats and reaches out to the marginalized.
On Sept. 21, the parish here hosted 107 students of IMEC – Instituto de Ministerio Eclesial de Camden – the Diocese’s three-year certified program for Hispanic lay ministry formation. In undergoing classwork in such subjects as Sacred Scripture, theology and pastoral skills, students gain effective tools that they can utilize as missionary disciples in their own communities.
Gathered in the parish’s Saint Francis of Assisi Church, the students were joined by supportive family, clergy and friends as they received their certificates of completion. The evening included Mass celebrated by Father Joel Arciga Camarillo, pastor; the awarding of the certificates, and a meal of chicken, pork and rice.
“It’s been wonderful learning about the faith, the Church and [getting] closer to God,” Pena said, adding that another benefit of IMEC was getting closer to his classmates, “hearing their perspectives on the faith, and sharing and growing in the faith together.”
Hialfrancis Fernandez, who worships in Camden’s Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, also completed IMEC’s Level 3. She said she wants to “try and make this world better.”
“It’s amazing,” she said of the program. “When you believe in something, and you find people in the same boat, you grow day by day from their experiences.
A family atmosphere surrounded the evening, as young children watched their parents and grandparents receive IMEC certificates.
“Parents are a big example to their children, [helping them realize] that they can contribute to society and to the Church here in the United States,” said Andrés Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and diocesan Director of Evangelization. He expressed his hope for all IMEC students to “continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord and continue serving in their parishes.”
Jose Rodriguez, diocesan director of the Office of Family and Youth, was among those to complete Level 3. For individuals “able to experience this with their families, it’s a sense of pride,” he said.
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