In preparation for the upcoming V Encuentro celebrations to be held throughout the Diocese of Camden next month and later this year, 75 pastoral musicians came together last weekend in Vineland for a day of formation and fellowship.
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.
In 2018, Hispanic Catholics from around the United States will converge for the National V Encuentro.
Last Saturday’s event, held at Vineland’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, gave South Jersey’s Catholic musicians opportunities to “dialogue, and share their Good News and challenges,” explained Damaris Thillet, associate director of the diocesan Office of Worship & Christian Initiation. The presenters (Thillet; Angel Correa, vice president of the Association of Hispanic Pastoral Musicians; and Silvio Cuellar, Secretary General of the Association of Hispanic Pastoral Musicians) gave tips on how to encourage and form emerging young musicians in the churches; where to find engaging music for their liturgies; and how to craft effective material for this Easter season.
“We’re creating musicians on fire,” Thillet said.