Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry
Early last month, a significant moment of communion and hope took place at Divine Mercy Parish in Vineland. Bishop Joseph Williams met with more than 120 Hispanic leaders from across the Diocese of Camden, including priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay leaders actively serving in parishes in South Jersey.
This gathering was not simply an informational meeting; it was the fruit of a multi-year ecclesial process of prayerful discernment, rooted in the methodology of See, Discern and Act, and carried out in communion with the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and the ecclesial journey of the V Encuentro.
Leaders from throughout South Jersey reflected deeply on the concrete realities of Hispanic ministry in their local communities, listened attentively to the movements of the Holy Spirit, and collectively discerned pastoral priorities for the years ahead.
During the meeting, Bishop Williams formally announced the results of this discernment process, presenting the pastoral priorities for Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Diocese of Camden, ranked according to the consensus of those who participated in the process. These priorities were discerned by bishops, clergy, religious and lay leaders together – an authentic expression of a synodal and missionary Church.
Among the 10 priorities identified, three emerged clearly as the highest priorities for the Diocese:
1. Evangelization and Mission
The first and foremost priority is for a permanent evangelization that forms committed missionary disciples who joyfully proclaim the Gospel and work for the transformation of society. This priority recognizes that Hispanic ministry must move beyond maintenance and become intentionally missionary, forming believers who encounter Jesus Christ personally and are sent to share that encounter with others.
2. Formation in the Faith and Catechesis
The second priority calls for strengthening processes of faith formation and catechesis that accompany children, youth and adults in their spiritual growth and ecclesial commitment. This includes not only sacramental preparation, but ongoing formation that helps disciples mature in faith, deepen their Catholic identity, and integrate faith into daily life.
3. Ministry with Adolescents and Young People (Hispanic Youth Ministry)
The third priority focuses on developing a comprehensive youth ministry that accompanies adolescents and young adults, forms leaders and raises missionary disciples. In a context where many young Hispanics are navigating cultural, social and ecclesial challenges, this priority recognizes the urgent need to invest in their pastoral care, leadership development, and missionary formation.
The other seven pastoral priorities from the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino ministry are: Liturgy and Spirituality; Pastoral Accompaniment of Families; Formation for Ministry in a Culturally Diverse Church; Promotion of Vocations; Immigration and Advocacy; Pastoral Care for Those on the Peripheries; and Catholic Education.
It was deeply providential – and widely recognized during the gathering – that these three top priorities are fully aligned with Bishop Joseph Williams’ evangelization vision for the Diocese of Camden. His pastoral leadership has consistently emphasized missionary discipleship, intentional formation, and the central role of evangelization in renewing parish life.
This convergence was not the result of strategic planning alone, but a clear sign of the discernment of the Holy Spirit, guiding both diocesan leadership and grassroots Hispanic leaders toward the same pastoral horizon. The priorities confirm that Hispanic ministry is not peripheral to the diocesan mission, but a vital and prophetic contributor to the Church’s evangelizing mission.
With the priorities now clearly articulated, leaders were strongly encouraged to respond concretely within their own communities. The announcement marked not an end, but a beginning – a call for parishes, ministries and movements to align their pastoral planning, resources and energies with these priorities.
The Diocese now enters a new phase of pastoral action, where discernment becomes mission, and priorities become concrete initiatives at the parish and community level.
The Jan. 7 gathering was a powerful witness to what is possible when the Church walks together in prayer, dialogue and discernment. Under the guidance of Bishop Williams and inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Hispanic leaders of the Diocese of Camden have embraced a shared pastoral direction that promises renewal, unity and missionary fruitfulness.
As these priorities are lived out locally, the Hispanic/Latino community continues to offer its rich faith, cultural gifts and missionary zeal for the good of the entire Diocese – responding faithfully to the call to be a missionary, synodal and intercultural Church.
Andrés Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Secretariat for Discipleship and Evangelization, Latino and Multicultural, for the Diocese of Camden.
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