Earlier this month and last month, the Diocese of Camden held training sessions for clergy, musicians and liturgical ministers in the use of the Misal Romano, the first Missal in Spanish approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
In the past, it had been the choice of U.S. clergy which Spanish edition from another country (such as Spain, Argentina, Mexico or Colombia) would be used for the Eucharistic liturgy. Now, beginning Dec. 2, the first Sunday of Advent, Misal Romano will unite the Spanish-speaking communities, cultures and customs in one text for all Masses.
Father Armando Rodriguez and Deacon Arnaldo Santos, both from Holy Cross Parish in Bridgeton; Elena Brandt, founder of FontSound, a social media influencer ministry for parishes; and Evaristo Fontanez, a musician and instructor of the diocesan Lay Ministry formation program, served as presenters for the Oct. 24 and Nov. 8 trainings, held for clergy, deacons, liturgical musicians and parish ministers. Damaris Thillet, associate director of Worship and Christian Initiation, was prepared the training materials.
The event was organized by the Office of Hispanic Ministry and the Office of Worship.
Andres Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Camden, called the implementation of the Misal Romano “a great opportunity to renew our liturgical celebrations.”
“I saw leaders very excited taking the training and ready to go to their communities to motivate parishioners to have a personal encounter with Jesus in each Eucharist,” he said.