V Encuentro 2016-2020

Beginning this year, Catholics from parishes and organizations across the Unites States, will be asked to undertake the planning for V Encuentro, a four-year process of ecclesial reflection and action that invites us to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development, and identification of best ministerial practices in the spirit of new evangelization within the Hispanic community.

The Watershed History of Encuentros

• The I Encuentro (1972) led to the creation of the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs
• The II Encuentro (1975-77) led to the creation of eight regional offices for Hispanic Affairs

• The III Encuentro (1982-85) led to the creation of the Standing Committee of Hispanic Affairs,

and the promulgation of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry.

• Encuentro 2000 (The IV Encuentro) helped the Church in the United States to recognize and appreciate its cultural diversity
• The First National Encuentro for Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2005-06) opened new pastoral avenues in ministry to and with the Hispanic young of the church

Encuentro is very much a grass roots effort, and the planning for it starts at the local level, not the national level. Beginning in 2016, local leaders will start the process of development and training of V Encuentro diocesan teams, the development and distribution of the V Encuentro process’ guide, and the development and training of parish teams.

In the second semester of 2016, parish leaders will begin to focus on these topics:

1. Called to a loving encounter with Jesus
2. With words and actions: Do it!
3. Walking Together with Jesus
4. Bearing fruits of new life
5. Celebrating the joy of being missionary disciples

Timeline

• Parish Encuentros: January-June 2017
• Diocesan Encuentros: July-December 2017
• Regional Encuentros: January-June 2018
• V Encuentro Nacional: September 20-23, 2018 – 3,000 delegates meet in Grapevine, Texas
• Reflection and Evaluation: January-June 2019
• Development and Distribution of Resources: July-December 2019
• Continuing the Mission: January-December 2020

For more information, visit vencuentro.org. If you would like to take part please contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry at 856-583-6170.