‘Together on a Journey of Hope’
theme of seventh encuentro By Elsa Baughman
GREENWOOD — This year, the diocesan Hispanic Encuentro will have a different format, organizers said. The theme, “Together on a Journey of Hope,” will be presented by several people and the last part will be a discussion panel with people from the pews.
Set for Saturday, Nov. 8, the theme of the seventh Encuentro is based on the pastoral letter concerning migration from the Catholic bishops of the United States and Mexico, “Together on a Journey of Hope: Strangers No Longer.”
Father Lenin Vargas, associate pastor of Meridian St. Patrick and St. Joseph parishes, will lead the first part of the presentation focusing on passages from the Old and New Testaments and Catholic social teachings on human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants.
A diocesan team will present the second part inviting participants to conversion, solidarity and transformation.
The third part will be addressed by a Hispanic panel selected from different areas of the diocese who will share their “welcoming experiences” when they arrived in the United States.
The event will be held in the Leflore County Civic Center in Greenwood from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Brother Ted Dausch, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, in his monthly newsletter to pastors wrote: “For an immigrant whether documented or undocumented to travel our roads presents a very uncertain and frightening experience. As we all know the cost of fuel is also a determining factor. In order to help insure a greater participation in our Encuentro we are encouraging parishes and areas to rent buses and/or vans. It is also another way to build community.”
Brother Dausch suggested parishes have special collections at Spanish Masses between now and Nov. 8 to help cover part of the trip expense.
He said his office received a grant from the Catholic Foundation to subsidize some of the costs.
“We will give special attention to the parishes with fewer resources, which show generosity in supporting this project,” he said.
Brother Dausch said the first six Encuentros were successful because there was enthusiasm at the local level. “We believe this event will animate the community, help unite them to the wider Hispanic Catholic community and help to lessen the isolation they experience and encourage them to take a greater ownership of their faith in the wider Catholic community.”
The entire document, “Together on a Journey of Hope: Strangers No Longer,” is available at: www.usccb.org/mrs/ stranger.shtml.
For information or to register contact Brother Dausch, 601-949-6931.
