Executive Director’s Message Towards the Synod on Youth ...

1 Executive Director's Message Towards the Synod on Youth , the Faith and Vocation Discernment by Mrs. Maria del Mar Mu oz-Visoso, MTS, Executive Director The last year has been a Latinos, Native American/. true exercise in listening. Indigenous peoples, mi- As the Vatican requested grants, refugees and those that bishops' conferences who are part of highly mo- around the world consult bile populations, such us the with young people and Circus and Traveling Show those accompanying them ministries. The vast major- in their journey of faith in ity of them responded. preparation for the upcom- In the United States, ing Synod on Youth , the Faith, youthfulness and vibrancy and Vocational Discernment, are characteristics of most of the Conference of these populations.

2 Ministry Catholic Bishops asked dio- with them is almost impos- ceses nationwide, as well as sible to imagine without a the different committees of strong component of Youth the Conference, to consult with their networks and sub- and young adult ministry. Yet, historically and for various mit a report answering the questions accompanying the reasons, ministry with most of these ethnic and cultural preparatory document for the Synod . groups often has emerged from grassroots efforts, and in The Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church many cases has grown, and at times existed, separately fully embraced the challenge to assist the bishops in their from diocesan Youth ministry offices and mainstream consultation. Through its five Subcommittees, the Com- Catholic Youth and young adult organizations.

3 Mittee on Cultural Diversity extended an invitation to Often left to the initiative of individual parishes and/. more than 20 national organizations, lay associations, min- or religious communities, apostolic movements, Catholic istries and apostolates that work with young Catholic Af- associations, and diocesan ethnic ministry offices, the rican Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/ concerns of these groups rarely make it to the radar continued on page 2. screen of diocesan planning teams. and the reports of the missionary This underscores the importance of listening to those who work directly and specifically with these popula- experiences, as many of the Encuentro questions reflect those contained in the Synod survey. IN THIS ISSUE. tions so that their voice can be heard Heightened awareness of the FRONT COVER Executive Director's Message loud and clear.

4 Diverse make up of young Catholics Several groups such as the national in our country presents educators, 2 Introducing our New Hispanic black Catholic Congress XII, the diocesan Youth ministers and direc- Affairs Specialist annual Tekakwitha Conference, and tors, campus ministers, seminaries Pope Francis' 3 Chairman' s Reflection exhortation to be formed as missio a joint retreat of African American and religious vocation directors with human disguise. 4 Asian Pacific IslandBlackmon Affairs shares a and Native American Youth ministers renewed opportunities to reach out is former Supreme Knight of the Knights of Pete conducted listening sessions. Some of in a more comprehensive and inten- and Justice5 inPastoral Care for Migrants, the Diocese of Austin and a Consu what we heard through these initia- tional manner to Youth and their fam- Refugees, & Travelers tives was also incorporated into our ilies who are of various cultures and Our society8 needsAfricana American Affairs deeper understanding of each ot report.

5 The V national Encuentro ethnic backgrounds. Beyond personal an authentic9 encounter that heals the wounds of vio- on Hispanic/Latino Ministry also has interest and initiative , demographic Native American Affairs lence, hatred, discrimination, and all things that dam a strong component on Youth , and changes and the sheer numbers of Hispanic Affairs our inherent10 are called to be missionary d has encouraged high participation of Youth who are becoming unaffiliated ciples who encounter the marginalized, 11 V Encuentro: View from the disregarded, Youth and young adults throughout to any major church or religion tell and ostracized.. national Team of the V Encuentro In March 2017, I was privileged to participate in th the process, from the parish level to us this is an urgent task and must the national gathering.

6 We look for- become a top priority for the Catholic Ecumenical14 Prayer Recommended Vigil forResources the Safety of Citizens, Re dents, Refugees, Exiles, and Immigrants at Santa Tere ward to the results of the consultation Church in the United States. 15 Meet the Cultural Diversity Parish in Bryan TX, which sought to provide pastoral care for those who Committee haveMembers and Staff The gatherin been suffering. Santa Teresa brought together 16 An Encounter with people of all races, nat alities, languages, cultures, and socioeconomic status the People of Tanzania INTRODUCING OUR. the Diocese of Austin. We are citizens, residents, imm grants, exiles, national 17 and Eventswho share a common bon refugees the people of God. BACK COVER Prayer When we seriously consider the plight of our HISPANIC AFFAIRS.

7 (African American) ancestors just over a century ago Pope Francis, Pope Francis, @Pontifex Pontifex SPECIALIST How beautiful it is to Dear under young people, you the Lord's gaz Mr. Jos Luis (Pepe) Romero, grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. He has been married since 1974 to Erika and they have 6 children. He are the hope has more than 30 years of experience in Church ministry. He has coordinated numerous evangelization teams and was a manager, of the Church. administrator and Hispanic Coordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Do you dream He has also served as a national Director for the United States about your and member of the International Council of Schools of Evangelization San Andres from 2006 to 2016. He studied future?

8 Then Communication Sciences and is now a staff member of the Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church as Hispanic take part in Affairs Specialist. #synod18! 12 Aug 2017. Pope Francis on Twitter 2. Chairman's Reflection All Are Created Equal By: Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, W. hen the Declaration of Independence and even death. These actions cause deep fragmentation, the Constitution were first adopted, division, and polarization in our society that make it vir- the primary concern of the drafters was male tually impossible to cope with the rapidly changing world land-owners rather than women and children, in which we live with serious political, sociological, the poor, slaves. Since then there has been a growing psychological, economic, and geopolitical consequences.

9 Awareness that the founding principles apply also to those Some are advocating and enacting policies that are who were here before European col- based on half-truths, emotions, and onizers arrived as well as those who have immigrated here through the As a believer, I outright lies. This feeds and deepens attitudes and expressions of racism. centuries. However, this inclusion- ary concept is being severely chal- firmly hold that There is a tragic lack of knowledge about the reality, the truth of our lenged in our land today. Racism has deep roots here and every human life national life today! Everyone has a responsibility for learning about the extends to all people of color . Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, has intrinsic value, truth and disseminating it not only the media but everyone who com- Asians and Pacific Islanders.

10 There municates, especially those who use is also animosity against Jews, dignity, and rights social media. Muslims, and communities of faith. Racism is a moral issue, a radical A mean-spiritedness in our midst is being stirred up by fringe hate because everyone evil that calls for a radical response. Racism is a social evil deeply rooted groups and encouraged by politically divisive and inflammatory rhetoric. is created in the in our society with political, social, financial dimensions. It is dividing While the majority of citizens may find this offensive and/or bewilder- image and likeness' our populace, competing for scarce resources, demanding huge amounts ing and prefer to remain silent in their private lives, the chaos into of God. of money, affecting our national psy- che and ethos, keeping us from pros- which we are descending demands pering.