|
Organization/ Oficina del Ministerio Hispano.
ANNUAL REPORT 2009-2010
"..Mary and Joseph are "the models and protectors of every migrant, alien and refugee o whatever kind who, whether compelled by fear of persecution or by, is forced to leave his native land..and to seek a foreign soil.."[1] Dear People of God: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MINISTRY. ü Starting with the Religious Education Program 2009-2010: This involved a number of issues and matters in terms of responsibilities for coordination. We had 78 families registered in the program. The number of Hispanics students was 115 with the same number for first communion. Ten catechists and the staff members served these families and students. ü Furthermore we had 5 parent gatherings in preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion (Two of these were retreats with 120 parents and children average), and Confirmation. ü The Catechetical Center next to St Therese is where we meet for retreats, workshops, classes. The catechists receive preparation and have special meetings. ü The Bible Study group has celebrated three years of life, initiated by Father Bill, gathering every Saturday in the morning. This Bible Study was created due to a petition of the community and especially from the Hispanic Committee. ü Confirmation program: We prepared 14 students. PASTORAL AND WORSHIP. ü Our Hispanic Ministry Committee meets monthly to facilitate the development and integration of the Hispanic membership within the context of the total parish. A major focus of the pastoral ministry provided is the spiritual formation and training of leadership. We have been organizing specials events such as St Therese feast, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Christmas, Posadas and more. All liturgical ministers receive preparation by attending three sessions. Leadership in these ministries consists of lectors, ministers of communion, ministers of hospitality, altar servers, two choirs each with their own coordinator. There are 10 Hispanic catechists. A married couple coordinates the preparation for baptism; another three married couples conduct the pre-matrimonial sessions, and three quinceañeras' catequists. ü The parish has a Hispanic Charismatic prayer group which meets regularly on Saturdays and formation meetings on Sunday. There is a team of leaders who have been prepared for this service. This group sponsored retreats. ü Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration was celebrated in St Therese Church in Appleton, with a community gathering in the Activity Center. We had the mass, prayers, dances, program and food. ü Ten members of our parish have been participating in Discípulos de Cristo Diocese of Green Bay's Program that consists in a three year certificate for men and women who seek to serve the local church. Days and evenings of reflection and retreat are also promoted. Right now we have two members that have completed their program, ready to response to God's call of discipleship in St Therese and more faith communities. ü The ministry sponsored through St. Therese encompasses an extensive territory. Hispanics from the following areas participate regularly: Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Little Chute, Kaukauna. At times, we have persons who come from New London, Omro. But we have asked permission from their parishes to celebrate the sacraments here. ü Sacraments and celebrations: 128 Baptisms , 115 First Communions , 14 Confirmations , 18 Marriages, 9 Quinceañeras, 53 Presentations . SOCIAL MINISTRY
ü We are also working together with Inter-agencies Hispanic meetings, Intercultural Relationship Coordinator of the City, CASA HISPANA- LATINO LINK, YMCA, Census and ESTHER, Informational fairs, Immigrations Forums, Health forums and more. PASTORAL CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES. ü To continue efforts to integrate to the American and Hispanic parish. ü To increase participation. ü To improve the information and participation in issues of Justice and Peace. ü To create more events for worship and reflect our values. ü To create retreats or workshops for marriages. ü Greater availability in the mission. ü To work with the young people. ü To create more fundraising events for the parish. ü A retreat for liturgical ministers to improve our communication. ü The Hispanic community desire to create and to increase their spiritual life. They want to discover their personal and spiritual gifts. They are lived and the cultural values of the Hispanic family are conserved. There are many activities in other parishes from the Diocese at level of formation to invite the community that they attend. ü To create a culture of tithing (pamphlet, homilies, etc.) "..The parish has become an epicenter for integration into the church fold and into American life overall of the region's fastest- growing minority group. For immigrants living in a world where much around them may be unfamiliar, the church, already a central player in their lives, offers a haven of familiar rituals and Hispanic community.."[2] Thank you very much. Carlos Herrera Alvarez. Coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry. 739-0794
|
| ©2010 St. Therese Parish | created using: buildmyownsite.com |