Every Catholic is called to use their God-given talents in service to others, particularly in ministry. That was the premise of a national formation program brought to the Diocese of Trenton for Hispanic ministers in mid-November.
The pastoral and liturgical formation program presented by Oregon Catholic Press was offered in response to requests from clergy for ministerial development of their community members, according to Jossie Ramos, diocesan coordinator of Hispanic initiatives. The formation day, titled “Called to Serve,” took place Nov. 15 in Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, and included specific talks for choirs, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. In all, the workshop drew 256 attendees who represented 11 of the Diocese’s 18 Hispanic Centers.
“We are not the owners of absolutely anything in our lives; everything is entrusted to us by God. And with all the gifts we have, there is an expectation that we will manage them and share them according to a plan or a mission that he has for us,” said Koren Ruiz, director of Hispanic Initiatives for Instituto OCP.
“Some talents are very visible, and others are more discreet. But sometimes those more discreet talents are used to do the most beautiful and good things for their owner,” Ruiz said in his keynote address.
Ramos explained that several priests spoke of the need for such a formation day during a discussion in 2024 on the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry.
“As a Diocese, we can offer solid formation that leaders can trust, and this is also an invitation for future leaders who want to serve but don’t know which ministry yet,” Ramos said.
Many of the participants were invited so that they could begin to serve a particular ministry in their parish.
Maria Avila from St. Anthony of Padua in Hightstown, who recently began serving as an extraordinary minister of Communion, shared her experience. She said at first, she was afraid and thought she wasn’t worthy to serve.
“I think the whole talk was very interesting, especially the commitment one makes not just in general, but commitment to God and others, serving with love and dedication,” she said after hearing speakers. “Always making time available for God.”
Martín Tavares, who serves in the music ministry of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly, said the training taught him to differentiate between liturgical moments and moments of praise.
“In the liturgy, we should be more solemn and reverent,” he said. “In praise, we can be more joyful. Understanding these differences is important so we can serve God properly in each moment.”
“There’s always a lot to learn,” he added. “In serving the Lord, we should do our best. The guidance we receive here helps us grow and improve . . . so we can give our best to God, who is the owner of everything.”