From Staff Reports

More than a dozen Hispanic priests from across the Diocese met with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Nov. 8 in the Chancery, Lawrenceville, to discuss their ministry and to consider other areas of concern as the Church of Trenton continues to implement its “Plan for Hispanic Ministry,” which the priest group developed three years ago.  

After praying together, Bishop O’Connell conveyed to the group the uplifting experience shared by thousands who took part in the Nov. 4 pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, especially the tremendous participation from Hispanic Catholics. He said, “It was striking to me to see the diversity of our diocesan community. It had never been so clear to me … seeing everyone from the pulpit.”

The Bishop stressed with the priests the importance of fostering priestly vocations within Hispanic Catholic families and parishes. He also encouraged those present to take the initiative primarily with U.S.-born Hispanic populations, since a recent demographic report in America Magazine indicated that two-thirds of Hispanic Catholics were born in the United States.  

 “You are the key. You are their spiritual directors,” Bishop commented while reflecting that the parish priests were in the position to build relationships, to get to know their communities personally and to then connect young men possibly discerning a call to the priesthood with the diocesan Office of Vocations.

Msgr. Joseph Roldan, rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral and administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Trenton, shared that he had recently taken a group of young men to visit St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., so they could get a glimpse of seminary life.

He shared with the group that one of the young men, while reflecting on the experience said, “I thought you would just read, study and pray,” but later conveyed that he had seen so much more than that during the visit.

The concept of Centers of Hispanic Ministry, established in the diocesan pastoral planning initiative, Faith in Our Future, was also considered. 

Responding to a question of how the centers are affiliated with parishes, Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of pastoral life and mission, explained that they are places in which special work is entrusted to parish communities without limitation by parish boundaries. Surrounding parishes will encourage people to connect with their nearest center to be able to most adequately and appropriately walk with them to meet their needs, she said.

Under the leadership of Father René Pulgarín, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Keyport and diocesan liaison for Hispanic ministry, the priests considered a very ambitious agenda, focused on supporting one another and their people in the process of evangelization and renewal. 

Bishop O’Connell urged the priests present to continue the practice of meeting together to develop and present ideas and initiatives that best serve Hispanic families in the parishes.