(Contributed photo)
WATERTOWN — On November 28 Hispanic Catholics from the communities of Jefferson, Marshall, and Watertown, among other nearby communities, met for the first Hispanic regional gathering with Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and Lorianne Aubut, coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in the diocese.
This Hispanic regional gathering is the first of five regional gatherings that will be taking place this year around the diocese in the areas of Madison, Janesville/Beloit, Waunakee, Sauk City/Wisconsin Dells, and Marshall/Jefferson/Watertown.
Gathering for Mass
The Hispanic regional gathering took place at St. Henry Church in Watertown, where about 250 Hispanics gathered for Holy Mass of the First Sunday of Advent.
Bishop Hying celebrated the Mass with Fr. Jorge Miramontes, from Holy Family Parish in Marshall, and Waterloo and with Fr. Vincent Brewer from St. Henry in Watertown.
The bishop shared in his homily the importance of waiting in this time of Advent, and he asked the families gathered to live Advent and not rush to experience Christmas until December 25th. He said: “Let Advent be Advent so Christmas can be Christmas.”
In his homily, the bishop also stressed that he has a special place in his heart for the entire Hispanic community and that now, thanks to the new office of Hispanic Ministry, the diocese can offer more support, resources, and accompaniment to the Hispanic communities.
The bishop shared that Hispanics are not immigrants in our Catholic Church, but active participants in it like all Catholics.
Reception and sharing
After the liturgy, many of the parishioners, around 170 of them, gathered in a large reception with food and deep conversation about the needs of the Hispanic community and families.
Several leaders, adults, and youth shared with the bishop some of their needs, and most of them expressed that there is an urgent need for more spiritual support in their communities, particularly for families and for young people.
Some of the wishes and needs shared at this regional gathering were: The need for conversion retreats for young people, pastoral and youth groups, counseling, presentations and retreats for married couples, and constant prayer through prayer groups or healing retreats for those who suffer from anxiety, fear, and worry.
It was shared that in this time of so much noise, families need more silence in the Lord, and worship him in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Office of Hispanic Ministry will document all the needs of the community.
Once the other four regional gatherings occur, the needs will be evaluated by the bishop and the diocese to create an action plan for 2022-2023, taking into account that some of these needs will not take too long to resolve while others will take more dedication and time.
As of now, the regional meetings already scheduled are with the communities of St. Thomas Aquinas (Madison) and St. John the Baptist (Waunakee) in January 2022 and with the communities of Sauk City/Wisconsin Dells and nearby areas in June 2022.
Plans are in the works to confirm regional gatherings for central Madison and the southern region of the diocese.
For information on Hispanic Ministry in the diocese, events, and resources in Spanish go to: https://madisondiocese.org/ministerio-hispano and to share your prayer intentions with us and the entire community, go to: https://madisondiocese.org/unidos-en-oracion
Lorianne Aubut is the coordinator of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Madison.