Las Cruces celebrates Diocesan Encuentro

The process of Encuentro for Hispanic/Latino ministry has been deeply ecclesial.  It is motivated by reading the signs of the times and convened by the bishops, who call the Hispanic/Latino community to raise their voices.  In the context of this dialogue among the bishops and the community, we live a spirit of pastoral ministry illuminated by an ecclesiological communion and missionary vocation that seeks to reach out to those who find themselves estranged from the life and vision of the Church.  The main objective of the process of the Encuentro is to discern the way in which Hispanics/Latinos respond as Church. The V Encuentro process continues in the Diocese of Las Cruces. Sixteen parishes committed to and carried on the process of going out to the periphery of their parish boundaries. More than 700 people were involved in a face to face question and answer process that continued for five weeks. Parish representatives heard Pope Francis’ challenges of going out and listening to people, to being Missionary Disciples. After the process of listening, parish representatives met with Bishop Cantú at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Las Cruces, and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Hobbs to share their joy and challenges faced during their missionary activity. Parish representatives met people in parks, malls, jails, knocked on doors and parking lots of parishes. It was truly a sincere effort of going out to the periphery and as Pope Francis says, smelling like sheep.

Bishop Oscar Cantú was present at both Diocesan Encuentros and affirmed the many delegates in their love for Christ and the Church. He further invited participants to continue listening and continue being witnesses of God’s love to those around us. The Office of Hispanic Ministry will compile a summary of what the parish delegates shared. The summary will be available on the diocesan web site when it becomes available. Some of our parish delegates will represent the Diocese of Las Cruces in February at the Region XIII Encuentro were Archdioceses and Dioceses from our region will gather and share their findings. Let us continue praying for our Diocese of Las Cruces and all those who have given and continue to give of their time and talent to bringing about the Kingdom of God. 2017 © Alejandro Barraza. Photos by Alejandro Barraza. All Rights Reserved.