After three years of planning and participation in the fifth National Encuentro, new priorities and initiatives are being planned for the Hispanic Catholic community within the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
The priorities that emerged from the regional, local and national Encuentro gatherings call for a need to focus on the following: young adults, who need opportunities of formation and to exercise their leadership abilities; the family, with a need for a more integral family catechesis and counseling for couples; formation for leaders, a need for ongoing formation so the faithful can participate in ministry within their own parishes; and vocations, with an emphasis on more information in regard to all types of vocations.
Earlier this year, the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Kalamazoo met with Bishop Paul J. Bradley to create a plan that aligns with the diocesan priorities of “Fostering Vocations, Accompanying Families toward Holiness and Activating Missionary Disciples” — but with an added concentration to gear those initiatives toward young adults. This plan will cover the next two years and will be reviewed before the second year ends in order to see what needs to be improved, increased or changed.
YOUNG ADULTS: The seven dioceses in Michigan are uniting to bring a formation program for young adults to the state. Research is underway on the best institution or organization and a needs assessment will be conducted in each diocese. Three young adults representing the Diocese of Kalamazoo are participating in these statewide meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to create a network of young people in our region. Also, the diocese has applied for a grant so two young adults can enter the graduate program in theology at either the University of Notre Dame or Boston College. The diocesan retreats for quinceañeras will continue, with more topics included that are geared toward the formation of the young person and their families. Also, a better effort will be made to collaborate with the diocesan ministry offices dealing with youth and young adults.
FAMILIES: The plan is to provide an annual diocesan Encounter for Couples or Families, so they come together for a one day of reflection, communication, accompaniment and education. Also, the Hispanic Ministry will collaborate with the diocesan Office of Domestic Church to continue to accompany families and couples who are planning to get married.
FORMATION: The Diocese of Kalamazoo’s St. Augustine Institute (ISAK) Pastoral Leadership Formation Program is a three-year program with the objective to develop participants’ leadership abilities and their involvement in the Catholic Church through pastoral/theological formation. ISAK will continue to offer continued formation courses for the graduates. Also, support will be provided to the diocesan Eucharistic Congress for the formation of the ISAK graduates and any parish leader in general.
VOCATIONS: The plan calls for events or programs where families are able to learn more about the different vocations in life — celibacy, diaconate, priesthood, marriage and consecrated life — and also provide opportunities for the families, especially young people, to meet with people from each vocation.