July 2004

Maryland Province Studies Needs of Hispanic Catholics

The Maryland Province Society of Jesus has announced a new effort aimed at expanding the Catholic Church's ministry and advocacy in the Hispanic community.

Called the Latino Migration and Ministry Consultation, the 18-month effort was created by Provincial Timothy Brown, SJ and is being led by Bill Rickle, SJ.

"Father Rickle's pastoral experience in Hispanic ministry and his recent research and policy work with the Office of Social and International Ministries of the Jesuit Conference give him a keen understanding and expertise for this project," said Rev. Brown.

Essentially a research project, Rev. Rickle is analyzing the resources and needs necessary to broaden the church's mission of evangelization, faith formation, social ministry, and advocacy in the Hispanic community.  He travels throughout the Maryland Province , engaging Jesuit community superiors and institutional leadership as well as diocesan and religious congregation leaders in conversation and discernment how to organize current and future efforts in this area.

The research will culminate in the development of several alternative proposals in which the Province can address the challenges of a changing demographic and cultural landscape.

"We are increasingly aware of the needs of the Latino population in the United States," says Rev. Brown. "The rapid increase of immigrants from Latin America to areas of this country demands coordinated, ministerial attention to pastoral, educational and social justice needs.  Many communities throughout our Province are already involved in innovative and successful outreach to Hispanic families.  The goal of our Latino Migration and Ministry Consultation is to track those efforts and to identify areas where we can do more."

For more information about the Latino Migration and Ministry Consultation, visit the Power Point presentation prepared by Rev. Rickle.