Hispanic Ministry offers a new year of pastoral formation
Early in the morning of Sept. 13, about 200 men and women from some 50 parishes arrived at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, to begin a day of reflection and prayer organized by the Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark. Half of those present had begun the Pastoral Formation Program in May and were ready to begin a new year of study; the others were just starting their journey.
The school, run by the Salesian Sisters, provided an ideal setting for the day of reflection and prayer led by Fr. Danny Pabón. Participants had time for personal prayer and reflection while sitting on a boulder or strolling beneath the shade of a tree.
The retreat concluded in the school’s chapel with a joyous Mass celebrated by newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, who has remained closely involved in the ministry over the years. The event took place just six days after his ordination as the first Nicaraguan-born bishop in the United States at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
Many in the Hispanic community have often requested more opportunities for faith formation in the Archdiocese following their experiences with the Fifth Encuentro and Synod processes. The Pastoral Formation Program, which began last year and initially drew participants from over forty parishes, was a response to this need.
This year’s classes are already underway at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. Every Monday evening the participants arrive ready to work hard. They are issued a textbook and materials for the different courses. Though the work is intense, the atmosphere is joyful. Father Robinson González, who teaches an Old Testament course to the first-year participants, and Father Danny Pabón, who covers the Sacraments with the second-year students, inject a lot of fun and humor into their lessons.
Witnessing the dedication of the participants is a true blessing. Many of these men and women arrive after a long day of work or caring for their families. Their faces are nevertheless happy as they join their brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same desire to know and love the Lord Jesus and His Church more deeply.
A young man rushes out right after class ends. “I have to go! “I work nights!” he tells me as he leaves. I admire this young man and thank God that we have been gifted the opportunity to serve him.
To view more photos from the Pastoral Formation Program, click HERE.
For more information about this program and other resources offered by the Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, click HERE.
Deacon Asterio Velasco is Director of the Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured image: Participants gathered for the Hispanic Ministry’s Pastoral Formation Program on Sept. 13 (Photos by Archdiocese of Newark)
