Annual retreat brings together Spanish lay ministry students

More than 100 students from IMEC (Instituto de Ministerio Eclesial de Camden) gathered May 11 in Msgr. Victor Muro Hall at Divine Mercy Parish in Vineland for the program’s annual retreat. IMEC is the lay ministry formation program for Spanish-speaking adults, with classes in Sacred Scripture, Theology, Spirituality and Pastoral Skills. Approximately 125 Latinos are currently taking the three-year courses in Atlantic City, Blackwood, Bridgeton, Camden, Carneys Point and Vineland.

Deacon Asterio Velasco, Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, led the retreat with the theme, “From My Encounter with the Risen Jesus to My Encounter with My Brothers and Sisters.” Father Joel Arciga-Camarillo, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish and one of the instructors for the program, presided at the Eucharist and Holy Hour. Music was provided by Sanddy German of Saint Joachim Parish in Bellmawr, who led the participants in praise and worship throughout the day.

The annual retreat is a key component of the program because the purpose is not only to learn, but for the participants to grow in their personal relationships with God. The retreat also provides an opportunity for students from different levels and locations to come together as one diocesan family to learn from one another and share fellowship.

This article was written by Andrés Arango, the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of evangelization for the Diocese of Camden.

Featured image: Deacon Asterio Velasco, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark, leads the annual IMEC retreat in Vineland. (Courtesy photos)