Approximately 220 leaders of Hispanic ministry from 41 parishes came together July 7 to refocus on the spiritual core of what they do and the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in making it fruitful. They attended the 2007 Archdiocesan Hispanic Ministry Encounter (Encuentro) at St. Andrew Church, Roswell. The daylong program, planned by the Hispanic Ministry Office, focused on this critical point: that ministerial work has no future and will not achieve significant change if it is not based on solid and strong personal spirituality, nourished by the Gospel.

“The Spirit is the engine of pastoral work,” said Jairo Martínez of the Hispanic Ministry Office, and the work must go forward despite “the difficulties and sacrifices that the apostle has to face.”

The day drew ministers together to reflect on their maturity as Christian leaders and how to work through problems, differences and discouragement with growing spirituality. Speakers included Father José Duván González, Leonardo Jaramillo and Martínez from the archdiocesan staff, and clergy and staff from other dioceses and from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.