On the Forefront of Hispanic Ministry Seven Regional Coordinators have Sacred Heart ties By Janet Diaz Hispanics. They are 44.5 million strong and the fastest-growing, most Catholic minority in the United States. Their youth comprise almost half of the Catholic faithful between the ages of zero and twenty-five. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, the 2000 U.S. Census counted over 128,000 Hispanics, up 48% from 1990. The Hispanic presence outside the traditional Latino communities of Southwest Detroit and Pontiac is burgeoning—in Macomb County, for example, the Hispanic population increased by 85% from 1990 to 2000. Goal is Full Interaction How is the archdiocese responding to the spiritual needs of Hispanics? Part of the answer can be found in the group of eight Regional Coordinators for Hispanic Ministry, seven of whom have an affiliation with Sacred Heart. The Regional Coordinators are bilingual, bicultural professionals who work to make the resources of the archdiocese available to parishes with a Hispanic presence. They report to Cathy Wagner, director of the Department of Parish Life and Services, and also receive guidance from Fr. Donald Hanchon, pastor at Holy Redeemer Parish in Detroit and coordinator for the archdiocesan "Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry." Building bridges that foster cross-cultural awareness and involvement is the desired outcome that drives the hearts and minds of the Regional Coordinators. Rather than ethnic groups simply sharing space in parishes, the ideal is full interaction through which all groups participate together in parish functions. Sacred Heart Connections Who are these Regional Coordinators? Julia Guzmán, pastoral associate at St. Gabriel Parish in Southwest Detroit, recently received her AA in Ministry at the seminary and continues her studies towards a BA in Philosophy. "The work of Regional Coordinator," Julia says, "allows me to work with Latinos while at the same time opening doors for Anglos to work within our communities. This work builds cultural bridges between the Anglo and Hispanic communities." Susan Cummins also works at St. Gabriel, as the director of religious education. She received her MA in Theology from Sacred Heart and is working towards the STL in the New Evangelization. "I feel privileged to work closely with the Hispanics in our area," Sue states. Fr. Henry Sands, who was ordained in May, is immersed in Hispanic ministry as associate pastor at Holy Redeemer Parish. He will continue to reach out, as a Regional Coordinator, to other parishes. "The role is a natural one for me. As a Native American, I have had the privilege and opportunity of being a bridge builder my entire life," Father Sands says. As the musician at the seminary's weekly Spanish Mass, Santiago Fernández, music minister at St. Michael Parish in Pontiac, is a familiar face. Santiago is aware, thanks to his national experience, that Detroit's approach toward Hispanic ministry is special. "Our model of shared responsibility is truly innovative," he says. "A large diocese like ours especially benefits from the combined expertise of this group of individuals of different nationalities and areas of ministry." As a realtor in Wayne County, Chuck Anderson has followed the rising trend toward home ownership among Hispanics. He sees outreach to Latinos as a pressing need. "We have a rapidly growing Hispanic population at risk of losing their faith due to the pressures of immigration and secularization. We need to respond," he says. Chuck is a studying theology at Sacred Heart. Two Regional Coordinators are associated with the Permanent Diaconate program, whose candidates receive academic preparation at the seminary. Deacon Brian White received a Basic Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and was ordained in 2001. He serves at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Pontiac. Luis Zaldaña, Hispanic minister at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Macomb, is currently applying for diaconate formation. I, myself, am a MAPS student, and currently work as the archdiocesan coordinator for the First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth and Young Adults. As a Regional Coordinator, I find a special reward is having the opportunity to witness the central role that Hispanics give to their lives of faith. Called to Serve As the Hispanic community within the Catholic Church continues to grow, many Sacred Heart graduates will eventually be called upon to serve Hispanics. The Hispanics' strong faith and deep religious heritage will certainly serve to enrich the ministers, not to mention the Church at large, far beyond our level of investment in Hispanic ministry. Janet Diaz is a MAPS student and the archdiocese's coordinator for the First National Encounter for Hispanic Youth and Young Adults.