Office of Hispanic Ministry

For more information, contact

"I want to encourage you and your communities to continue to welcome the immigrants who join your ranks today, to share their joys and hopes, to support them in their sorrows and trials, and to help them flourish in their new home."
- Pope Benedict XVI to U.S. bishops 2008

"At this moment of grace we recognize the Hispanic community among us as a blessing from God"
- U. S. Bishops, 1987

The Diocese of Belleville continues to respond to this 'blessing from God' among us in Southern Illinois. Here in the 28 southern counties of the state more than 13,500 Hispanics are 'at home' and others continue to come. This opportunity to invite our Hispanic sisters and brothers to full participation in the Catholic Church calls us to new models of welcoming, listening and loving. It will require from some of us a conversion of heart and real efforts to a holier communion with those who bring the gifts of another culture. More than 78% of all Hispanics are baptized Catholic and are, therefore, a vital part of our diocesan church as they share their culture, faith and gifts with the diocesan family.

Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Belleville includes

• Regular sacramental ministry, catechesis, pastoral care and Mass in Spanish at Cobden, Carbondale, Damiansville and Fairmont City.
• Seasonal pastoral outreach and sacramental preparation for Hispanic adults who are migrant or who work in rural areas (made possible through the ministry of Fr. James Jeffrey).
• A coordinator and two part-time, bilingual staff persons at the office who plan and respond as needed. Sr. Joan Hornick, ASC (ext. 132) serves as an administrative assistant and Ms. Ada Jimenez (ext. 147) is a 'family advocate' who supports and assists families in special need.
• An annual Diocesan Hispanic Youth Day, a gathering for affirming faith and building community among Hispanic teenagers as well as follow-up communication with Latino youth.
• An advocacy network for informing about and addressing legislative issues that impact immigrants, especially Hispanics in our diocese.
• Dialog, networking and meetings with agencies and outreach groups for collaboration of services on behalf of Hispanics in Southern Illinois.

"I strongly encourage the Catholic people in the diocese of Belleville and everyone of good will to … inform themselves about the very painful plight of migrant workers and the raids which are having a devastating impact not only on vulnerable families in far away Texas, but also on our neighbors right here in southern Illinois."
- Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Belleville 12/08

For further information please contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

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