We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.

Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw, Archbishop Oscar Romero Prayer: A Step Along the Way

The Catholic Church in the U.S. continues to thrive in large part due to a rapidly growing Hispanic population. Presently, 60% of all Catholics in the U.S. under the age of 18 are Hispanic, demonstrating that the future of the Church will be transformed by Hispanic Catholics. This robust and growing community offers the Church many gifts and opportunities on multiple levels.  

Building on this moment, Hispanic and other Catholic leaders, educators, philanthropists and other key stakeholders will gather for a highly participatory national symposium on June 25. The symposium, Hispanic Leadership and Philanthropy for a 21st Century Church, in San Antonio, Texas, seeks to create a greater understanding of the Hispanic experience of church, expand joint learning, strengthen strategic partnerships, showcase successful initiatives and best practices, and identify future opportunities. Sessions will focus on organizational leadership & capacity, youth/young adult leadership and education, and philanthropic leadership. Together, we can hear challenges and opportunities, and dialogue about ways to support Hispanic ministry and leadership for the good of our Church.

Sponsored by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA), the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, the Mexican American Catholic College, and the University of the Incarnate Word. 

Symposium Sessions

Session 1: Leadership Formation and Organizational Capacity

This session will identify the challenges facing leaders in our Church who are working to build the organizational capacity and support leadership development of those in Hispanic ministry. Best practices from across the nation will be explored with input of participants regarding how we can support leadership development and organizational capacity building in this vital dimension of our Church. 

 Session 2: Youth/Young Adult Leadership and Education

Hispanic youth represent the majority of U.S. Catholics under 25.  And yet, pastoral outreach to Hispanic youth has not kept up with the growth of the population. Local faith communities and educational institutions, particularly institutions of higher education, can work together to provide support and mentorship during these critical years of social and moral character development. This session will highlight innovative programs and collaborative efforts to develop young Hispanic leaders who are committed to leadership and service for the common good in their parishes and communities. Special attention will be paid to the importance of leadership formation through higher education.

 Session 3: Philanthropic Leadership

This session will highlight inspiring examples of Hispanic Catholic philanthropic leadership, as well as models of philanthropic leadership that serve Hispanic ministry. We will dialogue together about the needs, realities, and resource gaps that stand in the way of full engagement of Catholic Hispanics. Participants will also explore some of the cultural distinctions in Hispanic and mainstream Catholic approaches to giving, in order to identify opportunities for mutual learning, impact and exchange across the Catholic community.

 Confirmed Speakers include:

• Dr. Louis Agnese Jr, University of the Incarnate Word
• Joseph Boland, Catholic Extension
• Javier Bustamante, National Catholic Youth Foundation
• Dr. Arturo Chávez, Mexican American Catholic College
• Monica Cruz, Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, University of the Incarnate Word
• Lt. Gen. (Ret.) James M. Dubik, The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management
• Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio
• Dr. Roberto Goizueta, Boston College
• Archbishop José H. Gomez, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
• Alexia Kelley, Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities
• Estela Villagrán Manancero, The National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry
• Sr. Teresa Maya, CCVI, Sisters of the Charity of the Incarnate Word
• Mar Muñoz-Visoso, MTS, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Boston College
• Kerry Robinson, The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management
• Diana Vela, Catholic Association of Latino Leaders
• Ana Gloria Rivas-Vazquez, Catholic Relief Services
• Sr. Rose Weidenbenner, RSM, ARISE

Donations:

Please consider making a donation to our symposium scholarship fund. The scholarships will allow individuals with limited financial means the opportunity to participate in this dynamic symposium. Thank you for your support