Holy Trinity Parish in Dallas, Texas, combines cultural traditions such as Chinelo dancing from central Mexico with activities of the Diocesan Movomiento Familiar Cristiano (Christian Family Movement).
Hispanic Ministry: Outreach and Evolution
Father Tony Ruiz, CM, tells the story: Many years ago he walked into church with a man he knew to be a Mexican doctor. “I asked him, ‘Are you Catholic?’ And he replied, ‘All I know is I’m Guadalupano.’”
For the 35 percent of U.S. Catholics who are Hispanic, this story will bring a knowing smile. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a symbol of faith and source of comfort, tightly woven into the fabric of daily life, family and community. “Our Lady of Guadalupe is a magnet that brings people to God, to church,” says Fr. Ruiz.
But while Our Lady of Guadalupe is a distinguishing characteristic of practical faith for Hispanic Catholics, it is one of the few differences this cultural group has with its counterparts in the Catholic community.
FROM THE PROVINCIAL
New Beginnings
After a lengthy period of reflection, consultation, and prayer, we have decided to merge the three western region provinces into one province.
Jubilee Celebrations
As surely as summer rolls around every year, we have a new group of Vincentians who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination (for our priests) or their vows (for our brothers). Like other graduates, many priests and brothers were ordained or took their final vows in the late spring or early summer. Our six jubilarians this year have been involved in varied ministries, but are united in their devotion to St. Vincent de Paul and his call to "follow Jesus Christ evangelizing the poor."
Meet: Father James G. Ward, CM
I started thinking about becoming a priest at age seven,” says Father James G. Ward, CM, but, he insists, “it wasn’t that unusual at the time.” He describes his upbringing as typical in 1950s Chicago: “There were about 1,000 kids in St. Michael’s Parish grade school, about 700 in the high school, and over 60 priests, brothers, and sisters involved in the schools and parish. So my family – I was one of six children – grew up surrounded by a large parish. The priests and religious were my examples, and I wanted to be like them.”
Friends Gather in Colorado
On April 18, the Midwest Province hosted a gathering at Most Precious Blood Parish in Denver for donors, friends, seminarians, confreres and former confreres.
The Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Midwest and Southern Provinces of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.
Congegration of the Mission, The Vincentian
Attn: News Editor
13663 Rider Trail North
Earth City, MO 63045
phone: 314-344-1184
fax: 314-344-2989
Contact the News Editor Online