Two studies out this week indicate that the future of the Catholic Church in the United States will rest with Latinos.
Separate studies by Boston College and the Pew Research Center both note that the Church in the United States is nearly 40 percent Latino and, within the next few decades, Latinos will be the majority.
Latino immigration has stabilized the Church, as increased numbers of newcomers offset losses from others who have left Catholic practice. Both reports indicate challenges, however: Latinos are less likely to attend Catholics schools and their sons are less likely to seek priesthood. Latinos are active in the church’s sacramental life, but are less likely to participate in other aspects of parish life.
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, a theology professor at Boston College, contributed to its report, and will describe the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing Latino presence in the Church in the United States at a conference in South Jersey.
Sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Camden, Dr. Ospino will talk on “Hispanic Community in Catholic Parishes” on Friday, May 9 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Sicklerville and in Spanish on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at John Paul II Retreat House in Vineland.
For more information, contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry at 856-583-6170 or email Rubi.Lukasiewicz@camdendiocese.org