AN ON GOING PROCESS How to bring Hispanics into Catholic Schools

Road map Why are we doing this? Who are Hispanics – the Hispanic Culture? How do we bring Hispanics into our schools?

Why are we doing this? “ Go and make disciples” “ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every thing that I have commanded you.”  Matthew 28: By its nature and mission the Church is universal in that it is not committed to any culture or to any political, economic or social system. Gaudium et spes # 42

Catholic Schools Diocese of Austin Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin provide quality education focused on faith, academic excellence, leadership and service, rooted in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church

The New Evangelization Statement on new evangelization from Lineamenta of XIII Synod of Bishops in October 2011 A new evangelization is synonymous with mission, requiring the capacity to set out anew, go beyond boundaries and broaden horizons. The new evangelization is the opposite of self-sufficiency, a withdrawal into oneself, a status quo mentality and an idea that pastoral programs are simply to proceed as they did in the past. Today, a “business as usual” attitude can no longer be the case. Some local Churches, already engaged in renewal, confirm the fact that now is the time for the Church to call upon every Christian community to evaluate their pastoral practice on the basis of the missionary character of their programs and activities.

UNDERPINNINGS OF A THEOLOGY FOR INTERCULTURAL MINISTRY ˚ Christian Anthropology - (Human dignity – created in the images and likeness of God) ˚ Ecclesiology: The Church as Communion – Seeks to mirror the community of the Divine Person ˚ Catholicity: Universality, Unity in Diversity ˚ The Church as missionary- Go and make disciples of all nations – U.S. a mosaic of cultures -

The Hispanic Presence The blessings The challenges The commitments

The blessings: Who are they? Hispanics in the US are not a homogenous group. They vary in their racial identity: white, black, Asian, mix. Hispanic origin is based on self-described family ancestry or place of birth in response to a question on the Census Bureau’s Survey. Ancestry is not necessarily the same as the place of birth of the respondent, nor is it indicative of immigrant or citizenship status. Hispanics come from not only from Mexico. – 22 countries, including the U.S. More than 50% of Hispanics live in Texas, California and Florida In 80’s and 90’s – there was a huge migration of Hispanic to the US- that after 2001 slow down dramatically due to the Economic crisis and the September 11 th events.

Why are Hispanics immigrating to the U.S.?  Escaping poverty – 3 rd world economy -  Violence  Lack of opportunities – we have plenty of works for them here!  Following the American dream – prosperity and success!  The influence of American media and culture.  More than 11 millions people (families) undocumented. U.S. Hispanic population is the second size ranking worldwide after Mexico. 17% of the total U.S. population (2011) Hispanics are more likely to live in poverty/lack insurance/own a house than any other group in the US

Hispanics are the largest and youngest minority group in the US – One in five school children is Hispanic – One in four newborns is Hispanic. - CARA report Most Hispanics are not immigrants – 70% of Hispanics in the U.S. are not immigrants. 98% of Hispanic born in the U.S. chose English as their 1 st language but 8 out of 10 kept Spanish as a second language. Hispanics were the first Roman Catholics in what is now the United States. The 1 st Eucharist- Mass was celebrated in Spanish in what is now the US continent.

Hispanics have contributed 71% of the growth of the Catholic Church in the United States since More than 50% of all Catholics in the United States under age 25 are of Hispanic descent. More than two-thirds (68%) of all Hispanics in the United States consider themselves to be Roman Catholics.

The culture – the hidden Iceberg Jesus on the Cross – his passion and sufferings  I am powerless – a reflection of a cultural reality  Jesus still in the tomb – a culture that has not experience the resurrection yet Mary - the Mother – more accessible – Feminine versus Masculine  Masculine culture – women and their role on passing the faith and education. What ever Father, Boss, Sister, Authority says – Ecclesiology / Hierarchical

The needs of the community/ family. –Community – over the individual – Collectivism/ Family oriented Corruption – broken political system – broken laws – rules – time - mistrust – High tolerance – Ambiguity Cultural Catholicism – the seed of the Gospel

The challenges/ commitments Hispanics must be evangelized “Less than half of Latino children are enrolled in any early learning program. Only about half of all Latino students earn their high school diploma on time; those who do complete high school are only half as likely as their peers to be prepared for college. Just 13 percent of Latinos have a bachelor’s degree, and only 4 percent have completed graduate or professional degree programs. Overall, Latinos have the lowest education attainment level of any group in the U.S. “Winning the future. Improving Education for the Latino community. White House initiative. 2011

Stewardship – from Mother Church to our Church – from guest to host - Embracing their contributions. Leadership positions in the Church – institutions Religiosity/traditions versus formal religion/ education Public Education versus Catholic Schools in Latin America The Future of the Catholic Church in the U.S. –Catholic Schools - the future of a country