June 4, 2013 // Local

Fiesta celebrates Hispanic Ministry plan at Our Lady of Guadalupe

Todays Catholic

WARSAW — The promulgation of the diocesan Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry will be celebrated at a fiesta on Saturday, June 8, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Warsaw. This five-year plan by the Diocesan Office for Hispanic Ministry is in collaboration with 13 parishes serving the Hispanic community at the request of Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades.

Planning began two years ago through multi-parish efforts, including pastors, laity, the Hispanic Ministry Director Enid Roman de Jesús, other diocesan departments and Bishop Rhoades.

Meetings at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Warsaw were held to participate in surveys based on five USCCB points of interest to be strengthened throughout the U.S. Roman Catholic parishes.

The Hispanic Ministry Pastoral Plan is the first diocesan plan created for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Bishop Rhoades has encouraged other diocesan departments to prepare plans in the future based on this model.

The fiesta begins at 9 a.m. with Adoration, the sacrament of Reconciliation and Benediction by Bishop Rhoades at 10:30 a.m., with Mass to follow at 11 a.m.

An estimated 10-12 priests will concelebrate the Mass on the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and will have a Consecration to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart during the Mass. An apostolic blessing, plenary indulgence will also be a part of this celebration offered by Bishop Rhoades.

Following the Mass, there will be a fiesta where all are invited to bring blankets and picnic lunches, though food to purchase will be available. Inflatables will be on site for the children, along with face art and plenty of space to play. Music, multi-choir competitions and professional dancers will perform throughout the day.