Survey Highlights Growth and Challenges in Hispanic Ministry Across U.S. Dioceses
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Members of Danza Guadalupana perform in the 91st Procession and Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego, in the traditionally Latino community of East Los Angeles, on December 4, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The annual Catholic procession draws thousands and honors the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Tepeyac, Mexico, to Saint Juan Diego in December, 1531. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

A recent survey conducted by the U.S. bishops' Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs reveals significant growth in Hispanic ministry across the nation's dioceses. Released on August 21, the survey underscores the expanding parish-based pastoral response to Hispanic Catholics in the U.S.

Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of Hispanic Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasized the importance of establishing a baseline for Hispanic ministry at the parish level. The survey aimed to assess the implementation of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, a decade-long initiative approved in June 2023.

Conducted from April to mid-August, the survey gathered data on the number of parishes offering Mass in Spanish and those with a Hispanic/Latino presence. Aguilera-Titus noted the significance of Spanish Masses as a sign of welcome for Hispanic communities, with nearly 30% of U.S. parishes now offering Sunday Mass in Spanish.

The survey, which achieved a 100% response rate from Latin Catholic dioceses, revealed that 4,479 out of 16,279 parishes provide Sunday Mass in Spanish. Additionally, about 2,760 parishes have a Hispanic/Latino presence without offering Mass in Spanish. Aguilera-Titus highlighted the nationwide Hispanic presence and the need for a robust pastoral response.

The survey also acknowledged dioceses with missions or ministries serving Hispanics outside traditional parish structures. Aguilera-Titus compared the findings to a 2016-2017 survey, noting growth in parishes offering Sunday Mass in Spanish and a broader Hispanic ministry presence.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Over 42% of U.S. Catholics identify as Hispanic, yet many are leaving the church, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center report. Aguilera-Titus stressed the need for parishes to better recognize and respond to Hispanic presence.

Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, chair of the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, praised the survey's role in addressing common obstacles like bilingual clergy shortages and resource limitations. Aguilera-Titus called for promoting vocations among Hispanic Catholics and enhancing intercultural skills among clergy.

Despite financial challenges, Hispanic ministry at the diocesan level remains strong, with 57 dioceses reporting dedicated Hispanic pastoral offices. The survey highlighted the correlation between robust diocesan structures and vibrant parish ministries.

Aguilera-Titus identified areas for growth, noting that 20% of dioceses could strengthen their support for Hispanic ministry. Successful diocesan ministries are characterized by direct coordination with bishops, adequate budgets, and collaboration with other diocesan offices.

The survey excluded certain dioceses, including the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and Eastern Catholic jurisdictions."