By Bertha Melendres
Because I am Catholic!
Being a Hispanic Catholic in the Midwestern United States is a privilege, even though it is not always easy. I was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and immigrated with my family to Los Angeles, California, when I was 11 years old. In many ways, it was easy to be Mexican in Los Angeles County, home to a large number of people from Mexico and many other countries. It is not without reason that it is called a “melting pot” — a place where all cultures blend together.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I did not feel particularly different from others, nor did I fear speaking Spanish. Being Catholic was also easy, as there were Spanish-language Masses at all the local parishes, along with numerous Catholic ministries and movements in which we could participate. It was simple to find a community that shared our culture, language and faith.
Ten years ago, my husband and I moved our family to Evansville, and our entire world changed. We had met while serving in the church choir and have always been active in various ministries; I served as the director of our parish’s religious education program for 13 years. We knew it would be a major adjustment, but I never imagined that even living out our Catholic faith would be so different in the Midwest, where we often feel like a minority.
For the past six years, God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve the Diocese as the Director of Hispanic Ministry. I have witnessed a significant increase in the Hispanic and Latino population across our counties. I can also say that the Diocese has done a great deal to welcome and serve our community, providing resources and support through the Office of Hispanic Ministry.
However, many challenges remain. The language barrier, the distance between our communities and the need for more Hispanic priests and leaders can make consistent participation in the life of the Church difficult. Added to this is the current sociopolitical climate, which has created uncertainty and fear for some families. The Church must be a place where everyone can feel welcomed, safe, heard and accompanied.
Another major challenge involves our youth. Many young Hispanics live between two cultures. At home, they receive their parents’ culture, language and faith, while outside the home, they experience a different reality. This situation can create a generational divide; often, our young people drift away from the Church because they do not find spaces where they feel understood and called to participate.
This year, we began offering training for Hispanic leaders in collaboration with Franciscan University of Ohio, providing opportunities for them to grow as catechists, liturgical ministers, youth leaders and servants. However, we also face concrete obstacles such as transportation, childcare and work schedules, as many work evenings or weekends.
Despite these challenges, I am hopeful. Our community brings a great richness of faith, family, traditions, joy and devotion to the Church. Hispanics not only require pastoral care but also represent a source of richness and an active part of the Church. The greatest challenge is not merely making room for Hispanics, but recognizing that we are part of this Church, that we belong to it, and that we have much to offer.
My prayer is that every Hispanic person can say with confidence: “This is my Church; this is my parish. I belong here; here I can live out my faith, and here God also calls me to serve.”
Bertha Melendres serves as Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry.