Open the Doors: A Call to Embrace and Invite Hispanic Catholics Back to the Church
In a recent conversation on the Auxilium Podcast, Bishop Arturo Cepeda issued a profound challenge to Catholic leaders: to step outside the walls of our parishes and open the doors, to actively invite Hispanic Catholics, especially immigrants, to participate in the life of the Church.
Lost in Translation
While Hispanic Catholics bring with them a deeply rooted Catholic identity, immigration and resettlement can disrupt even the strongest faith practices. Bishop Cepeda often asks clergy, “Are you aware of the Hispanic community in your parish?” Often, the response is, “Well, Bishop, they don’t come here.” To this, Bishop Cepeda gently yet firmly challenges them: “Then open the doors.”
Don’t Assume, Be Proactive
Bishop Cepeda urges us to look around our communities and recognize the faces that may have once been regulars in the pews but are now absent. “Don’t assume they’re okay.”
Technology as a Tool to Foster Community
Bishop Cepeda highlighted Tabella as a solution to help create open and safe Catholic spaces for communities to thrive, reaching people in their homes, workplaces and beyond.
Welcoming People Back to Their Spiritual Home
As Bishop Cepeda so passionately expressed, our challenge is to “open the doors” and welcome others as Christ would.
