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Hispanic Ministry at St. FrancisFor more than 15 years, the Hispanic population has been growing in Pickens and Oconee counties, drawn to this area by the hope for jobs primarily in the textile factories or construction. Over twelve years ago, a former pastor initiated the weekly Spanish Mass on Sundays at Saint Francis Church in Walhalla, where a majority of the Hispanic families reside. The attendance at this Mass has been so great that it is now held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Seneca, SC. Starting September 2007 Religious Education classes will also be held at St. Paul's in bi-lingual classes. During the past five years, we have been developing ministry for and with the Hispanic community to meet a variety of needs. These include Religious Education and sacramental preparation, formation for liturgical ministers, English-as-a-Second-Language, outreach to families in need, networking with health care providers, teachers, and law enforcement personnel, leadership training and coordination of the Hispanic Committee of the Parish Council, and pastoral care for families and individuals. Small Christian Community meets on Wednesday evenings for prayer and Scripture reflection. Preparation of parents and godparents for the Baptism of a child is offered monthly. Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion is offered yearly, for Confirmation every other year, and for Marriage and Quinceaneras as needed. Adults seeking the Sacraments of initiation participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation usually in Spanish. Awareness of and appreciation for the gifts for ministry and wholesome parish life that our Hispanic brothers and sisters bring to the total community are growing. We strive to be a truly multicultural Catholic presence in this corner of South Carolina.
For more information, contact Sr. Joan Kobe, DW - (864) 638-2984 Click here for Hispanic News |