Huge immigrant population brings blessings and challenges to Catholics in Arkansas, part 2

June 29, 7:17 AMLittle Rock Catholic ExaminerRobin Myers

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Sancta.org:Used by permissipon

The second article in a series examining the impact of Hispanic immigration on Catholicism in the state of Arkansas.

For many Arkansas communities, the rapid expansion of the Hispanic population had created a multitude of challenges. Education, housing and healthcare are just some of the major issues any community must face when there is a population explosion.

This particular wave of immigration also presents significant challenges to the Catholic communities of Arkansas. Since the majority of the new immigrants are of the Catholic faith, it places an increased sense of responsibility on the diocese to assist with meeting these challenges.

The Diocese of Little Rock has been on the forefront of meeting these challenges over the last 15 years. The diocese has opened an Office of Hispanic Ministries, which is specifically tasked with aiding Hispanic Catholics with settling into parish life in their new communities. The Office of Hispanic Ministries coordinates the various local parish ministries to Hispanics and is a resource of information for those interested in ministry in the Hispanic community.

One of the major challenges has been providing a Spanish language Mass. As the Catholic population of Arkansas has now effectively doubled due to this immigration, the need has grown for more priest and masses, especially in Spanish. This has caused many priest to learn Spanish or at least refresh their knowledge of Spanish in order to minister more effectively to their new parishioners.

The Diocese also provides assistance and education in helping the immigrants learn the language of their new home. Contrary to many beliefs, most immigrants are eager to learn English and to assimilate into the American culture. The offering of a Spanish language mass does not hinder this assimilation but can actually assist the immigrant by fostering the feelings of acceptance in the community.

The Diocese offers many other ministries, services and programs to the growing Hispanic community. They offer Immigration Services through Catholic Charities, as well as providing many with medical assistance through the various Catholic hospitals throughout the state. They also offer many outreach programs to the immigrant's children and youth through the local parishes. All of these programs are designed to provide real assistance to the immigrant family as they make the transition into the their new community.

Although the Catholic Church in Arkansas has done much to face the challenges this new wave of immigration has brought, its biggest challenge may not have completely surfaced yet. As the economy continues to worsen and jobs and public resources become scarcer, the temptation to place blame on the immigrant becomes greater.

The biggest service the Church can do, both to the immigrant and the native, is to be a bridge between the two cultures. The Catholic Church, in America in general and Arkansas in particular, has always been on the forefront of civil rights and racial equality. As the Church seeks to minister to the immigrant, she must do so in a manner which affirms the value and dignity of both cultures.

To be continued....