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Boston College's Clough School of Theology and Ministry has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering Catholic organizations that serve the Hispanic community in the United States. The project, titled "Nuevo Momento: Leadership and Capacity Building for Ministerial Organizations Serving Hispanic Catholics," began in August with support from a $15 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.
Hosffman Ospino, a professor at Boston College, highlighted the significance of this project given that 45% of Catholics in the U.S. identify as Latino. He noted that these demographics are "transforming Catholicism in the United States" and emphasized the need to respond to associated challenges.
The initiative will focus on strengthening organizational capacity, achieving financial sustainability, leadership training, and providing grants for internal capacity building. Fifteen organizations have been selected to participate, including associations of Latino priests and sisters and organizations focused on youth ministry.
Lisset Mendoza from the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry expressed excitement about being part of Nuevo Momento. She mentioned opportunities for individuals to pursue a Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership designed specifically for this program by Boston College's Clough School.
Elisabeth Román, president of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry, sees Nuevo Momento as an opportunity to professionalize her organization's operations by potentially creating paid staff positions.
Ospino explained that many participating groups currently rely on volunteers but need paid employees to expand their impact effectively. He stressed financial stability as crucial for managing finances and developing fundraising mechanisms.
Training modules covering strategic planning and fundraising will be offered online through partnerships with several organizations specializing in leadership and stewardship. The goal is to enhance participants' capabilities in leadership roles within their institutions.
Román underlined the importance of investing in Latino Catholics who constitute nearly half of the church's population. She believes there is often a misunderstanding about Latinos' contributions to the church due to cultural differences.
Ospino described Nuevo Momento as aligning with what he termed a 'Kairos,' or opportune moment defined by divine timing. He hopes it will inspire significant changes within U.S. churches while acknowledging similar needs among African American communities.
He concluded by expressing hope that God would guide this transformation within American Catholicism, drawing parallels with how Jesus inspired his followers historically.
