(Everything is in Spanish unless otherwise noted.)

Liturgical:

Mass in Spanish each Sunday at 2:00pm, St. Mary Church,

Confessions during and after Mass when a priest is available, or upon request

Special Masses for Feast days, eg. Dec. 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe

                                                     Dec. 24th midnight, for Christmas

                                                     Dec. 31st 10:00pm for New Year

                                                     January 6th, Epiphany

Bilingual Services:  

Ash Wednesday--7:00pm

Holy Thursday

Fiesta Latina in September

All Souls Day, with a visual rembrance of those who have died

Outdoor Processions:    

Via Crucis, Way of the Cross on Good Friday, bilingual 7:00pm, ending with veneration of the cross.

Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, with the Blessed Sacrament                                         

Fiesta Latina

Special Events:      

--Baptisms during Mass, third Sunday of each month

--Weddings, with arras (coins), and a lazo (cord to bide the couple)

--Las Mañanitas, to begin the celebration of Guadalupe, December 11th, 11:00pm

--Quinceañeras, for 15 year old girls

--Presentations, for 3 year old children

--Levantamiento de Jesús, early February, with adoration of the Christ Child

--Feast of the Holy Family, with an individual blessing for each family

--Outdoor Mass and picnic at Mt. St. Francis the Sunday near July 4th  (July 6, 2008, 2:00pm, in the shelter by the lake.

--Novena in preparation for the Feast of Guadalupe—Dec 3rd to 12th, in people’s homes

--Las Posadas, recalling the search of Joseph and Mary for a place for Jesus to be born                                 

Religious Formation:

--Baptism preparation:  Sessions for both the parents and godparents each month  Baptism Brochure with dates, in Spanish

--First Eucharist:  Catechism classes at 12:30 on Sunday.  For the spring of 2008, we had 43 children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion

--Confirmation:  In conjunction with the Confirmation program of St. Mary Church, in English

--Marriage:  Individual interviews with a priest, and a one day retreat for couples called “Unidos en Cristo” in conjunction with St. Rita Church in Louisville

-- RCIA:  Preparation for adult reception of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, in a joint program with St. Rita Church in Louisville.

--Children’s Liturgy of the Word:  Sunday afternoon during the Mass, for children ages three to seven

Immigration and document service:

Lillian Rose has several years experience assisting people prepare the applications for family based immigration and some other types.  She also provides citizenship classes and helps people prepare for their exam.  So far she has helped over 55 people become US citizens and 75 become residents, and many more are in process to become residents and citizens.  She also translates documents, gives guidance in legal matters with the assistance of local lawyers, and advises people in a variety of personal situations.  She provides forums and training on a variety of topics for both English companies or organizations and for the Hispanic community.  Debbie Caruso assists Lillian in processing the applications for immigration and translating documents.

Medical advocacy:

Juanita Richardson is a registered nurse and she assists people in finding the medical care that they need.  This can involve interpreting for them, helping find the doctors or medication needed, arranging for payments, and encouraging medical providers to be more attentive to the Spanish speaking community.  In conjunction with the Hispanic Connection of Southern Indiana, Inc. Juanita helps organize the annual bilingual Health Fair.  The next one will be May 18, 2008, 3:00 till 5:00pm in the St. Mary School gymnasium.

English Classes:

Free English classes are offered on Sundays from 12:30 till 1:45 in the Ministry Center. Jan Schlageter has volunteered as the teacher for several years, and does very well.  For those who want more intensive classes, they are referred to the New Albany/Floyd County Education Support Center. (812) 949-4253  2801 Grant Line Road New Albany, IN 47150

Computer Classes:

A computer lab provided through grants from the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County enables the Ministry to provide computer classes in Spanish, and access for those who want to use a computer or have internet access at any time while the office is open.

Housing assistance:

Letty Salazar, our office manager, is also a real estate agent and can help people find apartments or houses.  She also helps resolve difficulties related to housing and promotes good practices for those who look forward to buying a house in the future.

Comité Hispano:

A group of leaders in the community organize, plan, and help direct the ministry in the same manner as a parish council.  We have representatives from three countries to maintain diversity and be attentive to various traditions.

Social Events:

The Ministry organizes the Fiesta Latina each year to celebrate independence of various Latin American countries and to sustain the culture and traditions.  We begin with a bilingual mass on Saturday afternoon.  This is followed by folkloric dances in the street or the parking lot.  Many groups in the community prepare a wide variety of food that they offer for sale.  Companies and organizations exhibit information.  A DJ or live band provides music for dancing and entertainment.  A group provides children’s activities and games and a piñata.  This is a non alcoholic family event to celebrate and share the Hispanic culture with the wider community.

Following the Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe, a fiesta gathers all together for a meal donated by a variety of local restaurants, and music provided by a local DJ. 

Advocacy and Referrals:

Given that many who come from other countries do not have enough confidence in their English to converse with school staff, employers, financial institutions, etc. we often act as advocates to help them find a just response to their needs.  At times this involves going to meetings or talking with individuals to ensure that bilingual staff or interpreting services are available and that people receive the services to which they are entitled.  Other times, it is just a matter of helping them know where to turn, for counselors, guidance, or special circumstances.

Donation of school supplies and coats:

In early August of each year the Ministry organizes an afternoon to promote education and to sign up for classes.  With the help of “In Heaven’s Eyes” and the youth at Sacred Heart Church we have been able to give away over 100 backpacks and school supplies for children in elementary and secondary schools.   At the same time we encourage them to sign up for religious education classes, for kindergarten, and other educational opportunities in the area. 

In early November, we work with “In Heaven’s Eyes” again to give coats and jackets to those who might not otherwise have warm enough clothes for the coming winter.  This is especially helpful for recent immigrants from warm climates and for those with limited income.