The Hispanic community of the Diocese of Youngstown met with Bishop David Bonnar for the Third Annual Hispanic Ministry Summit at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna on March 22. The day began with a Mass in Spanish, presided by the bishop and concelebrated with Father Fritz Schlueter, Father Ernesto Rodriguez, Father Brian Smith, Father Connor Hetzel and Father Frassati Davis. The event also included conversations about the Hispanic Pastoral Plan, a time to reflect on the season of Lent and the Jubilee Year, and lunch. The event addressed key topics such as the life and growth of the Hispanic parish in the diocese, with a focus on evangelization, vocations and the celebration of the Quinceañera tradition—one of the most important celebrations in some Spanish-speaking countries.
At the end of the Mass and before inviting everyone into the parish hall, Bishop Bonnar emphasized the importance of Lent—a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, charity and explained how this season should lead to a conversion of the heart toward God. He also spoke about the growth of the Hispanic community in the area and expressed his gratitude for their continued contributions, especially at St. Dominic Parish in Youngstown, St. Paul Parish in Salem, Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ashtabula, Divine Mercy Parish in Massillon and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Canton. He also expressed enthusiasm for the growing number of Spanish-speaking priests to meet the needs of the Spanish-speaking community. In this regard, he announced that he will soon ordain Deacon Travis Seagraves to the priesthood, which will further strengthen the Hispanic presence in the diocese. Bishop Bonnar acknowledged the possibility of centralizing the Hispanic Mission in Stark County, but assured that the diocese remains committed to the faith communities of Canton and Massillon, with no plans for changes there. He also expressed the hope that soon, a community of Spanish-speaking religious sisters will be able to join the Hispanic Ministry in its work of supporting families and guiding their faith formation.
The bishop presented the new diocesan policy for the celebration of the Quinceañera. Many families—especially those in Central America and Puerto Rico—celebrate young women’s fifteenth birthdays as an important event to mark their passage into adulthood. This policy is the result of extensive consultation and review by Spanish-speaking pastors, the Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
This policy will provide the appropriate guidelines for the diocese’s parishes to celebrate Quinceañeras within the liturgical and sacramental norms of the Catholic Church. The celebration of a Quinceañera in the Catholic Church consists of participating in a Mass with family and friends, so that the young woman give thanks, receive a blessing and renew her baptismal promises. During this Mass, the young woman receives meaningful gifts such as a rosary and a Bible, and she presents a bouquet to the Virgin Mary.
As part of this new policy, there is also a retreat for the young woman, her parents and godparents. This day of reflection is among the most important initiatives organized by diocesan Hispanic Ministry—supporting families who celebrate this tradition within Christian values, thus strengthening their relationship with God. The first retreat, the first week of April, had seven young ladies and their families participating.
At the summit, the bishop also referred to the importance of promoting a culture of vocations, starting with a family environment which shows and encourages different acts of service to the Church. After Mass, those attending were invited to the parish center, where they divided into working groups to discuss the pastoral plan for the Hispanic community prepared by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The groups covered: Evangelization and Mission; Adolescents, Young Adults, and Vocations; and Pastoral Accompaniment of Hispanic and Latino Families.
The groups shared their experiences in the parishes. For example, Father Frassati Davis said he was pleased when a group of couples from St. Dominic Parish in Youngstown expressed their desire to begin a series of marriage encounters. They are now in their second retreat and second assembly, serving more than forty couples.
This annual meeting reflects the vitality of the Hispanic community and the diocese’s commitment to serving it. Bishop Bonnar closed the day by reaffirming his will to continue working together to promote faith, unity and collaboration of the Church, ensuring that future generations can continue the journey as a community of hope and God’s grace. He invited the entire community to continue praying that “All May be One.”
