ARTICLES

Celebration and Growth at Sacred Heart, Danville

By Erik Manuel Giblin
Special to The Catholic Virginian

The Office of the Hispanic Apostolate and the Hispanic Commission of the Diocese of Richmond, in collaboration with pastors, religious, lay leadership, and all Catholic entities, are currently engaged in actively addressing the three identified priorities of our Latino Community.

These priorities are Leadership Formation, Youth Development, and effective Communication between the Diocese, parishes, and communities where Latinos live, work, and worship.

They are in accordance with the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

As part of this effort, the Office is currently visiting parishes and inviting pastors and staff to share their experiences and invite the broader community to learn, pray for, and support their ongoing development.

The following by Father Charles Breindel is the first of a series that will be made available in English and Spanish on the website of the Office for Hispanic Apostolate.

When I arrived as pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Danville, six years ago, my lack of Spanish was a minor issue. There were only 150 Spanish-speakers, mostly guest workers for the tobacco farms, and only about 35 of them attended Sunday Mass.

But things have changed dramatically. There are now nearly 1,350 registered Spanish speakers, of whom more than 550 are children.

There are many others who are not registered but attend and participate in the life of the parish. That annually accounts for more than 60 baptisms, 40 first sacraments, 10 marriages, and 15 quinceañeras, the cherished rite of welcome of adolescent girls and their loved ones into la Comunidad, the Community.

With just over half of the parish now Hispanic (largely Mexican), the parish is greatly enriched with Mexican customs and traditions.

The annual summer health fair and fiesta draws hundreds for free health care, fellowship and music. The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe begins with a vigil mañanita that overflows the church, and is followed by a late night fiesta; the next day’s Mass again brings crowds with a procession of more flowers and candles.

Each Lent the Spanish community presents the living Stations of the Cross, in complete costume, out of doors, with a life-sized crucifix.

This deeply moving event is bilingual. It brings many parishioners and non-parishioners to experience Jesus’ passion and death.

Many non-Spanish speakers are drawn to the Sunday Mass in Spanish by the exciting music and the diverse instruments and voices. Of course, that Mass is now the largest in the parish and often has nearly 500 people.

In 2007 Sacred Heart was excited to have its first Spanish-speaking RCIA and adult first sacraments program in which 13 people received sacraments this year. The addition of a bulletin in Spanish has helped to develop the many ministries around the Spanish Mass and community.

The annual parish picnic in the summer and International Night are two important times when both the English and Spanish speakers in the community come and share their traditions, foods and spirit.

The parish council has set as a major goal the continuing integration of the two communities. With the help of the council members who are Hispanic, much progress has been made.

Ministry to seasonal migrant workers remains an important part of Sacred Heart. From late spring to fall harvest, the parish bus helps migrant workers to attend Mass and remain for a meal and hospitality, all provided by volunteers from the parish. Parishioners collect clothing, food and personal items for the guest workers to make them more comfortable.

The region is economically stressed, so the parish depends on many volunteers and donations for its success. The Hispanic community has flourished, in large part thanks to the dedication of many volunteers.

The greatest challenge to future growth in faith is, however, the need for professional bilingual staff to support the many activities of volunteers in catechesis, outreach, human concerns, and community.

Sacred Heart in Danville is working aggressively this year to bring more of the children and youth into the life of the parish. Challenges to accomplishment include lack of transportation, parents working on weekends, as well as cultural differences.

However, as with other areas of the parish, trust in the Holy Spirit will overcome the challenges and bring deepening of faith.

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