U.S. Bishops’ Hispanic Affairs Subcommittee Releases Diocesan Survey on Parishes and Hispanic/Latino Ministry

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs has released the results of a recent diocesan survey it conducted on parishes and Hispanic/Latino ministry. The survey aligns with the launch of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and serves as a baseline for implementing it as a 10-year plan.

The survey featured three questions regarding the number of parishes in each diocese, the number of parishes offering Mass in Spanish, and the number of parishes with a Hispanic/Latino presence or ministry without a Mass celebrated in Spanish. The data was self-reported by the dioceses.

The summary of the findings show:

• 175 surveys were completed, representing 100% of the Latin Catholic (arch)dioceses in the United States*
• The (arch)dioceses reported a total of 16,279 parishes, with 4,479 offering the Sunday Mass in Spanish.
• 2,760 parishes have a Hispanic/Latino presence or ministry, but do not currently offer Mass in Spanish.
• 99% of the surveyed dioceses have multiple parishes offering Mass in Spanish.

The survey also highlighted the leadership in Hispanic/Latino ministry at the diocesan level, with 47% of respondents being either directors or coordinators of Hispanic/Latino ministry, while another 35% of respondents held positions in offices dedicated to cultural diversity, faith formation, and catechesis, signaling that there are other diocesan offices engaged in, or overseeing Hispanic/Latino ministry. The subcommittee reads this data point to show the correlation of a robust diocesan structure and a vibrant ministry at the parish level.

Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs welcomed the results: “Surveys like this are vital to understand and address the response of the Church to the needs and aspirations of our Hispanic/Latino communities. There are common obstacles that dioceses face when engaging in Hispanic/Latino ministry, such as bilingual priests, or limited resources. In a practical way, this survey helps to measure our work and determine how we can continue serving this thriving part of our Church and the importance of ongoing ministry to the needs of our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters.”

Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of Hispanic Affairs under the USCCB’s Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church commended the dioceses for their participation in the survey, stating, “The high participation rate reflects the dedication of our dioceses to Hispanic and Latino communities. It is heartening to see such a widespread commitment to build a more integrated and united Catholic Church in the United States.”

The results of the survey, and additional information about the work of the USCCB Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs may be found at: Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs USCCB.

The survey results are also available in Spanish: Diocesan Survey (Edición en Español). 

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* The survey did not include the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, or the Eastern Catholic Archeparchies and Eparchies in the United States.