Bringing Encuentro home

By Michael D. Wamble
Staff Writer

“It was amazing,” said Andrew Lyke, on the elevator of the archdiocesan pastoral center. Father Esequiel Sanchez, across the car, nodded in agreement.

Lyke, from the Family Ministries Office, and Sanchez, archdiocesan director of Hispanic Ministry, were referring to Encuentro 2000, held July 6-9 in Los Angeles. Over 40 area Catholics, including Bishops Joseph N. Perry and John R. Manz attended the four-day event.

“I’m still floating,” said Lyke, who’d like to employ techniques he learned about in Los Angeles to increase communication between cultural groups in Chicago.

One specific concept, called “mutual invitation,” in which people ask others to contribute ideas in a welcoming environment, may be included within the structure of Parish Leadership Day 2001.

Back at home, Teresita Nuval, director of Asian-American Ministry, said she was most taken by the liturgy that celebrated numerous languages and cultures. Nuval said inclusion may call for liturgies that are lengthy, but also liturgies that are interactive and lively.

“The liturgies set a tone. Even the song selections made people want to listen, want to sing and fostered a feeling of friendliness,” she said.

Lyke agreed with need for more engaging liturgies as means to promote multicultural dialogue.

“Yes. Liturgies may last a bit longer,” said Lyke. “But will it be worth it? Absolutely.”

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