Regional Variations in Catholic Diocesan Ministries Serving Latino Migrants

• In Event: 41061 - Section on Latina/o Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 5: Latinx Communities, Fear, and Political Engagement

Abstract

This paper presents and analyzes the findings from a questionnaire survey of 178 diocesan staff members who assessed their ministry for immigrants in terms of pastoral care and social services. The study reveals significant regional variations in ministry efforts and priorities. Dioceses in the South exhibited more limited ministry efforts and services targeting migrants compared to those in the East and Midwest, despite having a larger migrant population. Notably, dioceses in the Midwest were more proactive in bringing the pastoral presence of the Church to the thousands of immigrants living in isolated rural areas across the U.S.

Author

• Sung David Chun, Mercy College of Ohio