How does this relate to previous Encuentro meetings?
The previous Encuentros of 1972, 1977, and 1985 were gatherings of the Hispanic Catholic community to celebrate their faith and cultural heritage and to develop plans for the growing role of Hispanics within the Church. Encuentro 2000 is different. This time the Hispanic Catholic community is inviting Catholics from every racial, culture and ethnic community to work together to develop a plan for building a more inculturated Church. Encuentro 2000 is a local process leading to a national event. It consists of a pastoral experience, theological reflection, and pastoral action. Encuentro 2000, like the previous Encuentros, is being convoked by the Catholic bishops of the United States. • Where did this meeting originate? Encuentro 2000 was proposed by the Bishops Committee on Hispanic Affairs and approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in November, 1997 as a way to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2000. It builds on the previous three Encuentros and reflects the pastoral challe
