For decades, young Hispanic Catholics in the United States have actively participated in ecclesial movements, or more formally, Small Christian Communities. Some of these communities have strong connections and foundations in parishes, whereas others are more independent of traditional parish structures. Faith and Spiritual Life of Young Adult Catholics in a Rising Hispanic Church is a timely collection of essays reflecting on the findings of two national studies conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). These reflections, written by theologians, sociologists, researchers, and ministers, offer nuanced and critical ways of engaging with today’s young Hispanic Catholics; the implications, however, are far greater and can serve the church more broadly.
What many have known anecdotally is confirmed statistically in chapter 1, which begins by reviewing the data and providing useful analysis on young adult Catholics in the United States and their involvement in church-related programs and groups. What becomes clear is that young adult Catholics’ expression of faith cannot be contained within the walls of parish life.
Chapter 2 delves deeper into a more defined understanding of Small Christian Communities, that is, Catholic groups that meet to practice their faith, offer service to others, or to spread the faith. As the demographics of the US Catholic church shift, one salient point is that minorities are more likely than whites to participate in Small Christian Communities. Rich for exploration are the cultural assets of minoritized Catholics mentioned in this chapter, characteristics such as communal and family centered, relationship centered, openness to discussing their spiritual lives, and sharing from the heart. Of key importance are the implications and recommendations offered for fostering Small Christian Communities.
Chapter 3 provides critical insight into the participation of Hispanic young adults in Small Christian Communities, focusing also on the role that gender plays in participation. Chapters 3 and 4 also emphasize the involvement of married young Hispanic adults in the formation and preservation of a “domus Catholicism,” expressing hope and opportunities in adult catechetical programs focusing on marriage and family life.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this book is the approach taken in chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7. Written by two esteemed Hispanic theologians and two young adult Hispanic Catholics, representing the now and the future of the Catholic Church, these four chapters comprise an intergenerational conversation that offers a small glimpse into the varied approaches of accompaniment with Hispanic youth and young adults. Chapter 5 calls for a new paradigm for leadership when working with Hispanic/Latinx youth and young adults. Chapters 6 and 7 usher in this new paradigm, highlighting best practices that readers can implement. Ripe for theological reflection is the question posed in chapter 7: “Where do we go from here?”
Although much of the data collection occurred pre-pandemic or during the COVID-19, much wisdom can be gleaned about the shifts in outreach to young adult Catholics during the pandemic and about new ways of being a church. Faith and Spiritual Life of Young Adult Catholics in a Rising Hispanic Church is a resource for anyone interested in working alongside young Hispanic Catholics, including parish leaders, ecclesial leadership, lay ecclesial movements, and campus ministers. For anyone looking for asset-based resources for intercultural competencies, this is the book for you.
