The Hispanic Pastoral Ministry (HPM)

A semester-long program that offers MACC’s most comprehensive academic and experiential preparation for ministry. This program has been initially accredited by the US Catholic Conference Commission on Certification and Accreditation. The HPM Program immerses participants in the cultural and spiritual realities of Mexican Americans and other Hispanics in the US. Students meet each weekday morning (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ) for three-and-a-half-months, in addition to participating in a weeklong trip to the Texas/Mexico border region.

The goals of the HPM include:

• Preparing and enriching pastoral ministers who plan to work in community with Hispanics.

• Providing a renewing sabbatical experience for those engaged in Hispanic ministry.

• Facilitating the sharing of experiences and analysis in order to deepen our collective understanding of the diverse Hispanic reality, the Bible, faith and leadership ministry.

• The structure of the course encourages adult learning through discussions, lectures, facilitated dynamics and integrative seminars. The HPM draws upon the talents of instructors who share their insights and experiences as leaders, historians, social scientists, theologians, writers and pastoral agents. The majority of the faculty is Hispanic and presents subjects from that perspective.

• Group activities, such as attending cultural events, visiting local parishes, taking field trips within San Antonio and to U.S./Mexican border towns and participating in a spiritual retreat are also incorporated into the curriculum.

• The HPM Program provides a common ground for growth and sharing between persons who are at different stages in their lives or careers and persons with diverse life experiences. HPM is ideal for individuals on sabbatical (whether in transition and seeking a new ministry or currently involved in Hispanic ministry and seeking renewal); for seminarians, religious, clergy and laity beginning their ministry; and for persons returning from foreign ministry assignments who need to integrate into Hispanic ministry in the US.

• Individuals who are enrolled in graduate studies are encouraged to inquire about academic credit for the HPM at their home institution. The HPM is usually taught in Spanish in the Fall and in English in the Spring; however, the primary language of the HPM program can vary according to the group (minimum of 3 people).

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Mexican American Cultural Center
3115 West Ashby Place
P.O. Box 28185
San Antonio, Texas 78228-5104
Phone (210) 732-2156 • Fax (210) 732-9072