A recent survey by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) found that over 28% of Catholic parishes in the US now offer at least one Spanish-language Mass.
Covering 175 dioceses and 16,279 parishes, the survey says there has been significant growth in the availability of these Masses.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles leads with 83% of its 240 parishes offering Masses in Spanish. In Southern California, 78% of parishes provide Spanish-language Masses.
Bishop Oscar CantĂş of San Jose said the survey helps “address the response of the Church to the needs and aspirations of our Hispanic/Latino communities.” The shortage of bilingual priests persists as a problem in engaging Latino ministry.
Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, assistant director of Hispanic Affairs under the USCCB’s Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church, described the survey’s findings as “heartening” to OSV News.
While many parishes have established Sunday Masses in Spanish, approximately 2,760 parishes have a Hispanic ministry presence but do not currently offer Masses in Spanish.
The survey results are part of an ongoing effort to implement the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, a 10-year initiative aimed at strengthening ministry within these communities across the US.
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