Check here for updates on the V Encuentro process at Good Shepherd ... as well as resources on the Diocesan and National efforts.

Next Meeting

A national meeting is scheduled in September 2018. Father Tom and 5 parishioners/staff from Good Shepherd will attend the meeting as part of a delegation from the Diocese of Arlington.

Note from Father Tom

" ... Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of our parish and diocesan leaders as they meet to reflect on the experiences, gifts, and challenges of our Hispanic brothers and sisters in Christ."

V Encuentro - USCCB

V Encuentro (or 5th Encounter) is an initiative of the USCCB. Its purpose is to listen to the needs, challenges and hopes of the growing Hispanic/Latino population, especially those on the periphery of the Church and society.
"Diocese of Arlington V Encuentro Meeting" (Saturday, December 9, 2017)
"Parish Day of Reflection" (Parish Session: Saturday, September 30, 2017)
We were blessed with over 100 attendees who took an entire Saturday out of their week to join in prayer, discussion and reflection.
The results from this parish meeting will be summarized and then shared at a diocesan meeting on December 9.​
"Celebrating the joy of being missionary disciples" (Session #5: Monday, September 11, 2017)
We heard from those who have gone out as disciples, sharing the light of the Gospel. Each candle, no matter how small, brings light:
  • connecting with a grieving widow in a nursing home
  • inviting children from a family with serious illness of father to come to the rosary
  • befriending a young mother with two small children - with special needs - at the mall.
"Bearing fruits of new life" (Session #4: Monday, August 28, 2017)
Some of the questions discussed at this fourth meeting of V Encuentro:
  • How willing are you to forgive others?
  • What's stopping you from going out to share the Word of God?
  • What are the challenges facing young Hispanic Catholics?
"Walking together with Jesus" (Session #3: Monday, August 14, 2017)
This meeting focused on the third theme of V Encuentro: Walking together with Jesus. We shared a reflection on Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the very moving entreaty of the disciples, "Stay with us."  The evening included beautiful testimony from those who are going forth to encounter others - in the parish, neighborhood and community. One participant noted that God saved her when she was drowning in problems, and that experience gave her the courage and faith to go out and evangelize. Our Director of Social Ministry spoke about those who come to GS in search of help - both material and spiritual. "People come to us with their struggles and a deep need to share those problems with someone who will listen. We are the Church. We offer practical help, but also our Faith. We offer a listening ear; a caring heart; a shared prayer."  We go forth with the Word of God as we walk with Jesus - together.
 "With Words and Actions: Do It!" (Session #2: Monday, July 31, 2017)
Picture
"Everyone should see this video!" - a participant at the GSCC V Encuentro meeting, 7/17/17.

"We are all pilgrims on this journey of the V Encuentro"  -Father Tom, 7/17/17

Over 50 parishioners gathered Monday evening July 17, 2017 to participate in "V Encuentro" together. This meeting focused on the first step in the process: Called to a Loving Encounter with Jesus in the Church.
The meeting included an introductory video by Paul Jarzembowski of the USCCB on "Five ways non-Hispanics can better understand V Encuentro" and the opportunity to discuss the video in small groups. After the discussion - about how V Encuentro is a process; that it involves listening; and that it is important for youth and young adults - one participant said, "Everyone should see this video!"
The meeting also  included testimony and reports from small groups that had already begun the V Encuentro process.  After reflecting on Christ's encounter with his disciples on the road to Emmaus, participants had gone out into their families and community to LISTEN.  One participant spoke of having the opportunity to listen to a woman who had stopped going to church. She was grateful for the chance to share her story, which involved serious illness and a feeling of separation from God. 
The meeting concluded with an invitation for all participants to continue to go out and listen to those who are separated from the Church, by either joining an existing group or forming a new group. 
Are you interested in learning more? Email questions to encuentro@gs-cc.org; or see the handbook and resources available at vencuentro.org. 
You can also watch Paul Jarzembowski's video and follow along with the discussion questions.