The

Catholic Church's national pastoral plan for the Hispanic

ministry describes Hispanic Catholics as "extremely

diverse."

According

to the document, they come from 19 different republics,

Puerto Rico and Spain.

"Hispanics

exemplify and cherish values central to the service of

church and society," the plan states. These include:

� A profound respect for the dignity

of each person, reflecting the example of Christ in the

Gospels.

� Deep and reverential love for family

life, where the entire extended family discover its

roots, its identity and its strength.

� A marvelous sense of community that

celebrates life through fiesta.

� A loving appreciation for God's gift

of life and an understanding of time which allows to

savor that gift.

� An authentic and consistent devotion

to Mary, the Mother of God.

Facts about

Hispanics' social position in this country are startling.

Statistics reveal that the median age is 25, and

Hispanics are the youngest population in our country.

About 25 percent of all families live below the poverty

level and 28 percent are single parent families.

Because of

their frequent mobility, poor education, limited economic

life and racial prejudice, their political participation

is low. Hispanics are regarded as religious people, with

83 percent considering religion as an important element

in their lives. Despite an interest in the Bible and

presence of strong religious practices, 88 percent are

inactive in the parishes. Therefore the church states

that it is important for U.S. Hispanics to rediscover

their identity and Catholicity.