Cardinal George serves as publisher of the three newspapers of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Catholic New World, Católico and Katolik. The newspapers in English, Spanish and Polish minister to the unique archdiocesan community and spread the Word of God through the printed word. Cardinal George recently answered questions from Católico’s staff about the importance of Hispanic ministry in the archdiocese. Católico: At the recent national Hispanic ministry congress “Roots and Wings,” you told the participants that they can be leaven in the church today. What are some practical examples of how we as Hispanic Catholics can be leaven? Cardinal George: Hispanic Catholics can be leaven by the faithful practice of their religion: regular worship, catechesis of the community, participating in the parish, reaching out to the poor, working for a just society. In particular, Hispanic Catholics bring a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary that reminds all Catholics that Mary is our loving mother. As well, they remain connected to the community in an individualistic culture, concerned about their families and their responsibilities to them. I am grateful for this leaven in the archdiocese. Católico: Since you became archbishop of Chicago, how have you seen the Hispanic Catholic community change? Is there more of a parallel church that has formed or is it more blended? Cardinal George: Since returning to Chicago as archbishop 13 years ago, I have seen the Hispanic Catholic community become more integrated in the archdiocese. To be integrated and not simply absorbed, a group must have a strong sense of its own identity. Some parallel structures, like deacon formation, lay ministry formation and catechesis, have assured the continuing use of the Spanish tongue in the life of the archdiocese. The situation in the almost 140 parishes were liturgy and ministry are available in Spanish varies. Some are almost completely Hispanic, most are a mixture of two or more cultures. If the pastor is able to keep the groups together with a common sense of parish and purpose, the groups enrich each other. Católico: Many of our Hispanic priests are becoming pastors more quickly than in years past and vocations to the priesthood are short supply. What effect have you seen Casa Jesús having on the presbyterate of the archdiocese? Cardinal George: Casa Jesús has been a great blessing not only to Hispanic Catholics but also to the entire archdiocese. It prepares candidates from Hispanic backgrounds and other countries to enter the major seminary at Mundelein. The Hispanic priests are an essential and growing part of the Chicago presbyterate. I am grateful to the benefactors who buy the new seminarians their first winter clothing and who support the program. Católico: Católico accompanies Hispanic ministry and spreads the Gospel through media. What is your vision for authentic Catholic media today? How can good, Catholic media engage the culture and convert hearts and minds? Cardinal George: In our secularizing society, the Protestant approach to religion is still culturally dominant. The media and those who shape the culture do not think in Catholic terms or act in Catholic ways. The voice of our faith in public depends upon Catholic media or all sorts. Católico is one of those voices, and I am grateful for it. It will be an instrument of conversion when it tells the truth about who Christ is and about his body, the church. Católico: You celebrate tons of anniversaries in any given year: anniversaries for parishes, schools, organizations, weddings and more. It seems like every time we turn around there is another anniversary to celebrate. Why should we mark these anniversaries? What can we learn from them? Cardinal George: Anniversaries are a time to recall foundations, when there was a clear sense of challenge and of mission. Celebrating anniversaries strengthens our together in Christ and can be the occasion for Christ to shower his people with grace. Católico: While on your trip to Mexico this past summer, you spoke about how Mexicans who immigrate to Chicago have to learn how to worship here and how parishes in Chicago have to learn how to embrace the culture of the immigrants. Where does that process begin and what does it entail, as you see it? Cardinal George: If Hispanic Catholics are to be a leaven in the Catholic Church in the United States, they have to learn how to be an evangelizing presence in U.S. culture. When visiting Mexico, I marvel at how “natural” it is for Catholics of all classes to ask themselves how to see to it that Mexico remains true to the Catholic faith. That question is not always asked here by Catholics who come to find a better financial future or to be free of their cultural roots. How to be an evangelizing church is the basic question of all those who have met Jesus Christ in his word and in the sacraments. The faith has to be shared or its will be lost. This is the great challenge for Hispanics if their faith is to remain strong; They must share it.