Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will preside over the Spanish-language Mass, which commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month. He will be joined by auxiliary bishops and clergy from parishes throughout the archdiocese, including some of the 87 parishes with Hispanic ministries. Parishioners—many wearing vibrant cultural attire—will also be present. Liturgical songs will be sung in Spanish throughout the Mass.
In addition to these elements, the Hispanic Heritage Mass will feature a procession highlighting the close connection between faith and culture within the Hispanic community. Participants will process into the Cathedral Basilica carrying the flags of Spanish-speaking countries in a celebration of the diverse cultures represented in the archdiocese. Others will carry banners representing Marian devotions associated with each nation, honoring the Blessed Mother’s central role in Hispanic Catholic faith and culture.
“Faith is a great part of the Hispanic culture, so this Mass is an opportunity to celebrate that and draw strength from coming together as a community,” said Deacon Asterio Velasco, director of the Archdiocese’s Hispanic Ministry. “We want people to leave knowing the Church loves them and is here for them, especially during challenging times. Hopefully, that will inspire them to become missionary disciples, sharing their faith with the world.”
According to Hispanic Ministry statistics, Hispanic Catholics make up approximately 40% of Catholics in the archdiocese. That share is expected to grow, reflecting national demographic trends. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Hispanic population increased from 50.5 million in 2010 to 62.1 million in 2020, accounting for 51.1% of the nation’s total population growth during that period.
To serve the growing Hispanic Catholic community, the Hispanic Ministry partners with archdiocesan offices and parishes to ensure Spanish-speaking Catholics and others seeking help from the Church receive the assistance they need. The ministry also offers Spanish-language events, services and educational programs throughout the archdiocese, including monthly lectures led by clergy and Catholic theology experts.
The Hispanic Ministry’s newest initiative is a two-year faith formation program offering a comprehensive curriculum in Bible study, ecclesiology, Church history and other subjects to parish lay leaders. Launched in 2024, the program’s first class of 92 students recently graduated. Another 100 students are expected to graduate in the next class.
“In many ways, the future of the Church is Hispanic,” Deacon Velasco said, referring to a 2026 report published by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate that found 40% of Gen Z Catholics identify as Hispanic. “The Church is going to rely on us to take a larger leadership role, so we need to be ready for that responsibility. That’s why it’s so important for our ministry to educate and evangelize the next generations.”
To learn more about the Archdiocese of Newark’s Hispanic Ministry, visit www.rcan.org/ministerio-hispano/.
About the Archdiocese of Newark?
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 64 Catholic schools and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
