Spanish immersion course

format revised enabling participants to focus on personal goals of study

by Sr. Anna Marie Reha, SSND, Office of Hispanic Ministry

For the past two summers, the Diocese of New Ulm sponsored a four-week Spanish immersion program for pastoral leaders and parish ministers called Aprenda Español (in English, "Learn Spanish"). This summer, based on participant evaluations, the format was revised to use a one-on-one, tutorial methodology.

The new format allowed those who participated to be able to focus on personal goals for their study. Beginners, advanced speakers, and every level in between were able to be accommodated. Sr. Joanne O’Connor, SSND, an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Western Carolina University, staffed the program.

Fr. Jeff Horejsi, sacramental minister at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, enrolled in Aprenda Espanol to brush up on his Mass presiding skills.

"I took the opportunity to work at reading and proclaiming the Gospel in Spanish," stated Fr. Horejsi. "It takes time and energy to keep improving my language skills but I know that it is vital for the ministry."

There were also new participants like Karen Guggisberg , Religious Education Coordinator at the Church of St. Andrew in Fairfax. She joined the program to learn basic prayers in Spanish as well as some cordial and simple greetings.

"I have felt so welcomed by the Hispanic community," explained Ms. Guggisberg, "that I wanted to be able to return this gesture by using simple greetings and supporting parents in the faith formation of their children."

Congratulations on the completion of their studies to the participants: Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, OSB, Karen Guggisberg, Fr. Jeff Horejsi, Msgr. Eugene Lozinski, Fr. Brian Mandel, Pamela Osborne, Joanne Pohland, Anna Marie Reiter, and Fr. Joseph Steinbeisser.