The Pastoral Ministry to Mission Indians and Mission Community: An Awareness of Protocols and Sensitivities
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:00 – 11:30am via Zoom
Pastors, deacons, and pastoral staff in parishes associated with California Missions should plan to attend this formation opportunity, which aims to foster greater understanding of our shared history and to strengthen relationships with the Indigenous communities that continue to enrich the faith life of our Church.
The webinar will provide valuable guidance and reflection on the following areas:
- Honoring Contributions – Deepening awareness of the faith, resilience, and enduring contributions of Indigenous Catholics, past and present.
- Extending Welcome – Enhancing access and visibility through diocesan and parish gift shops, museums, sacramental records, and websites.
- Understanding St. Junípero Serra – Addressing current questions surrounding St. Junípero Serra and ensuring that museums and educational materials reflect an accurate and balanced account of the mission era, including the roles of Padres, Native Peoples, soldiers, settlers, and early Californians.
- Fostering Authentic Dialogue – Encouraging listening sessions and ongoing communication between Church representatives and Native communities to promote mutual understanding and healing.
- Elevating Descendant Voices – Welcoming the participation of descendants who offer cultural and historical insights through docent programs and traditional practices.
- Supporting Genealogical and Historical Access – Providing information on third-party genealogy resources that connect families to their ancestral and sacramental heritage.
Speakers include:
- Tom Elewaut – Pastor, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
- Robert Senkewicz – St. Serra biographer; SCU professor emeritus
- Rose Marie Beebe – Serra biographer; SCU professor emeritus
- Steve Hackel – UCR professor; St. Serra biographer; Mission San Gabriel grant partner
- Jewel Gentry – CA Missions Coordinator, Diocese of Monterey
- Andy Galvan – Ohlone Tribal Member; Curator, Mission Delores
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RGFAryDLTqSqC3r7mzBqIw
Questions: knickols@cacatholic.org