National Profile
This study was designed and organized by Stewart Lawrence of Puentes, Inc., in conjunction with Gonzalo Saldaña and Father Stan Puryear of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM). A 24-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed to Hispanic Ministry directors at national and regional NCADDHM meetings. The questionnaire profiled the directors in five main areas:
- Basic demographic characteristics (gender, ecclesial status, education, etc.)
- Prior work experience and professional aspirations
- Salary, benefits and allowances
- Office staffing and workload levels
- Relations with the Bishop and other diocesan departments
Seventy (70) Hispanic Ministry directors responded to this survey. With a total universe of 150 directors, the response rate was 47%. The geographic distribution of the respondents was broadly representative of Hispanics nationwide. For example, about 60% of the directors represent the three episcopal regions (4, 10 and 11) in which roughly 60% of all US Hispanics reside. The only region not represented in this survey was region 13 (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming).
Follow-up interviews were conducted by telephone with a sample of Hispanic Ministry directors who completed the survey questionnaire. These interviews were intended to add texture and clarity to the statistical data reported in the main survey. Twelve directors representing most of the thirteen episcopal regions were interviewed for approximately 45 minutes each. The twelve directors also reflected a range of demographic backgrounds: 6 were men, 6 were women, 10 were Hispanic, 2 were North American. 5 were priests or sisters, and 7 were lay persons.
Note: Some of the findings presented in this report were supplemented with data from: Hispanic Ministry at the Turn of the New Millennium: A National Study. For further information about this study, please go to: www.nccbuscc.org.
AUTHOR: Stewart J. Lawrence, Puentes, Inc.,
September 20, 2000, Washington, DC
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