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WASHINGTON (November 20, 1998)-- Amalia R. Mamaed has been named the national coordinator for Encuentro 2000, a program of multicultural dialogue about the Christian identity and mission within the Church in the United States, culminating in a national celebration in July 2000.
Ronaldo Cruz, Executive Director of the Bishops' Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs, made the announcement.
The Encuentro 2000 dialogue includes education and evangelization processes designed to raise awareness and appreciation for different cultural manifestations of faith. Designed to encourage and build upon existing local efforts, Encuentro 2000 calls for a long-term vision for renewal at local, regional, and national levels within the Church.
Mamaed brings eight years of public relations, marketing, conference management, and publishing experience to the position. Prior to joining the staff of the Secretariat, Mamaed was a project specialist with the Office of Publishing and Promotion Services at the U.S. Catholic Conference, developing promotional materials for three national campaigns. As an independent public relations consultant, she worked extensively to develop Hispanic- and Asian-American networks. Mamaed has worked with a number of government and corporate clients and was a contributing editor and assistant to the publisher for HISPANIC magazine from 1992 to 1995.
Mamaed will work directly with regional and diocesan directors of Hispanic ministry and representatives of collaborating national organizations to build momentum at the local level for a national Encuentro 2000 celebration in Los Angeles, scheduled for July 13-16, 2000. The Los Angeles event is the fourth national Encuentro, the last being held in 1985.
"Amalia was a perfect fit for this position," said Cruz in announcing her appointment. "The experience she brings to the Secretariat, her devotion to the Church, and her energy and vision will all be tremendous assets in making Encuentro 2000 successful."
The three previous national Encuentros were designed as celebrations within the Hispanic community. According to Cruz, Hispanics will take a lead role in welcoming Catholics of all ethnic backgrounds to converse about faith and culture as part of the Encuentro 2000 process.
The national gathering in Los Angeles will be an opportunity for people to come together for worship and discussion about how cultural and ethnic diversity can be a source of strength.
The theme for Encuentro 2000 is "Many Faces in God's House: A Catholic Vision for the Third Millennium."