A diocesan gathering of Hispanics, Encuentro Sunday, will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Dominican motherhouse and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School on Sunday, Oct. 12. The theme of the event, which is planned by the Springfield Diocesan Hispanic Committee, is "What gifts do the Hispanics bring to their respective communities?"

Approximately 300 to 350 people from at least five parishes in the diocese are expected to attend the event, which is the first gathering of its kind in the Springfield diocese, said Father Chris Brey, diocesan coordinator of Hispanic ministry.

Bishop George J. Lucas will celebrate Mass; Father Richard Weltin, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Thomas the Apostle parishes in Decatur, will preach; and Father Carlos Ruiz, OFM, of Quincy University will be the keynote speaker. "Everything will be in Spanish," said Father Brey.

Mass in the Dominican motherhouse chapel will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a meal. Three simultaneous break-out sessions geared for young children, youth and adults will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the keynote address. A fiesta is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"The Dominicans have been kind enough to offer the use of their facility to us," said Father Brey. "And of course they (the attendees) are thrilled that Bishop Lucas will be there to celebrate the Mass."

The Dominican motherhouse is located at 1237 W. Monroe St. in Springfield. For more information on the event, call Brother Roman Maria Bauer at (217) 698-8500, ext. 167 by Oct. 1.