KANSEN VOOR INTERCULTURELE PASTORALE ZORG: EEN SWOT-ANALYSE VAN INTERVIEWS MET PASTORALE ZORGVERLENERS IN KATHOLIEKE MIGRANTENGEMEENSCHAPPEN IN NEDERLAND

Research has shown that migrant and multi-ethnic church communities positively contribute to the well-being of migrants. The current study focuses on ways to improve the pastoral accompaniment of Catholic migrant and intercultural couples and families offered by pastoral caregivers in the Netherlands. By means of a SWOT analysis, ten interviews with pastoral caregivers, one interview and three written responses from diocesan staff members and one annual report have been analysed. Migrant and multi-ethnic church communities have a large offering in formation, catechesis and marriage preparation, besides liturgical activities and activities aimed at community building. Many native church communities are involved in reorganisations due to a declining number of participants, which can be burdensome for pastoral caregivers and volunteers. Four opportunities for further development of pastoral practices are discussed: intercultural pastoral care; intercultural communication; promoting well-being and community building. Both migrant and native communities could profit when these pastoral practices are implemented.