Update on Latino Ministry
At the invitation of the Diocese of Texas’ Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle and Assistant Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso (responsible for Latino ministry) the Diocese of Easton is sending a delegation composed of members of our Latino Church family to the Annual Latino Lay Leadership Conference at Camp Allen, Texas. The Diocese of Easton, through a generous grant from the Episcopal Church was able to purchase tickets for fourteen (14) representatives. The Diocese of Texas has committed to provide accommodations, meals and transport at no charge to the Diocese of Easton. This is an opportunity to strengthen the network our diocese has been forging to collaborate with the Diocese of Texas in further developing our Latino ministry. The Diocese of Texas has an advanced program in this area of missional life and our diocese is partnering with them to learn of the various approaches to and models of Latino Ministry. The group hopes to bring back new ideas and ministry models that fit well in our local context. The group includes members from La Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia de Jesus, St. Clement’s Parish, Massey and St Paul-by-the Sea, Ocean City. It will be led by the Very Reverend Henry Sabetti, Dean of the Northern Convocation and includes Pastor Mark Hanson, Lay Pastor, St. Clement’s Parish, Massey and Andy Diaz, vestry members St. Pauls-by-the Sea, Ocean City. The conference is scheduled for June 17-19. The team leaves on Thursday, June 16 returning Sunday, June 19. Please pray for our team as they pursue this important mission.
Additionally, the diocese is working to secure the pastoral services of Reverend Fr. Hector Rodriguez to be the part-time Latino Missioner for La Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia de Jesus (The Church of the Holy Family of Jesus, Shrewsbury Parish). Pastor Thomas Sinnott will continue to support and assist Fr. Rodriguez, working as a team to develop this ministry in our diocese. Fr. Rodriguez should commence his ministry in the fall. Thanks to a grant from the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Easton is in a position to compensate the Latino Missioner. However, the Finance Committee is expected to budget for this position in the Diocesan Budget for 2023.
Bishop San visited our Latino mission on Sunday, June 5th, Feast of Pentecost. Two of our young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. A fabulous dinner followed as a welcome to our two new confirmed parishioners. The bishop and Pastor Thom used the opportunity to introduce Fr. Rodriguez to the congregation. Fr. Rodriguez is part of the delegation attending the Lay Conference in Texas.