Diocese of Gary

Office of Hispanic Ministry

NCEA 2006
Resources for the Hispanic Child

History of the Office
The Hispanic presence in Northwest Indiana precedes for many years the official establishment of the diocese of Gary on December 17, 1956. More than fifty per cent of the entire Latino population of Indiana lives in the Northwest part of the state, the territory of our diocese. For this reason, the first bishop of the newly erected diocese, bishop Grutka, appointed the "Bishop’s Committee for the Spanish Speaking" as the first step to explore ways to address the needs of the Hispanic Catholic community.

In 1983, the second bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Norbert Gaughn, officially established the Office of Hispanic Ministry appointing Fr. Fernando De Cristobal as its first director.

During the first years, the Eucharistic Celebration in Spanish began in several Parishes of the diocese, as well as sacramental preparation. With the collaboration of the Jesuits, with Fr. Tom Florek as director, a large number of Small Christian Communities groups (SCC) were formed.

In 1995, the present bishop, Most Rev. Dale J.Melczek, then as Coadjutor Bishop, approved the formation of a Search Committee,under the direction of the Chancellor, Fr Jerry Schwietzer, to hire a new director for the office. Once the national search was completed, bishop Melczek appointed Angel Torres as new and present director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry on September 1, 1995.

General Vision
As outlined by the USA Bishops in the National Pastoral Plan for the Hispanic Ministry, the Vision Statement is: "To live and promote…by means of Pastoral de Conjunto a model of Church that is: communitarian, evangelizing, and missionary, incarnate in the reality of the Hispanic people and open to the diversity of cultures, a promoter and example of justice, active in developing leadership through integral education…that is leaven for the Kingdom of God in society."

The Office of Hispanic Ministry
The Office of Hispanic Ministry is totally integrated to the diocesan vision:"A community of believers rich in tradition and in diversity", promoting the unity of faith, preserving the richness of Christian values and traditions of the Hispanic people but open and receptive to other cultures, increasing the sense of Catholicity, conscious of the diversity of the Body of Christ.

The aim of the Office of Hispanic Ministry IS NOT to foment a "Parallel Church" within the diocese, nor to be a token ministry to exclusively serve a minority group. The scope of the Office of Hispanic Ministry is to promote the Pastoral de Conjunto (Team work), from fragmentation to coordination at the diocesan level. It’s a resourceful tool to all parishes responding to the pastoral, cultural and other needs of the Latino community. To serve without discrimination and with open spirit, advocating social justice with other community and ecumenical organizations, promoting the unity, understanding and solidarity of all people.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Leadership Formation
Cultural workshops

Migrant Ministry
    Summer Masses/ Religious instructions
    Immigration & Consular issues
    Work referral/ placement/crisis intervention
    Medical & educational services
    Clothing & general assistance

Small Christian Communities
    Educational talks/ Retreats
    Training & formation
    Bible instructions

Sacramental Preparation
    Pre Cana in Spanish – Marriage Preparation
    Baptismal and other sacramental instructions
    Quinceañeras
    Liturgical formation

Community and Social Services
    Hoosier Health Plan
    Social service referrals
    Citizenship & voter registration
    Collaborative Ecumenical efforts

Media communications
    Newspaper & Magazines articles
    Press Releases
    Translations
    Voces, Hispanic Ministry Newsletter

Adelina Torres
Coordinator

Adelina Torres is a lifelong resident of East Chicago, IN. She is an active Member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in East Chicago. She has been a catechist teacher for 15 years. Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Active member and past chairperson of the parish council and past chair person of the Harbor Pastoral Council. Has a bachelors degree from Indiana University.

*******************************

Andrea Zaragoza
María Elena Magaña
Secretaries

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Hispanic Ministries
1709 East 138th Street
P.O. Box 3027
East Chicago, IN 46312-8027
Phone 219.397.2125
FAX 219.397.2168
email

Directory of Offices Diocese Home