Latino Ministries

Latino Ministries are growing within the diocese. We have nine Latino congregations and currently working with two more parishes wanting to partner with Latino congregations in joint ministry. 

We rejoiced in the ordination of Gabe Lamazares, as a priest, this year and are pleased to have him active in our ministry. 

An Education Center, “Plaza Comunitaria Encuentro” has been established at San Pablo, Hillsboro.  Through the center, adults and youth, open to all Latinamerican countries, will be able to achieve degree completion through the Mexican Department of Education. 

The Mexican Consulate participated in the Opening Ceremony along with Bishop Michael and other members of the diocese, both clergy and lay. 

The third year of Latino Youth Camp at Suttle Lake Camp increased in size and was enjoyed by the campers and adult diocesan volunteers.  We were pleased to see four youth take on leadership roles as camp counselors both at Latino Youth Camp and at our Diocesan Week at Camp.  We also partnered with the Diocese of Boise to help facilitate a Latino Family Camp at Paradise Point Episcopal Camp. 

We became involved with Westside/Eastside Youth Ministries (WE!).  We co-hosted a Posada (the journey of Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem) with St. Barnabas, Portland for our metro area youth.   After the Posada service, participants enjoyed tamales, orchata and piñatas.  This event was well attended and enjoyed by all.  We are partnering with WE! again to host a Posada for youth and their families in December at Trinity Cathedral.

A Latino Family Picnic was held at the diocesan office in July.  Participants had a chance to see the beauty of Elk Rock Gardens and enjoyed the time together.  We also had a day retreat for our youth at St. Matthew’s, Portland, that was well received.  We are currently  working with St. Luke’s, Vancouver, WA, to establish some joint relationships and activities to further expand our community.