The Rev. Simón Bautista, canon for Latino ministries in the Diocese of Washington, has been chosen to serve as co-chaplain to the House of Bishops. Bautista, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, is the first Latino to serve in that position – a three-year appointment. He will serve alongside the Rev. Debra Samuelson of the Diocese of Atlanta.

"That makes me at one side proud, and the other, scared!" Bautista said, adding that his appointment also honors the presence of the Spanish-speaking bishops in the House and reflects the diversity of the wider Episcopal Church.

The House of Bishops convenes for a week twice a year in different locations around the country. Its next meeting is set for March 19-24 at Camp Allen, Texas.

"We will pretty much be in charge of the spiritual life of the bishops during this week," Bautista said, explaining that as chaplain, his duties will include preaching, teaching and preparing liturgy, as well as offering some spiritual direction and hearing confession.

"I'll be doing most of my work in English," Bautista said, "though  my understanding is that I'll be doing some in Spanish. I believe there will be more elements in Spanish in some of the bulletins."

Bautista assisted the previous chaplain to the House of Bishops – the Rev. Canon Carol Wade, also of the Diocese of Washington – with bulletins for the 2009 General Convention, proofreading the Spanish and suggesting changes to the language.

"She's been very helpful," Bautista said, explaining that following his appointment Wade "gave a wide and clear explanation of her service and what to expect."

Serving as chaplain to the House of Bishops requires a significant commitment of time, and Bautista is already busy. His new projects in the diocese include overseeing a new Latino ministry at St. Alban's, D.C., which started meeting in October, and teaching a Liturgical Spanish class for clergy, which meets each week at Episcopal Church House. He also works with the diocese's six other Latino congregations.

"I am very excited," Bautista said of his new appointment. "Sometimes things are challenging and you have to work harder than you usually do, but to serve the church in this capacity is exciting. It's always intimidating to stand before a big number of bishops and deliver sermons, prayers. It's always intimidating, but it's honoring and humbling. It gives me joy."