¡Todos estan bienvenidos! All are welcome!

by | Sep 16, 2021

Members of San Mateo/St. Matthew’s, Hyattsville participate in a neighborhood Palm Sunday Procession

We kick off the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), by acknowledging the rich contributions of the Latino/Hispanic community not just in the United States, but also within the wider church and in our diocese. Our diocesan Latino/Hispanic community comprises people from over 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, each enriched by their own culture, traditions, music, foods, colorful textiles, with much of our life centered around familia y fe

As many celebrate their fiestas patrias this month — national holidays celebrating the independence of their country of origin — we joyfully lift up the fact that Latino/Hispanic ministries continue to grow rapidly both in The Episcopal Church and ithe Diocese of Washington. 

Our six Spanish language congregations seek to provide a spiritual home to people of many countries and cultures. We strive to live, work and celebrate together the love of God that transcends all diversity.

As we work toward Becoming Beloved Community, our next steps in our diocesan Latino/Hispanic Ministries are to:

  • Convene a Latino/Hispanic Ministry advisory council;
  • Grow participation in and support for Washington National Cathedral Sanctuary Ministry and their advocacy work;
  • Identify and develop strategies to engage with critical Equity and Justice issues affecting Latino/Hispanic communities throughout the Diocese;
  • Support parish leaders that wish to explore the development of Latino/Hispanic Ministry in their congregations; and 
  • Equip Latino/Hispanic leaders with resources and tools for skill development, awareness building, spiritual growth and faith formation.

If you are interested in learning more about Latino/Hispanic ministries, please visit one of our six congregations, take a look at the suggested reading list, and/or contact Mildred Briones Reyes, Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries and Diocesan Initiatives.

¡Todos estan bienvenidos! All are welcome!