The Annual Hispanic Lay Leadership Conference was a great success! This year’s theme was “Mission and Community Outreach.” Approximately 260 people were present to receive formation, mission, and leadership tools that will propel them to develop their own spiritual and missionary pilgrimage.
We had the presence of several special guests, such as Bishop Primate David Alvarado, and the keynote speaker, the Rev. Nancy Frausto, director of Latinx Studies at Seminary of Southwest whose presentation encouraged many leaders as she discussed mission to serve all communities on a theological basis. Lay leaders had the opportunity to participate in six workshops where they were able to learn how to cultivate outreach and transformational ministries in their local communities.
During the opening eucharist, Commission on Latino-Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese honored the Rev. Dr. Alejandro Montes and his wife Laura Montes for their many years of ministry and dedication to the community. Several lay leaders from churches throughout the Diocese were also recognized for their outstanding work in the Hispanic-Latino ministry.
The social time on Friday night was led by the musical group, Mendeliz Música Para Cristo, who kept everyone dancing in an atmosphere of celebration and great joy.
At the end of the conference, Bishop Hector Monterroso commissioned a group of lay and clergy leaders who will be part of a committee to work on a formation plan at the diocesan level with the “Intentional Discipleship” approach.
