Hispanic Ministry is an integral part of the life and mission of the Church.  The Hispanic community in the Archdiocese has more than doubled in the last five to ten years.  In response to this new wave of immigrants, His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali, named a Vicar for Hispanic Catholics in June, 2005.  The new Vicar would continue the work begun in 1954 by Cardinal O’Hara, rooted in the mission of the Church: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15).  The new Vicar oversees various programs as well as the Office for Hispanic Catholics and the Catholic Institute for Evangelization.  The Office of the Vicar serves thirty-seven (37) parishes with Hispanic Ministry, a growth of 18 parishes in the last ten years.  It is the Mission of the Vicar’s Office to walk together in solidarity with our many Hispanic brothers and sisters that call this Archdiocese home.  We want to reaffirm their values and traditions; to reaffirm their leadership roles within the Church and the communities where they live. The pilgrim people of our Judeo-Christian tradition continue to depend upon the advocacy of our Catholic Church for justice, recognition of inherent human rights and security.  The Office strives to keep before our eyes these social teachings of our faith, as it “walks with” our newly arrived as well as our established Hispanic Community. “Grass-roots”, as well as Archdiocesan committees are contributing greatly to further the mission of the Vicar in many  aspects of Hispanic ministry.

Office for Hispanic Catholics:
The Office of the Vicar for Hispanic Catholics (OVHC) is a link between the Archdiocese and the Hispanic Catholic community. It assists the Vicar for Hispanic Catholics in addressing the pastoral needs of this community. The Office advocates and works in collaboration with all Archdiocesan Offices to secure the participation of Hispanic Catholics in all Archdiocesan programs and events. We also advocate on behalf of all Hispanic immigrants. In order to fully embrace the mission of  the Church, the OHC nurtures the strong and lively faith of Hispanic Catholics by developing pastoral programs, workshops and cultural events that strengthens the ties between the people and the Archdiocese.  Hispanics are one of the fastest growing population in the five counties of the Archdiocese. This growing population comes from twenty different cultures and traditions.  Presently, we serve 37 parishes with Hispanic Ministry.  The Office is a resource to all priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders  working in the ministry.  Today, the total number of pastoral agents serving in the apostolate are as follows: 41 priests, 8 are bi-lingual and bi-cultural, 33 are bi-lingual.  There are a total of 33 religious sisters, 14 are bilingual and bi-cultural, 19 are bi lingual. There are 15 Hispanic deacons serving a total of 11 parishes. In addition, we continue to be productive with the help of several University students and Americorps VISTA volunteers that work together with staff in service to others.