Denver Catholic

11 DENVER CATHOLIC | MARCH 26-APRIL 8, 2016 The work of the Pastoral Center and all of the support provided to parishes is made possible each year through the Archbishop's Catholic Appeal. PHOTO BY ANDREW WRIGHT/DENVER CATHOLIC Paul II Center and a website, http://den- verparish.com, was launched. A highlight of the Denver Parish Connect initiative has been the widespread adoption of Flocknote, which allows pastors and parish sta‡ the ability to text or send digital newsletters to their communi- ties. Additionally, other parishes have websites or newsletters for the first time. Many parishes have reported having clear and reliable channels for the first time. "We're making people feel like they 're truly welcome because we're meeting people where they are by show- ing up on a text message or in their email," said Sarah Johnson, communications coordinator for St. Vincent and St. Mary of the Crown parishes in Carbondale. "It's a great tool in our toolbox to allow us to better build community and make people feel like they are included and invited to be a part of our parish community." "THESE LEAST BROTHERS OF MINE" Another manner in which the Curia supports parishes is through its various ministries. One of the most crucial of these is the Oªce of Hispanic Ministries and Centro San Juan Diego, headed by executive director Luis Alvarez. Lati- nos account for more than half of those in the pews in the archdiocese, and the goal of these two entities is to integrate the Latino population more fully into not only the life of the Church, but also society as a whole. Alvarez cites Matthew 25:40 as the basis for his oªce's ministry, in which Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." "We are serving a portion of the pop- ulation who, in many senses, qualifies as the 'the least' because they're strangers in a strange land," Alvarez said. "The Oªce of Hispanic Ministries and Centro San Juan Diego help the archbishop live out his mission for this portion of his flock." Centro San Juan Diego is home to many classes, courses and ministries for Latinos. They o‡er everything from accredited college degrees to faith formation classes to family ministry certifications. Last year, they also helped to make all Natural Family Planning methods available in Spanish for parishes and marriage preparation instructors to use.§ Though Centro San Juan Diego is where a lot of the ministries and classes happen, it doesn't all happen there, Alva- rez said. The Oªce of Hispanic Ministries makes a point to go to parishes and o‡er training there, and Alvarez often meets with pastors and collaborates with them to address any needs they may have when it comes to their own Hispanic ministries. "The people contributing to the ACA are helping to reach out to these people who otherwise might not be tended." Alvarez said. the

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