José Orlando (Landy) Colón, active member of the Hispanic community within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, shares how he has experienced the many blessings and importance of these ministries.

For many years, the Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has been a vibrant force that recognizes, celebrates, and supports the efforts of parishes to serve the growing Hispanic community in the Tampa Bay area. On March 25, 1993, Bishop John C. Favalora established the Hispanic Pastoral Commission in our diocese. That was the beginning of what the Hispanic Diocesan Ministry is today.

My experience as a member has been an incredible blessing to me. The most important benefit has been creating and maintaining strong bonds of faith, love, and support with so many people across the diocese. I have learned and grown as a result. Other benefits include:

Formation opportunities: The Diocesan Hispanic Ministry supports many formation initiatives for the Hispanic community at both parish and diocesan levels. Our most recent Diocesan Assembly meeting was in July, when we had a full day event at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater that was focused on family, vocations, and the youth. Speakers included Fr. Xavy Castro, director of vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and his parents Deacon Élix and Lucy Castro.

Parish and lay ministries support: The Diocesan Hispanic Ministry supports lay people in their parishes through an integrated approach that combines training, resource-sharing, and grassroots involvement. This model empowers parishioners to become active leaders and "missionary disciples" within their own parish communities while fostering greater integration and cultural understanding across the wider diocese. Currently, about 13 ministries led by lay people receive support from the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry.

Leadership development: Hispanic ministry grows leaders through a multi-faceted approach that emphasizes formation, outreach, and integration. Key programs and initiatives such as the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) and Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) focus on equipping both lay adults and young people to be active missionary disciples in their parishes and communities.

Cultural enrichment: The ministry and participating parishes regularly host events that celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage. These gatherings, such as the annual Diocesan Hispanic Mass with its vibrant procession of flags, serve as joyful, cross-cultural encounters that enrich the entire community. 

This year’s Diocesan Hispanic Mass will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral on October 11 at 11:00 a.m. It will be dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Patroness of Guatemala. The Mass is preceded by the recitation of the rosary at 10:00 a.m. followed by the procession of flags representing Latin American countries at 10:30 a.m.

Youth engagement: Under the leadership of Alfredo Columbié Martínez, the dynamic associate director of Pastoral Juvenil (Hispanic Young Adult Ministry), the diocese actively engages the next generation of leaders. Retreats like the "Atrévete" weekend and social events like “Cristoteca” are specifically designed to help Hispanic youth live their faith.  

The diocese's commitment to Hispanic ministry is rooted in its broader mission of intercultural inclusion. Bishop Gregory Parkes has emphasized the need for collaboration to serve all members of the Church better. This includes implementing his pastoral plan A Call to Conversion and fostering a welcoming environment where the gifts of every cultural group are respected and celebrated. By empowering the Hispanic community, the diocese strengthens itself as a whole and builds bridges of understanding and faith across the diverse cultural landscape of the Tampa Bay region.

For more information about Hispanic Ministry in the diocese, click here or contact Ana Jahuey at ajahuey@dosp.org.

For information about Hispanic ministry at your parish, contact your pastor or parish office.