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Jun 19, 2018 | Paulette E. Martin

Clear Vision in Challenging Times Message at Hispanic Conference

 

Nearly 250 Episcopalians attended the Hispanic Lay Leadership Conference June 15-16 at Camp Allen, the Diocese of Texas’ camp and conference center north of Houston. The lay leadership conference, in its fourth year, is an invitation only gathering hosted by the diocesan Commission on Hispanic Ministry and is held to raise up and train leaders within the Diocese’s Spanish-speaking congregations.

An array of workshops to deepen and strengthen personal faith reflected the theme of Leadership in Challenging Times. Led by Commission members, workshops included: the Anglican rosary, music, the labyrinth, spirituality and healing, among others.

Participants came from nearly a dozen Spanish-speaking congregations in Austin and Houston. Lay leaders present included young adults to members who have been serving in their congregations for more than 10 years.

Plenary speaker, the Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso, Bishop Assistant told leaders to embrace moments of challenge as thats “allows you to visualize new opportunities of evangelization and spread our testimonies as Christians.”

Bishop Monterroso also challenged lay leaders who may be considering ordained ministry, to take the next to step—recalling the message given by the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle during his plenary presentation at the 169th Diocesan Council on February in Waco about the need of more clergy in the Diocese. Nine lay leaders courageously raised their hands, claiming they want to pursue the call to ordained ministry.

The most significant part of the conference for Wilson Ramirez, acolyte and young adult leader from San Mateo, Bellaire, was when he heard Bishop Monterroso’s plenary speech.

“His message about having a set vision when working on many things at once, was very powerful,” Wilson said. “Seeing and interacting with other members from other Hispanic congregations was definitely my favorite part,” he added. 

The conference gave Yendi Herrera the energy to continue serving members and the community of St. Peter’s, Pasadena.

“I am very proud to be part of St. Peter’s and the work we are doing by helping those who come to our community center. We are all using our God-given talents to glorify for those in need,” Herrera said.

The next conference will be held on June 14-15, 2019 at Camp Allen.