Accompanying the Diverse HIspanic/Latino Reality in the United States
We are just like you, co-workers in the vineyard, living our Catholic faith by walking alongside others. Over the years we have dreamed of a gathering place where we can meet and hear from those doing similar work. From leaders in the fields to theologians, we all experience the grace-filled mixture of blessings and challenges within the diverse realities of Hispanics in the U.S.
In support of these voices, we also dreamed of a place that supplies access to a variety of resources and facilitates a network for the benefit of all of us serving Hispanic ministry in the U.S. We are pleased to offer U.S. Hispanic Ministry as that place.
Our Mission
U.S. Hispanic Ministry believes that Hispanic ministry serves the entire Church and accompanies all Hispanics/Latinos in their lived contexts and languages.
Contributing to this mission, we offer three means of interaction:
UNIQUE AND DIVERSE VOICES
From recent immigrants who may only speak Spanish, to Hispanics who are bilingual and bicultural, to 3rd and 4th generation U.S. born Hispanics who may only speak English, USHM is committed to promoting a dialogue around the diverse and unique communities within the U.S. Hispanic population. We offer a rotation of lively contributors, each giving voice to her/his community and prompting questions, insights and challenges.
RESOURCES
U.S. Hispanic Ministry is dedicated to gathering quality resources and highlighting established and new ministerial models, services, and offerings. U.S. Hispanic Ministry invites all ministries, educational institutions, organizations, catechetical publishers, and service providers working with and for Hispanic communities to join us by providing a summary of who you are, your logo, and a link to your website.
NETWORKING
Networking at USHM may happen organically through your participation in Facebook and Twitter, or commenting on our posts. U.S. Hispanic Ministry will create secure and purposeful ways to network with and accompany one another. By providing a comprehensive central website, we believe USHM contributes to the forward moving efforts needed to accompany the growing diversity of Catholic Hispanics in the U.S.
Our Founders
Vince olea, D.Min
Founder
Dr. Olea currently serves as the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Isadore Parish in Danville, CA. He has worked passionately for nearly twenty years as a director of youth ministry serving young people in Catholic parishes in San Diego and Los Angeles, most recently accompanying inner-city Hispanic youth at Dolores Mission in Boyle Heights, Ca. Over the years, Vince has served as a retreat center director, conference organizer and speaker, an instructor for Loyola Marymount University Extension, a case manager team leader serving the homeless in Santa Monica, CA, a concert promoter, and a consultant on rites of passage for a major film production company. Vince is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate with an emphasis in Hispanic theology and ministry at Barry University, a Dominican university in Miami Shores, Florida. He has published articles in Ministry and Liturgy, The Journal of Religion and Film, Radical Grace and The Journal of Hispanic Latino Theology.
Patty Jiménez, DMIN
Founder
Dr. Jiménez is the webmaster for USHM and Communications Coordinator for the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry and has worked for over 20 years in the areas of youth ministry, catechesis, and teaching and administering lay formation programs. Patty has experience in parish, academia, and diocesan ministry and has been a speaker at local, regional, and national events. She received her Doctorate in Ministry specializing in Hispanic and Latino Theology and Ministry at Barry University in Miami, Florida, a Masters in Theological Studies and a Masters in Ministry for a Multicultural Church from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, Ca. Her interests are technology and new media, cross-cultural administration, Franciscan spirituality, and Hispanic Theology and Ministry.