Hispanic Ministry Directors Elect New Coordinator

Beaumont—Directors for Hispanic Ministry from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas gathered at the Holy Family Center here Feb. 18-19 to select a new Coordinator for the Region.
Father Hector J. Madrigal, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Amarillo and national President of the Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry, along with Dr. Arturo Chavez, current president of the Mexican American Catholic College, led the discernment.
Deacon Jesus Abrego from the Diocese of Beaumont was named the new coordinator of Region X Hispanic Ministry. He will serve a two-year term. In his capacity, he will convene the membership and coordinate all the activities of the Region, according to Father Madrigal.
“It has been a blessing and an honor for me to serve as coordinator for the last five years,” said Father Madrigal, who serves as Diocesan Director for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Amarillo. “I’ve enjoyed working all four levels of Church: parish, diocesan, regional and national levels. The only way I have been able to do this is through the support of my Bishop, a loving parish and especially the collaboration of the members of the Region,” he added.
Father Madrigal said in the past five years, the Region has doubled in membership, created and implemented a Regional Pastoral plan and has been successful in establishing a network with Spanish-speaking young adults.