Episode 185: Hispanic Ministry: The gift your parish needs

Could Hispanic spirituality be the gift your parish needs? In this episode, I sit down with Deacon Gregorio Elizalde, who leads Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Omaha. We talk about what really makes Hispanic ministry tick—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about translating resources into Spanish. It’s about receiving culture, building trust, and forming real relationships. Deacon Gregorio shares powerful insights into how many Hispanic Catholics show up with this deep, family-rooted faith that’s joyful, sacrificial, and incredibly contagious. There’s a deep sense of devotion, hospitality, and joy, even in the midst of hardship in Hispanic Catholic communities. And honestly, their ability to evangelize through relationships, through retreats, through just showing up with love—that’s a gift we desperately need in the Church today. If you're leading in a parish, or just want to understand how to better welcome and walk with our Hispanic brothers and sisters, this conversation will open your eyes and maybe even shift your heart. [00:14] The Importance of Hispanic Ministry [04:59] A Life-Changing Retreat [06:31] Becoming a Deacon [09:25] Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese [23:57] Ecclesial Movements and Community Impact [29:18] Devotional Culture in Hispanic Communities [33:20] Challenges in Hispanic Ministry [37:23] Consumerism and Faith [42:49] Gifts of the Hispanic Community [47:42] Building Inclusive Parishes [54:32] Resources and Support for Hispanic Ministry For more, check out Dcn. Gregorio's website, Facebook, or just email him at [email protected]. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)