Hispanic Apostolate unites services in Metairie

The Hispanic Apostolate of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans celebrates 40 years this March and is heralding in the anniversary with a newly created Hispanic Center at the campus of the former St. Lawrence Parish, 2505 Maine Ave., off Roosevelt and Veterans Memorial boulevards in Metairie.

In a cluster of three buildings, Spanish speakers can now find community social services and pastoral services all in one location. That means free help with taxes, job services, any immigration or refugee assistance (such as citizenship, visas, emergency assistance), help for human trafficking, housing counseling, workers’ rights and wage claims, health services and advocacy, Bible classes, preparation for sacraments and pastoral counseling.

Previously, most of the Hispanic community services were concentrated on Harvard Avenue in Metairie, while pastoral services operated out of the archdiocesan building on Howard Avenue in New Orleans.

Can’t beat location

Father Lance Campo, part-time coordinator of Hispanic ministries for the archdiocese, said the new location is more centrally located for Spanish speakers – the majority of whom live in the Metairie/Kenner area – and offers more parking. It also gives the Hispanic Apostolate much-needed meeting space to hold classes, workshops and even health fairs. The site has two conference rooms and several kitchen areas.

“It’s already been a blessing to the pastoral office,” Father Lance said. “We have groups coming on a weekly basis, such as Father Luis Henao offering adult faith education. This is great when you have so much space available now.”  

Father Campo gave a few statistics demonstrating the need for larger facilities for the Latino community. The Hispanic Apostolate’s Community Services department alone serves an average of 5,000-6,000 people annually. Immigration works with approximately 2,000 clients a year, and Refugee Services assists anywhere from 300-500 clients.

English as a Second Language classes also will be consolidated here under the direction of coordinator Tessa Wheelock. This program serves approximately 300-400 students monthly. The new space will allow four classes to be conducted simultaneously.

Father Campo said Adrian Dominican Sister Nery Sori was hired in July to strengthen the Spanish youth and young adult ministry. She also provides catechesis for non-English speakers and assists in the certification of ministers in safe environment and liturgical ministry training.

Several events have been held at the center already, including a Hispanic charismatic event, an Advent/Christmas program, day of prayer and a recent Spanish Christian music concert with a holy hour and benediction sponsored by Mensaje, which has also moved its television and radio ministry to this new location.

Open-door policy

Father Campo also is offering the site as a meeting place to all Spanish-speaking ministries in church parishes.

Deacon Roberto Angeli, who guides the Archdiocesan Hispanic Pastoral Council, is the daily operations manager of the Hispanic Center and provides counseling and fund-raising expertise; Maria “Lolita” Carcache-Amaya is program director of Hispanic Apostolate Community Services as well as immigration and refugee services. She also is director of community outreach, which offers holiday food basket giveaways that will now be conducted out of the new space.

“This is wonderful,” Carcache-Amaya said. “The community in Kenner has the highest population of Hispanics, and being here between Kenner and Metairie is great. This will benefit the community. It’s helpful that social and pastoral services are housed together. A lot of people call and don’t know where to go. Now we can send them right next door if we don’t offer the services they seek and vice-versa (instead of across town). Clients will benefit.”

Since the Pastoral Office was the first to move, unofficially, in September, Father Campo said the buildings are still being renovated to accommodate all services. Hopes are to soon offer a daily Mass in Spanish in the former church’s chapel.

“It’s a work in progress,” he said.

Father Campo sees the new location as a chance to better serve the Latino community.

“By being together, there will be better communication between the different departments, and, therefore, we can work together and have better results,” he said.

The Hispanic Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but night and weekend classes and special events will be planned. Call the Hispanic Apostolate Community Services office at 310-6899 or 310-6862, and the Pastoral Office at 467-2550. An inaugural Mass and complex blessing is being planned.

            Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarion herald.org.