New Promotions Made in the Office of Hispanic Ministry

April 2002

Statement by Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Regarding
U.S. Cardinals Being Called to Rome

(April 15 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) -- “I am pleased that the Holy Father has made this decision to call the Cardinals to Rome so he can discuss with them what is happening and the gravity of this matter which is affecting the Church in this country.”

New Promotions Made in the Office of Hispanic Ministry

(April 9 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) – Mr. Jose Robles, Jr. and Mr. Ignacio Rodriguez have been promoted to Director and Assistant Director, respectively, of the Office of Hispanic Ministry by Father Timothy Conlon, OSC., Vicar for Hispanic Ministry, effective April 1, 2002.

Robles has enjoyed working in this ministry as Outreach Coordinator since 1997 because it has given him an avenue “to reach out to people who are truly in need”. Functioning now as Director reinforces his “desire to be more helpful” and he will work more closely with the INS and other Diocesan programs that are already in place, recognizing that the Office of Hispanic Ministry “must form partnerships” with the entire diocese to achieve its goals. Robles has more than twenty years of experience in the human service and paralegal fields and has served on several local, statewide, and national advisory boards and commissions related to the Hispanic community and the Catholic Church.

Before Ignacio Rodriguez began working in the Office of Hispanic Ministry in 1999 as Office Manager, he was employed as a Secretary at St. Charles Borromeo parish and St. William parish where he currently attends. He has been a 4th level Religious Education teacher for five years, as well as a lector and member of the parish Finance Committee. He loves working in the Office of Hispanic Ministry because he has gained a better “foundation and perspective as to the needs of the community.” In his new position as Assistant Director, he hopes to reach out more to the Hispanic community by listening attentively to what they are asking for from the Church, relaying that information to the staff, and translating their needs into action.

Both Robles and Rodriguez say they were surprised when they were notified of their new assignments and look forward to the opportunity and the challenge with excitement.

The Office of Hispanic Ministry focuses on sacramental support to parishes, immigration affairs, and community service.

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