Four deacons appointed to guide Hispanic Charismatic Renewal

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Archbishop William E. Lori announced July 29 that he has appointed four deacons as regional advisers to the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Hispanic Charismatic Renewal prayer groups.

“The Hispanic Charismatic Renewal brings many people to Christ and the church,” Archbishop Lori said. “This is seen every year in the number of catechumenates and candidates who are brought forth by the renewal prayer groups. The Hispanic Charismatic Renewal is a great source of evangelization and a fast-growing movement in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. “

The four deacons and their assignments are as follows::

• Deacon Orlando Beltran and Deacon Oscar Velasquez: East and Central Maryland – Serving the communities of Sacred Heart in Glyndon, Our Lady of Pompei in Baltimore, Our Lady of Fatima in Baltimore, Sacred Heart of Jesus/St. Patrick in Highlandtown, St. Gabriel in Windsor Mill and St. Clement in Lansdowne.
• Deacon Manuel Hernandez: Western Maryland – Serving the communities of St. Timothy in Walkersville, St. Joseph in Hagerstown and St. John the Evangelist in Frederick.
• Deacon Jose Rivera: Southern Maryland – Serving the communities of St. Mary’s in Annapolis, Resurrection of Our Lord Din Laurel, Christ the King in Glen Burnie and St. John the Evangelist in Columbia.

The advisers will serve three-year terms beginning Aug. 1. 

The deacons will work with Auxiliary Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., vicar for Hispanic Catholics, and Lia Garcia archdiocesan director for Hispanic Ministry, accompanying and supporting the evangelizing mission of the movement, according to Archbishop Lori. 

The advisers also will guide the lay leadership of the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal, serve as bridge-builders between pastors, archdiocesan and parish coordinators of the renewal, and foster a greater integration of the activities of the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal with the vision of the archbishop and archdiocesan activities, Archbishop Lori said.

The deacons follow in the footsteps of Father Hilario Avendano, who will conclude his term as Hispanic Charismatic Renewal spiritual director July 31. 

Direct questions regarding the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal to the Office for Hispanic Ministry, 410-547-5423 or hispanicministry@archbalt.org.

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