Hispanic Community

The Hispanic Community is comprised of many nationalities and cultures united in faith and a common language. They are Cuban exiles who sought refuge here the 1960s, farm laborers who found work here in the 1970s and 1980s, and more recently, immigrants and refugees fleeing economic and political hardship in Mexico and Central and South America. Since the diocese’s founding, parishes across western North Carolina have welcomed Hispanic Catholics, providing Spanish-language Masses, catechesis and – most importantly – a spiritual home. Today, approximately half of all baptized Catholics in western North Carolina are of Hispanic heritage.

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All four of our bishops have emphasized the importance of unity and inclusion, while at the same time celebrating the wide array of customs and devotions, commitment to family, and strong community spirit that are hallmarks of the Hispanic Community.

Many English-speaking priests of the diocese have been learning Spanish to better minister to their flocks, and the diocese employs full-time coordinators to serve Hispanic Catholics in all 10 vicariates – unique among U.S. dioceses. The diocese is also a long-time member and supporter of SEPI (Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry and its Pastoral Institute), which assists the bishops of the southeastern United States in providing pastoral services to Hispanic Catholics. Bishop Jugis, who was spiritual director to the local Hispanic Catholic community when he was pastor of Holy Infant Catholic Church in Reidsville, is a board member.

Christian discipleship is evident in active participation in parish life, as well as in the Cursillo movement, Emmaus and Catholic lay associations. Thousands of Hispanic Catholics travel from across western North Carolina to take part in the annual Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress, which features a popular and faith-filled Spanish Track program of worship and Eucharistic Adoration, confessions, catechetical talks, music and fellowship.

A Hispanic Catholic Center (El Centro Católico Hispano) established in Charlotte in 1972 – first on Waverly Avenue and then on Shenandoah Avenue – eventually grew to become the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, based out of the Diocesan Pastoral Center. It oversees Hispanic pastoral care and outreach throughout the diocese to serve Hispanic Catholics where they live, work and worship.

Masses are offered in Spanish at most of the diocese’s parishes every Sunday. (Check your local parish website or the diocesan website for more information.)

The diocese’s largest Hispanic-majority parish is Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, located on Tuckaseegee Road in Charlotte.