The mission of the St Jude Hispanic-American Center is to provide information and referral for social services, promote pride in heritage, foster cultural awareness, and encourage meaningful participation in the wider community.
The St Jude Catholic Church/Hispanic-American Center opened its doors on May 28, 2006 to serve the area Anglo and Hispanic communities. The neighborhood, indeed the entire community, now has the opportunity to worship in a bilingual atmosphere, to learn other cultures, to experience other friendships.
The congregation includes families who treasure tradition, newcomers who seek familiar religious practices, and neighbors with the same religious values.
Father Celestino Gutiérrez, who heads the Spanish Ministry for the Diocese of Venice, is the founding Pastor of St. Jude. He is joined by Father Robert Dziedziak and Father Jose del Olmo, along with Deacon Humberto Alvia.
The Center offers programs that include family counseling, youth groups, housing information, job placement, and parenting classes. There is a Girl Scouts troop that meets on the site. Religious education classes are held, beginning in October each year. Food baskets are available each week for the needy . A separate thrift shop offers clothing and household items for sale with minimum fees.
The Thanksgiving program provides turkeys to families and the annual Christmas party is held with gifts for the children and food items for the families.
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