| History |
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Responding to the influx of Hispanic immigrants in Denver, representatives from the Hispanic Office of the Archdiocese of Denver met, in early 2002, with parish and community leaders to discuss the pastoral and social needs in the Hispanic community. The needs identified were multiple including spiritual and educational. As a result, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., created Centro San Juan Diego Centro in late 2002. The Centro is located in the former Sacred Heart Catholic School building. Opened its door officially in July of 2003. In 2004 Bienestar Family services, founded and directed by Sr. Alicia V. Cuarón, O.S.F. Ed.D., became part of Centro San Juan Diego. The former school was built back in the 1890s in the heart of the historic Five Points and Curtis Park neighborhoods in Denver. (See building history for more details) Archbishop José H. Gomez played a critical role in convening community leaders to form the Centro Advisory Board to guide and provide stewardship over the new Hispanic ministry. Co-chairs and vital members of such original board were: Mr. Ron Montoya, Dr. Delio Tamayo and Ms. Polly Baca. Centro’s first Executive Director was Mrs. Mar Muñoz-Visoso. Current Executive Director since March 2007 is Luis Soto, whom also functions as the Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. |
