Hernandez Named Diocesan Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of Youngstown, this week announced the appointment of Cristina Hernandez as coordinator of hispanic ministry. Hernandez will build on the work of Father Brian Smith, who has served as director of Hispanic ministry since 2021 and will complete his role as he departs for graduate work in moral theology in Rome.
The Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Hispanic Ministry includes support for Spanish-language masses at four parishes: Our Lady of Peace in Ashtabula, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Canton (formed from the merger of St. Anthony/All Saints and St. Mary/St. Benedict Parishes), St. Paul in Salem and St. Dominic in Youngstown. The Office of Hispanic Ministry also supports participation in the pastoral services of the Hartville migrant ministry.
Hernandez begins her new role with extensive experience. She has been an active parishioner and leader since 2009 at St. Anthony/All Saints Parish (now St. Francis of Assisi Parish) in Canton, where she has served on the Hispanic Pastoral Council and Parish Pastoral Council, as youth ministry coordinator, as a translator and in various liturgical roles.
She holds an undergraduate degree in social work from Washburn University in Kansas and a master’s in social work from Akron University. She served as a consultant and cultural ally for Stark County Mental Health and as a case manager for Proyecto RAICES, which provides educational and social support to children of Latino/Hispanic families residing in the Akron area.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
