On behalf of the Advisory Board at Centro Espíritu Santo, we are pleased to present the CES Annual Report 2009. We owe gratitude to all those who generously support Hispanic Catholic leadership formation.

We, at Centro Espíritu Santo, believe that we are continuously responding to our call to inspire and ground leaders who seek formation in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We are impressed by the increasing number of leaders eager to pursue their leadership development. We are thankful for those moments which allowed them to know one another. We are making a difference! Even at this time of economical tumult, we find strength in Christ and share with “esperanza” (hope).

This year we have intentionally focused on offering resources to young couples and women. The outcome has been impressive. Thanks to the many programs, especially to the Archdiocesan Office for Family Ministries, around 600 leaders have received formation! Our building has, again, run out of space and that is a great news! We are agents of change, inspiring in Christ, more leaders to pursue their formation.

We are thankful for the many blessings, your prayers and economical support, especially to Tapatio Foods, LLC Found, The Province of St Joseph of The Capuchin Order, Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, Episcopal Vicar - V; and The Rev. Robert McLaughlin Faith Foundation. We also welcome our new pastors and associate pastors Rev. Tom Smithson at Blessed Sacrament; Rev. Jose Sequeira at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine; Rev. Gary Graf at Saint Gall; Rev. Robert Stuglik and Rev. Tom Lamping at Saint Joseph; Rev. Nestor Saenz at Our Lady of Fatima; Rev. Victor Zuñiga and Rev. Alejandro Medina at Queen of the Universe and Rev. Carlos Urbina, OSA at Saint Rita.

We are proud of our achievements, and with your assistance, we look forward with eyes of hope to a new year and new ways of responding to the growing need of the Catholic Hispanic community in Vicariate V.

2009ANNUALREPORT