The Hispanic community of Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on July 6, who celebrated the noon Spanish Mass, a regularly scheduled Sunday liturgy.
Father Ruben Dario Castillo, a retired Paterson Diocesan priest who has been leading OLQP’s Hispanic Ministry, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. A reception was held afterward.
Established three years ago, the Hispanic Ministry aims to integrate Spanish-speaking people into all aspects of the Sussex County parish’s life. The outreach initiative began as a means to minister to the growing Spanish-speaking population in Sussex County and now serves up to 150 families. They originate from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.
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Today, young Hispanics are involved in OLQP’s confirmation preparation, religious education, and youth ministry. Also, Hispanics participate in the parish Christmas bazaar.
During the Sacred Triduum at Easter, the English and Spanish populations join together for parts of certain Masses in English and Spanish. Some English speakers attend the Spanish Mass to familiarize themselves with the language and culture. Meanwhile, some Spanish speakers visit the English Mass to do the same.
Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, OLQP’s pastor, said the Hispanic population “is most welcome” at the parish.
“We want the Hispanic population to be part of the parish just as much as anyone else,” Father Tangorra said. “At Queen of Peace, we want to bring together both communities as one. Instead of being separated by language, we want to be united by faith.”
