The faithful in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence are comprised of a multitude of cultural backgrounds and traditions. The Diocese strives to provide information and opportunities for all to worship, pray, and celebrate their shared Catholic faith.
This section of the diocesan website is devoted to sharing information relative to various ministries, Masses, retreats and more.
Below, please find some of the ministries specific to various cultures present in the diocese, notably: Hispanic Ministry, Black Catholic Ministry, and also services available from the Office for Immigration & Refugee Services.
Here you’ll find the most up-to-date listing of those parishes within the diocese that celebrate Masses in other languages as well as the calendars of various ministries and what they have to offer in the coming year for Rhode Island Catholics.
Hispanic Ministry Office
The Hispanic Ministry Office provides the Hispanic population of the diocese with religious guidance, support, and information on matters both secular and religious. The office also serves as the liaison between parishes and the Hispanic community, providing support and assistance in evangelization, education, and information. Programs offerings are available in both Spanish and English.
Services include:
- Youth ministry – Leadership training, two Searches annually, youth celebration of Pasqua Juvenil
- Marriage Preparation – Two seminars annually for engaged couples including a special retreat for couples not married in the Catholic Church
- Family Life – Annual conference, March to Washington, Respect Life workshop
- Assistance to Parishes – Support to parishes in reaching and serving the Hispanic Catholics of the Diocese
- Religious Education – Annual workshop and continuing education
- Vocation – Retreat for men and women
- Coordination with media – RI Catholic, TV, and radio program
- Coordination with the Office of Black Ministry – Annual dinner
- Coordination with HIV/AIDS Ministry – Presentations to parishes
- Collaboration with apostolic movements such as Legion of Mary and Cursillo
Contact
Aida Hidalgo, director
184 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401/421-7833 ext. 133
e-mail: ahidalgo@dioceseofprovidence.org
Black Catholic Ministry
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry offers programs of educational awareness concerning Black Catholic Culture and history. Some of the present programs offerings include: Kwanzaa, Kujenga (a Black Leadership retreat for African American youth), Black History Month, Annual Martin Luther King Mass, St. Martin de Porres Mass, Days of Reflection and Revival, Vacation Bible School, Annual Essay Contest, and Retreats.
Contact
Patty January, coordinator:
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903
phone: 401/278-4552
e-mail: pjanuary@dioceseofprovidence.org
Immigration & Refugee Services
Services provided by this office are appropriate for anyone in need of immigration
services and refugee resettlement casework. Assistance is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Laotian, Creole (French and Portuguese), and Polish.
- Immigration Services: Family petitions, religious visa petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, political asylum, work permit renewals, photos, and consultations.
- Accredited Representation: Staff is accredited to represent individuals and families before the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, Office of Community Services and Advocacy is a member agency of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
- Refugee Resettlement Services: In affiliation with Migration & Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, staff provides refugee resettlement services. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has been collaborating with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS) for nearly 30 years in their humanitarian mission of the resettlement of refugees in the United States.
FAQ
Is there an application process?
Yes. The nature of the application varies depending on the immigration status of the individual.
If so, what are the application guidelines?
Guidelines vary depending on the immigration status.
Is there a fee?
Yes, there are fees required by the Department of Immigration. In addition, the diocesan office has a fee schedule for the services provided. The financial situation of the client is considered; fees are based on the individual’s income, and payment plans are available.
Contact
Stella Carrera, coordinator
184 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401/421-7833, ext. 129
e-mail: scarrera@dioceseofprovidence.org
