On February 20, 2000, members of the congregation and parish leadership met to discuss the establishment of an Hispanic ministry at Christ Church. Several follow-up meetings were held, attended by the Rev. Isaias Rodriguez, Hispanic Minister of the Diocese of Atlanta. Everyone was aware that differences of cultural background needed to be mutually observed and respected.
One week before services started, members of the Hispanic community were invited to a picnic. Our first service was celebrated on Sunday, October 13, 2000. Our services are at 1 PM year – around, but 12 noon during the summer. The Rev. Joe Herring – “Padre Pepe” is our primary celebrant and pastor. Attendance has grown from as early average of 20 to a current average of 90.
Our congregation is a mix of people from different parts of Latin countries, with a bigger attendance of Mexicans and Colombians. Several members of the congregation come from the Roman Catholic Church and still maintain some of their traditions. One of them is the celebration of their children's First Communion. Father Joe and lay assistants teach catechism classes to children twice a year. Because so many children attend catechism, First Communion celebrations are now held on Saturday afternoons, instead of during our regular Sunday service. Father Joe also celebrates "quinceañeras", which is the equivalent of "sweet sixteen", but with more traditional symbols. It starts with a service, followed by a grand celebration. The young lady dresses in white and wears low heel shoes, which their father later takes off and changes for high heel shoes, signifying her coming-of-age. In the old days the young lady would be considered to be of an age permitting her to go with her parents to social functions. Another tradition is the presentation of newborns and those 3 years of age before the congregation. This is an ancient practice dating back to the days before Jesus. We also celebrate Mother's Day with flowers and gifts for the mothers. And, the men serenade the ladies at the end of the service. We celebrate Father's Day also (but no serenading). We have a cake for both occasions and other goodies prepared by some of the members.
We have Sunday school for children up to 13 years of age, and childcare for younger children. Every Sunday we have a coffee hour after the Service.
Since October is Hispanic Heritage Month, we also celebrate "El Dia de la Raza". We start with a parade of flags before the service, and end with a nice lunch, with food prepared by our members. We get to taste food from different parts of Latin America. We also include some entertainment for kids and grownups.