“Each year the program team with much discernment selects a theme to set the stage for their annual retreat and this year the theme was ‘Hope to Dream,’” said Christine Tamara, Director of Partner Engagement for Hispanic Access Foundation. “For many clergy there was not a lot of hope on the horizon or space to dream during the pandemic because they were in survival mode as they shepherded their parishioners through uncharted land. However, this special time together surrounded by the majestic Rocky National Mountains provided an inspiring time for them to begin to hope and dream again.”

During the retreat, leaders took a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and hiked the “Bible Point Loop” trail. The retreat was not just for renewing our clergy but also to inspire them and the congregations they serve to embrace the outdoors. Through prioritizing self-care, after past retreats many leaders and communities have found renewal and restoration in their daily lives.

“It was a joy and a tremendous privilege to be able to participate in the third Hispanic Leadership Network pastors' retreat in the Rockies Mountains in Colorado,” said Rev. Daniel Cali, Hispanic Access Foundation Board Member and Hispanic Leadership Network Advisory Member. “It was impressive to see the need for pastors to have a special time to share experiences, burdens, needs and experiences of the ministry. We could feel that God ministered to us in each activity, both in devotionals, walks, meals and other times of sharing. There is no doubt that this further strengthened the bonds of friendship and spiritual renewal to be able to continue in our pastoral duties.”

The Hispanic Leadership Network is a five-year program with the goal of developing a mentoring and leadership program to support young, mid-career and experienced Latino pastors serving high-need rural and urban congregations across the U.S. The program helps enhance the ability of pastors to serve the unique needs of Latino congregations and support them in key transition moments in their career.

“We thank God for this very special ministry of the Hispanic Access Foundation that continues to bless and impact lives to build a better community together,” said Rev. Cali.

Watch a recap video made by Hispanic Leadership Network cohort member, Jorge Apodaca here. 

To learn more about Hispanic Leadership Network and how to join, visit https://hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/hispanic-leadership-network.