Albion parish meets evangelization goals with migrant community

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Holy Family Parish in Albion is doing just that.

A member of the ONE Catholic Family, located in Orleans and Niagara counties, the parish is meeting its evangelization goals by reaching out to the Hispanic community and now offers a Spanish Mass to accommodate the growing migrant population that comes from Mexico and South America to work on area farms.

“There had been, for a long time, an active outreach to the migrant workers in Orleans County,” said Father Mark Noonan, pastor of ONE Catholic. A Spanish Mass has been held at Holy Family Parish periodically for close to 25 years. A regular 12:30 p.m. Sunday Mass started in mid-October. With a little advertising to spread the word, within a few weeks the parish saw 50-60 people attending.

“That was one of the goals in our Family of Parishes because we have a significant Hispanic population, both residential and migrant workers,” said Father Noonan. “They’re spread out over a very large area, but it was one of the goals given to us, and one of the goals we’ve really been focusing on.”

He estimates 98 percent of the faces he sees at Mass are new to the parish. Some have lived in the area only months, others a few years. They come mostly from Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. The majority speak Spanish only.

“They’re delighted to have (the Mass),” said Father Noonan. “And they stepped up. They’re really excited and supportive.”

Within a few weeks, a music ministry started. Now, they’re recruiting altar servers and lectors, and building a faith formation program.

“In a way, it’s like starting a new little parish because we’re dealing in a totally different language for these families. None of the structures that we have existing are quite set up to be accessible to them,” Father Noonan said.

Daniel Cordero has taken on the role of music leader. He works with the five choir members and is training altar servers. Father Noonan calls him an “all-star” as they’ve begun forming the community. He never misses a Spanish Mass.

He explained that the Church has a major role in the lives of Hispanics, and the inclusion of a Spanish Mass fills a void for those who have left their homelands.

‘It’s like starting a new little parish.’

Father Mark Noonan

“We come from communities, from other countries, where the faith and culture are very strong and amply widespread, and to not have it here was very difficult for us. So, when we have Mass here it is very impactful. And, indeed, we want to bring more people in,” he said.

“We have communication with other members of the Hispanic community.  We understand much better the things that the Church teaches us in our language,” added Apolinar Serafin who has lived in the area for 25 years.

The parish had a bilingual Mass on Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday, where Father Noonan gave his homily in English and Spanish. The music also was in both languages. They’re now planning a bilingual Triduum in Albion.

“I think the English speakers really enjoy that a lot,” said Father Noonan. “After our Christmas Eve Mass, the Hispanic community wanted to have what we call a ‘convivio,’ which is just like a little party. It was a great chance for us all to be together. They invited everybody. They made a ton of food. It was just a beautiful gesture.”