Dear Benefactors and Friends,
Greetings of joy and gratitude! I am delighted to share with you the wonderful news about the progress Corazon Puro has made in recent months:
– Our ministry has been actively hosting events in the NY/NJ area, focusing on evangelization, especially among Spanish-speaking immigrants in NYC.
– We continue to expand our presence in California, both in Orange County and now also in Northern California, with the support of the Franciscan Friars in Oakland.
– We were honored to be featured in a nationwide study conducted by Boston College, which identified effective ministries working with Hispanic young people.
– It fills my heart with great joy to announce that we have been awarded a $1.25 million grant for developing resources that will enable parishes to better serve young people and their families around confirmation.
Recognizing the growth and potential of our organization, we understand that professional leadership is needed for the next phase of our mission’s fulfillment. Therefore, we have hired Ana Tokeshi as our Executive Director. Ana has long been a part of Corazon Puro’s family and has dedicated her free time to youth groups and confirmation programs while working in the corporate world. She brings her Peruvian-Japanese heritage and professional experience to Corazon Puro during this time of expansion.
Lastly, I wish to share a personal update: this summer, I was elected to the General Council of my community. As my role changes, I will step back from administrative duties within Corazon Puro but will remain closely connected as a priest assisting with fundraising and supporting our international reach. Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and support as we move forward together!
Blessings,
Fr. Agustino Torres
We are thrilled to announce that we will receive a generous grant of $1.25 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. This funding will enable us to create a comprehensive enculturated Confirmation program for parishes. Corazón Puro is uniquely equipped to assist the Church to reach our growing Hispanic Church and Gen Z youth. To do this, CP will produce a new dynamic Confirmation Program and resources to support Hispanic parents in their integral role of passing down the faith.
Our Confirmation program, R.E.A.L. Formation, will be an engaging and dynamic experience for young people, designed to foster a sense of belonging in our faith community and to deepen their understanding of spiritual principles using cultural references that these young people are familiar with, growing up in two cultures. Through interactive videos, meaningful discussions, and age-appropriate activities, participants will develop an understanding of their Catholic faith that is necessary, in this day and age, to make informed decisions about their spiritual journey. Corazón Puro is partnering with a marketing agency that specializes in reaching the growing Latino market to test and adjust this parish resource to the reality of the rapidly growing and quickly changing young Catholic Church.
Recognizing that parents hold a unique influence on the faith development of their children, we are committed to providing them with the tools they need to share their faith experiences effectively. Many Hispanic parents feel ill equipped to provide spiritual formation to their children who feel they are from ni de aquí ni de allá (neither from here nor from there). As part of this initiative, we will be offering parishes resources for parents, which can be used in workshops and retreats that will empower them to communicate with their children about the importance of spirituality and foster an environment where faith can flourish. Then we will provide parents and other caregivers tools to help families live the faith in the home, especially during the milestone of Confirmation. These resources will address topics such as creating sacred family spaces, engaging in meaningful conversations, and incorporating Catholic culture and faith-based rituals into daily life.
The support we’ve received from Lilly Endowment is not only a testament to the strength of our community but also an acknowledgment of the crucial work that lies ahead. It is our goal to use these resources wisely in order to create lasting change for future generations.
We look forward to updating all of our CP Family as we embark on this ambitious project and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on the lives of our people. Together, we will ensure that our vibrant legacy of faith endures not just for us, but for generations to come.
This grant is a game-changer, but it is only the beginning. Together, with your continued support, we will provide more resources to creatively help form the future of the Catholic Church. We are deeply indebted to Lilly Endowment Inc. and to each of you for your support over the years in helping to quench the thirst for authentic love in the hearts of our young people.
Please keep us in prayer and for the good people at Lilly Endowment, as we are praying for you!
CORAZÓN PURO MISSIONS
We are going to Central America!
My Mission Trip
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we embark on an incredible mission trip to both Costa Rica and Nicaragua! Our amazing organization, Corazon Puro, has strong connections in both of these beautiful countries, which will serve as the perfect backdrop for our life-changing journey.
During our time in Costa Rica, we’ll be diving deep into a transformative retreat focusing on inner healing and self-discovery. The lush landscapes and natural beauty will undoubtedly prove to be the ideal setting for this life-changing experience.
Next up, we’ll venture to Nicaragua to focus on evangelization and spiritual formation. In a land where political struggles have taken their toll; we feel called now more than ever to bring the love and light of Jesus Christ to those in need.
Though both countries face their own unique challenges, we are eager and excited to make our mark as young change-makers by uplifting these communities with the love of Jesus. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we share the gift of faith during this incredible mission trip!