Supported by social service agencies in Chicago, he has developed activities with other church youth groups and is helping gang members’ parents regain the control and authority they had before leaving their homes in Latin America for the United States.  The work is not a “slam/dunk,” and some don’t make it.  But of the 62 confirmed last year by Bishop Victor Scantlebury at a service attended by more than 500, many were gang members.

In his four years at Nuestra Senora, Diaz has nurtured the congregation from a dedicated gathering of 14 Spanish-speaking worshipers and a budget of $1,200 to 350 members with a budget of $27,000.  Before his arrival, a part-time priest led services for 12 years in nearby Christ Episcopal Church.  The Diocese of Chicago committed funds in 2000 for a full-time priest, and Diaz was called to serve the area’s growing Hispanic population.  He and his family lived for one year in an apartment owned by Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest. He forged a lasting partnership with that church, which in 2002 raised $670,000 in five weeks to buy and refurbish worship space to accommodate Diaz’ growing congregation.

Both congregations worked together to clean, repair and rebuild.  The altar, pews, crucifixes, candelabra, vestments, office furniture, dishes and silverware came from other diocesan churches. Bishop William D. Persell and Bishop Victor Scantlebury consecrated Nuestra Senora's new facility in October 2002, as part of Church of the Holy Spirit’s centennial celebrations at a service attended by then-Archbishop of Canterbury George L. Carey.

Diaz’ parishioners were raised in the Roman Catholic tradition.  While the local Catholic Church is rarely open except for Sunday worship, Nuestra Senora is open throughout the week.  Diaz has taught parishioners about church governance and stewardship.  He seeks lay participation at all levels of church life. 

Like other communities around Chicago, Waukegan’s Hispanic population is growing rapidly.  Nuestra Senora consists mostly of families with two to four children along with some senior citizens.

Diaz develops personal relationships with youth in his neighborhood and sets clear guidelines in confirmation classes, vacation Bible school and other gatherings.  He visits families in their homes and encourages them to be part of the community.  At adult Bible study, he asks each couple to bring in three new couples.  After Sunday worship, parishioners line up to speak with Diaz, who patiently listens to their concerns. 

“Narciso is always approachable, always available.  He has tremendous energy and cares deeply for his people,” says Roberto Hernandez, a lay leader at Church of the Holy Spirit, and liaison between the two churches.

Most of Diaz’ young followers speak more English than their parents.  The diocese encourages clergy to maintain their Hispanic identity, and Diaz speaks only Spanish, while nearby Christ Church offers worship in English.  “We could open four more Hispanic congregations if we had funding and Spanish-speaking clergy,” says Scantlebury.

An integration into society

Employment and immigration are key issues facing Hispanic churchgoers.  Scantlebury says Hispanics come to the United States for work and take jobs others won’t. “In Latin America a person must work or die,” he says.  “These people don’t want to be on welfare.”  He adds that most pay taxes but receive no benefits.

Diaz accompanies members to immigration court, guides them through the job search process and helps them forge positive lasting relationships with employers.

That same willingness to work poses challenges.  For most of Diaz’ church members, any money earned goes first toward daily living expenses.  A large portion is sent to extended families in Latin America.  Little is left for church.  To show their thanks, parishioners will work tirelessly cleaning, building and repairing the church space.  Clergy must juggle this enthusiasm with U.S. insurance regulations.

Diaz has channeled that energy into greater lay involvement throughout the week.  Nuestra Senora hosts retreats for married couples, has an altar guild and prayer groups, and holds monthly dinners to celebrate members’ birthdays.  He has trained chalice bearers and lay readers and begun a “Society of Mary” chapter.  The vestry has formed finance, building, outreach and fellowship committees.  One major contributor returned to Mexico but continues to send his pledge.

Nuestra Senora already is outgrowing its space as each Sunday overflow worshipers listen to the service from the parish hall.  Representatives from Nuestra Senora; Church of the Holy Sprit, Lake Forest; and the diocese meet regularly as the partnership launches three major projects: construction of a new wing to seat 300-plus worshipers with sliding doors for overflow and a parish hall and kitchen below; a non-profit daycare center in the existing parish hall; and a non-profit employment agency. 

“I come to this partnership wishing that my seminary education had required Spanish," says the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, new rector at Church of the Holy Spirit. "I’m excited about the possibilities, especially about what we can learn from each other.”
Three busloads of worshipers from Nuestra Senora recently attended Sidebotham’s installation service.

How can other parishes form similar partnerships?  Hernandez lists five essentials:

• Leadership, commitment and vision from the diocese, clergy and laity;
• A good priest with energy and ideas;
• Support and involvement from at least two congregations;
• A liaison to communicate with all partners; and
• Lasting relationships between partner congregations, in addition to financial contributions.

“Church of the Holy Spirit, the Diocese and Christ Church provided the seeds to this nascent congregation,” says Hernandez.  “Nuestra Senora under the leadership of Narciso nurtured the seeds, and now they are bearing fruit.  We can all rejoice.”