I would like to offer my personal insights into a recent article published in The National Catholic Register (NCR) on July 15, 2024, titled “Latino Catholics distraught at Portland Archdiocese’s dismantling of Hispanic ministry.” Once again, it appears that we have another episode of “the press gets it wrong” again.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the NCR is not renowned for balanced and orthodox reporting, and this article is no exception. However, it does accurately report several facts: the temporary suspension of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, the termination of Ms. Montana, and the new parish assignment for Fr. Mike Kueber, the current Director of Hispanic Ministry. It mentions that these changes are part of the closure of several pastoral ministry offices, quoting a memo from Bishop Peter Smith explaining this as a response to “significant financial challenges.” Additionally, it reports that Fr. Kueber shared with Hispanic leadership that the Archdiocese faces a $1 million budget deficit.
Much of the rest of the article, unfortunately, is filled with punditry, suspicion, and a dismissal of reasonable explanations. The complex details behind the decision to temporarily close pastoral ministries are sensitive and not entirely knowable. Sadly, those who view the situation with suspicion tend to default to negative assumptions instead of hope and faith. The article, based on a small and self-selected sample of interviewees, inaccurately generalizes the anger of the entire Latino community. Questioning the veracity and magnitude of the Archdiocese’s reasons for this decision harms both the goodwill of those making tough decisions and the good faith of the Latino community members who disagree with the assessment.
We must remember that the Archbishop has publicly stated his desire to reform the Pastoral Center to better focus on the mission of the Archdiocese of Portland. These reasons are neither trivial nor small, yet some prefer conspiracy theories over the truth.
Consider that the Office of Catholic Schools was also temporarily closed last year and reformed into the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education (OMCE), a process still underway. Catholic schools, being in dire need of assistance, have navigated this change without resorting to public demonization of the Archbishop. We trusted the process and looked forward to improvements, which is something the NCR has not covered since the office’s rebuilding. This omission is not surprising, given NCR’s penchant for controversy. I find it curious that the Archbishop hired a well respected, second generation Mexican immigrant to lead the OMCE, a fact that is not mentioned. Yet, this is evidence of the desire to reshape and rebuild the important ministries housed in the Pastoral Center.
When a family faces serious financial challenges, it is reasonable to cut expenses and streamline operations. This principle applies to the Archdiocese as well. Most ministries supported by Archdiocesan offices are already active at the parish level, and once finances stabilize, these offices can be reimagined to support the parishes more effectively. While I empathize with small parishes dependent on this help, I am hopeful they will find greater support from the Archdiocese in the future. Stabilizing and rebuilding financial and management offices is crucial at this time.
The article also mentions that the Hispanic community and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) were not consulted or informed about the temporary closure of the Hispanic Ministry Office. It is unlikely this was a total surprise, as both bishops have discussed the likelihood of more cuts in various large group meetings. It would have been inappropriate to announce closures and terminations to anyone before informing the affected staff members, a point the article fails to consider.
I find the comment about Fr. Kueber being “an Anglo priest with zero knowledge about the needs of our community” presumptive at best and racist at worst. As someone who was ordained with Fr. Kueber, I know he has a great heart for the Hispanic community and has dedicated over 14 years of his 24-year priesthood to working with Latino communities. His advocacy and commitment are evident in his work and writing.
According to the article, Deacon Kevin Welch stated that the Archdiocesan leadership could not provide NCR a statement due to ongoing changes. Partial information could lead to misinterpretations, as we can already see in the article.
The $1 million financial deficit and the desire to reform the Pastoral Center cannot be ignored. Bishop Peter’s mention of “significant financial challenges” should be emphasized. It is prudent to cut back, reimagine, and restart when faced with such a deficit. The financial instability since the pandemic, unpredictable financial markets, and the postponement of the Pastoral Center’s move to the Cathedral due to rising construction costs and limited income all contribute to this situation.
The $1 million financial deficit and the desire to reform the Pastoral Center cannot be ignored. Bishop Peter’s mention of “significant financial challenges” should be emphasized. Given the financial instability since the pandemic and the unpredictable financial markets, it is prudent to cut back, reimagine, and restart. The the Pastoral Center’s planned move to the Cathedral has also been delayed due to rising construction costs and limited income.
The article’s insinuations about the reasons Latino priests have left in recent years are speculative and poorly reported. I trust Ms. Montana was a fantastic worker, deserving of our prayers during this difficult time. Fr. Kueber’s new parish assignment does not stop his advocacy for the Latino community, and the parish of St. Patrick in Canby is fortunate to have him.
The sky is not falling. Parish-level pastoral ministries can continue their work while Archdiocesan offices undergo reimagining. The Office of Hispanic Ministry was not singled out; it was part of a broader pastoral ministries closure, though other offices and staff cuts were not mentioned in the article.
This article reminds me that NCR often prioritizes punditry over reporting, stirring the pot whenever possible. Unfortunately, bad news sells, even in a publication that calls itself Catholic.
Bottom line: The Pastoral Center offers crucial aid to parishes, but tough decisions must be made in difficult financial times. I have compassion for the Latino community saddened by the temporary closure of the Office of Hispanic Ministry. If I were still at my former parishes, I would reassure my Hispanic/Latino parishioners that nothing has changed at the parish level and encourage them to continue their ministries. They are not victims; they are a vital part of our Archdiocese, called to serve faithfully and pray for our leadership during these challenging times.
My guidance is to:
• Pray for a new beginning with a re-envisioned mission for the closed offices.
• Guard your hearts against struggles that tempt us to despair, anger, and rebellion.
• Remember that some matters are the purview of Archdiocesan leadership and ethically cannot be disclosed to the public. Humility reminds us that we don't know everything.
• Stop assuming ill will or suspicion; these are not from God. Trust that the Holy Spirit is at work even when we cannot see it.
We live in divided times, and we need unity, hope, and faith not division, insinuation, or suspicion.
Image: Pastoral Center Offices, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Wikipedia user Farragutful
