Currently, I am pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Indianapolis and the Director of the Casa José María de Yermo y Parres, a vocational discernment program for Hispanics at Saint Mary's.

I am continually aware of my need to better my ability to use the Spanish Language and to better understand Mexican Catholic culture and spirituality.

In conversation with my spiritual director, parish staff, parish council, and close friends; I am more aware of my desire to improve my ability to minister to the Hispanic community. If given this opportunity, I would propose: First, quality time to study Spanish. My use of the Spanish language, while sufficient to do my ministry, still lacks fluency, grammar, and proper use of the language. For spiritual direction and deeper insights into Hispanic men discerning priesthood, I need a better use of the Spanish language. Second, to participate in the life of a parish, but to have as my priority studies. Third, I would like to support our seminarians, who have come through the House of Vocational Discernment, who are or will be in the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico. Fourth, to take reflection/retreat time in the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Tepeyac and el Convento de San José María de Yermo y Parres.

I have spent a lot of time in prayer, conversation, and consultation in regard to this proposal of a Hispanic Church, Language, and Culture program beginning in March of 2007. As the Church and our own Archdiocese continues to experience growth in the numbers of Hispanics that we are serving, this sabbatical will allow me to better serve this population in central and southern Indiana.