To extend and strengthen the diocesan commitment to Hispanic and multicultural ministries, the Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw, has appointed Deacon Librado “Larry” Gayton as the director of Hispanic Ministry effective July 20, 2020. As director of Hispanic Ministry, Deacon Larry will oversee all pastoral efforts, programs, and initiatives of this ministry office throughout the Diocese, which includes assisting parishes in serving the needs of the Hispanic community, coordinating the Hispanic Ministry Advisory Board and the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry, and collaborating with other diocesan offices and Hispanic leaders. Additionally, the office will work to support and promote the richness of diverse heritages and their integration within the life of the Diocese of Saginaw and beyond. It will initiate evangelization and outreach to racially and ethnically diverse communities.
“It is my desire,” Bishop Gruss said, “that the work of the Hispanic Ministry Office in partnership with other ministries and local organizations, will bring hope, healing and a greater sense of community within the diocese.”
Deacon Larry will assume office leadership previously held by Rev. Christian Tabares, who formerly served as the Vicar for Hispanics. Father Christian will continue as Pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Reese, and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Vassar. Maria Coss, office assistant serving in the Office for Hispanic Ministry for more than three years, will continue to provide administrative support.
“I am most grateful to Father Christian for his faithful service and valued counsel as Vicar for Hispanics,” Bishop Gruss said. “Thanks to the efforts of Father Christian, Deacon Larry is well positioned to champion this important role and serve as a catalyst for action and outreach. Deacon Larry has demonstrated his deep faith, perseverance, and commitment to pastoral ministry throughout his extensive lifetime experiences, both personally and professionally. His compassion and advocacy for those entrusted to his care will enable him to develop sustaining relationships and networks throughout the diocese and greater community.”
Deacon Larry has been serving as Pastoral Associate at St. John XXIII Parish in Hemlock/Merrill since November 2019 and prior to that was the Director of Parish Life for that parish since June 2019. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Saginaw in June 2017. As an attorney for more than 40 years, Deacon Larry specialized in civil matters, and retired from the UAW Legal Services Plan prior to his diaconate ordination. He is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Saginaw.
“It is with great excitement that I accepted Bishop Gruss’ offer to help the Diocese and build upon the good work of Father Christian and the Office of Hispanic Ministry,” Deacon Larry said. “I am reminded in the USCCB Pastoral Letter Against Racism - Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love that ‘all humans share a common origin, they are all brothers and sisters, all equally made in the image of God.’ As people of God, we strive for justice, for multicultural equity, inclusion of all people, and to see the face of God in the person standing in front of us today.”