Being a Hispanic Catholic in the Midwestern United States

Bertha Melendres, the Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Evansville, described the challenges and changes facing Hispanic Catholics in the Midwestern United States.

Melendres, who moved to Evansville ten years ago from Los Angeles, noted that the transition from a large Mexican community to the Midwest changed how she and her family live out their faith. While she previously had easy access to Spanish-language Masses and various Catholic ministries in California, she stated that living in the Midwest often feels different because the community frequently feels like a minority.

During her six years serving the diocese, Melendres has observed a significant increase in the Hispanic and Latino population across the local counties.