ELGIN—The Hispanic Community of St. Mary Parish here is celebrating the first decade of services in Spanish.

It was on April 17, 2005, when a few Hispanics planted a seed that has been growing and bringing more faithful to join the hundreds of families already registered in the parish.

During the anniversary Mass on  April 19, Father Oscar Cortes, who was the first priest associated with the Hispanic ministry, concelebrated Mass with Father Jorge Loaiza, current parochial vicar at St. Mary.

“I feel very glad and joyful seeing the fruits of the good work of the priests in this parish,” said Father Cortes. “I like the job being done by the group of young people, how they are very involved in the parish to keep it alive and active, with the blessing of God.”

“It’s very gratifying to be with this community,” said Father Loaiza. “Many people are attending the Eucharist, especially this group of young people who are undergoing the experience of receiving Jesus in their lives.”

Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, diocesan Vicar for Hispanic Ministry talked about the start of the Spanish Mass in Elgin.

“It was an area surrounded by Hispanics,” he said. “There was a pastoral need to attend this community. Bishop (Emeritus Thomas G.) Doran decided to send Father Oscar Cortes. The parish has had excellent leaders.”

Talking about the future, he said, “I would like the two communities to be even  more integrated and strengthen mutually.”

On April 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a celebration with traditional food from Mexico and the USA will continue the 10th anniversary celebration.

Money collected from the activity will benefit the parish.

The event will be in St. Mary School gym, 103 S. Gifford St.