The National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) is a Catholic organization that brings together national and regional institutions, apostolic movements, religious congregations, pastoral leaders, and lay ministers committed to serving Hispanic Catholics in the United States. Founded in 1991, NCCHM emerged from a historic moment of collaboration and vision, responding to the growing presence and contributions of Latinos in the Church.
Born out of the Encuentro processes and the need for greater coordination among national organizations, NCCHM offers a common table—una mesa común—where voices are heard, leaders are formed, and ministries walk together in solidarity and hope. We are more than a council: we are a convocation of communities, united by faith, culture, and mission.
NCCHM acts as a convener and national forum where voices are amplified, leadership is nurtured, and collaboration across ecclesial sectors is fostered. We are a network rooted in the Gospel, inspired by the richness of Latino cultures, and committed to building a Church that reflects the diversity, dignity, and pastoral potential of the Hispanic Catholic community.
“We are not just an organization. We are a movement of communion and hope, walking together for the future of Hispanic ministry.”
From Vision to Action – Milestones in Our Journey
NCCHM was established in response to the growing call for national coordination and collaboration among organizations dedicated to Hispanic ministry. Emerging from the momentum of the Third National Encuentro, it was envisioned as a “mesa común” (shared table) to convene leaders and institutions working to promote the dignity, participation, and leadership of Hispanic Catholics in Church and society.
Throughout the 1990s, NCCHM convened national congresses and gatherings to foster dialogue across ministerial sectors. It played a key role in shaping the agenda for Hispanic ministry through Roots and Wings congresses, collaborative efforts with the USCCB, and the ongoing implementation of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry (1987). NCCHM began to serve as a strategic connector between grassroots realities and national leadership.
In the early 2000s, NCCHM engaged in a strategic process to assess its identity, structures, and future direction. In 2004, the council approved its first national strategic plan, which articulated its mission more clearly and positioned the organization as a central voice in the national Hispanic Catholic landscape. This period also saw deeper relationships with academic institutions, youth ministry leaders, and new Hispanic lay movements.
Under the leadership of President Carmen F. Aguinaco, NCCHM expanded its theological voice and visibility in public and ecclesial forums. The organization invested in intergenerational leadership development, lifted up the contributions of women and lay ministers, and engaged national partners in coordinated advocacy efforts. NCCHM’s identity as both a pastoral and civic convener became more defined.
NCCHM marked its 25th anniversary with a national celebration and the publication of “A Shared Convocation: A Historical Reflection on NCCHM”, authored by former president Carmen F. Aguinaco. This milestone honored the legacy of the council, highlighted the evolving landscape of Hispanic ministry, and recommitted to a future rooted in formation, dialogue, and prophetic accompaniment.
With the momentum of the V Encuentro, NCCHM renewed its mission in alignment with Pope Francis’ call to synodality, pastoral conversion, and encounter. The council engaged in the national discernment process, contributed its voice to ecclesial consultations, and strengthened alliances with other Catholic organizations serving Hispanic communities.
In a post-pandemic world, NCCHM reimagined its mission with clarity and urgency. Embracing the principles of synodality, interculturality, and digital engagement, the council expanded its platforms for formation, dialogue, and collaborative ministry. A new strategic vision began to take shape, one that centers on equity, spiritual leadership, and structural transformation within the Church.
As we enter a new chapter, NCCHM is committed to revitalizing its role as a catalyst for formation, communion, and advocacy in Hispanic ministry. With renewed focus on leadership development, youth and young adult engagement, theological reflection, and digital mission, we continue to walk together as a sign of hope and solidarity in the Church.