Bishop featured for 2nd time in a week in the Media

The Groundbreaking of the Bosque Center was featured in the West Side Edition of the Albuquerque Journal on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Groundbreaking for the Offices, Conference and Retreat Center for the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.   Construction to infuse $5 Million into local economy. 

Albuquerque, NM – December 7, 2011.   Bishop Michael Vono of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande announces the groundbreaking for the new Conference and Spiritual Life Center located on Albuquerque’s Westside.  The groundbreaking will be held on December 16^th, 2011 at 1 p.m. 

“This is a new chapter for the Diocese and the City of Albuquerque” says Bishop Vono.  “The conference center will fill an economic niche for Albuquerque and the retreat Center is poised to be a national center for Spirituality.”  The Center was purchased in January of 2011 for $1.7 Million and the Diocese is investing up to $1.5 Million for the renovation of the Conference Center.  

“This center signals a change for our Diocese” says Bishop Vono, “we are no longer looking inward, we are stepping out into the world with Christ’s message of hope, acceptance and love.”  The Center located in the Bosque will have state of the art conference capabilities, a 45 room retreat house and house the offices of the Diocese of the Rio Grande.  

Bishop Vono says the Bosque Spirituality and Conference Center on the banks of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque will become a national center of education, reflection and spirituality.  “The interest generated by the center is both hopeful and amazing.   We have people from across the country, from different denominations, non-profits and the private sector inquiring as to the availability of the Center.”  Bishop Vono continued “This Center will be unique in the nation.  It combines a state of the art conference center, set along the banks of the Bosque and it becomes a place of retreat, study, work and life.”

It is estimated that the Diocese will infuse over $5 million into the local economy with the renovation and construction of the center.  The Diocese has emphasized the hiring of local contractors, architects and workers for this project.  “I invite all people to join us for this glorious day.  We are not only bringing the life of the Diocese to Albuquerque, we are bringing hope to New Mexico, Far West Texas and the nation.”

The Center is located at 6400 Coors NW.  It is one block north of La Orilla, by taking Roberson Road east to the Bosque Center.  

Contact: The Reverend Daniel Gutierrez

Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

dgutierrez@dioceserg.org

http://www.dioceserg.org/

505-263-8285 or 881-0636

Bishop featured in Albuquerque Journal

Bishop Michael Vono was featured in the Albuquerque Journal on Monday, December 26th 2011 (Section C1).  Bishop Vono along with Rev. Susan Allison-Hatch were photographed at St. Martin's Hospitality Center.  Bishop Vono spent Christmas morning at the Center and celebrated Eucharist.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bishop Vono of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande makes statement on poverty and homelessness and will celebrate Christmas at homeless center.

Albuquerque, NM – December 7, 2011.   Bishop Michael Vono of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande calls on all New Mexicans to address the problem of poverty and homelessness in New Mexico and Texas.   Bishop Vono will bring the problem of poverty to the forefront of the Diocese by celebrating Eucharist at St. Martin’s Homeless Shelter at 8:00 a.m. on Christmas morning.  

“During this time of hope and celebration, we must never forget our fellow brothers and sisters who suffer daily with the issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness.”  New Mexico ranks at the top of many poverty lists and it was recently noted that New Mexico is fourth in the nation for the highest percentage of people living in poverty for the past 12 months.

Bishop Vono continued “This is not solely a political problem, or a private sector problem, this is not just a religious problem. This is an issue of basic humanity that affects relationships within the entire community.    It is an issue that all New Mexicans must address.  We will lead the way in bringing the issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness to the forefront of New Mexico.”

St. Martin’s Hospitality Center has been serving Albuquerque for over 25 years by assisting the homeless. It is unique in the number of different services the Center offers to meet the needs of individuals and families. St. Martin’s provides shelter/food programs, mental health services, job assistance and other critical programs.  St Martin’s is located at 1201 3rd St NW in Albuquerque. 

Bishop Vono emphasized that he intends to call out to businesses and elected officials to face the economic problems facing New Mexicans and Texans.  “If one child suffers from hunger, we have failed the community.  If one person sleeps in the streets – we have failed in our common humanity.  If one person dies alone, we have failed as a people.   We must be one unified voice that will not allow for failure.”

The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande has experienced new growth and has extended its outreach programs throughout New Mexico and far West Texas.  A series of initiatives that will address Native American, Hispanic and Border ministries will be unveiled in 2012.  

Contact: The Reverend Daniel Gutierrez

Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

dgutierrez@dioceserg.org

http://www.dioceserg.org/

505-263-8285 or 881-0636

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Diocese on the Move

The Communications Committee will now host this blog.  We will post the Bishop's Videos, as well as breaking news within the Diocese.  Keep checking back and find out the latest at the Diocese