Centro San Juan Diego Ministry

Centro San Juan Diego is a Catholic Charities’ ministry that promotes the common good of the Hispanic community through education, family support, integration and leadership training.

About

Centro San Juan Diego has long been a vibrant ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver, founded in 2003 through the visionary leadership of then-Archbishop Charles Chaput and then-Auxiliary Bishop José Gomez (now the Archbishop of Los Angeles). It is named after St. Juan Diego, the indigenous Mexican saint to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared. His example of humility and faith inspires the center’s mission.

From the beginning, Centro’s goal has been to create a center that would serve and empower the rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino Catholic community in Colorado. Their vision was strongly supported and expanded by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, who have continued to champion Centro’s impact and growth.

For over two decades, Centro has offered culturally rooted services in faith formation, leadership development, adult education and integration support, becoming a cornerstone for thousands of individuals and families.

Location

The San Juan Diego Center is located in the old building of the Sacred Heart School, built in 1890. It is located at 2830 Lawrence Street in one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods. Restored to its original style and colors in 2005, the building is listed in the Register of the Colorado State Historical Society for its beautiful and distinctive architecture. It is a welcoming space for the community.

Run by a team of dedicated staff, instructors and volunteers, the program delivers courses in ESL, citizenship, digital literacy, GED preparation and more. Many of these instructors are former students who return to give back—an inspiring testament to the power of Centro’s mission.

The Catholic Church has been at the forefront of the reception and integration of immigrants in the life of the Church and society throughout American history. The San Juan Diego Center is proud to continue with this heritage of removing barriers and adapting to the changing needs of immigrants. Today, the San Juan Diego Center continues to provide the Hispanic community with a "home away from home.”

Programming

Adult Education and Leadership - Centro offers various classes and certificate programs in Spanish, including: GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Computer literacy, Basic accounting and business skills, and Leadership training for lay ministry and civic engagement.

Community Outreach - Centro collaborates with organizations to host: Health fairs, Job fairs, Tax preparation assistance, Resource navigation for housing, food, and other basic needs.

Immigration Services - In partnership with the Catholic Charities Immigration team and other legal service providers, Centro helps immigrants with: Legal consultations, Citizenship application support, DACA and TPS renewal assistance.

Pastoral and Faith Formation - Centro plays a key role in forming Latino lay leaders through catechesis and theology programs, helping them grow in their faith and serve in their parishes.

Advocacy and Integration - Centro helps bridge cultural gaps and fosters greater participation of Latinos in the life of the Church and broader civic society, always rooted in Catholic social teaching.