Centro San Juan Diego Officially Joins Catholic Charities
- Catholic Charities
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A Joyful Union that Strengthens Services to the Hispanic Community
Catholic Charities is honored to announce that Centro San Juan Diego, a longstanding and vibrant ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver, has officially become part of Catholic Charities, marking a significant and joyful step forward in our shared mission of service.
Founded in 2003 through the visionary leadership of then-Archbishop Charles Chaput and then-Auxiliary Bishop José Gomez (now Archbishop of Los Angeles), Centro San Juan Diego was established to serve and empower Colorado’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino Catholic community. 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.
“Centro has always been about empowering individuals and families through faith and education,” said Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. “This integration strengthens the Church’s witness in service to our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters.”
Over the past two decades, Centro has provided culturally rooted services in faith formation, leadership development and adult education—becoming a trusted and beloved institution for thousands of families. And in 2018, the pastoral team from Centro integrated with the archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Family Life. That move helped aligned evangelization efforts between the Anglo and Latino communities.
Now, by joining Catholic Charities, Centro's work will continue and expand under a broader organizational umbrella, allowing for streamlined services, deeper community reach and stronger support for those in need. Programs such as immigration assistance, ESL classes, GED preparation, digital literacy and family support will now be part of the Catholic Charities portfolio, helping reduce duplication and eliminate confusion for individuals seeking help.
“We are committed to preserving the spirit, identity and community trust that have made Centro so successful,” said Darren Walsh, President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “This is not a change in mission, but an amplification of it.”
Centro San Juan Diego will continue operations at its historic location at 2830 Lawrence Street in Denver’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood. It will maintain its hallmark atmosphere of welcome and dignity, staffed by a team of dedicated employees, volunteers and part-time instructors—many of whom are former students who now give back to their community.
Five dedicated staff members and six part-time teachers from Centro have officially joined the Catholic Charities family, including:
Maru Gutierrez, Program Manager
Daniel Palomino, Family Support Specialist
Citlalli Lopez, Program Specialist
Tomasa Rios, Program Specialist
Roberto Lopez, Program Specialist
These individuals bring deep cultural insight, strong community ties, and years of service-based experience.
Centro’s executive director, Alfonso Lara, has joined the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Center staff as Director of Leader Formation in the Office of Evangelization and Family Life.
Catholic Charities and Centro San Juan Diego have collaborated closely for years, particularly in immigration legal services. This formal merger deepens that relationship and reinforces a shared commitment to walking alongside the most vulnerable with compassion, dignity and excellence.
Catholic Charities expresses deep gratitude to all who have supported Centro San Juan Diego over the years and looks forward to building upon its incredible legacy. As we move forward together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to holistic, faith-driven service for all.
Bienvenidos, Centro San Juan Diego—welcome home.
